Parasites

Boris was a bear that liked to keep well groomed.  He worked in the food industry and clean food handling was important to his business.  As a bear he was susceptible to various external and internal parasites, the worst of which were wood ticks that would burrow into his fur and latch on to his skin in spots that he could not easily get to for removal.  The tick had a goal of a blood meal and then reproduction, Boris had a goal of removing the tick and inhibiting that same reproductive process.

When his family was out of hibernation and living together during the summer months, they would groom each other with claws and teeth to remove the ticks and other biting insects.  Luckily, this spring had remained cool enough to keep most insects from emerging early, but Boris knew that it would not be long before he would be scratching again,

If the parasites became too numerous at any time, Boris would put in an order with the Loupe Falls Chemical and Pharmaceutical for a treatment, but for the most part, he preferred natural grooming over the harsh chemicals that upset his stomach and caused his skin to burn for a few days.