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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

A Yearling Bear Cub Dancing before Heading for a Den

Our "little" yearling bear cub is growing up, marking trees like a big bear.

This is the bear cub who was gradually changing from being blond to being brown.
I have looked very closely at all of the footage that I have at this yearling cub, and I now feel fairly confident that it's a female. If I'm right, that means that this yearling will live in our area! That makes me so happy.

Here is a zoomed in view of her marking a tree. Female bears mark like crazy before they head for their winter dens. That fits with what the bear cub was doing over the past month!
That photo makes her look bigger than she really is. You can see the tree trunk above her snout. Most adult bears are taller than the trunk. She did put on a lot of weight in September and October - and she grew taller - but she's still smaller than grown-up bears.

Based on where she was marking, I suspect that she is in a den nearby, and that she's done with marking for the year. Sleep well, Bear Cub. We'll see you in the spring.

Here's a short video of her marking marking trees and other things. Enjoy! Soon, the forest will be quieter because these magnificent animals will be in their dens.


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17 comments:

  1. easyweimaranerOctober 23, 2018 at 4:13 AM

    that is amazing... in the fist photo he looks like a guy with a bottle lOL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yamini MacLeanOctober 23, 2018 at 5:06 AM

    Hari Om
    such privileged views!!! YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brian's Home BlogOctober 23, 2018 at 6:01 AM

    That's some serious bear boogie!

    ReplyDelete
  4. My Mind's EyeOctober 23, 2018 at 7:40 AM

    What a wonderful video. OM word and she is gettin' down big time. Her tummy looks so soft too.
    What an endearing reminder of Angel Madi when the bear was rubbing her face and ears on the rock.
    When we bought anything new in the house pet toy or human toy Madi always rubbed all over it with her head and scent glands...just like the bear.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  5. MadSnapperOctober 23, 2018 at 7:59 AM

    she is so beautiful and I hope it is a she and she stays with you. I have enjoyed watching her change. rolling herself over that tree makes me laugh

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  6. Ruby Rose and the Big Little Angels 3October 23, 2018 at 12:00 PM

    Fascinating

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  7. Molly the AiredaleOctober 23, 2018 at 12:34 PM

    Mom just got back from the eye doctor and her eyes are still dialated and the first picture looks like the bear is chugging a bottle. Clearly, mom needs to get off the computer! We love the video!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥October 23, 2018 at 1:00 PM

    So could she be gaining weight because she is carrying cubs? The dancing bear idea brings back memories of The Mamas and the Papas' song:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KBOctober 24, 2018 at 7:14 AM

      It is rare for a bear her age to carry cubs. Next winter or the following winter (ages 3 or 4) would be more likely. Also, just in case you're interested, fetuses are still tiny (a small ball of cells) until a sow is resting in her den. If she's healthy and fat then, they will implant in the uterine wall and grow. They are still less than a pound in weight when they are born in January. It's surprising that they are so small in a big animal like a bear!

      Delete
  9. The Army of FourOctober 23, 2018 at 1:03 PM

    I'm amazed by how fast they grow!
    KZK

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  10. Bella Roxy & MacduiOctober 23, 2018 at 1:04 PM

    Oh, we do hope she (is a she) and stays in the area.

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  11. The Adventures of the LLB GangOctober 23, 2018 at 2:15 PM

    Aaaaaawwwww...Such a cutie!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. jank1961October 23, 2018 at 5:13 PM

    I'm so glad you'll have a new bear in your area to continue watching!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  13. Idaho PugRanchOctober 23, 2018 at 9:47 PM

    OH My! She was really working that Tree!
    hugs
    hazel & Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  14. My GBGV LifeOctober 24, 2018 at 4:02 AM

    She is just so cute and so much fun to watch. Hard to believe she will be in her den all winter long.

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  15. Hailey and Zaphod and their LadyOctober 24, 2018 at 5:38 PM

    Bears make me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tails Around the RanchOctober 25, 2018 at 11:56 AM

    This blondie sure is cute. Hope she has a good winter's sleep.

    ReplyDelete

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