Victor We feel somewhat lost after removing the radio-collars, but we're slowly refocusing our attention. The outpouring of supportive comments on last night’s update and in emails is heartwarming and eases our loss. Being surrounded by fun-loving Black Bear Field Course participants helps too.
Even the bears are helping. A stream of bears in various locations has made things lively for participants in this first Bear Course and us. Last evening, the star was Shadow, the 27-year-old matriarch of the clan we're studying. This morning, her daughter Ursula (9) and granddaughter Braveheart (12) showed each participant how gentle bears can be. A half dozen other bears interacted to demonstrate various bear behaviors until big Victor (13-16) took over the teaching. His scarred face shows the character of a mating season warrior.
Victor's blazeOver these first 24 hours, we also hiked into dens the participants have long seen through the lenses of the Den Cams. What a fun group—curious about bears, birds, plants, and natural processes!
One of the participants, a returnee, reminisced about her previous course experiences that so bonded the members of that group that they have all kept in contact over the years. Two became a couple. We see the same friendships growing in this group. It is hard to feel down surrounded by such positive energy. We look forward to tomorrow.
At the Bear Center, Ted is favoring his right front paw, and veterinarians recommended that he be confined to his pen while they diagnose his problem.
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.