Lucky raking straw into Holly's den - 10-4At the Bear Center, Lucky and Holly made what we think is a significant move toward denning together. The staff had put bedding material outside Lucky’s den. Lucky raked it all the way through the open door between their pens and into Holly’s den. Holly went in with him. Lucky knew where he wanted his bedding, and Holly was okay with it as is shown at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItnBMKnIZVM. We’re looking forward to the Den Cam that will let us all watch them together this winter.
A check of feeding stations in the community showed that very few bears are visiting them anymore. Lily hasn’t been seen for weeks. She was last seen on September 14 on a trail cam located at the edge of Bear Head Lake State Park and is likely safely snug in a den. In 2012, pregnant with Ellie and Eli, she entered her brush pile den on September 10. We’ll see if the legal system and the DNR will allow den cams next winter after the appeal and the election. 
Tom HThe Speakers Bureau Coordinator position has been filled. Tom Hennigan stepped up and will work with Trish Kirk to transition in. Thank you both. Tom is an active speaker who has been to our Black Bear Field Courses and is knowledgeable in his own right. This photo shows him transporting a Black Bear Box to a presentation location.
The last day to sign up for the Hinckley Gathering is Wednesday, October 8, at https://www.facebook.com/events/1453217258283352/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming. We’re hoping we can connect with over 100 Lily Fans there this year.
We learned today that Metro Graphics in the Twin Cities shipped a much needed thousand dollar 11-foot square sign for the Bear Center and is making the whole thing a donation. Thank you Doug and Blane.
One day only on November 13, 2014Give to the Max Day is coming up on November 13 for one day only, and Lily Fan volunteers are planning exciting activities for that day. All funds will go to the Northwoods Ecology Hall and Hope Learning Center that staff and Lily Fans are working to open May 1st. These new additions to the North American Bear Center will be of broad interest to all age groups, but we are especially targeting youth. A new rule for Give to the Max Day is that all matching money has to be pledged to our GiveMN page by October 31st. Our plea is that Lily Fans who plan to give larger amounts pledge them early so they can be matched. If you would like to help increase donations in this way, please contact Lily Fan volunteer
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center