Yesterday, something caught Ted’s attention enough that he rose up and walked halfway out of his den looking toward the Bear Center. I wonder if he heard voices and thought he might have company. A Mod caught the moment, showing his glistening coat.
Ted
The pine marten was back. The big attraction is slabs of uncut bacon. One of the pieces is 9 feet from where I sit at my desk. The marten saw me get up with the camera. It looked at me, understood it was just the usual inconsequential guy and went back to eating. Pine martens are naturally curious and trusting. I think of that as having the ability to assess risks and benefits—not a lack of wariness. It once sniffed my shoe as I stood quietly in the open doorway. It was nice to see the marten showing familiarity with my presence by the window and checking the usual spots, whether food was there this time or not. It told me this is indeed a regular and that it escaped the trappers and that it will likely be here off and on through the year.
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| Pine marten and red squirrel | ||
Editor's Note: The incorrect red squirrel photo was used in last night's update. The correct photo is posted above.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center