Ted gets a showerTed’s appointment with the veterinarians is set for the afternoon of Wednesday, August 13. We stopped by to see him today. He made his usual friendly sounds, got extra food, and Bear Educator Volunteer Mike Johnson set the hose on fine spray as we all watched Ted enjoy a cold shower on this hot day. Ted is a sweetheart. We know we’ve said that before, but we think that every time we see him.
Lily the Black BearLily put a grand finale on the Black Bear Field Course. At breakfast, we got a call that she was at a feeding station. There was no question what to do. We all piled in the van and mobilized. It was Lily all right, and she was her usual self. She was busy checking scents, doing her wild thing, and not to be distracted by the best of foods or the words, “Lily, it’s me.” She knew who it was and knew she didn’t have to bother. She had her wild agenda to take care of. Eventually, she settled down and took a few bites. Soon, though, she ambled off into the forest like she was full. That wasn’t it, though. A sharp-eyed course participant saw a bear in the distance. No one had heard a sound. The bear was downwind. Lily spotted the bear and tore after it, charging far into the forest. 
No signs of a collarWe gathered on the dirt road. Several minutes later, Lily emerged over a tenth of a mile down the road, giving some indication of how far she had chased the bear. Lily is seldom around but still apparently considers her old area here her territory.
A big thing for us was seeing that Lily shows no sign of ever having worn a collar. All her old fur has shed and new sleek fur is growing in. She looked great.
Sue and the group saw her yesterday too far down the old railroad grade to be sure. Lily saw people and immediately skedaddled into the woods. She did not approach anyone for food as some would have people believe she would. As the group passed where she had been, they spotted her off in the woods patiently waiting for all to pass. Lily is a sweetheart, too.
Eastern ChipmunkAt the Bear Center today, we were struck with how far Holly has come since the days of reacting to her reflection in the windows and being wary of people on the viewing balcony. She now pays no attention to either as she and Lucky forage near each other. She knows that reflections and viewers are not important to her life. Instead, she concentrates on rolling her piece of PVC pipe and checking for nuts that fall out of holes in it. She has it down to a science.
It was a joy to see the bears and how visitors reacted to them while Judy Thon expertly did her 11 AM podcast (Podcasts daily at 11, 1, and 4).
It was impressive to see how naturally Scott Edgett is settling into his role of Senior Director of Operations. The Bear Center is blessed in many ways, including Lily Fans. Today, another Lily Fan told us she wants the Bear Center to continue educating and is putting it in her will. Thank you.
 Lucky and Holly |
 NABC visitors watch Lucky |
 Judy Thon |
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.