Yesterday Samantha (7), daughter of Braveheart, granddaughter of Shadow, visited the WRI with her four cubs. This is Samantha's third litter. Mike is pretty sure she has 
Lucky, the comediantwo females and two males, time will tell if he is right. The cubs do not appear to have any distinguishing marks which makes it tougher to tell them apart. We are watching their behavior, hoping it will help us identify them in the future.
Last night at about 11 pm, two of the cubs were very interested in a moth hovering around the food they were eating. Always up for a little fun, the cubs turned it into a play opportunity. Sorry, we have no pictures or videos of this due to the lack of light.
Ted sniffing out foodAt the NABC, Tasha was playing with her empty food bowl and using it as a hat. This type of play is a good sign that she is getting more comfortable with her surroundings. It has been noted by our Tasha Cam viewers that she likes to grab her hind leg, just like Lucky bear. Her play in her enclosure indicates she is building confidence and settling in to her new home. A Lily Fan captured some of this play today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXk0OQJvSHc. Last night Tasha moved the straw in front of the small bunker den entrance where she slept on it. You can view her live cam here: http://www.bear.org/website/live-cameras/live-cameras/tasha-s-cam-live.html.
She receives regular visitations throughout the day with positive interactions which is building the bond between her and the caregivers.
Fawn in the forestTed was out in the big enclosure during the 11 am enrichment program. Staff spread food around the pond area and inside the big log seen from the viewing area. Ted's nose led him to the food that was inside the log.
Lucky continues to maintain his name as the "pond comedian" as the picture above proves. He still sticks close to Holly, today they spent time resting and playing in the white pine tree.
Nature Walk Note: Today was a nice day for a walk on one of the many trails in the area. Mike snapped this picture of a very young fawn. For the first few weeks of life, a fawn will instinctively lie motionless when approached by a potential predator in hopes of going unnoticed. They also have very little odor and are well camouflaged with spots to help blend into the forest.
Thank you for supporting the NABC and the WRI.
NABC Staff