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WISHING
EVERYONE A HAPPY 4th OF JULY ! Americans in strength unite.This union born in freedom’s light. United States, how sure we
are.We’ll pull together, near and far.The world can see of what we’re made. Each state is of the highest grade.
Determination, filled with pride.Our people’s will won’t be denied.Our founding fathers set to stay.The road we’ve
traveled to this day. A quest for right cannot be wrong.With help from God, we will stay strong. Support our troops ranks
number one. For the job they do is never done.When forced they put it on the line.True patriots, when called they shine.Let’s
raise Old Glory with a cheer. And thank all soldiers,past and here. ©2002Roger J. Robicheau
| FREEDOM IS NOT FREE |
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10 lb Bear cub is doing well.
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| 6-12-09 |
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Biologist James Hall said the Bear cub was around a residence for about two weeks, no sign of the mother.He
said the Cub was feeding in a commercial compost pile and was curled up on the individuals porch and stayed around the house
for the entire period.He said the owner called an ADC agent and was concerned about the cub and wanted to know if he caught
it would someone take care of it.He also added that the Cub was very tame, could walk right up to it. Not aggressive
at all, owner borrowed a catch pole, and enticed the cub with food & the cub came right over .No reported car/bear accidents or known shootings. There are active blueberry fields nearby
with bee hives, female could have been shot? The bear was picked
up on the Dixie Road in South Lubec. Agent who picked up the cub was Dayrl McCurdy.
-I would like to say thanks
to Biologist Tom Schaffer who had first called about the little cub,James Hall,Daryl McCurdy, and all the other
folks involved with wanting to help this little bear cub.
| Little bear cub "Lubec" arrived 6-12-09 |
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| doing well ! |
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A Note To The General Public:DO NOT FEED THE BEARS! Bear rehabilitation carries out a process
of some supplemental feeding that may be necessary to help bear cubs,and/or yearlings that may be malnourished,and also when
cubs may become orphaned ,and may need just a bit of a boost in the beginning to help grow and develop
properly. Here at Second Chance Wildlife a large % of a bears diet consist of what they would consume in the WILD! Keeping
bears wild,and preventing conflicts between humans and people is crucial.If the general public ever comes across a wild
animal that they feel may be in need of help/immediate care;do not go near it ! Call a Wildlife biologist and/or Game warden,
Animal control officer, or a liscenced Wildlife Rehabilitator to help assess the situation, and make sure the
animal is in need of care to begin with."If You Care Leave Them There" This little cub was in need of rehabilitation for it is believed
to have been orphaned,little cub is doing very well! He goes into the hollow log, and hides when I go to feed
him some suppliments that are needed at this time.This cub is also forging in the smaller of the two pens,
and has dug at the logs diligently,it also has made a couple day beds,and has runways through the blackberry
bushes, this cub seems to have good cub behavior-the pen is thick with blackberry bushes,dandelion greens,grasses,
small trees/logs... giving the little cub great cover.The cub just needs to do a bit of growing (Supplemental feeding
consist of e.g. esbilac milk formula,puppy chow in a dish, while also foraging on greens,larvae....) bear cubs in the wild
are weaned at approximately 5 months age from the mother sow.In rehabilitation I work on weaning cubs much earlier from
the bottle.This little cub seems pretty content and docile while in the natural environment that is helping to teach it
skills.It would be a bit better if there was another cub for cub "lubec" to be with while in rehabilitation,but
I am happy to say little growing Lubec seems to have good cub skills for being a single cub. I hope to be able to
have the cub go into the 3 acre bear pen soon;then it will have the opportunity to climb tall trees,swim,forag on a variety
of natural feed;letting me have an oppertunity to monitor the cubs potential skills,and behavior prior to release.On
rainy days Cub Lubec has been in his log for the most part -the rainy weather has put a damper on him exploring...rain ,rain
go away and come back another day!!! I have noticed that the cub has been dragging grasses into the log;making it a bit
more comfortable,while adding more camouflage at the entrance of the hollow log.(good behavior).When the rain subsides
you can see where the cub's activity is visible throughout the pen.(little cub territory)
| Bear cub "Lubec" resting in a holllow log |
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| Cub has been scratching at loggs! |
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| You can see where the cub made a day bed when not raining! |
| peering while nestled in the blackberry patch |
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| 6-12-09 Cub lubec went into rehabilittaion (approximately 4 and 1/2 months of age) |
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| Cub is out growing the log. |
Thiscub is still elusive even in the smaller pen,the only reason I am even able to get a
photo is because it hides in the log whenever it hears something; I am able to take a quick photo at the entrance of the log.Just
recently when there was a break in the weather,and while also outgrowing the hollow log; cub lubec is foraging, and resting
in the blackberry patch. When the little cub goes into the large facility It will more
difficult to monnitor its behavior, health...for it hides so much of the time.(Need more monitor cameras) If
there was more than one cub in rehabilitation at this time, odds are they would be in the larger pen because I believe there
would probably be a bit more visible cub activity.I am going to give this cub just a bit longer before the big move into the
large pen, by also preventing any worries of any possible escape i,e, I have had very young cubs in the large pen
prior, but they were raised from neonates and were larger than cubs in the wild (Biologist Randy Cross said Maine Cubs
in the wild in June can weigh anywhere from 12 lbs to 17 lbs.) Cubs I had started in rehab from neonates had weighed
in the month of June were 36 lbs & 38 lbs big difference! These cubs were in the larger pen at a much
younger age,as you will see if you view the website-these same cubs in the month of March weighed 13 lbs.
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| Large male yearling in tree |
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| RETURNED TO THE WILD 5-28-09 |
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These bears had put us just a bit on edge, while they were being released
into the 3 acres of bear habitat. I was nervous,excited, and scared all at the same time.I think all of us felt
pretty near the same; Oh how electricity works!! these bears seem to under stand, and respect the fencing.It is
a blessing to have this beautiful area for bears. I am so very thankful! I figured succeeding to have a bear pen in
the wild; was always an option.(THESE THREE YEARLING BEARS HAVE NOW BEEN RETURNED TO THE WILD) more photos ,and
text about these 3 bears below.
| These three bears were released back to the wild! |
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| Much thanks also goes to all the Maine biologist involved! |
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| Female yearling RETURNED BACK TO THE WILD 5-28-09 |
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| Climbing skills much better ! |
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Biologist & animal controll officer preparing bears for transport to Second
Chance Widlife.
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Bears in the 3 acre bear
pen preparing for release to the wild from Second Chance Wildlife.
| Second Chance Wildlife 3 acre bear pen |
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I will try to
keep you updated on our progress! Sicerely, Dawn Brown-President & Executive Director Wildlife rehabilitator specializing in black bears.I
Can be reached at home 207-778-2902 Or/my Email is: ursuscub@earthlink.net
Second Chance Wildlife, Inc. Board
of directors: Dawn Brown Michael Brown Randy Cross Jennifer Vashon
Hope you will support our efforts! List 2007,2008,(2009 thus far) Thanks!
| Bird seed yearling preparing to go North 5-28-09 |
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| He had to quit cold turkey NO BIRDSEED WHILE IN REHAB! He was ear tagged and returned to the WILD! |
About Us-Dawn & Michael ,The Bears,conservation...And Thanks To Others For Their Inspiration.
Bear data/records,biology....Neonatal bear cub care...
Go out and play the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Scratch
ticket!Sure would make a great gift,while it also being"The only lottery ticket dedicated to wildlife and conservation
In Maine."(No Proceeds Go To The General Fund)You could win up to $5,000 dollars!
WHO PAYS FOR STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES- LONG TERM RESEARCH
| Ice & Frosty |
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| NATURAL HABITAT |
Second Chance Wildlife,Inc. Is a non profit corporation In
The State of Maine,but is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as of yet. The IRS has received all forms needed,and necessary.I
have also submitted the 990-N file;this has been processes.A $750.00 user fee to the IRS was just sent certified mail 5-15-09).Though
we have only received small donations in the past couple years (all donations are listed on website) A budget has
been created in hope to gain some larger donations.(Everything is money & time) No/0 $/wages have been made in 2007,2008 though Inc. All work and time
has been volunteer in kind. Cost thus far from The Foundation Group
has been $1,200.00-phase I & II. also 990-N preparation $100.00. They have been
very patient answering most of the questions I have had-thanks!
Home
Page: Updated photos from video, bobcat release,keep scrolling....
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| Good size bear rehabilitation pen (2002) |
| 3 acre bear rehabilitation pen bult in 2006 |
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| Preparation for returning bears back to the wild! |
2006 Cubs Climbing high "no leaves on the trees"
"Believe
you can and you're half way there" -Theodore
Roosevelt
If we all practiced telling
the truth, it will be second nature to us to always tell the truth. This also is a reflection of your character,and creates
a bond of trust.
"Living out a dream"
| Dawn with "Ice" 2-8-06 |
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| Neonatal cubs can be rehabilitated & return to the wild |
| Ice & Frosty |
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I would feed cubs every 2 to 4 hours in the early stages.Then
have them eating out of a dish as soon as possible.While introducing them to their natural habitat;soon they were foraging on their own in the 3 acre pen.
This is Icicle "Ice" Just before hibernation in 2006.She has been in the wild
for over a year now. Read on and you will see her progress. I feel truly blessed! (Ice has given hope for neonatal cubs
returning to the wild.)
3-19-08 MDIFW Bear crew below with Ice-She has a GPS collar now! Ice the bear has proven herself ;that she is just
living life as a bear,and adapting to life among other bears within the bear study area-We were able to see two
other hibernating bears not far from Ice-all three bears were hibernating/nestled far beneath the snow cover.The
Bear Study/Crew keeps a close eye on "Maine Black Bears" Monitoring their health,reproduction,disbursement
,and so much more...Ice along with other bears in the wild will deal with the elements of nature ,and other obstacles that
bears have dealt with for generations.Having an understanding, and doing our part is what it is all about.
Dominic &
Randy measuring Ice.
"MDIFW Bear Crew with Ice the bear"
From left to right:
Biologist Randy Cross,Dominic Grenier,Kendall "Hoss" Marden & Dave"Cap" Pert.
The Bear Facts "MDIFW Monitoring Maine Bears"
It sometimes may take a bit of time for cubs,and yearlings to mature;
In the wild they stay with momma bear until they are 16 months of age before they disperse/leave.Female cubs
may share/pass through the mother bears territory from time to time.Male yearlings typically travel,without returning.
The Cubs pads/feet were rough by having the large bear facility; it allows
bears to develop physically the same as they would in the wild. Bears
shed their pads each winter while in hibernation.Their new pads get rough after they awake from their long winters
nap;as they start walking,climbing,and exploring in the wild.
| "Back woods-Home sweet home" |
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| Small pond in Bear pen |
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This three acre bear rehabilitation/temporary sanctuary pen
gives bears an opportunity to just be bears; while also preparing them to return to the wild ! Having a chance to
monitor bear behavior has been rewarding -the learning never ends.
If anyone would like to send any donation at all-it will all be documented -at
end of year. Donations would be greatly appreciated! It can be difficult with all the expenses! Just about all
the cost comes out of our own pockets;except for the greatly appreciated MOHF grant funding and a few donations
from caring folks. Feeling very blessed to have one of the largest black bear cub/yearling facilities in New England/North
East (Three Acres) -So go out and play the Maine outdoor Heritage funds scratch ticket! proceeds
go to conservation and wildlife projects in the State of Maine.
We also give much thanks to so many others,Take a glimpse!
The Maine wildlife Biologist;many of who gave their
time & support!, Ursus Productions/multi-media for doing a segment On:"North East Journal"About 2nd Chance Bears,
and showing our beautiful pen; while I explained my goals,and challenges with bear wildlife rehabilitation.I
greatly appreciate their kindness and the professional work that they accomplished.
Kate Marshall for putting us in the spot light on her website.
Thanks to Kittery Trading Post for letting us
put a donation jar, and flyer's at their store, Bills Custom Cutting in Oakland specializing in deer &
moose- thanks for the meat scraps.Road kill deer from Biologist Bob Cordes,Chuck Hulsey,and ACO Mo Hart Thanks!
MDIFW Bear/wildlife biologist will release & monitor
all the bears that have been cared for At Second Chance Wildlife; They keep track of them when released back to the wild.
(Much Thanks!)Working together only enhances knowledge . Bears make a living packing on calories for survival! A bears diet consist of : vegetation,
nuts -i.e., acorns, hazel,Beech.. a variety of berries, also larvae, ants, beehives.. amphibians, small/large
mammals -carrion/rotted meat. Mature bears have been known to kill fawns and even moose calves; Bears are opportunist!
Wildlife Bear Biologist Randy Cross to the right
with two female cubs;getting them ready to go with a surrogate sow- March 29,2007;they weighed: ("Machias" at 9lbs)
and ("Tug" at 10lbs 6oz.)During rehabilitation cubs were about 4lbs on arrival;they gained a bit of weight-a
bit larger than cubs in the wild.They are healthy and we are in hopes they will do well! Machias & tug were put in with a
sow that had two other siblings. Information/data gathered later showed that only one cub was with the mother
sow (3 out of 4 odds are did not make it; including Machias & tug.We all need to continue to learn and
recognize what may be the best option i.e,time of release....We also need to look at statistics in the wild (Maine can
lose 30 to 40%/ cub fatalities each year, while the good news is 60 to 70% live/survive-The harsh reality of gaining
some information can be difficult.
| Biologist Randy Cross with Machias & Tug |
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"Before"
| 10 oz. neonatal cub Patten |
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"After"
| Cub Patten on the right |
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| Biologist Eric Rudolph "Dash" |
Biologist Randy Cross said Patten's mother died
mysteriously in mid summer 2007 (possible road kill) There would be No winter den check in 2008.It is very sad.It
will most likely be unknown of the outcome of Patten, and his siblings now.
--Patten contributed much information/data. We will hold
a glimmer of hope that he may have survived.
Biologist Kendall Marden & Katie weighing cub. Growing
by the day!
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