No cubs yet, more signs?

Jewel looks toward the den entrance - Jan 17, 2012Jewel scratches her belly - Jan 17, 2012Between 5:00 and 5:30 this evening, Jewel’s ears rhythmically trembled—the same as they did when we got excited 3 evenings ago.  Is this a sign of labor?  She has been very restless today.  Lots of belly scratching and she continues to lick around her nipples.  Is this part of the process of removing hair for nursing, or is it part of the changes that are occurring in preparation for lactation?  She continues to bite her foot pads to remove the thick calloused outer layer as it loosens in winter.  She’s keeping us waiting. 

It is likely Jewel will have 2 cubs—the most common number for first-time mothers in this area.  Last year, Lily gave birth to 2 cubs, one at 1:51 PM and one at 3:03 PM—nearly an hour apart.  For those new to den cams and black bear labor and delivery, videos from the last 2 years are available online.

2010 Labor and delivery—http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vckzJF-fEc

2011 Onset of labor—http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9MRplPBlFo

2011 Lily gives birth—http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuH5ADPwx3Q

Jewel up close - Jan 17, 2012Jewel's long tongue hangs out as she yawns - Jan 17, 2012Someone asked about temperatures in dens.  We measured den temps a lot in the past.  If the den entrance is open, it’s about the same temperature inside the den as outside.  If the entrance is closed by snow, the temperature inside is a few degrees above the surrounding soil temperature.   

Cold weather is coming with -11F forecast for tonight and -15F forecast for tomorrow night.  We remember how worried we were in January 2010 when temperatures fell to -22F a few days after Hope was born.  She was okay, though, nestled snugly under Lily and bathed in Lily’s warm breath. 

Our friends at Idaho Black Bear Rescue need votes to climb into first place to be the sole winner of $5,000 at http://sunsuperdreams.com.au/dream/view/second-chance-at-freedom-for-orphaned-bear-cubs

Thank you for all you do.

—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center

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