Aster in a red pine - July 1, 2012We’re still reeling about the fun we saw on Lily’s Facebook page and the comments under yesterday's update.
We’re also reeling from the generous help given by the 11 people who got the Research Center in order for the start of the Black Bear Field Courses.
At 4 PM, the 8 participants arrived, and we are in for a good course. Participants include dedicated Lily Fans from England, New Zealand, and across the US. They include teachers, professional musicians, an opera singer, and top computer executives. Two are returnees. One brought an assortment of Cave Bear teeth from Austria’s Drachenhoehle Cave which got its name because people originally thought a dragon lived in the cave and the bones and teeth were the remains of its meals.
On this first evening of the course, we were lucky enough to see non-radio-collared RC nursing her 3 cubs at the base of a big white pine in the woods. We could see them and hear the nursing hums of the healthy cubs, but it was too dark and too much vegetation for good pictures. This is only the second time 13-year-old RC has been spotted this year.
Earlier, we spotted Aster safely up a red pine nearby—likely because RC was in the area.
We saw Ursula for the first time today and were able to take off the florescent tabs that were bolted to her collar for last fall’s hunting season. We also removed the GPS unit and case from her collar. She is trusting at the research center but we can’t reliably approach her in the woods.
Another thing we are happy about is how well our research presentation to the Eagles Nest Community went yesterday. Sue made the main presentation and was outstanding. People were calling the Research Center today to say how much they learned and how much they enjoyed it and how amazed they are at all the data we get in so many ways. It felt good to hear the support. Many of them were local Lily Fans.
We’re looking forward to the Lilypad Picnic July 20-22 and looking forward to seeing the cookbook Lily Fans put together.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center