Rose-breasted GrosbeakAt the Wildlife Research Institute, the excitement of spring continues with the arrivals of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, White-crowned Sparrows, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks—including one with an unusual extension of rose color down onto the belly. It’s nice to hear the familiar song of White-throated Sparrows again. What would make our day, though, would be sightings of Cole and Ember. We assume they are fine, but it would be good to know.
Mystery female - May 13Last evening, the mystery bear posed for a detailed face shot while on the scale (132 pounds). Shortly, after she got off, a white-tailed doe got on—pausing to eye the person in the window snapping her picture.
White-throated SparrowOut in the woods, it’s status quo. Juliet and Jewel are in the same locations as yesterday, moving short distances with their cubs. Lily and Aster are exploring more widely and are currently in areas hard to get to. We are looking for an opportunity to go out and confirm whether Eli and Ellie are still with Lily.
White-tailed deer at scale - May 13Holly is mellowing toward her caretakers. She lies down and accepts some touching while she eats. We had hoped the good feelings she had toward the human who raised her for six months would readily extend to her caretakers, but it‘s taking time. Actually, we should have known. Rehabbers who play the role of surrogate mother say the bears remain wary of other humans, just like cubs who are raised by their mothers are wary of other bears. Once bears get past the socialization period in early to mid April, it takes much more time for them to accept new people in new situations. Personalities vary. Some are calmer and more accepting than others. We hope Holly will learn to accept humans in general, like Ted does. To do that, we want to expose her to as many staff and Bear Educators as regulations allow.
Donated canoeAt the Bear Center, Lily Fans Cheryl Dietrich and her mother delivered a beautiful new canoe they are donating. It will add to the exhibit on camping in bear country. Each year, thousands of people visit this area’s quiet, motorless Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Many of them also visit the Bear Center for information on sharing that wilderness with the bears.
Sue is off to New Hampshire for a family gathering. She's still helping with the updates, but you may notice some tardiness in their delivery.
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.