Jack, Kimani, and Bow - UPDATE October 6, 2022
Overlook fall colors
The update about Jack calling it a year was so moving to Trish Kirk, thinking about the time she has spent with him, that she wrote a poem:
The forest was spooky,
dark and deep,
but Jack had miles to go
upon his feet.
He paid no attention
to the spiders and bats.
He was on a mission
to get from this place to that.
His belly is full
His body is fat
And he is now ready
for his long winter's nap.
He paused only briefly
to glance at the man
who shows kindness and compassion
as much as he can.
So we bid you goodnight
Into your den you will rest.
Sweet dreams to dear Jack
in your warm winter nest.
Trish Kirk
Kimani with female cub
Bow with cub
Jack has touched the hearts of many with his willingness to trust. He shows a side of black bears that is opposite to the fears that are deeply held by many. A common belief is that when black bears lose some of their fear of people, they become more likely to attack. The truth is that as they lose fear of people they become less defensive and therefore less likely to attack, as has been shown in this community for over 60 years.
The photo of the fall colors was taken from the nearby overlook two days ago when color was at its peak. Maples are adding their reds while aspens and birches provide the brilliant yellow. In the last couple days a brilliant birch out the window here lost most of its leaves, and maples are beginning to do the same. It will look quite barren around here in a couple weeks.
Out the window, non-clan Kimani and her cubs visited a couple days ago. Sixteen-year-old Bow and her cubs came yesterday, and 7-year-old Pixie and her cubs were by today at 6:10 AM and 6:59 PM. Others will likely come through the night.
Thank you for all you do,
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center