It’s hibernation time at the Bear Center. 
Blue jay
Bear News - October 29, 2017
Good night bears!
White-breasted nuthatchI can officially say Tasha, Lucky and Holly are hibernating. I know it is not official for the contest until early this coming week, but to me the three bears are hibernating. Ted, is tucked back in his den and only peeks out for his dinner. He is getting very close. Official Denning Dates and Weights will be announced very soon so stay tuned.
Red squirrelFrom www.bear.org - Hibernation is continuous dormancy with distinct decreases in heart rate and metabolic rate. Bears use up to 4,000 kcal per day, mainly body fat, but do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. They can reduce oxygen consumption and metabolic rate by half and breathe only once every 45 seconds. Heart rate can drop periodically to 8-21 beats per minute, and blood flow to skeletal muscle, particularly the legs, can be reduced by 45% or more, making some bears slow to arouse and run away in winter. Blood perfusion rates of peripheral tissues can fall below levels needed for aerobic metabolism in humans.
Pine siskinThe snow and now ice has made travel difficult in and around Ely. The sun would help but it hasn't appeared for more than a few minutes at a time.
This past Thursday Ted fortified his den with another bale of straw. Yesterday, as I delivered his meal he was looking pretty comfortable. There is a pine marten cruising in and out of the area so don't be shocked if he pops into the camera near Ted now and then.
Hairy woodpeckerThe 2017 season has been great. I look forward to an even better 2018. Bear with us as we continue to bring better pictures, videos, and bear news updates.
Please stay with us even as the bears hibernate, as you know you can watch Ted 24/7 on his cam. We trust you'll enjoy the live broadcast during Give MN on November 16. It is our most successful fundraiser; and this year your donations will help give the Cub Room a makeover, which will help educate, and form young minds to be proactive in bear knowledge in a fun and interactive way.
Thank you,
Sharon Herrell
Bear Curator
Black-capped chickadee
At the WRI, it was the usual faces out the window for this time of year. The usual winter birds are showing up. The flock of chickadees with some that will sit on a hand are here. 
Tree sparrowI held out my hand and two landed within a minute. I think I missed a visit from Quill. When I put out some formula to remind him of last year, I saw fresh tracks; and he hasn’t been back yet now at 8:03 PM.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center