Ted - October 4, 2014What was Lucky saying with his fast open-mouthed move near the beginning of this 1-minute video captured by a Lily Fan? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-FJGC5XkE4
Was he saying don’t wake me up when I’m trying to sleep?
Was he saying you hurt my face with the claws of your back foot?
Or was he just responding to her with extra enthusiasm in what seemed like an extra jubilant play session?
Whatever it was, he didn’t bite Holly, or she would have reacted. Sometimes bears communicate by hitting you with their teeth but not biting. Whatever it was, Holly didn’t interpret it as anything to worry about or she wouldn’t have continued playing as if nothing happened. Lucky then dove into the play with play bites that obviously didn’t hurt. Behavior that is beyond the usual is fun to try to interpret, or at least look for again for more insight.
How wide Lucky’s mouth was open made me remember my first meeting with Ted. His kind words (high-pitched grunts) made me trust him, even when he stood taller than me, pulled me close, and opened his mouth so wide I could feel his teeth on the bottom of my jaw and the top of my head at the same time—all gentle. A strong hug and a gentle bite. He seemed happy to find someone he could hug and kind of let go with in his new home. It told me he’d been treated kindly by humans his whole life to be so trusting of me. I knew we had a good bear. Good memories.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center