We visited June and saw her two big cubs climb high to escape us since we spent no time with them during the socialization period (March and early April). However, June was very relaxed and had a heart rate of 74.
Today, we replaced Jo’s failed GPS unit and saw that she and her cub are doing great. The cub descended a white pine to nurse, but we still weren’t able to determine its gender.
Lily and family were inaccessible today—way out in the boonies doing bear business.
Juliet is still with her yearlings although the time for family break-up is fast approaching. Family ties are loosening and the yearlings are straying further from Juliet. Today, Juliet’s daughter Sharon was over 100 yards from the rest of the family and her heart rate was 96.
The initiative to make the black bear the Minnesota state mammal is gaining steam with some good behind the scenes work. The link to show support for that is at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/BlackBear-MNState-Mammal/. Anyone, anywhere, of all ages can sign it if you have a web address.
In the Readers Digest contest to win money for Ely, you still have Ely strongly in 6th place. The link to vote 10 times in a row each day through May 16 is http://wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com/town.jsp?town=ELY&state=MN
A video of energetic Faith was posted today on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RmVe9l01Is.
Thank you for all you are doing.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center