AsterLynn checked on Aster and changed her batteries before leaving for the IBA Conference in Provo, UT. We feel Aster will nearly completely heal over the winter and be okay or nearly so. To approach Aster, Lynn was slow and patient—saying the words Aster has learned to trust since she was a cub. She was slow to come. She had to circle first despite limping with an unusable left front leg. Lynn sat down and radio-tracked her progress while talking to her. The habitat was lowland with thick moss. Mosquitos thankfully were few. Finally, she came, driven by hunger. From her travel patterns, it’s likely she has eaten very little since being shot 9 days ago. Lynn had food. Still, she was hesitant.
Aster's bullet woundWas she a ferocious wounded bear? Not at all. She was cautious and shy, finally trusting a person she has known all her life, trusting him even though she is so vulnerable.
AsterAster let Lynn feel for the wound and didn’t wince. There appears to be no infection or broken bones. The bullet passed through the triceps on the upper left arm. She licked the inside of her leg—probably the exit hole. She is not using the leg at all at this point, but it is a relief to see that it should heal.
As Aster sat eating every last drop and crumb of her food, she was wary of noises too subtle for Lynn to hear—focusing in one direction or another. A distant motorcycle got the longest attention.
Juliet's denToday, Mike, Lorie, and Jim found Juliet in a den and so lethargic she didn’t readily raise her head. We’re glad the pregnant females are heading for dens. This will leave mainly mothers with cubs still out and about, and many hunters refrain from shooting them. Also, small game season started today and will divert many bear hunters to grouse hunting.
Juliet in denUpdates may be sporadic until we’re back from the conference on Sunday the 22nd. The conference will be held at the Provo Marriott Hotel in Provo, UT. The Den Cam talk by Lynn and Sue will be at 8:45 AM on Tuesday. We’re packing a lot into 10 minutes plus 5 minutes of questions.
This video of support from Olatz Azcona Munarriz was great to see http://www.friendsofwri.com/show-your-support-video.
Thank you for all you are doing and all your words of support.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.