Osso the mama bear’s cub trying to figure out this hiding game. Image: USDA Forest Service

Baby bears need to learn a lot during their first few summers— how to catch salmon , how to swim, how to climb trees, the importance of avoiding porcupine quills , etc. For one cub in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, learning how to play hide & seek was added to that growing list of skills.

The United States Forest Service team at Tongass National Forest have awarded the official 2026 Worst at Hide-and-Seek Award to a baby bear who needs a bit more practice at this game. The baby bear belongs to Osso, who won the 2026 Mama Bear Award for her prowess.

“It [the cub] stole our Rangers’ hearts,” the team writes. “It looked like it wanted to play hide and seek but couldn’t fully grasp the concept. Our Rangers were glad the cub was bad at the game, because it meant they saw it more.”

Osso had three cubs this season. However, Rangers only spotted her with two cubs in August and believe that one died.…