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Ted’s First Outing - UPDATE April 5, 2017

Ted had his first outing of 2017, foraging in the pond area and checking the familiar places. One place he checked was the window den where Honey spent many winters. Tasha Tasha on 04/03/17Ted himself often spent time there in summer. We’ll see if he uses it this year. He seems pretty content with his private enclosure that includes a cushy, straw-filled den chalet, his private swimming pool, shade, and room to roam. Lily Fans donated the funds for his enlarged private pen. A Lily Fan captured 4 videos ranging from 4 ½ to 7 minutes long showing Ted’s explorations today.

part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPZ2qi_AGwY

part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDxzlnNjUR8

part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doCqaE-6pzA&spfreload=5

part 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpZXOP5CXDo

I hope Ted and Tasha become play partners. Tasha is cautious. Trusting big Ted might take some time, just like it did back in 2007 when Lucky was a cub.

Tasha is also skittish upon seeing anyone she doesn’t know. A couple days ago, she was wary of people up on the viewing platform. When I wanted to get a picture of her, I lay down for a better angle and because I would seem less imposing. You can see I kind of blew the picture, but it reminded me of the 1980’s when I would lay down to get the trust of wild bears that were showing anxiety by lunging, blowing, teeth-clacking, and/or a long, narrow muzzle. It helped. It might have made a difference to Tasha. As soon as I lay down, she confidently came over to sniff my hand, probably looking for food since I had hand-fed her on the scale a few minutes before.

Regarding the scale, we had hoped to determine her overwinter weight loss with a weight reading but we didn't succeed. The underground wire from the scale to the readout probably broke overwinter due to frost heave. I hope we can get that dug up and patched in time for a reasonable weight assessment.

Thank you for all you do.

Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center


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