Ted rolls in cedar chipsAt the Bear Center, Ted thoroughly enjoyed his fresh cedar mulch pile. Earlier, he enjoyed a hose shower on this hot day. And then the staff interacted with him as he made his friendly noises that are some kind of universal language that everyone immediately understands.
In the woods, the juneberries (Amelanchier spp, a.k.a serviceberries) are as big and sweet as we’ve ever seen. Berry pickers have begun to compete with the bears for the blueberries, but there seem to be plenty to go around this year.
Around Ely, Lily Fans are arriving for the Lilypad Picnic and running into them is great!
Jewel is green, Aster is orange
July 16, 2013As we were writing last night’s update a drama was unfolding in the woods. Aster and her older sister Jewel were on a collision course. Aster had just covered 0.27 miles in 35 minutes before running into Jewel. Suddenly Aster moved 0.94 miles away in 20 minutes…and Jewel followed. It appeared Jewel ‘escorted’ Aster out of the area. Jewel continued to follow Aster for at least 3 miles before their trails diverged.
Then today, Aster ended up in her mother June’s territory and had to contend with June! From the cluster of Aster’s GPS locations we suspect she retreated up a tree for safety. Eventually their trails diverged as June continued foraging and Aster headed south. We are anxious to see where Aster settles in.
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.