Lynn presenting at Wolf Conference As the 2013 bear hunting season ends, we believe the radio-collared bears continue to be safe. Lily, Jewel, Aster, and Ursula will enter dens to be studied for another year. We’ll check on Faith, Fern and Star as soon as we can, but as of a few days ago, they were fine. We’ll also learn about any sightings of June’s cubs Cole and Ember. We’ll confirm that Juliet is still at her den. Lily settled into a small area just before midnight on October 10 (Thursday) and is still there this evening. A den? We’ll let her settle there a few more days before checking.
A big thank you to those who showed their support by coming to our talks today at the International Wolf Symposium in Duluth. We were honored that the Symposium organizers gave us the big ballroom for our talk rather than one of the smaller rooms. A surprise was the response when we asked the audience if anyone had followed the Den Cams. The audience was primarily there because of their interest in wolves, but nearly every hand went up.
Presentation title slideThe title pictures in the presentation “Contrasts in the languages of black bears and wolves” shows a snarling, snapping wolf and a lunging bear with a long (upset) nose and no teeth showing. Two different behaviors by different species meaning the same thing: “I need more space.” Neither has the intent to harm.
We’re back after a tiring but great time with Lily Fans and old friends at the symposium, final interviews by the BBC for their documentary, and a lot of driving.
Your support through this hunting season and your understanding and sympathy over the loss of June, Dot, and the wounding of Aster has meant a lot—as did the hard work of the Research Associates and others to free us up to prepare the talks.
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.