Today, the good news was that 15-year-old Jewel was sighted with two cubs, her seventh litter. Her last five litters have been three cubs, so we’ll still be looking for more confirmation of her litter size and to get a picture of Jewel proud to show us however many cubs she has.
Little Bear August 2023
A couple days ago, I felt lucky and grateful for the top notch film team that very much wants to create an educational film about what black bears are really like and about the local community that learned that truth beginning in 1958 (new date information). The community continues to practice its peaceful coexistence today and is known for its LACK of bear problems. DNR records show the community to have 80% fewer complaints per bear than the statewide average. This is the community that has enabled us to learn so much about bear/human coexistence and black bear ways and needs since I shifted my research project to the current location in 1996. These very experienced filmmakers are totally dedicated to creating a film that will make a difference for bears. To do that, they brought more camera equipment than any film team I’ve ever worked with, and I saw great skill and experience in their methods. Over the next few months they will be raising the wherewithal that will determine the film’s length and depth.
A bit that I saw the team film was an orphan male cub that appeared at the edge of the community last August 20. No one had seen him before or had any idea of where he came from and why he was a orphan. All I know is that he was a lucky little bear to have found the best place in the world for him. In this nature-loving community, a couple saw his plight, used the bear formula that is on the WRI website, and got him ready for hibernation. He disappeared on September 21 but reappeared this spring, and the couple continued their care as an example of what this community is like. So far, the couple refer to him as “Little Bear.” They have not yet decided what to call him if he grows up in the area.
Snapping Turtle
On another note, a snapping turtle let us know it is egg-laying time here as she walked through vegetation a quarter mile from the nearest water. The picture shows her extending her left foot with its big claws as she pulled herself through the vegetation.
I look forward to what the film will teach and how it will help bears. I’m also looking forward to seeing Jewel and her cubs myself.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center