Class three is the first class ever to have a den cam bear pose with the group for the class picture. It was Jewel from the 2012 and 2013 den cams back when she gave birth to her first cubs, Fern and Herbie, then when she was three and spent another winter with them as yearlings. You can see this 2020 publication in its entirety by going to bearstudy.org, then to the menu heading Publications, Etc., click on Published Papers in the drop down menu, scroll down to paper number 140 and click on the title. Jewel is now 16 and same as ever. I’m hoping, as usual, to get a permit to resume the den cams this winter with Lily and Jewel. Both are due to have cubs when they turn 19 and 17 in January.
Loon w/chick
Back to the Class that had participants from England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States, nearly all curious first-timers wanting to learn every aspect of bear behavior. In the picture, they are all recovered from a pontoon ride to see the den where Lily gave birth to Hope. On the way, a participant from Virginia mentioned she was hoping very much to see her first loon. And there it was with her growing chick, practically ignoring us as we slowly edged by on our way to the shoreline den. To be sure I didn’t disturb them, I went so slow that we had another first—a sudden downpour that came earlier than predicted. To this group, though, that was just another adventure. We raced the mile back to the WRI, changed into dry clothes, and bear excitement followed. All good memories of another wonderful group.
Thank you for all you do and the enthusiasm you show.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center