Loon - Aug 7, 2012One of the highlights of the Bear Course today was a visit to Jewel, Herbie, and Fern. Jewel was a gem. She was a watchful mother, frequently checking the woods around her for danger while ignoring us as we quietly watched her interactions with Herbie and Fern. She has shed most of her old winter fur and looks sleek in her glistening new coat. She is filling out and becoming a handsome mother.
Fern - Aug 7, 2012Herbie and Fern could not be cuter, which Fern demonstrated when she stood up and looked toward the camera. We watched them forage without playing. Food is too scarce for a lot of play this year. What we saw was a couple of hard-working cubs.
June - Aug 7, 2012June was a delight. This gentle, trustworthy bear was her usual self. One goal, in addition to checking her radio-collar, was to capture her gentleness in a photo. We didn’t achieve that yet, but her direct look at the camera was too good to delete.
Bear Course rescue - Aug 7, 2012Next, we pontooned to Lily’s den of 2010 where Hope was born. After running out of gas and being rescued by neighbors who have pontoon boats of their own, we were on our way again.
Lily's 2010 den - Aug 7, 2012At the den, we photographed the unusual rock wall at the back of Lily’s old den.
Bald Eagle - Aug 7, 2012As we boated back for supper, we passed loons that were gathering their own supper and an eagle that looked spectacular against the blue sky atop a big white pine overlooking Lily’s den. Actually, we wouldn’t have spotted it if the property owner who so generously made the den cam possible in 2010 hadn’t come out to say "Hi" and point it out. For some of the group, it was their first eagle.
It was a great day that left us feeling fulfilled not only in the bear department but in the many ways that grow out of a group becoming cohesive and having fun in nature.
Another 'catch-up' video of Jewel and cubs from June 17 is posted at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c-kUtPOWks.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center