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NABC Bear News, RC & Drew - UPDATE July 5, 2016

This morning Mike reported that Drew, Bow's 5-year-old son, visited the WRI, great to hear he's returned. A community feeding station also reported that RC visited with her 1 male and 2 female cubs.LuckyLucky

Sharon published her weekly bear news article, more progress with Tasha.

Holly on alertHolly on alertBear News – July 5, 2016

Happy 4th! The fireworks in Ely were loud and colorful. I wondered if the bears could hear them so I drove to the center last evening and watched briefly. Yes, I suppose they heard the boomers. The staff opened the cabin bear gates just in case the bears needed the safety of a den earlier in the evening.

This past weekend the staff made good forward movement with Holly and Tasha.
Holly has been asserting herself as the dominant female by slapping the ground, straddling small brush, and huffing at Tasha. In return Tasha runs to the other side of the bunkers and huffs.

Ted's watermelon treatTed's watermelon treatThe trick to peace. The staff is treating both bears equally. The same attention from caregivers is so vital in bringing peace between the two females. They are now sitting in close contact with the fence between them and eating treats. Only time will tell if this progress will continue but we have given the two a chance to work things out by providing each with good words and treats. Let's keep our fingers crossed. As we also know there is a hierarchy in the bear world and Holly will always be the older female.

There are rare moments when Holly's ears stand up. In the posted picture Holly is listening to folks on the trail and she is very attentive.

TashaTashaToday, the Interns created some new enrichment tools for the bears. They waded into the pond and put food on Lucky’s floating tree. They also hung bags of food for the bears to do some take-away treats. Holly also climbed the Pat tree investigating the treats on the bird feeder.

It is a hot day and all the bears have been swimming. Tasha has a small pool in her den and it is refilled several times a day. On hot days Ted receives many showers and sits in his small pool. He also gets his favorite half watermelon decorated with frozen grapes. This wonderful bear is served his mouth-watering treat.

July will soon host the Lilypad picnic, WRI courses, and the Blueberry Festival. It’s an exciting month to visit the NABC and Ely.

Thank you,
Sharon Herrell, Bear Curator

Thank you for all you do,

NABC Staff


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