Guy Ted looked fine today during his jaunt to the viewing area and scale (562 pounds) as prescribed by his veterinarians. After 55 minutes, Ted decided to return to the security of his pen. A 22-minute video shows details at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu61BRKrGg4&feature=youtu.be.
We are sometimes asked to summarize our research. Today, a questionnaire from the BBC prompted this answer.
“We are using trust-based methods like those of Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Trust, combined with GPS and webcam technology have yielded more data about black bear life than has ever been possible before. This includes data on bear language (vocalizations and body language), travels, social organization, play, foraging, hibernation activities, courtship, mating, reproductive success, mother-young relations and anything else a person can learn by watching individuals of known age, kinship, and life history. The key was earning the bears’ trust to the extent they would ignore us and go about their lives. They show no affection toward us nor do they seek our company or try to play with us, but neither do they treat us as adversaries, competitors, nor significant food-givers. We are basically accepted and ignored. To an extent, we extend the bears’ trust to film crews, enabling worldwide audiences to learn directly from the bears, as we do. No other researchers are studying bears in this way.”
ChokecherriesDuring the Lilypad Picnic we learned that some volunteers weren’t receiving news and information emails from the Volunteer Coordinator. It’s likely a simple fix! If you are an active volunteer but have not received emails from the Volunteer Coordinator, please send your current email address to
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.