Teri Gapinski and her team during a previous race WRI has literally ‘gone to the dogs’ this weekend. The GPS units we attach to the bears’ radio-collars to track their movements are on loan to the 10-dog teams in tomorrow’s WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race (http://www.wolftrackclassic.com/index.html). The trail the teams will follow runs through our study area and is where bears like June will forage on vegetation this spring.
The first sled dog team leaves the starting chute at 9:00 AM CT for the challenging 60-mile race to Cook, MN. Each subsequent team will leave at 2-minute intervals until all 9 teams are on the trail. The GPS units will send their location to a webpage, which will map their route.
Following the race online at http://tinyurl.com/WolfTrackClassic-WRI will give you some idea what we see from our computers as we track our bears when they are active. The map initially comes up in simple 'Map' view, but you can change to satelitte view by clicking on 'Satelitte' in the upper right-hand corner of the map. The map will not populate with locations until the units are turned on tomorrow morning. You can also follow the excitement on the WolfTrack Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WolfTrack-Classic-Sled-Dog-Race/138297649437.
Ted's den today prior to install of den camLily and her cubs had visitors today. Some hearty folks out for a walk with their dog noticed the shed and followed the cables to her den. They were there only briefly and left shortly after her cubs began vocalizing. Lily was alert and attentive to their sounds but seemed minimally disturbed by her unexpected guests.
Den Cam being pushed thru the fence towards the hay balesToday, a Den Cam was installed at the Bear Center in Ted’s den. When it was inserted between the bales of hay at the back of his den, Ted inspected the equipment—biting the microphone and licking the lens. He then licked the back of Judy Thon’s hand when she reached in to clean the lens. All the while, making his sweet grunting sounds. Ted’s Den Cam will hopefully go online tomorrow.
Thank you for all you do.
—Sue Mansfield, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center