Lily, Faith, Ticks - UPDATE March 8, 2016
Moving the white pine
Moving the white pine

This 2 ? minute video from May 14, 2011 shows a side of bears people would seldom see. Sue wouldn?t have been able to capture this video except for Lily?s life-long trust that began in the den where Lily was born to June. Lily completely ignores Sue holding a camera a couple feet away. Faith is trying to sleep. Lily is trying to remove ticks from her. Lily is being a good mom , working hard, and she is making a big difference. We have noticed a big increase in ticks on yearlings after family breakup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Zg3IXSRAk. Building a trusting relationship that allows observations like this takes time?years in the case of Lily. The payoff is insights that wouldn?t be possible otherwise.
Exhibit platforms with displays in place
Exhibit platforms with displays in place

It feels good to know where Lily is sleeping in a den right now with Frannie, Frankie, and Francis. It also feels good to know where Jewel is denned with at least two newborn cubs. With temperatures in the 40?s (F) all day, snow is likely melting around Jewel?s entrance, making it easier to video her from a distance when the time is right. Knowing that the DNR helped a landowner intentionally bait June so a hunter could shoot her is one reason we would not let the Northwoods Images sign
Northwoods Images sign

DNR know the location of Lily?s den and the general location of her present territory.
At the Bear Center, people are working. Judy McClure, a.k.a JMac sent pictures of the progress that includes my first look at the new exhibit platforms in place with exhibits on them?classy, excellent. Scott, Glenn, and Don are moving a white pine in position to hold the Northwoods Images sign. That looks good in place, too! Way to go team, including all who make this possible.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center