As we await permission to transport the orphaned cub to the Bear Center, we wonder how Lucky, Honey, and especially big Ted will respond to her. We remember Ted’s months of overtures to timid Lucky in 2007 before Lucky became confident enough to respond on October 3. The picture is Lucky’s first acceptance of Ted’s advances—the moment they touched tongues. Within days, Lucky and Ted were playing with abandon, as videos at the Bear Center and at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o44Hvt6wJ0U&feature=c4-overview&list=UUKOT9f3yvGIT8BW_ZHa3Bgg.
It was a different story with Honey. She continued to chase Lucky up trees. But Honey was also wary of anyone but Cindy, the person who raised her. Watching her reunions with Cindy to this day is a joy. Maybe Honey will be different with this cub. Over the years, Honey has gotten used to her surroundings. She is more trusting of the people who work with her—a sweetheart to some and somewhat cautious with others. She has come a long way. Will this transfer to the new (as yet unnamed) 84-pound cub?
Will Ted, 7 years older, still have the strong desire to play he had in 2007? How will Lucky respond? He was so playful with Ted, will he take advantage of the opportunity to play with a female cub that is by no means a rival? We’re excited.
Meanwhile, we have visions of Ted and the little female playing like Ted did in the old days. We have visions of crowds on the viewing balcony reacting to the obvious joy of two very mismatched bears having wild but gentle fun. The trust and fun gave people glimpses into black bear minds.
Sue is back from New England and grateful for the many kind words of sympathy for the loss of her younger brother. He will be missed more than mere words can express. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He grew award-winning giant pumpkins and repaired antique clocks. He was an avid hunter who recently took a 9-pointer weighing 171 pounds. He was also a fan of our bear research—faithfully reading the updates each morning. On learning of Hope’s death 2 years ago, he wrote “Sorry about Hope. It really DOES affect us all.”
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center