The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
at Oswald's Bear Ranch
13814 County Rod 407 (H-37)
Newberry, Michigan
phone: 906.293.3147 for hours before you visit
September 11, 2015

On this date, Oswald's Bear Ranch boasted being the United States' largest Bear Ranch with 29 roaming live bears. There were several big fenced enclosures that contained the bears' natural habitat, with 2 huge habitats (1/2 and 1/3 mile perimeter) and 2 smaller habitats (1/4 mile perimeter each). The yearling bears had a waterfall within their habitat.

On this date in 2015, it cost $20 for the two RV Gypsies to park their car, and for an additional fee of $10 the two RV Gypsies got to go inside the bear's cage and feed a black bear while the attendant used Karen Duquette's own camera to take a couple of photos.

Note: Karen Duquette checked the internet in May 2024 and the cost changed to $30 per vehicle or $15 for a lone visitor. Vans with more than 6 people get charged an extra $10 per person. (Prices quoted anywhere on this website are always subject to change as the years go by - the two RV Gypsies have no control over prices anyplace. This website is not a commercial site in any manner.)

On this date in 2015, even though there was nobody else waiting in line, the two RV Gypsies were rushed into the cage, photos were taken, and they were quickly ushered out. Karen Duquette barely blinked and it was a done deal. But still, it was a unique experience. (And in all fairness, safety might be a reason for the rush, after all these are real bears).

Below: The Bear Ranch was a healthy walk about and not a drive-thru. However, they did offer a trolley for the elderly and large groups. (again, everything is subject to change as time passes)

There was an elevated platform located at each of the habitats. The platforms offered the two RV Gypsies "a birds' eye view" of the bears, their surroundings, at great locations to see the bears at their daily 4:00 p.m. feeding time.

Below: Two black bears growling at each other.

Below: Another black bear

Below: As the two RV Gypsies walked to the other habitats, there were lots of ant holes on the ground.

The two RV Gypsies noticed one bear staying in a corner of its habitat and repeatedly walking in a very small circle. They asked an attendant why the bear was doing that, and they were told that the bear was rescued from a place that kept it in a small cage and it just did NOT realize it now had freedom. How sad!

Bear Facts: Although most Black Bears are black in color; they can be white, whitish-blue, creamy -white, cinnamon, chocolate, or reddish brown.

Black bears can climb trees, swim, and travel 25-35 miles per hour at short stretches. They are an average weight of 300-400 pounds as adults.

Below: Because Karen Duquette has seen several bears in the wild (Black and Grizzly), she was not overly impressed with seeing bears in enclosed habitats, so she did not take many photos. However, it was an unique experience to touch and feed the bear, even though it happened so quickly. The two RV Gypsies tell everyone to do things like this at their own risk. Nothing in life (or on this website) is ever guaranteed to be safe.