|
Long Term Study on rehabilitated bears too!
 Monitor cameras for observing bear behavior
while in rehabilitation.
This bear yearling went up North in a den- winter 2007,biologist Kenndal Marden checked on her in March and she
seems to be doing well. Ice weighed 62 lbs when checked while in hibernation.
She was caught on telemetry the beginning of May when the plane flew over,she had moved from her denning /release site
from where she had spent her winters nap.She was not caught as of yet; during the spring bear study.The plane will go
up again in July,August and we will get another reading on her,I am in hopes she is living her life like all the
other bears, and will fit into her own territory and do well.
Summer 2007 Update: Biologist Randy
Cross has good news.Icicle was caught on telemetry again,she ended up returning approximatly two miles from where she
had spent her winters nap in the Northern woods,this is good behavior,and tells me she has established her own territory;this
is great news! I am pleased that she is just living life as a bear-this has been an accomplishment.The future of neonatal
cubs; having the ability to be rehabilitated, and return to the wild,is promising.She is approximatly a year and 7/8
months of age.
More good news!
Latest update on Icicle 12-19-07-Ice
is in hibernation; in a den for her winters nap,this is great news!-she has been in the wild getting near to a year,and
has found her way ! she is not far from where she had denned last year-She has established her own territory/Home
range, and seems to be doing just fine "Living life as a bear in the WILD" She will be getting a GPS collar,so
as to track her movments even more.Learning takes time, and gives us answers! Rehabilitated neonatal cubs can do
well, and be returned to the wild just being a bear!
Ice has dened up like all the other bears in the study ;she is getting a GPS Collar
Thanks to The MDIFW.
Ice was 63
lbs when checked 3-19-08
She is now a subadult 2> years (=over 2 years of age) –They
measured her ,and checked her overall health then she was equipped with a GPS collar ;this will give us vital information
on her movements. We followed along with the Bear crew to see two other den sites. The next den that was checked was a three
year old approximately 82 lbs , and then following a four year old,and her weight was 98 lbs. The comparison with their age was compatible for the three bear’s weight; The habitat in the Ashland area
was the result of the overall bear’s weights, and health in this study area.The bears in Asland went into hibernation
sometime in October 2007."Long Winter"
Dawn Brown with Ice -last winter 3-19-08
Bear Rehabilitation
Ice made a nice den up North.
Update:
In
Memory of Ice the bear
“Strength”
Ice
was harvested this year during the 2008 bear hunting season .Although I support hunting it is heartfelt and sad to loose Ice.
Being a wildlife rehabilitator can be tough at times. Knowing after the rehabilitation process bears are then returned to
the wild, their Fate will then take its course. I try very hard to look at the big picture, and work on being open minded.
Ice
lived her life as many bears in the wild have, and will continue to do so. Though her life was shorter than I had hoped, it
was longer than some bears–I reckon she taught us much, and continually contributed to my knowledge of black bears.
Ice has my sincere gratitude, and thanks.
Having an understanding of the hunt is having a grasp of the true wilderness. I believe
that bears living within the forest floor have the
Knowledge
of it often more than we do; for the bear species itself is a true hunter with an understanding of nature, its hardships,
its strengths, weaknesses, and the consistencies of it all.
I
hope to continue too learn, along with others about this amazing species,
I
do realize that there will be sad moments, but there will also be happy moments, great memories, and a learning experience
that so few have had
The opportunity to witness. I feel truly blessed! Having
an understanding can heal the sorrow.
Dawn Brown
Working with professionals such as these wildlife biologist
has been a great source of information:Working together only enhances Knowledge on the black bear ursus americanus:for
this I believe we will learn much!
"About Maine Black Bears"
- Biologist working out in the field:Making sure
Maine black bears stay healthy for future generations
- Population density-In study areas
- Reproduction rates
- Bears health
- Number of bears harvested-so as to regulate hunting season
- Keeping track of habitat-it can change from year to year such
as to much rain or possible drought,development and other obsticals-food sources can be affected.logging can hurt or enhance
bear habitat/Bears need the best of both worlds-Clear cuts create berries and good foraging-Beech trees produce nuts
-thick forest provide shelter and other sources of nutrients.Larvae is a favorite for bears/high protein.
- Biological data:weight, size:Taking measurments,checking teeth,
and over health ect...
"Spring monitoring"
Mother Sow with three cubs
MDIFW Bear Biologist
Working hard keeping track of;
" Maine Black Bears"
Second Chance Wildlife Bear Stats:Over the years
Eight bears while in rehabilitation.
(1) died; Necropsy was done (Results-gastrol intestinal disorder)
(1) Euthanized;Necropsy was done (Results-Neurological damage/Brain
tumor)
(6) Cubs,and or bears went back to live within the bear poulation
In the wild.
I am in hope to have any bear that has been in rehabilitation;to
be radio,GPS or Satellite collard ;So as to gain solid information on how a bear is doing in the wild after release -Good
,bad or indifferent..
Bear Records:
Dates received, and gender:
1997 Male cub
2002 Male cub
2003 Male cub
2006 Female cub
2006 Female cub
2007 Male cub
2007 Female cub
2007 Female cub
|
