Downy arrowwood beginning to ripen We changed Lily’s GPS batteries as she nervously watched and listened to the Black Bear Field Course participants photographing from 150 feet down the roadway. We normally would do the battery changes in the woods with any onlookers identified and behaving in the routine ways she has learned to trust. People at a distance, as we learned last week, are cause for anxiety.
AsterAfter much ado, Sue found Aster outside her usual range and changed her GPS batteries—saving us the expense of a flight to locate her. Aster is sleek and beautiful in her summer coat. Her scat shows she has been foraging on juneberries, wild sarsaparilla, and pincherries.
Megan in Jewel's denWith the Black Bear Field Course, we visited 3 dens including the spacious den Jewel shared with Fern and Herbie this past winter. There 5 foot 10 inch Megan looked tiny at the far end of the 105-inch long den. A fun day for all.
Wildlife seen along the way was a family of nearly flightless Hooded Mergansers that were shedding their flight feathers, a family of mallards on a log that had its ‘ducks in a row’, loons, a buck in velvet, a doe with 2 prancing fawns, a beautiful white water lily, and, of course, bears! Excitement was everywhere on this active, beautiful day.
Water lilyAlong the way, we met a community resident who voiced his strong “150% support” for our research. Always good to hear!
Ducks in a rowThe major news buzz was Jane Goodall’s great letter of support. It’s being covered by many local reporters (newspapers, Minnesota Public Radio, TV news programs). We’re thankful for her help. We are big admirers of Jane and her 54 years of unparalleled study of chimpanzees and to have her step forward in this time of crisis means a lot to us. You can see her letter at: Jane Goodall's Letter of Support.
Red-osier dogwoodWe also were thankful for the strong words of support from Charlie Russell at http://charlierussellbears.com/Lynn_Rodgers.html#ArticlePlace.
As is the case every day, we are thankful for the support of Lily Fans.
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.