Sleepy Bears Battle It Out In March Napness—Who Will Snooze The Longest?

Meet Hope from Kosovo’s Bear Sanctuary Prishtina, aka “Yoga Bear.” She’s got moves that would make any yogi jealous, stretching into wild shapes while living her best bear life with her buddy Tomi. Billy Murphy even named her 2026’s Rookie of the Year - she’s clearly got star power!

Erich is the heavyweight champ of Austria’s Bear Sanctuary Arbesbach, weighing a whopping 275-300 kilos. But don’t be fooled - he’s a softie who’s scared of loud noises and even the tiniest fly. Big but bashful, Erich is the bear version of a gentle giant who just wants quiet time.

Don’t let her small size fool you - Marinka from Bulgaria is super sharp and clever. She loves figuring out puzzles and making the most of her snacks. She bulk ups before naptime by nearly doubling her weight. Talk about commitment to the snooze game!

Mima’s the early bird of Bulgaria’s Bear Sanctuary Belitsa - she’s practically first in bed every season. Once a last-partying ‘dancing’ bear, she’s now living the chill life with her inseparable pal Monty. Sleepy duo goals, anyone?

If loving naps was an Olympic sport, Misha from Ukraine’s Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr would take gold. He’s all about sleep, snacks, and more sleep, sharing his den with buddy Laska. His caretakers think he’s a big contender for the longest nap - sounds legit!

Potap from Ukraine’s Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr is all about good vibes and even better snacks. He loves swimming, playing, and fruit like melons and oranges. But his real passion? Fish. He’s got a whole brand going as the bear who wakes up to be “full of fish.”

Brumca from Austria’s Bear Sanctuary Arbesbach runs things like royalty. Food has to be perfect or she just won’t eat it - standards! Underneath the diva vibes, she’s actually pretty shy and playful. She’s the sanctuary’s unforgettable queen bear for a reason.

Tomi is Hope’s best bud and partner in swim crime at Kosovo’s Bear Sanctuary Prishtina. These two do everything together and are basically the ultimate cuddle team. Billy Murphy says Tomi’s “basically lost without her,” which is pretty adorable.

Meet Lelya from Germany’s Bear Sanctuary Müritz, rescued from Ukraine with her sister Dasha. She’s usually the top dog (or bear), but gives sister Dasha a chance to lead sometimes - humble and bossy all in one. Last year, they hibernated side-by-side, but this season they’re going solo in different dens. Space is important, even for siblings!

Svetla from Bulgaria’s Bear Sanctuary Belitsa is basically the grandma of the group at 36 years old. She’s lived way longer than wild bears and knows how to take it easy. With a love for kicking back, she’s basically the queen of chill in this nap contest.

Melanka from Ukraine’s Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr is all about fancy adventures. Calm and playful, she loves hanging with her pal Leo, swimming, snacking on leaves and acorns, and just strutting her stuff like the elegant bear lady she is.

Michal from Germany’s Bear Sanctuary Müritz shows us all how to crush it despite setbacks. Missing a foreleg, he still loves swimming, digging, and playing like nothing’s wrong. He’s got tons of personality and refuses to let anything get between him and a good bear life.

Rocco’s one of the youngest bears at Germany’s Bear Sanctuary Müritz. Everything’s new and exciting - from swimming to snow. With loads of curiosity and energy, he’s pretty new to the nap game but definitely making up for lost time in the sleep department.

Sylvia, from Bear Sanctuary Müritz, Germany, might have a wonky paw injury but she’s all about living life her way. She digs out her own den and calls the shots on winter naps, sometimes chilling in the bear house with her brother Pavle. She’s basically the boss of cozy.