Lily returns
June 22, 2010 – 10:17 PM CDT
7:38 PM. Sue just arrived at Hope’s feeding site. Telemetry signals show Lily to be approaching. It’s the first time Lily has visited since she split from Hope in this area nearby 3 weeks ago. The trail cam shows Hope came to the feeding site at 4:54 PM. We don’t know where Hope is, but her scent is present from her recent visit. Sue has the HD video camera and hopes to record Lily’s reactions to Hope’s scent and any interactions should Hope arrive. High anticipation here.
10:17 PM. Lily’s signal was very close but she did not come to Hope’s red pine feeding station. Instead she moved off to the west. I stayed until 10:00 PM but Hope did not come. I left some formula and a few grapes and pecans in case she visits the feeding station during the night. I’ll try again in the morning. —SM
We got a couple weights a few days ago. Hope’s Grandma June weighs only 197 pounds after traveling all over creation. Hope’s mother Lily is only 161 pounds. She probably weighed even less 3 weeks ago. Does her low weight explain anything about the separation?
Thank you again for stepping up to the plate for the challenge grant and for all the things so many of you have done to support the research and education with food, equipment, encouragement, and other ways. We appreciate everything so much. We have never had this much support, and it’s making a big difference, as you know.
—Lynn Rogers, Biologist, North American Bear Center