June and Big Harry nose to nose - June 21, 2012We thought June and Harry were done for the year. We don’t know what went wrong the first time around, but Big Harry showed up at a feeding station today about 8:20 PM with June arriving 20 minutes later. A resident—who had been fishing on the lake—called to report seeing a huge male alone on the shore about 6:05 PM—probably Big Harry. June apparently tracked him to the feeding station, arriving there about 8:40 PM. They fed nose to nose. Harry smelled her hindquarters and partially mounted her. He back-rub marked a red pine as he left.
Big Harry back-rub marking a red pine - June 21, 2012We have seen mated pairs show affection after the mating season, but nothing like this. Was June truly in heat? We had to check. Yes, major swelling. So it was back to Big Harry. June’s faithfulness to Big Harry is interesting. Long-term studies of these trusting bears are challenging traditional beliefs and revealing new insights into black bear social relations.
A video of June from June 9th is posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb3LB-NE3lE.
White Pine glitter - June 21, 2012Today, the sun returned in full force and gave sparkle to this white pine at day’s end.
We’re reading with high interest your ideas for the Cub Room. Among other things, we immediately ordered the Zoomy Microscope you suggested, and we priced Smart Tables ($7,999) and began checking into how to use them.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center