Lily reaches to lick snow - Jan 28, 2012Faith’s insistent pleas to nurse today were deafening. The walls of the den seemed to vibrate with the sound—our computer speakers sure did! Lily was up, stretching her legs, eating snow, and rearranging bedding. Several times today she gave in to Faith’s pleas and let her nurse, though at least once Lily blew sharply as she rebuffed Faith. Faith did her share of housekeeping too, as seen in the picture.
Faith rakes bedding - Jan 28, 2012We’re seeing so much activity in Lily’s den and seeing it well enough that we‘ll leave the Den Cam as is. We don’t want any question about the data being influenced by our methods. If we had visited the den to better position the camera, we’d be questioning whether our visit triggered the spurt of activity we’ve seen these past 2 days. Now with over 40 days of data since our last visit, we know what we’re seeing is their natural behavior. Last year, it was 55 days between visits. This year, it could be over a hundred days of undisturbed data collection. If all goes well the cam will remain in its current position until they leave the den this spring. Then we expect Lily and Faith will make a few adjustments of their own to the equipment!
cub hangs on Jewel's chest - Jan 28, 2012Jewel continues to show us how strong her mothering instincts are. At least twice today she looked toward the entrance of the den and then moved in that direction. We thought she was going to reach out to lick some of the newly fallen snow. Each time, the cubs screamed and Jewel quickly pulled back and tended to them. We’re getting good views of the cubs, but the image is out of focus so it’s hard to see them unless they move.
Jewel yawns into camera - Jan 28, 2012
We’ll have to visit Jewel’s den if we’re to get meaningful data. The view is too blurry to see the sexes of the cubs and to see the detailed features that identify each cub so the Den-Watch Team can record data for each individual. While we’re there, maybe we can record some high quality video for the record and to give everyone a more detailed view.
With 2 days left in the contest, our friends at Idaho Black Bear Rescue at http://sunsuperdreams.com.au/dream/view/second-chance-at-freedom-for-orphaned-bear-cubs are within 1,459 votes of first place to win $5,000. Each person can only vote once. Spread the word!
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center