Visiting the Sanctuary
Thousands of visitors come to the VSWS every year to see the black bears that inhabit the area and learn about and view their behavior, habitat and life cycles. Numerous black bears visit the sanctuary each season, including large males, females with cubs, yearlings and sub-adults. From our bear viewing deck visitors can observe bears feeding, playing and interacting with each other as well as in the surrounding meadow and woods.

What to Expect
Upon arrival at the VSWS, visitors follow a gravel road for approximately 1 mile to the sanctuary parking lot. Shuttle buses run every 15-20 minutes from the parking lot to the viewing platform and visitors will receive a brief talk on the history of the sanctuary and the bears.On the viewing deck, visitors will be free to walk around and view the bears and other wildlife and take photographs. There will be volunteers on deck to answer any questions you may have about the bears. Also throughout the evening there will be educational talks about the bears and the sanctuary.There is a gift shop on the viewing platform where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts, all proceeds from which go back into the sanctuary. Also ask us about becoming a member of the American Bear Association or signing up for private photo opportunities.

The admission prices for 2018 are as follows:

Adults 18-64: $10
Seniors 65+: $8
6-17 year olds: $5
5 and under: Free

FIRST DAY of operation for the 2018 season is Saturday, May 26th, 2018. The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is open Tuesday through Sunday 5pm – 8pm. We are closed every Monday.

LAST DAY of operation for the 2018 season is Sunday September 2nd, 2018. We will be CLOSED September 3rd (Labor Day) for the season.

Please note that because of our open viewing deck, we must close during adverse weather that includes lightning. Once we close for the evening we will not reopen the sanctuary.

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See and Do

• American Bear Association, co-operated by the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary Orr (0.0 miles) - Visiting the Sanctuary Thousands of visitors come to the VSWS every year to see the black bears that ...