Pulling grader back onto road - Jan 11, 2013Rain in January turns to ice when it hits cold surfaces—especially hard-packed snow on secondary roads. The Research Center is located on just such a road. Doesn’t matter if the air temp is above freezing, January rains mean icy roads. The road is so icy that a huge St. Louis County road grader working to improve the situation slid entirely off the road this evening.
Jewel and Herbie - Jan 11, 2013Jewel’s cam went down overnight and the icy roads kept us from getting out to reboot the system until midday. We continue to be amazed at Jewel’s patience with her whiney cubs—or cub. One seems much fussier than the other, and Sue reluctantly has admitted she thinks it is Fern, but she prefers to call her 'vocal.' We still have not seen play in Jewel’s den.
Lily will have cubs! - Jan 10, 2013Lily looks ready! 
Jewel for comparison - Jan 11, 2013We captured images and video of her vulva swollen to the max. And she sure has been busy with bedding. Will she make it 10-11 days to January 21 or 22 like her earlier birthing dates? We can only wait and watch. Lily herself was born on or before January 19.
Vole visits Lily - Jan 11, 2013A video of Lily in her 'pre-delivery' state is posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcaXgEKRdVE.
We’re told a fundraising event is planned for this weekend on Lily the Black Bear Facebook page. Check Lily’s page at https://www.facebook.com/lily.the.black.bear for details. Folks there are known for putting the FUN in FUNdraising!
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center