Juliet and a cubNotes for the record: Juliet’s 3 cubs were born between 9 AM and noon on January 23. One of them still had one eye shut at a full 49 days old at 2:27 PM on March 13th. By then it was already a couple hours into its 50th day of age. By 6:41 AM the next morning, not quite a full 50 days old on March 14th the last eye was open.
Juliet and 2 cubsToday at 1:41 PM, with the cubs 53 days of age, we saw the first mutual tongue-licking. It went on for over 10 minutes between Juliet and one of the cubs. We think of this behavior as a form of bonding, so it seems fitting that it is beginning near the beginning of the critical socialization period that we think of as being roughly between 6 and 12 weeks of age. 
Juliet and a cubDuring the critical socialization period, cubs are secure in the den with their mother and siblings. Cubs accept strangers without fear. Mothers will readily adopt strange cubs that are placed outside their dens. They hear their cries, bring them in and make them part of their families. 
Juliet and 2 cubsAt the end of the socialization period, the cubs suddenly fear strangers. This can happen on different dates for different cubs in a litter, depending upon stage of individual development.
A similar thing happens with puppies. Lily Fans with information on socialization in puppies could send it to
Juliet licked the camera lens today. It was bound to happen sooner or later!
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.