Tasha’s den is snug and secure. Holly and she constructed a den that is at least as good as any wild den I’ve seen. It is under a rock for extra security. 
Tasha's den up close (you can see Tasha)It has an entrance that is just big enough for a bear the size of Holly or Tasha, meaning that a bear their size could fight off a predator, including another bear, that might attempt the unusual. Being killed in a den by wolves or another bear is very rare. The only incident like that in my experience was a mother and cubs in an open den. Most open dens I’ve seen had no sign of visits by wolves or any other danger.
Tasha's den from a distanceThe two pictures the staff sent show why most people in bear country never see a bear den. In the zoomed out picture, there is nothing to indicate that the hole in the middle of the picture is a den. Close-up, we can see the dark form of Tasha.
Good news today on the monarch butterflies released last summer. None had the OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha) parasite that weakens monarchs and other butterflies in the Genus Danaus. In Minnesota, monarchs are part of the eastern population that is least affected by this protozoan. Only 8% are infected, compared with 30% in western populations and 70% in the non-migratory southern Florida population. Donna Rogers taught the interns how to sample butterflies for the disease and where to send the samples for testing. Judy Thon will soon be emailing the interns the good results.
Holiday Cards still availableThis year, we hope to attract 8 interns, give them each a stipend of $1,200 and the best, varied experience with captive and wild bears and other wildlife we can give. To help with that, the donation page for the 2017 Internship Program is at http://www.bear.org/website/how-to-help/2017-internship-program-funding/donate-now-2017-internship-program-funding.html . A donation to the intern program can be very rewarding. We’ll show the interns in action in summer updates. It is a joy to watch these young students learn and gain real work experience while helping to create a great visitor experience. Along with the Bear Educators, the interns make a big difference to visitors, including students, at the Bear Center and its Northwoods Ecology Hall.
2017 Calendar still availableA Lily Fan asked where the Holiday Cards are in our Webstore. They all sold out. We do have 12 boxes (10 per box) of last year’s Holiday Card available, marked down to $4.50 per box. Or, if you want to send someone a 2017 Calendar, they are now 10% off (20% off for members). For each gift calendar, we will include a last year’s Holiday Card saying “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from [the senders]” or whatever message you specify. Last year’s cards can be found at http://www.bear.org/website/gift-shop-pages/product/listing/34-holiday-items.html. To purchase a calendar visit: http://www.bear.org/website/gift-shop-pages/product/12187-2017-bears-of-north-america-calendar.html
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center.