Raina in Lily's rock denAll in all, a great day. We had a fun time with the Black Bear Field Study group. With the help of participant Raina Phillips, we measured Lily and Faith’s deep rock den accurately and found that from the lowest edge of the rim to the bottom of the den it was 8 feet 4 inches.
On the way there, we found and photographed the biggest caterpillar we had ever seen. Almost three and a half inches long, it was a 4-horned sphinx, also called an elm sphinx (Ceratomia amyntor) because they eat elm and basswood leaves. Those trees are uncommon here, so it’s no wonder we hadn’t seen one before.
4-horned elm sphinx caterpillarMike and Lorie loosened Fern’s collar, bolted plastic strips to it, and tied ribbons on as well. She’s all set for Sunday. Later they met up with Dot to change her GPS batteries and add more ribbons to her collar.
Of other bear news, the oldest wild bear on record has died at the age of 39 ½. The decomposed body of DNR research bear number 56 was found recently. It’s unfortunate 56’s body could not be recovered before it deteriorated. Old bears dying of natural causes are extreme rarities. We obtained a wealth of data on aging in black bears from 26-year-old Midge’s necropsy. The DNR news release is http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2013/08/27/world’s-oldest-known-wild-black-bear-dies-at-39/.
FernWe noted with interest a DNR statement that “During a 32-year study period, she and her many offspring provided an almost uninterrupted record of reproduction, survival, movements and aging within a single matriarchal lineage, researchers said. Data from this bear and her offspring have contributed significantly to the scientific literature on black bear biology.”
The BBC started filming for “The Life of Lily” today. Top cameraman/producer Matt Aeberhard who recently filmed a great grizzly film in Alaska with Chris Morgan and Buck Wilde made his first attempt to film Lily today. Filming a traveling bear from a distance in these woods is nearly impossible. He’ll try again tomorrow. He comes with great experience and great attitude. We feel lucky to have him applying his talents to this important film. We let the DNR know about the filming. Our response to their response is at Response - August 26, 2013.
DotWe also filed a motion for the DNR to show cause why they shouldn’t be charged with contempt of court. They failed to respond to the Court Order to begin commencement of a contested case. The motion is at Motion to Show Cause - August 26, 2013. We also saw a statement in a newspaper saying “DNR officials have indicated they are likely to enforce their decision against Rogers regardless of any ruling by an administrative law judge.”
We are looking forward to the hearing, presenting evidence, doing cross-examination, and revealing the truth. We are anxious to move beyond this hindrance so we can continue to learn and share.
Thank you for all you are doing make this possible.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.