Woodchuck baby - notice clipped grass tipsAt 9:40 AM CT we watched as Jewel began a move in her mother June’s direction. At 10:17 AM she was within 43 yards of June. Would there be another confrontation? Nope. By 10:39 AM it was clear Jewel was moving away. She is now 2.8 miles away in her aunt Donna’s territory and Lynn confirmed via telemetry that Fern is still with Jewel. Herbie likely is as well.
Cubs may restrict Donna’s movements this year, so she might not have a clue Jewel is around. Donna dropped her collar just before denning last fall so whether she had cubs, and if so how many, will remain mysteries until we see her again. We have a collar ready and waiting for her.
Bears have been seen grazing on newly sprouted grass in people’s yards. Well-maintained lawns attract bears at this time of year with their lush grass.
Bears aren’t the only ones enjoying the new grass. A pair of woodchucks has been clipping the grass at the Research Center along with a handful of white-tailed deer. Today we were surprised to see a baby woodchuck doing its share too!
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.