Time Flies When You're Having Fun - UPDATE December 29, 2015
Holly's first day at the NABC - 12/27/13
Holly at the NABC - 12/27/13

How many of you remember Dec 27, 2013? That is the day Holly bear arrived at her forever home at the NABC. Holly had traveled a long way, arriving on a cold day with plenty of snow. It is now two years and two days later and she is hibernating in that same bunker den. Much has changed for Holly bear, she is bigger, more confident and she has made a friend, Lucky.
The following videos show some den activities from today. Holly worked on her footpads and also briefly left the den, perhaps to urinate or eat some snow. Lucky took advantage of Holly's absence to "borrow" some of her straw. After settling back down, they both arranged their straw and made their beds.
https://youtu.be/j41xYNFEakU (Part 1 of 2 Holly and Lucky working on their bedding)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCwyMx7Nu7E (Part 2 of 2 Holly and Lucky working on their bedding)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiPtu_sodp8 (Holly working on her footpads).
Holly climbing - 12/27/2013
Holly climbing - 12/27/2013

Many visitors at the NABC believe that black bears sleep all winter long. Our four ambassador bears do not sleep all winter and typically, neither do wild bears. Hibernation is the least studied aspect of a black bear's life. Den cams allow us to see bear behavior without any human influence and have proven to be a great educational tool.
In a few days it will be 2016, the perfect time to consider a New Years resolution. If you have been thinking about taking a Black Bear Field Course, make 2016 the summer that you treat yourself. Participants say it is a life changing experience. Registration is open now at
http://www.bearstudy.org/website/bear-course-registration.html?view=category&layout=table. Register early to get the dates that work best for you.
If you have not yet visited the North American Bear Center, make 2016 the year to spend a few days in Ely. The NABC continues to be the "#1 Thing to Do" in the Ely area according to Trip Advisor. The staff and others are busy working on the facelift inside the bear center as well as the new entryway. We can't wait for our big spring opening.
If you are a Lily Fan and would like to volunteer your time and help others learn the truth about black bears visit our volunteer page at
http://www.bear.org/website/volunteer.html to learn what positions are available and if interested you can fill out a volunteer application form. We have an on-site program called the Bear Educator Volunteer Program where you would be volunteering on premises at the NABC. We also have many off-site volunteering opportunities.
Holly - 12/27/2013
Holly - 12/27/2013

Do you know a student in college studying biology, ecology, wilderness management, environmental sciences and other related fields? We have a Bear Educator Intern program designed for students wanting experience in a non-profit educational facility. This internship will help them further their educational and career goals. Have them check out the volunteer page at
http://www.bear.org/website/volunteer.html and read the Bear Educator Intern description. They can contact
[email protected] for a complete position description and application form.
Consider making a 2016 resolution that will make a difference for black bears everywhere and at the same time enjoy the uplifting benefits of volunteering! As Ethel Percy Andrus once said, "The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live."
Thank you for all you do.
NABC/WRI staff member
Note: WRI's Internet is still down, we are hoping it will be back up soon. All is well elsewhere!