The Bear Facts There are in excess of 500,000 black bears (Ursus americanus) in North America; they are the second largest omnivore or predator in most of Canada and the United States; with only brown bears and polar bears being larger. It is estimated that the population of black bears in the lower 48 states is between 186,000 and 206,000.

Black bears may reach lengths of five feet, with exceptional bears reaching eight feet from nose to tail, with shoulder heights from 2-3 feet. Males generally weight from 100-400 pounds, with large males reaching 800 pounds. Females may weigh 90-525 pounds. The weight of individual bears depends on there age, sex, season food and genetics; bears coming out of hibernation weigh much less than they do in the fall. Males generally reach full size by 12 years of age, females are generally full grown by the age of 6. Most black bears loose 50 percent of more of their weight during hibernation, especially females when they are nursing newborn cubs. The heaviest weight recorded for wild lack bears is 902 ponds (for a male) and 520 pounds (for a female). Those weights were measured at peak fall weight however. Most black bears, especially after winter, weigh less than half that much.

Unusually heavy black bears often have access to supplemental food. Researchers weighed such a bear near Orr, Minnesota in 1994. Duffy, age 12, weighed 584 pounds on July 13, and 876 pounds on September 5, gaining 8.1 pounds per day during those 36 days. After spending the winter in his den, and after losing more eight during the spring breeding season, he weighed only 465 pounds on July 4, 1995. He had lost 411 pounds (47 percent of his weight) during hibernation and mating. While they may look ponderous on their feet at their fattest in late fall, when they may go through a sleep walking phase prior to denning, they can sprint up to 30 miles per hour, and they can climb trees easily. Under ideal conditions black bears may live 5-30 years. Between 1930 and 2010 there were fewer than 35 known black bear attacks on human beings.

Whooping Cranes

I just got an e-mail from the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin, it seems some Wisconsonites are reading my Blog. This is what was sent:

In an earlier e-mail to me, they askedme to contact them if I saw the cranes.So, if anyone spots these two beautiful Whooping Cranes, you can contact either me or the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.

In one of the photos of the cranes on the MOU site, it appears that one of them is wearing a tracking device. I still have not received an answer as to whether it is or not, or if it is working.

2011 Lilypad Bear Center Picnic

I'm thinking of hiring a tour bus to attend the Lilypad Picnic. If you are interested in this great opportuntiy contact me at TRMichels@yahoo .

This summer the North American Bear Center will once again have a picnic - and celebrate the lives of Lily, Hope, Faith, Jason and the other study bears involved with the NABC/WRI. The fun begins on Friday, July 22nd. The actual picnic will be held Saturday, July 23rd at WHITESIDE PARK in downtown Ely. On Sunday, July 24th the party returns to the GRAND ELY LODGE for another terrific brunch and Q & A with Dr. Lynn Rogers, Sue Mansfield and Donna Andrews. Log on to http://www.lilypadpicnic.com/lodging.html for more details

Remember, enjoy our Great Outdoors, take a family member or friend along, and introdce them to the beauty of nature, and take along binoclars, spotting scope and video or still camera - for memories sake. If you see anything interesting, please let me know. I might include it here, and I will probably want to see it.

God bless,

T.R.