June - April 6, 2010This 9-minute flashback to June 22, 2007, tells an unusual story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzi-peJlH2U.
Near the end of a hot (78°F), humid (82%) day of foraging, June nursed her tired cubs. The cubs nursed in their usual positions. Lily had the favored set of two nipples on the right side of June’s chest—the same set dominant Pete had taken possession of when he was a cub in 2005. Cal had the second best set on the left side of June’s chest. Bud had the hind set on June’s lower belly. They nursed peacefully in their agreed nipple order.
Generally, when nursing ends, the cubs check any unattended nipples for a possible remaining drop or two. Not this day. All three cubs fell asleep on June without taking a step. Shortly, Bud shook his head as if an insect was biting the inside of an ear. June quickly lifted her head and looked around for danger. Bud and June both soon relaxed.
June saw an opportunity to check sleeping Cal for ticks, but she needed a better position to do that and got up, dumping the cubs off her. Lily wondered what was happening and started up a tree but immediately realized everything was okay and lay down. She was on a slope, and as she relaxed she rolled down to right in front of the camera and lay breathing about 75 respirations per minute in the heat. Evaporation through breathing is their main method of cooling.
Meanwhile, June examined each cub and likely ingested a number of ticks.
Thoughts of June remind me of pulling engorged ticks from her and showing each to her in my hand. A quick flick of the tongue and each disappeared into her mouth. Fond memories of one of the most scientifically valuable bears in history.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center