Bear Hijacks Camera - The Bear Family and Me - BBC Two - YouTube

A Clip from the Bear Family & Me from Gordon Buchanan - BBC Film Maker!

Just a taste of what is to come about the two famous bears, Lily and Hope in Ely, MN!

Bear News: Update from North American Bear Center & WRI - 12/20/210

"As we all patiently (?) wait for the Lily den cam to be installed, Honey bear has been providing entertainment for the faithful NABC pond cam watchers"

Update December 20, 2010 – 8:15 PM CST:

Bear cub rescued on frigid Thanksgiving Day | TahoeDailyTribune.com

"INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — One little creature has an extra reason to give thanks this year — a group of dedicated and compassionate human beings took time out of their holidays on Thanksgiving morning to rescue an orphaned"

Bear cub rescued on frigid Thanksgiving Day TahoeDailyTribune.com:

Bear News: Update from NABC and WRI 12/19/2010

"Solar panels are generating power!....We snowmobiled to the den shed under overcast skies today to finish wiring the battery array,"

Update December 19, 2010 – 10:15 PM CST (8):

Video: Watch 23,096 stuffed animals bombard a hockey rink

While tossing hats onto the ice when a player scores three goals might be hockey's most famous tossing tradition, it simply doesn't compare to the Technicolor grandeur of 23,096 teddy bears and other stuffed animals blanketing the rink as they did at the Calgary Hitmen game on Sunday:




Read more:Video: Watch 23,096 stuffed animals bombard a hockey rink

MN: Dayton now assembling key staff

St. Paul - More than a month after the election, Minnesota has a governor. Republican Tom Emmer last week conceded the race to Democrat Mark Dayton..

Read more: MN: Dayton now assembling key staff

Polar bear could be saved if emissions are cut, says new study

(Article recommended via Polar Bear International website...)

New study says, "the polar bear can be saved from extinction – but only if action is taken quickly to make deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, a new study shows", according to an article written in the Guardian.

Read more: Polar bear could be saved if emissions are cut, says new study

Tahoe residents team up to rescue sick bear cub | TheUnion.com

Tahoe residents team up to rescue sick bear cub TheUnion.com: "A group of dedicated and compassionate humans took time out of their Thanksgiving holiday to rescue an orphaned bear cub from what officials say was certain death."

Town Teams Up To Save Sick Bear Cub

This was sent to me via a Lily the Black Bear fan!

"They say it takes a village to raise a child, but last week it took a village to save the life of an orphaned cub bear."

Read more: Town Teams Up To Save Sick Bear Cub:

Update: Yogi the Bear Made it Down in FL.....Good Going...!

"A dog was resting at the base of a tree Friday morning where a black bear had spent the last few days. The bear was nowhere to be seen..."

Read the rest of the update...here!

Black bear up a tree in Springfield // PHOTOS, VIDEO | springfield, tree, video - News - The News Herald

"Given the commotion caused by the black bear perched in a pine tree outside of her 10th Street home, all Wendy Perez needed was a man out front yelling, “Move along! Nothing to see here!”"

Read more: Black bear up a tree in Springfield // PHOTOS, VIDEO | springfield, tree, video - News - The News Herald:

Spirit Bears: The Next Environmental Superstar

Read more: Spirit Bears: The Next Environmental Superstar

New Research Reaffirms the Grim Outlook for Polar Bears : TreeHugger

"By now, it's old news: Melting Arctic ice forces polar bears south, onto drier land and into warmer climates than they are accustomed."

Read more: New Research Reaffirms the Grim Outlook for Polar Bears : TreeHugger:

Minnesotans open their wallets to the max | StarTribune.com

Minnesotans open their wallets to the max StarTribune.com: "More than 42,000 Minnesotans heeded the call of 'Give to the Max Day' on Tuesday, giving at least $9.3 million during the daylong fundraising blitz."

Bears - Brian Urlacher

It's clear the city of Miami doesn't conjure gooey nostalgia among the Bears.

Brian Urlacher

*****

Support real bear education. $10 donation may turn into $20, 000, Donate NOW!

Whooo Hooooo! Donate $10 for bear and wildlife education and the NABC can win $20,000!

Support bear education and NABC with a $10.00 and the NABC can win $20,000....
Click here to learn more.... North American Bear Center

Event Notice: "Give to the Max" and the NABC on November 16, 2010

Event Notice!

The North American Bear Center is developing an educational program that will be distributed through technology and material aids to schools. Please help us support educational access for students to learn more about bears and their ecology and habitats. Thank you...To donate to "Give to the Max" you need to register at the website. See links for details....Thank you for supporting education and the NABC! Donate on November 16, 2010 and help the NABC win an additional $20,000..Save your donations till the 16th.

NORTH AMERICAN BEAR CENTER

Bear Research in Minnesota Needs a More Holistic and "Humane" Approach!

Bear Research in Minnesota Needs a More Holistic and "Humane" Approach! : "Bear Research In Minnesota Needs a Collaborative Approach With Protection of Radio-collared Research Animals!"

Port Alberni teen lied about bear attack

Port Alberni teen lied about bear attack: "Conservation officers spent a long, wet night Wednesday searching for a bear they finally concluded didn't exi"

Bubu Bear Saying Goodbye

Tribute to Bubu Bear in Equador to celebrate his release back into the wild where he will be "free"! Hugs and kisses always!

Care bears - China.org.cn

Care bears - China.org.cn

East Brunswick officials to vote on resolution opposing state's black-bear hunt | mycentraljersey.com | MyCentralJersey.com

"Although there are few, if any, black bears roaming around East Brunswick, Township Council will make its collective voice heard tonight regarding the upcoming state-sanctioned hunt of the animals."

Read more: East Brunswick officials to vote on resolution opposing state's black-bear hunt mycentraljersey.com MyCentralJersey.com:

BLACK BEARS, CONTESTS, WEBCAMS, AND THE BEAR MAN | www.hometownfocus.us | Hometown Focus - Virginia, Minnesota

"Once upon a time there were three bears - a mama bear, papa bear,
Ted at the North American Bear Center in July 2010. Photo courtesy of NABC. and an adopted bear. They all
lived together at a Bear Center near Ely, which was created by a Bear Man named Lynn Rogers...."

Read more: BLACK BEARS, CONTESTS, WEBCAMS, AND THE BEAR MAN | www.hometownfocus.us | Hometown Focus - Virginia, Minnesota:

Election brings both change, status quo

Election brings both change, status quo: "Roger Skraba beat the odds on Tuesday and became just the third Ely mayor in 32 years to win re-election"

A bear tale with a happier ending, this time

A bear tale with a happier ending, this time: "There was a bear story with a better ending this week, thanks to the ongoing efforts of local Conservation Officers."

A bear tale with a happier ending, this time

A bear tale with a happier ending, this time: "There was a bear story with a better ending this week, thanks to the ongoing efforts of local Conservation Officers."

To Bears, We're Only Human - Alaska Magazine

Alaska Magazine – September 2010 : Natural Alaska

Endangered Listing: One Step Closer for Polar Bears - Polar Bears International

"In an important step for saving one of the Arctic's most iconic and imperiled mammals, a federal judge has ordered the feds to rethink their decision not to grant polar bears the most extensive protection possible under the Endangered Species Act."


Read more: Endangered Listing: One Step Closer for Polar Bears - Polar Bears International:

Rare animal coming to Canada, minister confirms

Rare animal coming to Canada, minister confirms: "Panda-monium is about to spread across Canada"

Wildlife Research Institute: Update October 29, 2010 –

"Today, we met with Lily and Hope’s landlords. They were fun, helpful, made us laugh, and gave us access. They saw Lily and Hope as we placed the tubes that will hold the den cam and microphone near the den so they can get used to them."

Read more: Update October 29, 2010 – 6:41 PM CDT:

Russian bears treat graveyards as 'giant refrigerators' | World news | The Guardian

Russian bears treat graveyards as 'giant refrigerators' World news The Guardian: "From a distance it resembled a rather large man in a fur coat, leaning tenderly over the grave of a loved one."

Tell the governor to call off the bear hunt | dailyrecord.com | Daily Record

Tell the governor to call off the bear hunt | dailyrecord.com | Daily Record: "In regard to Anthony Mauro's recent letter, 'No credibility in report by anti-hunting group,' Rutgers Professor Edward Tavss' analysis of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife data demonstrated that DFW conducted faulty research and that bear nuisance complaints have significantly declined. Tavss is an expert at evaluating statistics"

Outdoors Girl: Bambi, meet Yogi: The case for the bear hunt - Maryland parks and outdoors: Life in Maryland’s great outdoors by Candy Thomson - baltimoresun.com

"It wasn't too long ago (say, 15 years, which I know is like the Ice Age for the Twitter crowd) that I covered a public meeting in the People's Republic of Montgomery County, where citizens implored their elected officials to 'Save Bambi' from the guns of hunters."

Read more: Outdoors Girl: Bambi, meet Yogi: The case for the bear hunt - Maryland parks and outdoors: Life in Maryland’s great outdoors by Candy Thomson - baltimoresun.com:

'Shoo!' doesn't move sleepy black bear

Children say the "smartest" things sometimes,,,

A sleepy bear wandered into a yard in the village of Fallowfield on Sunday, snacked on some fallen birdseed and then curled up for a little nap.

'Shoo!' doesn't move sleepy black bear

The nrf2 system as a potential target for the development of indirect antioxidants.

"critical role of Nrf2 has been demonstrated by various animal studies showing that mice with a targeted disruption of the nrf2 gene are prone to develop lesions in response to environmental toxicants/carcinogens, drugs, and inflammatory insults"

Read more: CiteULike: The nrf2 system as a potential target for the development of indirect antioxidants.:

A boost for black bear rescue in Tennessee - World Society for the Protection of Animals

"For over two decades, Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR), in Tennessee has been doing crucial work rescuing and rehabilitating black bears and educating the public on living safely in bear habitat. Recently, as part of WSPA’s member society capacity building program, ABR has been able to expand their efforts further to make an even greater impact for bears."

Read more: A boost for black bear rescue in Tennessee - World Society for the Protection of Animals:

Border Bears In Danger: New Research Shows Excessive Grizzly Hunting in Canada

"The number of grizzly bears killed in British Columbia is regularly exceeding the provincial government’s own limits on bear kills – largely because of trophy hunting, according to new research released on the first day of the hunting season in B.C."

Read more: NRDC: Press Release - Border Bears In Danger: New Research Shows Excessive Grizzly Hunting in Canada:

Bear Research - WRI Update 10/23/2010

Comment: We love Braveheart!

"With Lily and Hope in a den, we turned our attention toward Braveheart. We hadn’t received a GPS reading from her since 5 PM Thursday Oct 21."

Facebook Update October 23, 2010 – 8:00 PM CDT:

WRI Update 10/22/2010 - Lily and Hope Have a Den!

Facebook Update October 22, 2010 – 8:00 PM CDT: "And it’s a dry den. We should have given them more credit. Here’s what we know."

Wildlife Research Institute Update 10/21/2010

"Braveheart sat tight all day. Lily and Hope did the same until about 4 PM when they moved the remaining 90 yards to their nice bed near the wet ‘possible den’."


Read more: Facebook (2) Update October 21, 2010 – 8:38 PM CDT:

Polar bears: Brookfield Zoo staffers study polar bears up close on the tundra - chicagotribune.com

Two individuals from the Brookfield Zoo observe first-hand the plight of the polar bear. "Their fate is in our hands. Extinction is forever.'"

Read more: Polar bears: Brookfield Zoo staffers study polar bears up close on the tundra - chicagotribune.com:

Lily and Hope as celebrities | StarTribune.com

Lily and Hope as celebrities StarTribune.com: "Lily and Hope as celebrities"

About the North American Bear Center | StarTribune.com

"Lynn Rogers, 71, a retired U.S. Forest Service researcher, chairs two tax-exempt organizations in Ely -- the Wildlife Research Institute and the North American Bear Center."

Read more: About the North American Bear Center StarTribune.com:
Further Reading: Habitat suitability index models: Black bear, upper Great Lakes region (Biological report)

Black bears an impressive sight - dailytribune.com

Black bears an impressive sight - dailytribune.com: "The closest I have come to bear hunting was hunting deer. I didn't have a permit for bear so taking a shot never entered my mind."

Fundraiser benefits group who helps care for bears | wbir.com

"A local group dedicated to caring for some of East Tennessee's most iconic residents got some much needed help Saturday evening."


Read more: Fundraiser benefits group who helps care for bears wbir.com:

The bear whisperer: Scholar plans to expand educational empire | StarTribune.com

The bear whisperer: Scholar plans to expand educational empire StarTribune.com: "Deep in a northeastern Minnesota swamp, researcher Lynn Rogers did something few people in the world ever do: He walked toward a wild, free-roaming 400-pound bear. 'Here, bear,'' he said soothingly. 'Don't be afraid. It's me.''"


Related:  Protecting Radio-collared Bears, Environmental Health and Mining Interests In Minnesota!

String of bear intrusions has communities on edge; lack of food in wild may be to blame - The Mainichi Daily News

String of bear intrusions has communities on edge; lack of food in wild may be to blame - The Mainichi Daily News: "Local communities across the country are on edge as wild bears continue to stray into communities with alarming frequency, sometimes attacking people and leading to temporary closure of school grounds and other facilities."

Rockers protest cruelty to bears - GlobalTimes

Rockers protest cruelty to bears - GlobalTimes: "Stop Bear Farming concert will rock the Tiny Salt Club in Chaoyang district tomorrow hoping to raise awareness of China's long-suffering black bears, 40 percent of whom are caged and tortured for long-term bile extraction."

Railway pledges $1M to save grizzlies

"P arks Canada and Canadian Pacific have launched a partnership to prevent grizzly bear deaths on railway tracks -- and one of the first projects could be a new wildlife crossing bridge spanning both the highway and the tracks west of Lake Louise."

Railway pledges $1M to save grizzlies:

Bear Cans - Keeping Food Safe from the Bears....

Cooking and pan frying releases a number of compounds into the air that can attract animals.  Here are some examples of containers that can help keep your food safe from bears.....

Visit to Bears Lily and Hope | Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports | Video

"Black bears in the north woods are beginning to slow down getting ready to hibernate for the winter."

Read more: Visit to Bears Lily and Hope Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports Video


Related: Protect Collared Bears from Mining Interests~!

Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Reports | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Reports Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota: "Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Reports"

Hunter bitten by a bear in Emmet County

Comment: Be careful out there.....

"The DNRE’s preliminary investigation of the incident indicates that Fortune may have been wearing clothing underneath his camouflage hunting gear that smelled like fried food items from a family party he attended just prior to going hunting"


Read more: UPDATE: Hunter bitten by a bear in Emmet County : News : UpNorthLive.com:

Picnic Time For Teddy Bears

Picnic Time For Teddy Bears

Bear hunters score big

"A one-day hunting season is not ideal.
Oklahoma's second black bear archery season opened and closed on Oct. 1 after hunters killed almost twice as many bears in one day as they did in a month of hunting last year."


Bear hunters score big NewsOK.com:

Big South Fork hopes to avoid problems with thriving black bear population - WHNT

Big South Fork hopes to avoid problems with thriving black bear population - WHNT: "There have been no incidents of bear aggression at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, despite a growing black bear population. And park officials hope to keep it that way."

Wildlife Research Institute Update October 9, 2010

"Once again Lily and Hope forced me away from mundane deskwork."


Facebook Update October 9, 2010 – 7:30 PM CDT:

Alaska officials seek delay in bear trapping plan ~!

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Department of Fish and Game is asking for a delay in a proposal that would legalize bear trapping for the first time in Alaska since statehood."

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Alaska officials seek delay in bear trapping plan#comments_9793639:

Bears besiege Russian mine after killing guards - Times Online

Bears besiege Russian mine after killing guards - Times Online: "Terrified workers at a mining compound in one of Russia's most isolated regions are refusing to go to work after a pack of giant bears attacked and ate two of their colleagues"

Protection of Radio-Collared Bears -What is The Real Issue!

This is a research commentary in response to “reactions” and “no action” from public officials to a request by Dr. Lynn Roger for protection for WRI collared- with-ribbons research bears from being hunted in St. Louis County,MN. These bears have a higher incidence of mortality because it is legal to hunt radio-collared animals in the state of Minnesota. Statistically and for this issue I am speaking of thirteen animals out of an estimated 11,000 or more black bears in Minnesota. Dr. Garshelis, leading bear biologist for the DNR in 2008 explained in a report “the rate of mortality of collared-bears is “not sustainable” population-wide and has documented a high harvest rate of collared bears since 2003”. For this report, I believe he speaks generally of radio-collared bears in MN and includes those collared by the DNR. This report, Ecology and Population Dynamics of Black Bears in Minnesota, is available to the public and is posted on the Internet and is public information. For a number of years, the DNR has repeatedly (verbally and in published documents) discouraged the “harvesting” of radio-collared bears. Unfortunately, these attempts and verbal recommendations to prevent the harvesting of these animals have proved inadequate. For a number of reasons stated in the paragraphs below, immediate and enforceable legal steps with sanctions need to be implemented to ensure the health and safety of the bears and all the people involved with these important research animals.


The recent death of Dr. Rogers’ Sarah Bear has brought to light an issue that has needed to be addressed for a long time. It is an issue that has motivated a significant amount of unjust negative criticism for this kind of research and sheds a negative light on the WRI research in general which unnecessarily makes the grant application and permit process more difficult. Unfortunately, certain public officials and local media companies in Minnesota are adding fuel to this fire by openly criticizing Dr. Rogers’ methods. When all is said and done, the kind of observational study method of research Dr. Rogers’ uses provides a substantial amount of data and important information to a variety of audiences including ethologist, ecologists, wildlife biologists, veterinarians, educators and a host of different scientifically-based fields related to animals, in addition to those that study human and animal interaction. Probably, the two most famous researchers that have or have had similar research methods include Jane Goodall with a resume that touts 50 years of study of chimpanzees and the late Dian Fossy and her study of mountain gorillas. In the distant and recent past, state officials have made comments to the media which are biased, only half true or just plain laughable just to sway public opinion in their favor. What is dismissed or ignored is the fact there are numerous supporters both of the research and for protection of these bears in St. Louis County, MN. Plus, both Dr. Rogers’ who is an accomplished and prolific writer with numerous publications, and Sue Mansfield are both highly respected by their peers.


Unfortunately, parallel to biased comments by public officials, “critics” from the general public are speaking out against Dr. Rogers and the research in the press and the Internet. Many commenters have been downright “ugly” and vehement in voicing their disdain; they are also misinforming readers by misrepresenting the research while doing their best to discredit the value of the information and the reputations of both researchers. It is apparent from the present Internet buzz, a number of individuals had made a conscious plan and carried out the “hunting” and death of Sarah bear. One person went so far as to say, “the shooting of this bear was to send a message....”and there is a similar tone of “style” that includes “harsh language and untruths” meant to inflame and bully on several websites across the Internet. Most of the rhetoric shows anger directed towards specific individuals and/or the entire group of “donors” and “volunteer fundraisers and supporters” in the Lily community. In recent weeks, these comments have been directed at their “good deeds” including helping to secure a “sizable” grant for a State Park in Ely, MN and promoting companies important to the state and locals economies such as Coca Cola, General Mills and Pepsi. So at this point, one needs to ask, why the negativity from state officials and why do they insist on antagonizing the public by making false statements that only serve to increase the level of these types of harrassments?


To find a reasonable answer to this question, one only needs to review a little history about recent politics in Minnesota and provide a little background of the “mining industry” which is making attempts to get a stronger foothold in the Ely area. In recent years, just like many rural towns, the economy downturn has had a negative impact on jobs and quality of life in this hurting community. It is estimated that an increase in industrial non-ferrous mining will bring a substantial increase in the amount of revenue and jobs to the state overall and an influx to the local economies as well. On the other hand, this kind of mining causes environmental damage with significant environmental costs that may be felt more at the local level and may include rising health care expenditures and secondary costs that are unpredictable, are unknown or under-estimated and may entail possible heavy financial penalties. Admittedly, the companies’ development plans include reimbursement for environmental damage if they can remain financially solvent which if history repeats itself in Minnesota, they may not! In the event of a hazardous spill, damage reimbursement dollars can never replace the impacts such as damages to the environment that may take decades or never recover and will never adequately address emotional or physical suffering from potential serious permanent injury or death or the loss of recreational areas or the disruptions in habitats that will be permanent or last longer than most peoples’ lifetime. So far, there have been few positive and mostly discouraging reports that mine damages can be contained at a level that is “minimal”. Recently, the EPA sent a “damming” report to developers of a planned mine south of Ely that says there is “no proof” “no proof” that the project will not result in water contamination. Critics argue that important factors were left out of this report, but the general consensus amongst experts is that water contamination from the PolyMet and other proposed mines is inevitable. All of these events have occurred under the governance and leadership of Tim Pawlenty who had aspirations for the vice-presidency bid in the last presidential election and is currently trying to secure a Republican bid for the next presidential election. Of course, there are substantial benefits of public endorsements from “larger industries” because they have large memberships with lots of voters and financial backing and therefore, lobbying power. Also under Pawlenty, there has been evidence of governmental mismanagement and poor supervision including a spending scandal in the Department of Natural Resources and a supposed purposeful one-year delay in the release of data that shows a doubling of the incidence rate of cancer in taconite Iron Range miners from 1997 to 2005 compared to the report for the previous nine years. Reportedly, many that understand Minnesota politics believe this “suppression” of information was a political move.


So what does this all have to do with the bears you ask? Simple, it all comes down to the health and safety of the environment and in the end, who has “motivation” to advocate a specific political agenda that will have economic benefits but at substantial costs to public health and the health of the environment. There is a lot of history in relation to these study bears and the community that makes up part of their territory. A few years back, there were issues with a bear named Solo that eventually was “removed as a nuisance” from the Eagle’s Nest community to Michigan where she eventually died. In my personal opinion, there is merit in what Sue Mansfield said at the time, “something had changed at the Eagle’s Nest Isthmus to attract the animal.” Generally, animals do not acutely change their behaviors unless “lured” to do so and in this case, it is obvious that something motivated the bear to do so. The level and lack of cooperation from public officials on this issue and others and some of the media and certain members of the community who were so outspoken about it, leads one to suspect there is a perceived benefit from these “bear removals” and the negative publicity. Lately, I expect these perceived “benefits” have taken a “big hit” with the influx of “oneness and support” for bear education, the WRI and the NABC by the “Lily Community” and may reflect some of the most recent elevations in “ugly”chatter and the death of Sarah bear!


Mining operations utilize a significant amount of resources including water in many cases, produce a
significant amount of wastes even before the real operations begin and as noted above, there is a very high
risk for water contamination that may kill fish and fauna. Unfortunately, this poses a potential problem for mining developers because Dr. Rogers will be the first to become aware of potential public health and environmental hazards from pollution. Importantly, this is a consequence of the specific nature of his research methods which includes bio-monitoring and the ability for the researchers to “walk with” and “follow the bears for long distances” in their natural habitat or “over hill and over dale” as I like to say! Any environmental or biological scientist can tell you the first signs of environmental damages are often first observed in effected wildlife, flora and fauna. From mining operations, specific pollutants that are expected include contamination from heavy metals and “noxious” odors. Studies have demonstrated exposures and both can lead to changes in behavior from neuro-inflammatory responses that effect cognition and instinct and in animals these changes may impact navigation and possibly increase or decrease expressions of fear and aggression. These same pollutants from mine sites which contaminate the purity of the natural food and water supply are known to potentially lead to epigenetic changes that can be passed to offspring for generations.


Animal studies in both bears and wolves demonstrate their superior sense of smell, intelligence and an “olfactory range” of several miles. Some reports say the bear’s olfactory capability has up to a 20 mile range and therefore their “bear scent sense” would include most of the area of mining interests near Ely. (This is at least as the crow flies and starting at different points.) For more background health information taken from polar bears studies for example, it says that “the insidious danger to many species comes incrementally, through the food web. Levels of mercury, other heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) generated by industrial processes in southern latitudes are turning up in tissue samples of most arctic species, including polar bears. They are particularly vulnerable because of their reproductive biology and their place at the top of the arctic food web. On the other hand, adult females are able to offload some of these high concentrations of toxins to their offspring,“thereby, reducing their risks from exposures but increasing the risks in their cubs.” This problem of course would cause worry for the black bear researcher. Another problem is mining pollution would be comparable for metals but different because, as far as I am aware, there would be little or no contamination from persistent chemicals (POPS). However, it is also impossible to know what pollutants are already “lurking” in those environments. The same author from the resource above explains, “contaminants enter the web through precipitation tainted by winds blowing from the industrialized south” and this would closely mimic the particulate dust from waste blowing around and the settling of metal dust on drying beds and plants from these industrial sites. In the polar region, “the chemicals are first ingested by the smallest organisms on the tundra and in the water, and then passed to successively higher trophic levels.” (Hrynyshyn)


Both wolves and bears are near the tops of their food chain and have shared scavenging activities and therefore, they have an elevated risk for effects of exposure from mining waste particulates and volatile odors. Ammonia, a common waste pollutant from mining interacts well with other airborne gases, especially sulfates and nitrates, to produce particulate matter and can have a number of irritating effects including exciting chronic immune responses. (Unknown) In humans, exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with a variety of health conditions including chronic inflammation and respiratory diseases such as allergies and asthma and more recently, implicated in diabetes and autoimmune-type diseases. Veterinarians have identified many commonly known chronic environmentally-induced diseases in domestic animals but research of their existence and prevalence data is very limited in wild animals for a number of different reasons. Chronic exposure to irritants like ammonia, sulfur and other volatiles from hazard sites like mines and their waste sites may modulate and precipitate unwanted behaviors in the different species including the lynx, the bears, the raptors and the wolf populations that inhabit the area. Curiously, this was not addressed in a report of the impact of these mines on wildlife which I read that was posted on the Internet. Generally, the combination of the health effects of metals and volatiles augment one another and the effects of the will be greater compared to the effects of each individually. Improper and unorganized feeding also may incite important and unsafe changes of behavior in a similar physiological manner. From most accounts, it is impossible to predict the extent of these kinds of environmental influences on genetic change because knowledge of specific epigenetic changes are limited for all species and even more so for wildlife. It also appears, there are a number of factors that influence epigenetic change and these may not be the same in similar or different environments and are more than likely, species specific.

Now I turn my attention away from the environmental aspects for a need to protect these bears to the recent comments made by state officials published in an online article from TwinCities.com. In this article, DNR Commissioner Holsten was quoted as saying he doubted he would rule for a “protection order for Rogers’s bears because it is not the type of research they protect because it involves social interactions between bears and humans.” Similarly, his description at this time, of the depth of research performed by Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield was very short-sighted and therefore, inaccurate. I am sure many of Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield’s peers would argue the Commissioner made an extremely simple and very limited assessment of both the kinds of information and data that is collected and their “professional” activities and accomplishments. Actually, the research of both Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield is quite involved, is labor, expense and time intensive and includes activities generally performed by biologists, animal ecologists and animal behaviorists. Their job description includes participating in the active scientific study of everything animals do and try to determine the biological and psychological motivations and significance for doing them. This involves investigating the relationship of animals to their environment, as well as to other organisms and not just humans and includes, but is not limited to how animals find and defend resources, avoid predators, choose mates and reproduce and care for their young. On the WRI website there is a complete list of research areas which Dr. Rogers and Ms. Mansfield are currently engaged in.

In his statement, the DNR Commissioner explains the DNR is not motivated to “offer protection because the research is limited to social research between bears and humans” because they are not all inclusive and do not reflect the interests of the sportsman (ie. hunters). Technically, there is only one area that provides details about the research of the interactions of bears and humans on the WRI research activities list. All the other areas mentioned are bear related and include land tenure and social systems of bears, bear communication, daily and seasonal travel patterns, food and weight, reproduction, hibernation, care and development of cubs, play behavior, morphology and physiology of bears, bear signs, habitat, responses to environmental factors, and factors that effect research methods including the benefits of using different technology for collecting data. These are all necessary for bear education and for the understanding of it by the general public, wildlife-career oriented students and the sportsman. To restate, Holsten argues the DNR does not “protect social research on human and bear interaction.” In response, this could partly explain the escalating numbers of conflicts between people and bears in Minnesota because the DNR is not adequately addressing or educating the public about “bear preventive” measures. From his own comments and with further explanation on the WRI website, the DNR Commissioner explains he does not support their role in areas of the research which includes “educating the public so they better understand bear behavior, doesn’t support researching elements that may increase conflict between humans and bears or research that analyzes, describes and provides data into the human behaviors and cultural factors that increase “nuisance” behaviors, and doesn’t support research on factors that contribute to bear attacks, garbage and odor containment, etc.” (Rogers) All I have to got to say to this is, WHY NOT!? Obviously, he really doesn’t understand much of what Rogers’ research is about even though he is critical of it in public statements or maybe he does understand it and if he does, maybe he needs to publicly define what “ is the DNR’s role is in terms of bear education and then maybe redefine it!” I could place a bet, the majority of the public are open to more education, if it will reduce property loss and risk of injury and mortality! It is quite clear, there is very little representation for public concerns, at least in these concerns with the DNR. If he is a pubic representative, then why isn’t he addressing the needs of his public?

In the same article, DNR Biologist, Dr. Garshelis made several interesting comments including “he doesn’t think Rogers’ bears should get special protection. Further, he says, “by giving them (meaning Dr. Rogers’ bears) legal protection and not ours, it gives the perception that those bears are more important. Lynn (Dr. Rogers) might think that and people might believe that, but I do not think that.” From my perspective, I don’t believe Dr. Rogers ever meant to exclude other radio-collared bears, but does have a right as a business manager to focus his attentions and resources on “WRI” collared-with-ribbons research bears. Whatever regulations the DNR puts in place for their own collared bears, it really up to them anyway! All in all and from this latest interview with DNR representatives, it appears this interview like so many others in the past, sets the stage for the public and media to receive more incorrect information and misrepresentation of the research. Unfortunately, a lot of it the public is getting directly from DNR officials which only adds to the “half-truths” that are popping up in the media! So what is the intent behind all of this misinformation? Is it political, most definitely! Personally I feel the level at which the DNR is criticizing Dr. Rogers’ work and putting his bears in the middle , is NOT RIGHT and NOT FAIR! In this case, public officials should let the research explain the data and leave it at that.... and stop using the bears as political scapegoats and turning them into “objects” to force a political agenda!


The critical question here is why the DNR obviously supports mining development in the Ely area and ignores the potential and obvious benefits of Dr. Rogers research. Those bears, just by being bears, are “instruments” to monitor the health of areas that may be negatively affected by environmental damage. This is true, even with the bad data the mining operations are providing and bad environmental reports they have been receiving from the EPA. This is in addition to the fact that the mining industry carries a very high risk for injury and disability. In any case, with allowance and no interference for continued study and research of these bears, there is opportunity for Dr. Rogers to offer a relatively good and cost-effective mechanism for habitat surveillance and in the case of an “mine event” he may be the first to identify early the environmental impact. Importantly, there is no doubt in my mind, both researchers would report anything that didn’t seem quite right!




In conclusion, it is important to consider taking immediate steps and legislation to see these animals are kept
safe and at this point, it is not just the animals that are now in harms way. I hope the preceeding paragraphs has made it more clear about what really underlies the ridicule and reservations about this valuable research
and the real issue needs more consideration by a number of people in different agencies in Minnesota government. I hope I have expressed the point that the “real” issues here have nothing to do with preventing
the right to hunt, nor is it just about the bears but mostly about whether the safety of people and their pets, the environment and wildlife is more important than the games public officials’ play with their politics.

Comments: You can review my Facebook page for recent research about bomonitoring in wildlife and also recent studies of the impact of hazards on wildlife. This is a fully resourced document and the original sources for this commentary are available here.
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1o6O2fxEVAe14RwEfIcO3yqyzoCfHPHwub-Z5bex464w&hl=en

HEIRS Research
Independent Health and Environmental Researcher
www.heirs-online.com/ http://bear-research.heirs-online.com/


Research Citation Library: HEIRS Library




My bio is available through a link at my website at www.heirs-online.com under About HEIRS! For further reading, I encourage you to browse my citation library that will help in the understanding of this document. Tags to search include methylation, heavy metals, particulate matter, air pollution and specific names of heavy metals like copper and other environmental factors related to what is mentioned in this document including, endotoxin, inflammation, epigenetics, mining, etc. Specific documents are also filed by groups including heavy metals and genetics, mining, etc. You can also access my research blogs on the right corner at http://www.heirsresearch.blogspot.com/ http://bear-research.heirs-online.com and Facebook. Please feel free to email me at heirs_health@heirs-online.com for more information or clarifications.


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National Association of State Park Directors Congratulates America's Favorite Park -- SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ --

"The results are in. Bear Head Lake in Ely, Minnesota, was named 'America's Favorite Park' through Coca-Cola's 'America Is Your Park' campaign. National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) President and Virginia State Parks Director, Joe Elton, shared the official news to a rousing round of applause at the NASPD Annual Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico"

Read more: National Association of State Park Directors Congratulates America's Favorite Park -- SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ --:

Minnesota bear harvest down — by design

Via Duluth Tribune

"Minnesota bear hunters are on track to take about 2,550 bears this fall, down slightly from 2,800 last year, said Dave Garshelis, bear project leader for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at Grand Rapids"

Read more: Minnesota bear harvest down — by design | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota:





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State tracking black bears - Missouri

"The Missouri Department of Conservation's bear expert says he's stopped throwing out numbers based on anecdotal evidence"

Read more:State tracking black bears News-Leader.com Springfield News-Leader

Reader's View: Hunters should respect bear researchers’ science | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Reader's View: Hunters should respect bear researchers’ science Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota: "Is shooting a collared bear unethical? Indeed it is, in challenge of the sentiment expressed in the Sept. 13 letter,"

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team | Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK)

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) is an interdisciplinary group of scientists and biologists responsible for long-term monitoring and research efforts on grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE)."


Read more: The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK): "

As we mentioned in some posts yesterday, the availability of the whitebark pine nuts help to predict possible conflicts that may develop between the grizzly and humans, especially in regions such as Yellowstone. From the 2010 Whitebark Pine Cone Production Report by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, "State and federal management agencies should inform the public that whitebark pine cones are generally scarce in most locales and grizzly bears will be searching for other foods this fall."

Final review begins to determine status of whitebark pine | Sylvia Fallon's Blog | Switchboard, from NRDC

Final review begins to determine status of whitebark pine Sylvia Fallon's Blog Switchboard, from NRDC

With its polar bear swimming in circles, KC Zoo tries to enliven life in captivity - KansasCity.com

Comment: Hmmmm.....not good!

"Nikita the polar bear spends much of his days just swimming in circles in his new $11 million home at the Kansas City Zoo. He’s beautiful to behold underwater through the huge glass windows. But visitors are beginning to wonder about his repetitive behavior."

Read more: With its polar bear swimming in circles, KC Zoo tries to enliven life in captivity - KansasCity.com:

Keeping clear of critters

via NorthJersey.com:

"There was a time when Elaine Dunn thought she was doing a good thing tossing old bread and other food scraps out on her property for hungry wildlife. That’s until she joined the Bear Education and Resource (BEAR) Group"


Read more: NorthJersey.com: Keeping clear of critters:

Higher Grizzly Bear Numbers gets Forest Service Back into Logging....!

"In a September 28 Billings Gazette letter to the editor, Steve Torrey of Cody, Wyo. had the audacity to ask why Yellowstone area grizzly 'bears have been researched since 1959--51 years. What is it we do not understand about the bears?'"


Grizzly bear research gets Forest Service back in business - National bear spray Examiner.com:

Gordon Buchana Finds Interesting Guard for His Camera!

While film maker Gordon Buchanan was photo shooting for a new BBC film in Ely, MN, he finds an interesting "watch bear" for his camera....nothing better than free security!

NRDC and our allies head to court to defend the polar bear | Andrew Wetzler's Blog | Switchboard, from NRDC

NRDC and our allies head to court to defend the polar bear | Andrew Wetzler's Blog | Switchboard, from NRDC

Deputies Seek Help In Bizarre Black Bear Mystery - News Story - KTVU San Francisco

Deputies Seek Help In Bizarre Black Bear Mystery - News Story - KTVU San Francisco

Minnesota hunters' friend attacked by grizzly bear in western Montana - TwinCities.com

Keep your distance and be aware whenever you are in bear country that bear attacks can and do happen. One can not predict the conditions that incite this behavior --- so be safe!

Minnesota hunters' friend attacked by grizzly bear in western Montana - TwinCities.com

South Korea considering ending bear farming

Recommended by Lily Fan on Facebook....

South Korea considering ending bear farming

Imperial Valley News - San Diego Zoo Bids Farwell to Two Giant Panda Sisters

"San Diego, California - The San Diego Zoo said goodbye to two giant pandas this weekend, but not before collecting valuable scientific data about the panda's ability to hear."


Read more: Imperial Valley News - San Diego Zoo Bids Farwell to Two Giant Panda Sisters:

Pollution and Its Impact on Wild Animals: A Meta-Analysis on Oxidative Stress

Pollution and Its Impact on Wild Animals: A Meta-Analysis on Oxidative Stress

Reader's view: Some restrictions needed on shooting collared bears | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

Reader's view: Some restrictions needed on shooting collared bears | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota: "Since I’m not a citizen of Minnesota I did not vote in the News Tribune’s online poll about whether it should be illegal to shoot radio-collared bears being tracked for research purposes"

Ely Schools in Minnesota In Another Grant Contest -- Please Help!

via Timberjay

"Lily the Bear fans, that Facebook group of over 113,000 that formed after witnessing via “den cam” the birth of Lily’s cub Hope, have become a powerful group supporting not only black bears but Ely area causes."

The link for the contest....


Ely schools next in line for online vote - Timberjay.com:

Research Commentary on Protection of Radio-Collared Bears in St. Louis County, MN -Respect The Research and Protect Radio-collared Bears!

Research Commentary on Protection of Radio-Collared Bears in St. Louis County, MN -Respect The Research and Protect Radio-collared Bears!

From the heart of a fan BONDING NATURE WITH MAN | www.hometownfocus.us | Hometown Focus - Virginia, Minnesota

"On a cold winter evening this past January, I sat down to watch the KBJR Channel 6 news. They had a feature on the North American Bear Center and a special project the center had started."

Read more: From the heart of a fan BONDING NATURE WITH MAN | www.hometownfocus.us | Hometown Focus - Virginia, Minnesota:



Recommended:

Ely schools next in line for online vote

via Timberjay.com

"Lily the Bear fans, that Facebook group of over 113,000 that formed after witnessing via “den cam” the birth of Lily’s cub Hope, have become a powerful group supporting not only black bears but Ely area causes."

Read more: Ely schools next in line for online vote - Timberjay.com:

Recommended:

Aggression and Hurting - Making a Case for Negative Animal Behaviors~!

In the Neurobiology of Aggression: Understanding and Preventing Violence by Mark Mattson,  the author says that aggression can be reduced if olfaction is blocked. From this, one can suggest extreme "noxious" agents in the environment or others contaminants that change gene expression such as methylation that contribute to neuroinflammation would "nuisance" and potentially incite dangerous behaviors.

Aggression and Hurting (Social Psychology)

View more presentations from Jeel Christine.

Black Bears Migrating in Minnesota and Wisconsin | Firstcoastnews.com | Local News

"DUNN COUNTY, Wisc. -- In Wisconsin, it's not uncommon to hear about the fish that got away. On one central Wisconsin farm, however, the tale is about the really big black bear that didn't get away."


Read more: Black Bears Migrating in Minnesota and Wisconsin Firstcoastnews.com Local News:

Research shows 550 sun bears in Harapan Rainforest | BirdLife Community

"We have just completed our first Malayan Sun Bear research project, funded by the International Bear Association. The sun bear is the smallest bear in the world and one of the globally threatened mammals found in Harapan Rainforest"

Research News: Research shows 550 sun bears in Harapan Rainforest BirdLife Community:

Bear Facts: Strength in Hibernation - WSU Bear Research

Physiological Studies - Bear Center Research, Education and Conservation Program: "Hibernating bears maintain muscle strength and mass even though humans would lose 70% of their muscle strength during a similar period of inactivity"

Wandering bear destroyed in Hope - CTV News

CTV British Columbia - Wandering bear destroyed in Hope - CTV News

A ‘beary’ wonderful debut - Straus Newspapers

"From Mother Earth to Marilyn Monroe, the themes are as diverse and as colorful as ever: the bears for this year’s Black Bear Film Festival"

Read more: Pike County Courier - A ‘beary’ wonderful debut - Straus Newspapers:

Mats Sundin helps Canadian bear researchers in Sweden - thestar.com

Mats Sundin helps Canadian bear researchers in Sweden - thestar.com: "The voice at the end of the phone line cackles when it’s mentioned that Maple Leafs’ training camp opens Friday."

Bear researchers do pioneering work...Reader's view!

via Duluth News Tribune!

"The Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center in Ely is doing valuable research into the behavior of wild bears to enable us to live together in an evermore crowded world"

Read more: Reader's view: Bear researchers do pioneering work Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota:

He's Just One of the Bears - National Wildlife Federation

Recommended via Lily Fan on Lily the Black Bear

"To a wild black bear like Terri, waking up next to U.S. Forest Service biologist Lynn Rogers in the vastness of the Great North Woods is no big deal. Maybe Terri sees Lynn as just another bear--albeit, furless and a little slow on the uptake."

Read more: He's Just One of the Bears - National Wildlife Federation:

Bear Head Lake State Park Wins Grant - Conservation Minnesota!

"Although Minnesota may not have a lot of Rose Bowl trophies, National Championship rings or Lombardi Trophies, we are now the proud new owners of one new national championship. Last week, Bear Head Lake State Park was deemed “America’s Favorite Park”!"



Read more: Conservation Minnesota Newsroom:

Washington State University - Bear Center

"Bear populations around the world have declined precipitously due to loss of habitat and excessive killing by man. Eight species of bears, six of which are threatened or endangered, exist worldwide. Our mission is to provide the information and the necessary understanding to conserve bears around the world"

Read more: Bear Center Research, Education and Conservation Program:

Bear Study -Update Sept 15, 2010 by Lynn Rogers

"Cold and rainy. We stayed indoors and the bears stayed bedded.

Jo spent the day resting near her last year’s den—the culvert den where she slipped her collar. At 5:30 PM she became active and moved further into a remote area"

Read more: Update September 15, 2010 – 8:00 PM CDT:


Find out more about the Wildlife Research Institute -- http://www.bearstudy.org/

Bureaucracy complicated news of man’s fatal grizzly mauling

"interviews with officials involved with the response to Evert’s death from fatal grizzly attack, shows that concern about politics, legal liability and interagency relationships complicated communications with the press and the public."

Bureaucracy complicated news of man’s fatal grizzly mauling:

Grizzly bear study team cons hunters - National bear spray | Examiner.com

Grizzly bear study team cons hunters - National bear spray | Examiner.com

Should we feed wild bears? DiscoveryNews.com - msnbc.com

Recommended by Lily the Black Bear on Facebook

"Some biologists and bear advocates are trying a truly radical, sometimes illegal, but apparently effective strategy to stop confrontations between humans and black bears: They are feeding the bears."

Read more: Should we feed wild bears? - Technology & science - Science - DiscoveryNews.com - msnbc.com:


Shop!

East Texas Bear Research Shows Value of State Wildlife Grants | www.thecherokeean.com | Cherokeean Herald

East Texas Bear Research Shows Value of State Wildlife Grants www.thecherokeean.com Cherokeean Herald: "Close to 60 people gathered in Clarksville Sep. 9 to help the Texas Teaming with Wildlife - Texas coalition and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the State Wildlife Grants program (SWG), and learn about black bears in East Texas."

Puny and Decadent American-Bred Panda Is Being Retrained to Chinese Standards

"When Tai Shan, the Washington-born panda formerly known to the Internet as 'Butterstick,' was repatriated to China this past winter, the National Zoo called his departure 'bittersweet' and said that he was a 'true ambassador for the giant panda species.'"

Read more: Scocca : Puny and Decadent American-Bred Panda Is Being Retrained to Chinese Standards:

Dayton wins DFL primary for Minnesota governor

Dayton wins DFL primary for Minnesota governor: "Mark Dayton won the Democratic nomination for Minnesota governor Tuesday in a bid to rebuild a political career scarred by a frustrating six years in the U.S. Senate."

Polar Bears :: Environmental and Health Concerns :: Water Pollution :: fluoridation

"Born at Christmas time, blind, toothless, and white as snow, polar bears are exposed to one of the most toxic unnatural threats-industrial chemical poisoning."

Read more: Polar Bears :: Environmental and Health Concerns :: Water Pollution :: fluoridation:

Coke donates $100,000 to Minnesota state park - WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-

"ELY, Minn. (AP) -- Coca-Cola has donated $100,000 to a relatively unknown Minnesota state park.
Bear Head Lake State Park near Ely was voted 'America's Favorite Park' in a nationwide online campaign sponsored by Coca-Cola."

Read More: Coke donates $100,000 to Minnesota state park - WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-:

Bear Head Lake State Park is 'America's Favorite Park' - TwinCities.com

"Call it a victory for social media and fans of Lily, a local bear"

Read more: Bear Head Lake State Park is 'America's Favorite Park' - TwinCities.com:

Radio-collared and Valuable Research Bear Killed - CNN iReport##

Valuable Research Bear Killed - CNN iReport##: "The human race never ceases to both amaze and disgust me. News from Ely, Minnesota today confirms the senseless killing of Sarah, a yearling black bear. Sarah belonged to a small group of bears being studied by experts at the North American Bear Center"

The Associated Press: Bear attack highlights lax Ohio exotic pet laws

Via the Associated Press

"The bear that recently killed a caretaker in a Cleveland suburb was the latest example of animal violence in Ohio. The state has some of the nation's weakest restrictions on exotic pets and among the highest number of injuries and deaths caused by them."

Read more: The Associated Press: Bear attack highlights lax Ohio exotic pet laws:

Ohio bear owner carried no insurance for caretaker

"Records show the owner of a bear that recently mauled its caretaker to death had no workplace injury insurance to cover the man, an apparent violation of state law."


Read more: The Associated Press: Ohio bear owner carried no insurance for caretaker:

Local author, artist shows young readers life inside a real bear's den

Here is a story about someone Lily Fans know and love.

"WEST LIBERTY - In the north woods of Minnesota, a black bear cub is born. It
happens every January, and most of us would not give it a second thought. But
this time thousands of people watched a wild bear give birth via a live
streaming webcam."

Read more: Local author, artist shows young readers life inside a real bear's den:

Lily and Hope’s friends become Facebook fundraisers | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota

"Combine the public’s fascination with two Ely-area black bears with the instant global connection of Facebook, and what do you get?"

Read the entire article: Lily and Hope’s friends become Facebook fundraisers Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota:

Nevada: Bear hunting season pursued for Nevada | rgj.com | The Reno Gazette-Journal

"Nevada wildlife commissioners are pursuing plans to establish a bear hunting season for the first time in state history, saying Nevada’s bruin population now is stable enough to allow for one."

Read more: Bear hunting season pursued for Nevada | rgj.com | The Reno Gazette-Journal:

Black bears: Florida tries to get a grip on expanding bear population - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

"In the 1950s, pounded by wide-open hunting and the loss of habitat to farms and cities, Florida's black bears had become ghosts of the forests, elusive and rarely seen."

Read more:Black bears: Florida tries to get a grip on expanding bear population - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: