Al explores Lily Faith denThere were three high points for bear course participants today. The first was exploring the deep rock den (cave) that Lily shared with Faith the fall/winter of 2011/2012. As part of a continuing study of that den, Al Cooper crawled down into it, crouched in the bed Lily and Faith used, and took flash photos 360 degrees.
Looking out of rock denWe wanted to see the side crevice that Faith disappeared into at one point. We wondered if we would see bats hanging on the walls of any crevices. With white-nose disease decimating bat populations at known refugia, we and a bat researcher wondered if caves like this one might hold small populations that could escape the disease. No bats were seen today.
Inside rock denSomehow, this exploration turned into major fun as group participants attempted to descend into the deep crevice and the rest of the group tried to figure out how to get them out again. We also wondered how Lily and Faith were able to climb the steep walls. Old scratches showed where they had attempted to climb. Somehow, Lily and Faith made it out over and over again as Lily Fans watched that winter and spring.
Bear sign sessionThe second high point was Sue’s session on recognizing and interpreting bear sign. Participants learned to identify bear bitten utility poles, bear ritual trails, straddle trees, whammy trees, play trees, and marking trees—as well as various wild bear foods.
Bear ritual trailThis evening’s high point was spotting and identifying the bears that came to the field station. Course participants used chest blazes, scars, notches in ears, general head and body shape, and muzzle color to sort the bears out.
National Public Radio’s “The Story” came out today, and we liked it. It can be heard at http://www.thestory.org/stories/2013-08/walking-bears.
The day started with decisions about how high to put power and data strips on the walls of the new addition. The ceiling contractor was there along with the electrical contractor so they could work together. Progress.
Thank you for all you are doing.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.