Second Chance Wildlife Inc.Bear Rehabilitation & Research

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About Us: Dawn & Michael ,The Bears,conservation..

3 cubs arrived 5-29-12
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Immediate care is very time consuming..I had hydrated the cubs,and they did well:o)

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Photo Album:Bear rehabilitation,maintenance...:o)

The Bear Facts

We welcome Rick Libbey "Mooseman"to SCWI board; To visit his Website go to this link.

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peering while nestled in the blackberry patch
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6-12-09 Cub lubec went into rehabilitation (approximately 4 and 1/2months,hewas released at 9 months

Dawn & Michael working
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We provided all the cost for the immediate care bear building

At Second Chance wildlife, Inc. We strive to create the most natural habitat for all the Bears that come here,and focus on having them all return to the wild just as wild bears. I/ Dawn L. Brown am continuously learning, and growing on what obstacles that may take place during the wildlife rehabilitation process...I have learned much all on my own, just from what I have had the opportunity to witness.I do consider  myself a bear rehabilitation & behavioral obsever  expert; I have documented a great deal over the years;I try very hard to not get attached to the bears,and I focus my attention on what is in the best interest of the bears . I feel very blessed having an opportunity to care for ,and observe bears in their element,it has without a doubt helped me to better understand their behavior,and how they adapt and react to different situations. I hope to continue doing this for many more years :o) I keep documentation on everything that I am able to witness with bear behavior,and development.I do not have a college degree, nor am I a biologist. I am greatly self taught,and an out of the box thinker for sure..I certainty have a passion for learning,and no one can take that away from me! I would like to thank my husband Michael for understanding  my passion for bear rehabilitation,and also his understanding with the time I spend with documenting bear behavior,and with corresponding with others..He enjoys being in the woods, and too has respect for all wildlife,and he too is an avid hunter.I greatly appreciate,and respect all his help with the up keep of the facilities. I would like to also welcome our new board member: Rick Libbey/MooseMan who is a professional photographer for SCWI, and whom also educates about photography,and wildlife. Thanks also goes to so many gifted/skilled individuals who have contributed their  knowledge and time (In reference to what bear biology consist of; I  correspond with Maine bear biologist Randy Cross , Jen Vashon,and Lisa Bates,and other who work in that field) I communicate with other bear rehabilitators,and though we certainly tend to see things a bit differently from one another ;that is okay..I simply document everything that I have an opportunity to witness...Much thanks also goes to other biologist that I have never spoken with; Just read their books/literature, and gained much knowledge! Such as Bear biologist Jeff Fair & Lynn Rogers ;The Great American Bear, (Wildlife Monographs-A publication of the wildlife society:Effects of food supply and kinship on social behavior,movements,and population growth of black bears in Northeastern Minnesota--by biologist Lynn Rogers) Bear biologist Terry Debruyn ;Walking With Bears, Bear biologist John Beecham & Jeff Rohlman ;Shadow In The Forest,Bear biologist Craig Mclaughlin, Ken Elowe, and many others .... I believe our focus is all near the same.I would like to reckon hunters, and conservationist too for their knowledge of bears and other wildlife species;they truly understand what goes on out there in the wilderness.We may see/observe bear behavior a bit different, just as we are all a bit different from one another.I look at statistics while also looking for something new in behavior, and try to learn from it ! I am greatly a self taught educated individual,and I have learned a great deal from time, trial and error,and truly believe that certain data I have collected certainly would have never been documented if I had given up.I see some folks who rehabilitate bears: (have none or little presence with very good results)( others try to teach bears- to learn their skills; also having a fairly good success rate)( others;a happy medium -letting the cubs be observed by video,and or monitor cameras, but at the same time trying to figure out what they do while  no one is watching  & quote ;this is my philosophy ; none of us are going to stop learning..,and I truly believe just knowing  this gives me inspiration ! I am in hope that we will all learn a bit from one another peacefully! I enjoy wildlife rehabilitation and  believe record keeping is critical .My true dreams are to learn absolutely everything I can about  black bear cub/yearling behavior and development-Seeing their capabilities at different stages of their development ,Maturity and so on; greatly through the eyes of a camera /or from  a distance where I can observe uninterrupted bear cub,and yearling behavior.By having three acres of bear habitat fenced in I can actually see how bear cubs can behave. 3,4...month old cubs can climb 70 feet up in a tree and swim across a pond,forage,hide and just be bears, it is like a dream come true! I always dreamt I would have the opportunity to rehabilitate bears,I have been curious about black bears since childhood. Later on in life you tend to look at things that captured your curiosity but never pursuit..Later in years I have succeeded to live out my dream by having persistence, and determination;being at times it seemed as though all odds were against me for whatever reason?..This Indeed only made me more driven to succeed;thus NOT allowing roadblocks /or special interest to get in my way.I feel blessed to have stayed on track,and most importantly to have never given up on my vision and dreams of what I, as an individual believe in,and what is indeed in the best interest of the bears that I care for.My first  bear in rehabilitation was a cub in 1997,but did not have the proper facilities from then on  my intense focus was to work real hard to fulfill my expectations;thus we have succeeded to now have constructed one of the largest bear facilities in the USA , and completed the 3 acre facility Spring of :2006.I am hoping bear cubs, and/ or yearlings will now go here;I always figured working real hard to accomplish building one of the best bear rehabilitation facilities,and having the care 2nd to none ;well bears would simply go here,but I had forgotten how so often we live in a world now; that everyone gets a trophy, and it does not matter how hard you work.I never back down from a dream,and will  always stand myground,and I believe in making everyone accountable for their actions. The black Bear Ursus Americanus is what I specialize in (specific species) and  what I typically only have the time for;considering I am self employed and work for a living Installing floors with my husband;I also believe then I will have a better chance of learning much more about Maine Black Bears, it also allows me to focus all my attention on that particular species:documentation,behavioral research the two black bear pen/facilities are for bears!

I will no longer be rehabilitating other species.My time and effort will be strictly focused on rehabilitating bear cubs,and yearlings and documenting their behavior and development while in my care.

     

"Living wild" Hey that's my clover! While momma was not around ,I was able to get this photo-It was interesting to observe this species in the wild-the mother will often leave for an extended period of time ;or at least out of sight.I was able to photograph/video tape them while she was nursing the little duffer-something not very often seen.. 

                  

Moose,Deer,sign....Oh My! Being in the woods-our passion."Just does somthing to your soul"
   

Momma & baby porcupine
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whitetail Deer bed down
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"The North"
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Awww..Breath Taken!

Deer Hair caught in a maple sapling
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Dawn & Michael & Our Tracker pup (April ,2010)
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Tracker found another moose antler/shed

My husband Michael & I; out in our back woods.
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We like to search for moose sheds when we have the time.

 

My husband Michael & I have been married 28 years, we moved to New Sharon Maine 22 years ago,we bought the land,and built our cozy home in the middle of the woods.We hope the land around us will stay wild!Housing developments are going in places you never thought it would happen. We will do our best to keep our privately owned land just as it is.I am sure that others who choose to develop in the wild areas of Maine will do the very best that they can to make corridors for wildlife,keeping habitat in place.Maine's landscape is made up of allot of privately owned land ,and to me that is of good! Of course I am a strong believer in the right of those who privately own their land; for I, and my husband are land owners.Life liberty & the pursuit of land "happiness"

"Winter wonderland"
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Back woods Late January Winter 2010

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Moose bed down ,and droppings.Look below and you will see what moose do to saplings/young trees-they will often chew the bark clean off,while also brousing the tips of young saplings-this helps them to survive the long winter (an adult moose will forage on 40 lbs of brouse a day) Maine has the largest moose poulation in the U.S. outside of Alaska.In the spring/summer they will brouse/forage on the leaves,and saplings while also enjoying the aquatic vegetation in the swamps,lakes,ponds,and streams.(Brouse /saplings comes from trees being harvested from logging)(Bull Moose will also srape ,and snap,and tear apart saplings during the rut/breeding season.Always be cautious with moose during rut.) 

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Waking up to a fresh cup of coffee what do you see? Moose! We seen;I believe a momma cow, and her yearling? It is known though that cow moose are getting ready to have their calves soon-so these two may possibly be from last year(making them yearlings),and  have just  been kicked out from an adult cow moose getting ready to calve.The one on the left was definitely bigger-so it is a bit tough to say; the photo does not do it justice.They were checking out our deck,then they went by the fire pit, and scurried off into the woods-They look pretty ratty at this stage; spring molting,and black fly season,tics...They have it a bit tough! especially after the snowy long winter we had this year- reaching snow depths of 5+ feet.They will soon have their beautiful coats as time goes on,and enjoy browsing on all the new saplings,vegetation in the ponds,and enjoy the warm breezes; keeping the bugs at bay.What a wonderful sight

No beaver tree huggers here;beaver harvesters
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"White Ash Tree"

Check out the Moose Sheds below!
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JOB DESCRIPTION: Dawn L Brown 90 Mountain Road Second Chance Wildlife, Inc. New Sharon, Maine 04955 President and Executive director,Primary wildlife caretaker for the rehabilitation of orphaned/ neonatal cubs,older cubs,yearlings,and also injured bears e.g. Consistency/accuracy, with the intense feeding schedule of neonates/bottle babies, and any other immediate care for older cubs that is necessary for success. I observe, and document behavior, and development/growth rates.. I have posted several educational you tube videos on bear cub behavior ,care,and development The live stream Is temporarily down because of the past persistent severe weather conditions/lightning storms during last Summer;that eventually had damaged some of the monitor cameras,most all of  the DVR channels,and recorder.UPDATE:October 2012(The Ins. Company has covered cost) I am In hope that we can move forward with getting everything up & running.The reasoning for the live stream Is because we are not open to the public! purposes being; that I cankeep rehabilitated bears wild within an undisturbed natural environment. No human presence with any wildlife outside of  me/the caretaker; except when blinders are in place, and very specific  instructions/guidelines would be established i.e. biologist may view, and inspect the facilities, and limited photographers,and media/documentary are allowed-only when blinders are in place! I,and the rest of the board directors want to succeed in gaining donations,and promotion preferably from the private sector,individuals,and corporate donations,sponsorships..for expanding the bear facilities..Having cameras,GPS/satellite collars has been part of the mission.Gaining support for our efforts,and making it visible to others the care,time...that is involved,and should be reckoned..For those intersted in bears and would like to learn more about them;let me know! It Is vital to get the word out about: Second Chance Wildlife Inc.'s mission,along with others..If libraries,State Parks,Conservation Groups,Public Schools, Private Schools,Charter Schools,Schools of Faith,Churches, The Scouts,and others who are interested In learning about bear rehabilitation,development, and behavior,and conservation,and what it consist of; I will gladly try to schedule a time frame that works; I do work for a living installing floors with my husband we are in business/self employed,but I will do the best I can to schedule presentations in between work and wildlife rehabilitation...I am the founder,and I run SCW,Inc.:I too keep track of the financial records & cost e.g. materials, labor, and other data/book keeping i.e. any necessary legalities/fees,Insurance,donations, accounting, consulting and whatever is necessary..All time Is volunteer = no earning/benefits.I too run the facebook page ,website,and youtube channel,and update news/events by adding literature/data & documentation, photos, videos… I try to keep these pages updated to the best of my ability/ time permitted= I am continually adding any new information that may arise in reference to: Second Chance Wildlife, Inc. I also include some of my own personal views, and philosophies on the website,and facebook page.I sure am glad I had that added into the IRS form that was filed for the 501c3! I document bear cub development,behavior,while they are in my care.I participate with seminars, presentations, media outreach, to educate the public about bear rehabilitation & behavior, and the importance of conservation,wildlife management .I  gather information/data that is collected from : The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & wildlife bear biologist & study group in reference to how the bears are doing in the wild;that I have rehabilitated,and if  my methods are working and are successful YES IT IS LOOKING GOOD:o)Take Note:Data changes from one year to the other bears need natural food source abundance/good habitat;by understanding variations that can indeed occur;I look at the bears I rehab compatibly to how other bears are doing within the study areas,and I also take note:The condition from how bears arrive that are in need of care;having come from different parts of the State/regions.The bears I rehabilitate are most often radio collard, and/or GPS, satellite,and too ear tagged,and possibly tattooed just prior to release…Time corresponding informs me of any data/documentation that the biologist collect from the bears I rehabilitated and are now living in the wild= good, bad or indifferent, to help us better understand what rehabilitation methods that I use are working while too taking into consideration the compatibility/differences between rehabilitated bears and of other wild bears within a certain habitat,and territory,and how they are all faring at that time frame (Year variation)I am also able to gather data from satellite links along with the biologist and others,and 2 satellite collars were granted to:Second Chance Wildlife Inc. from the Maine Outdoor heritage Fund.I,and my husband Michael do all the maintenance needed on the bear pens, and the bear immediate care building.We work on the facilities on our private property,and we add cameras, and do all the maintenance necessary to keep the facilities in good condition. Rick Libbey now resides on the board of directors too-professional photographer,and we discuss potential funding sources,and I keep him informed about the bears...
My dreams have come true by having one of the best bear facilities in the country,and hope to even exspand the facilities..One day at a time:o)  

Mission Statement:

Is to have a black bear rehabilitation facility for cubs that have been orphaned due to:
  • Death of the mother by natural causes, hunting, or collision with a vehicle. 
  • Logging operations disturbing or destroying a den Ÿ   A consequence of death or separation of an adult female that the defenseless cubs are left to fend for themselves   First time mothers abandoning their dens and cubs, or  Natural separation as a result of dens being flooded or other disturbances unless they are found and taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for care and housing, medical treatment, and eventual release into the wild.Transitioning black bear cubs back to the wild, and for observing and monitoring rehabilitated bears. With support of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. We currently have a 3-acre  pen containing good habitat for bears to forage on -there are many different natural food sources such as green up,beech nuts, acorns, maple keys, ants larvae, hazelnut  and a few berry bushes…. and a small vernal pool full of nutrients -while also having a pond to swim (bears love water). Our future goal is to fence in another large area and create what bears need most? space! 

           EDUCATION: 

  • Educate the general public about bear behavior and development, while understanding  the vital importance of  wildlife conservation and management . Habitat loss continues, we need to Focus on the facts (educate  the public about  how  we can  live with this incredible species among us ,while also  knowing bears need  enough  habitat capacity that is able to sustain them .)
  • Another important issue that I will strive to have the  general public be aware of  Is to understand the hardships of nature itself, predation from other species is not pretty! an animal can be dragged down, and sadly  be alive for an implausible  amount of time,seen it , It is very sad... If we let certain species thrive, they will intern devastate other stable populations (this is where wildlife management comes into place).Winter is also very harsh- Maine can loose up to 30% of the deer population.Having good habitat  also plays a role / factor on how they may do...Some wild animals starve to death in the wild each year.For those who have not spent time in the woods to acknowledge/witness something as such ? it can be a bit difficult for them to absorb.We need to learn all sides of what happens in the wild- good ,bad or indifferent, and have an understanding of what is real and what is not.
  • How many animals die each year from vehicles,how many people die from animal crashes. MDIFW has records on wildlife collisions.Moose & Deer are high on the list.Bear vehicle collisions are fairly low on the scale.

    Individuality:

  •   I personally do not hunt bear, and never will, but I am open minded, and continue to focus my attention along with others to educate the public on what is in the best interest of the bears, and the people of Maine. Many more bears live than die.Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 bears are harvested each year ;the good news is that there are over 23,000 bears that live in Maine .A Maine Black Bears odds are fairly good  with making it through the bear season! Though the bears, and other species will still also have to deal with some of  the  hardships that exist within nature itself.     
    •      Management for Bears consist of : hunting seasons along with other regulated hunting seasons on game species e.g., Moose ,Deer,and other species...they are monitored closely,while many folks who head into the woods to go hunting are enjoying a   wholesome heritage,  and  tradition , and also putting healthy food on the table for those who believe in the hunt. It also provides  "game wildlife species" to stay at a healthy and stable population- preventing disease,overpopulation.....while also realizing any good hunter focuses their attention on a quick humane kill "that is  there intention." Those who break the law and/or are unethical -They are not a real hunter to me, and they will get caught.

       Much sincere thanks goes to: Wildlife Biologist Sandy Ritchie, Jen Vashon, Randy Cross-For a bit of advice and assistance with grant  writing /proposals,cover letters...

    1997 My first bear cub in rehabilitation
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    The cub that got away

    The beavers are at work! (yellow birch tree)
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    Our back woods beaver bog (April 2010)

    Porcupine devoured this beech tree
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    The cambium layer is gone -this tree will not survive

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    Time spent out in our back woods...The woods teaches us

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    Moose chews to the left. Beaver choping to the right

    Snowshoe hare bunny chews (April 2010 back woods)
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    Rabbits will devour the cambium on saplings as far as eyes can see in the woods.

    Bunny winter food source.
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    Look close and you can see the chew marks