Bearwalker of the Northwoods
April 4, 2010 – 10:42 PM CDT
As soon as ‘Bearwalker’ ended this evening, the phone began to ring and emails rolled in. Many people were very moved by the documentary. The first email was from a hunter incensed that “someone who calls himself a hunter would shoot an animal with a collar on it, and especially one that small.” This kind of support from hunters will help ensure the safety of the collared bears during future hunts. We’ll continue to work with hunters to gain their cooperation in sparing research bears.
Lily’s Facebook page exploded with wonderful posts that scrolled by too fast to read. Just a few of the many comments:
We thank you all for your good words! They make all the hard work worthwhile.
We’re very proud to have been part of this amazing film. The BBC courageously portrayed bears as they really are and not the snarling images of trained bears so often put forth by the mainstream media. ‘Bearwalker’ is an honest film about black bears. It’s also a very moving film—even for those of us closely involved in its making. The BBC crew working on ‘Bearwalker’ became like family: producer Ted Oakes, his wife Jo Usherwood, cameraman David Wright, and sound technician MiMi McGee.
As some of you know, we’ve already begun making 3 more films this summer with Ted Oakes and the BBC. In fact that’s why I’m writing tonight’s update—Lynn is tied up with the filming. Just imagine… BBC quality footage of Lily and Hope!
Last night there was a special premier viewing of ‘Bearwalker of the Northwoods’ for the community where it was filmed. BBC producer Ted Oakes and his wife Jo Usherwood were there with the crew Ted has put together for the new series. The crew was warmly welcomed by the community and many folks offered assistance.
We gave Lily and Hope a break today but will try to connect with them again tomorrow. Instead we spent time with June and her 2 yearlings. They’re still on the island where they denned but have moved to a cedar/alder swamp where they’re feeding on sedge and wild calla. We watched as they sniffed out the wild calla stems under the moss, gently parted the moss with their paws, grasped the stems with their teeth, and pulled them up—eating only the choicest parts.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments and continued support!
—Sue Mansfield, Biologist, North American Bear Center