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Saturday, May 9, 2015

First Bear of the Year!

Today, our rain became snow. When we went out the door, it was pelting snow, and the snow was accumulating so fast that our tracks disappeared almost instantly.
It almost stopped snowing near the middle of our ride, and I saw (gasp) a sliver of blue sky. That was very brief. The weather forecast now says that we'll get another 5-12" of snow tonight.
The news says that there are mudslides and collapsed roads from the rain and snow that's been falling for a week. The creek flow is the highest it's ever been since our big flood in 2013. And, everywhere I look, the ground is covered in a couple of inches of water. Fortunately for us, we live high above any creeks or wetlands so we are warm and dry sitting next to a crackling fire.

Needless to say, rain or wet snow makes me freeze when I'm riding my fat bike at a temperature of about 35°. After I'd left Shyla at home, my goal was to get a couple of trail cameras in position for the parade of black bears that should take place sometime soon near their favorite marking trees. I was successful but I was cold for almost the whole ride.

My bear preparations were sparked by finding the first trail camera footage of a bear marking a tree the other day. I put together a video from the still photos and the video recorded by my cameras. You can watch the bear here or at Youtube.

The bear in the video was a female. At first, I thought that she must have young cubs hidden high in a nearby baby-sitting tree. A babysitting tree is a tall pine tree with high branches where young cubs rest when mom is busy. I was basing that guess on the fact that she obviously doesn't have yearling cubs with her, and she looks mature, although smallish, to me. Then, the Runner pointed out that there are no visible enlarged teats on her belly... so perhaps she has no cubs right now.

We may find out in future trail camera footage! I look forward to the emergence of the bears all year long because it's so fun figuring out which sows have new cubs, which sows will be on the mating trail, and which big males have made it back for another year in our neck of the woods. Perhaps we'll see Milton, Milton Jr., and Tiny sometime soon!

Yipee for the Bears!

19 comments:

  1. I love the snowy Shyla pic and the bears are so neat! :D I'm glad you are safe from the rising water!

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  2. The bear is so cool! It's so weird to see you posting snowy photos when we had a 92 degree day today here.

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  3. the bear dance is adorable. :)

    our a/c is kicking on while you huddle by a fire.

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  4. It sure is cool to see the bear dance!

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  5. YAY for the springtime bear dance!!

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  6. Love the tree dance. Yes, it must be interesting to work out which bear is which....

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  7. We so enjoy your news about the bears. We hope to see Milton and Tiny too:)

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  8. I wish we had some of your rain and snow...we are way too dry here. Our bears are liking the early spring foods though :)

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  9. I never see anything "bear related" and not think of you. Tonight they showed a bear with her 3 cubs in Yellowstone. I much more prefer to see them on your videos and photos. Happy Spring to you, and I hope the warmth of your spring sun returns soon.

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  10. Wow,,, all that snow!! Just like winter!
    Oh we can't wait to see more bears!
    love
    tweedles

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  11. WooHoo! Looking forward to seeing what the bears are up to this year!

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  12. How wonderful to see the bears back! Have fun playing in your snow, Shyla!

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  13. Great video! Brrr snow doesn't sound too appealing right now but at least you have a cozy fire. I'm looking forward to more bear sightings!

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  14. Horray for the bears, how fun foe you to observe them like that. Boooo on any more wet weather. Personally, I am done with it.

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  15. Your videos are better than National Geo
    Happy Mother's Day!
    Lily & Edward

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  16. I love the photo of Shyla! I look forward to more bears...

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  17. Although we are sick of snow those are beautiful photos! Hello Mrs. Bear!

    Happy Mother's Day!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  18. I love the singular beauty that is the Midwest but there are times I pine (pun intended) for the land out West where I grew up. Thanks for taking me back there with the sights and smells and wildlife.

    Abby the Lab's Mom

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  19. SNOW? Oh my gosh, it needs to stop. It is time for spring!

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