Another Thank You and Another Bear - UPDATE April 24, 2025

Following up on the ‘Earth Day’ Thank you for what we all have done and are doing for bears, I’m thankful for another opportunity you helped make possible. It is the opportunity to show the world what black bears are really like, which you started when you donated a quarter million dollars to get the ball rolling for the film that Ted Oakes and his team are working to have happen. To help raise a million for a full hour or hour and a half film, the team put together a 20-minute synopsis that I got to see in its captivating finality yesterday. The North American Bear Center and the WRI can play it but we cannot put it online as that would interfere with the full film that is in the works. The short film and the full film are about what black bears are really like, which is the message I want to get to the world. They are using the story of my life and career to spread the educational message. The short film includes my family and how it is for daughters to grow up among wild bears. The family adds punch and makes me doubly thankful for them. What their participation did for this 20-minute film makes me even more hopeful that the full film, which the team intends to have reach millions of people, will come to fruition. As I write this, the North American Bear Center is adjusting equipment in its theatre so it can play the short film several times each day when they open daily on May 2. It warms my heart to remember when so many of you donated the quarter million that began this process to educate. Ted has some donors lined up to fund the feature film, and he is seeking more from big broadcasters. I’m crossing my fingers and thanking you for what has happened so far. I like the feel of what’s happening as I imagine what Ted and his team will do for bears with the full feature film.
On another note, a third bear has been identified in the study area. It is 3-year-old Bertha, sister of Bentley who she was with yesterday. Both are just as calm as they can be, probably glad to be back in the peaceful swing of things.
Lilypad picnic
I am sorry to report that the LilyPad Picnic is off for this year due to situations beyond anyone’s control, but Whimzy’s team is on for next year with plans for an extraordinarily memorable event that I am looking forward to.
Click here for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/394411520624410/posts/9804208726311262/If you are not a member of the facebook group, this is the announcement:

Lilypad Picnic 2025 Update
Hello friends,
We’re very sad to share that the 2025 Lilypad Picnic will not be taking place. With changing economic challenges facing many of our guests in both the U.S. and Canada, along with scheduling conflicts for some of our committee, we’ve made the difficult decision to take a pause (paws) this year.
That said, the Northwoods Bear Foundation is hopeful and excited to plan for a wonderful picnic in 2026! In the meantime, we encourage everyone who can to come enjoy Ely this summer—take in the beauty, explore the many outdoor activities, and don’t miss a visit to the NABC to see Dr. Rogers and the incredible bears we love.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
The Northwoods Bear Foundation
Thank you again for all you do and have done.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center