Fittingly, on Jewel’s Day, we saw her for the first time in weeks. She has been miles away, and traveling. Today, we found out why. Jewel is in full estrus, and nervous. We were lucky to get near her. Her first impulse was to run. Then she heard familiar voices and calmed down but was keyed up and looking quickly in all directions. It was hard to get pictures because she was never still—thus the slightly out-of-focus ones here!
Shortly, she moved on. About six hours later, we saw big Loppy marking trees and sniffing the ground and air where Jewel had been. He wasn’t interested in anything except checking out scents and staying focused. We wish him the best because from Jewel’s behavior she is not ready to hold still for any bear.
Lily and Hope and Faith are still checking out what may be their favorite food—ant pupae—as is shown in the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6hMy4dRh0E.
We are still reeling from the wonderful fundraiser you and Team Bear made such a success. Congratulations to winner Linda Tantzen. Thank you all.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center