JulietToday the bear course group met Jewel and Juliet. Each bear has its own personality, so discussion centered around the differences between June, Lily, and the two today. Each bear is wired differently, and you can see it in their eyes, expressions, and reactions. Another great day of safely learning directly from the bears themselves—from a distance, of course.
Juliet with bear course groupJuliet has a new scar that she’s had long enough for it to dry but not heal. We don’t know what led to the scar, but suspect it was a territorial dispute.
Juliet brushes off fliesHorse flies and deer flies are suddenly abundant and persistent. Fortunately for the human observers, they seemed to prefer Juliet. She was constantly wiping the biting flies off her face and ears as they tried to burrow into her fur to her skin.
JewelInterviews today were with two TV news programs and two major newspapers. Our main message was that we just want a little fairness. A legitimate case against the research would be one thing, but the DNR is using unfounded allegations, falsified bear complaints, and grossly distorted statements to the media to turn the public against our research. We want fairness and an investigation into the case the DNR has built.
Hummingbird mothThank you to all the Lily Fans who are helping us through this major crisis. We have been buoyed by your words of support, offers of help, and generous donations to our Legal Fund.
Earlier this evening, additional support came from the Ely City Council in the form of a unanimous resolution of support for the research.
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.