Wild sarsaparilla berry scatSightings of mothers with cubs in the study area have now narrowed the identity of the mother struck by a vehicle on Highway 169 to either Summer (a 5-year-old mother of 3 cubs) or an unknown bear passing through. Our calls to officials have not yet been returned. However, a 911 operator revealed that the incident was on Friday evening, July 18. The operator said the mother bear was seen lying beside the road with her cubs nearby. She also said that when a Conservation Officer checked the scene the mother and cubs were gone. It is possible the mother is still alive and caring for her cubs while nursing her injuries. For the cubs’ sakes, we’re glad berries are ripening. It may be days or weeks before we know more. The nearest feeding station is a little over a half mile from the accident site. Perhaps the mother and/or cubs will show up there.
White-tailed deer fawnBoth Blackheart and Braveheart recovered from injuries after being hit on the highway in years they were not accompanied by cubs. Both went on to have cubs the following winter.
We plan to weigh Ted tomorrow and maybe a second time before the veterinarians arrive next week. He has a very healthy appetite!
The snow pile Lynn has been checking is gone, likely it melted away during the hard pre-dawn rain yesterday.
Glenda and JudyAn aftermath of the Lilypad Picnic is the joy of seeing familiar faces of picnickers who stayed to enjoy the Ely area and continue learning at the Bear Center. Last night, some of them were at Ely’s free outdoor concert where Lynn and Donna were spending a cheap date night. Lynn splurged by buying a smoothie with two straws. A featured singer was the Bear Center’s own Heidi Schiltz who, of course, received the loudest applause from Lily Fans in the audience.
Painting partyAnother aftermath was Lily Fans surprising Judy McClure by painting her house today. What a happy atmosphere of camaraderie there was. Judy was overjoyed and responded with lots of food and smiles.
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.