Jewel reacts to mosquitosJim Stroner attempted to sex Jewel’s 3 cubs, but they were too high in a huge white pine to see details. He braved the mosquitos and black flies, hoping they would come down, but they didn’t budge. Jewel moved off to forage on vegetation then returned to groom and rest at the base of the tree. She mostly ignored the mosquitos swarming around her—only bothering to brush them off her thinly-furred face.
Jewel brushes off mosquitosWe suspect ant pupae production will be a couple weeks late this year. They usually become a major item in the diet by late May. This could mean that when large-leafed aster leaves mature beyond their preferred stage in a week or so, the bears may have a hungry period before ant pupae become abundant. That could increase sightings at community feeding sites here and may generate bear complaints elsewhere.
Lucky breaks ash branchLeaves are finally appearing on black ash trees, and Lucky climbed one like we have occasionally seen wild black bears do at this time of year.
Holly exploresHolly explored the forest again today but wouldn’t come down into the open viewing area near Ted like she reluctantly did yesterday. It took Lucky a couple months to trust Ted enough to go nose to nose with him. We’ll see how long it takes Holly. The first of several videos of Holly's May 30th exploration of the large enclosure is posted at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAOwc8KWNUU.
Ruby-throated HummingbirdWhen Lynn refilled the hummingbird feeder today, the hungry hummingbirds drank from it while he was still holding it. Beautiful birds up close—even females like in the snapshot.
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.