Curator Sharon Herrell wrote:
“This morning Tasha was released into the big enclosure. She was anxious for Holly to come out and play. Holly, just stayed in the cabin den until we enticed her out with some food.
Lucky, Holly and Tasha
Tasha, in the meantime sat behind Ted's den watching him. She has been caught on virtual camera checking him out as he sleeps near her fence. She has also been resting near the same fence as Ted sleeps.
LuckyThe noon Behind-The-Scenes had just finished when Holly pushed Lucky and a brief argument started. We gave each bear treats and then something pretty cool happened. Tasha walked to the top of the mound and very carefully watched both bears. Gregg threw Tasha peanuts. Tasha very cautiously ate the peanuts coming just a little closer to Holly. Holly moved to reposition herself and Tasha charged off but returned to eat. We watched for about 4 minutes until Tasha ran off. During the 2:00 Behind-The-Scenes, Holly was sitting in Tasha's den waiting for us. Tasha was also in her den near the bear gate. That is where we feed her. The report from the mods was that they had been in there playing. Its been 96 days since Tasha's arrival on the evening of June 6. She is doing a great job.”
Hairy woodpeckerOut in the woods, Lily might have headed for a den. She has been seen regularly, but not last night. Could she den this early? Four years ago, she went to her brush pile den on September 10. Lily might be right on schedule. She was in a pretty safe area, so we don’t think anything befell her.
Blue jayIn the community, fewer bears are being seen. No pregnant females are being seen anymore. We don’t know of any big males being taken, so their disappearance is probably just that it is time for them to move to their dens for some pre-denning work and to drop into deeper lethargy at the den. Some of them were already pretty low on energy when they were here. We believe Summer’s beautiful 2-year-old son Sven was taken, but we don’t know of any other bears we are familiar with being taken, although we are still wondering about Summer’s other 2-year-old son Spot. Both were/are nice bears that leave good memories. Overall, not as bad as we feared—with a week of suspense to go. Grouse season opens on the 17th , which is when bear-hunting typically slacks off around here although there is still a month of open season left at that point. No shots heard today.
Out the window, with fewer bears there was more food for birds to share. Blue Jays carry nuts off in their bills, while Hairy Woodpeckers find a handy crevice to hold a nut while they peck it apart.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center