2 year old male - April 27, 2015The crisis is over. Senator Matt Schmit called to tell me he is pulling the section on bear-feeding from his Senate Bill SF1303. That, together with the earlier pulling of the section from the House version of that bill by Representative Tom Hackbarth and our Representative David Dill, means the crisis is over. Matt said he learned a lot these last few weeks. He mentioned learning the importance of the Den Cams to teachers and students around the world. He mentioned that his mother is a teacher and a Lily Fan. He learned a lot about a lot of things.
I learned how bills are made. In this bill, the DNR sent the bill to him. He and his fellow senators then looked at it to see what they could support and what they couldn’t. The feeding language slipped by without anyone realizing the importance of it. Lily Fans provided solid information. Senator Schmit wanted to do the right thing. I very much appreciated his call.
This whole thing told me once again that we are all in this together. In addition to that support from Lily Fans, I saw support from Ely’s Mayor, the Ely Area Development Association, and members of the Eagles Nest Town Board.
Sharing with a squirrelThe outcome is a relief, giving us hope for the future—especially if the appeal goes like we think it will.
Then, as if a good omen, the 2-year-old male showed up and peacefully shared food with a squirrel. The picture with his mouth open is just him chewing. He paid little attention to the squirrel, and vice versa. He’s probably seen hundreds of squirrels.
We look forward to this summer and seeing Lily, Fern, Sophie, and many others here and at similar spots around the community.
The fact that the crisis ended today heads off our press release that would have been an eye-opener about the DNR’s actions against us. It also eliminates the need for letters to legislators except thanks you’s to those who helped.
Lily Fans educated key people and were key to what happened today. I thank Lily Fans, legislators who supported us, and the authors who did the right thing once they knew the story.
The call from Senator Schmit means I can focus more fully on the Northwoods Ecology Hall and sleep better at night.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.