Lily and her cubsA day at the computer ended with Mark Peterson (of MarkandDusty.com) and his helper/friend 20-year-old Levi stopping by after work. Fern also stopped by to show us that her facial hair is coming in nicely. I tried to get a picture for this update, but Mark got a better one of her on a rock. Then we went in to write the update. Levi saw squirrels on the railing outside and went out to pet one, not knowing that we have never attempted that. He just walked up to a squirrel and petted it. I couldn’t believe it. It was a mature lactating female. He not only petted her, but he put his hand around her. She wasn’t concerned. She remained focused on eating and keeping other squirrels at a distance. Sometimes you have to try something new to learn something new.
Lynn taking a photo of Fern
by Mark PetersonLorie and Heinrik visited. Mark got a terrific shot of Lorie. Heinrik was skittish and ran off.
possibly one of Jewel's yearlingsThen I got an email from Lorie Kennedy who had checked a trail cam and talked to the landowner at a feeding station. Lily and her 3 cubs had been there Saturday evening and kept chasing off a yearling (probably one of Jewel’s) and an adult that is likely Aster there. Unless Aster had cubs up a tree, it looks like she did not produce cubs as a 4-year-old. We’ll see, though.
This morning, the phone rang and I zipped over to a feeding station to see who might be there with 3 cubs, hoping it was Aster. The landowner showed me a picture of the family that had just left—Lily.
And along the way more of the much needed hazelnuts arrived today. Thank you!
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| Petting squirrel | Lily's cubs up a tree | Lorie Bear |
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.