citation_inspection: 4240

*** DIRECT: Thirty five individual animals were identified by APHIS Officials in need of veterinary care at the time of inspection. Based on statements by the licensee, the majority of these animals had not been identified by the facility prior to inspection. The animals that had been identified by the facility had not been reported to the attending veterinarian. When the attending veterinarian visited the property at the request of the licensee on 8 January 2014, he stated that he was not aware of the number of animals requiring veterinary care prior to the licensee calling that week. *** In addition to the lack of observations above, the licensee stated that during the winter bears go into the den area and are only able to be observed when they leave the den (which he indicated is very rarely). The den area is constructed of concrete block and although there is an off exhibit access point to view the inside of the den, this is boarded up for the winter for warmth. As a result, the bears are not able to be observed when they are in their den area for the winter. When inspectors commented that they were unable to observe the animals the licensee stated that he would need to make them leave the den, disrupting their hibernation, to be able to see them. Each exhibitor shall establish and maintain an adequate program of veterinary care which includes daily observations of all animals to assess their health and well-being. Additionally, a mechanism of direct and frequent communication with the attending veterinarian (AV) is required so that timely and accurate information on problems of animal health, behavior, and well-being are conveyed to the AV. Correct by ensuring that adequate daily observations are conducted and that information is conveyed to the attending veterinarian as required. Additionally, correct by making necessary modifications to the bear enclosure or husbandry practices to facilitate daily observations during the winter months. Regarding the bear enclosure, correct by: 17 January 2014. Regarding adequate daily observations of all other animals, correct from this point forward.