Honey ready to lunge - Dec 24, 2011
Honey - Dec 26, 2011Lucky and Honey had us all on edge Saturday when they erupted into a loud standoff. Lynn felt his stomach tighten as Honey charged submissive Lucky. We have yet to examine Lucky, but we think he safely parried her advances. The video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb3ZJb9xKeE&;feature=share) shows few details through the swirls of dust. Here’s how we saw it. Honey was unusually keyed up, blowing and clacking her teeth as Lucky lay quietly in his usual spot as far away from Honey as he can get. He eventually lifted his head and responded with submissive moans and repeated yawns as if dissipating tension. He got up and started for the door but would have to pass too close to Honey. He retreated back to his usual Spot. He stood as far from Honey as space allowed as she continued to blow and clack. He made the mistake of shaking straw out of his fur. Instantly, Honey erupted into action, roaring and charging in a swirl of dust. Lucky faced her and presumably met her face on to parry her aggression. When the dust cleared, Lucky was in a low position near the wall. Honey erupted again. Again, when the dust cleared Lucky was in the same low position by the wall. Honey retreated to her usual spot and gave a series of huffs, which means she was dissipating her tension and fear. The confrontation was over. There may not have been any actual contact.
We wonder how it must be for Lucky to have prickly Honey so close and nervous when he wants to sleep. How must it be for Honey to feel defensive toward Lucky? Why would she pick his den to spend the winter?
Honey's tracks - Dec 26, 2011On this warm day (nearly 40F), both of them ventured outside. Honey actually wandered down by the pond and the viewing windows. Either or both of them could have moved to another den, but they both decided to return to the den cam den. Lucky carefully backed into the den and settled into his bed and then Honey crawled in head first. It seems neither one trusted the other enough to turn their back—yet they have chosen to den together.
Producer Ted Oakes let us know that 'The Bear Family and Me' has been nominated for a prestigious International Emmy Award.
We hope you all had a great Christmas. We all had quiet Christmases here as we wanted.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center