Smokey's Webcam!

Wondering what our five little bear cubs are up to? Check out the webcam!

PLEASE help keep the webcam going! Please make a donation with the button below. This is not cheap and we are allowing access to the webcam -- at no charge -- rather than making a minimum charge for 15 minutes or something similar.  Please, if you like the camera, we would ask that you make a nominal donation which will allow us to keep it going.  Thank you! 

               

                       

            

Comments

[Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA]

Now they're all awake! One stepped from way back in the corner. He walked over the little sister. There seems no thought for waking the others up or which way out will disturb as few as possible. And no grudges held. Such a good thing they're a bit better than people.

[SuEllen from CT]

Good morning all,

Only 5 more days.......leaky eyes in CT!!!!

It is early , early morning there, but I see the bears are a little active for me. I will truly miss them.

Lencho and Sylvia, I love the songs and poems, of course I now have the blackbird song stuck in my head....LOL

Vicky, I am very sorry you got the snow too, but I was taught to share with my special friends! We only got about 6 inches at our house, but about 15 miles away they got over 2 feet. Driving home was not much fun..you can see the joy in ricks face on FB. LOL

I hope you all have a very merry christmas, a safe and happy new year. You are all so dear to me in my heart. Thank you for the greatest gift this year of special family and friends.

Cheers to a new year!
Love and big BEAR HUGS!
SuEllen

[Sylvia from Inverness, CA]

Solstice blessings to everyone, and how wonderful Lencho, that you got to experience the beauty here (Inverness on Tomales Bay- a ridge away from the Pacific meeting the Point Reyes wilderness.) And I am sure this place benefited from your wisdom and love of nature.

With only 5 days to go (oh my), another little song for the precious cubs.

This is to the tune of “Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor

There are five bear cubs sleeping, they almost are free
With no mothers they’re each other’s only companions
In a shelter for orphans they dream of wild canyons
Waiting for springtime and their lives to change.

And as the moon rises above a roof made of wire
They dream of splashing in streams running clear
And snuggle in close instead of playing on the tire
It’s to you that we sing a song soft but clear
As if maybe you darlings could hear.

Goodnight you moonlight babies
Rock-a-bye sweet baby bears
You were saved by angels who cared for you
With Smokey’s family sending you prayers
And rock-a-bye sweet baby bears.

Now the first of December was covered with snow
And so were the mountains from Yosemite to Tahoe
Lord, the Sierras seemed dreamlike on account of that ice show
With six months behind you and two more to go.

There's a song that we’ll sing when you take to the highway
A song that we’ll sing when you’re finally set free
A song that we’ll sing of your home way up high
We hope you can believe it and it helps you to sleep
For singing works just fine you see.

Goodnight you moonlight babies
Rock-a-bye sweet baby bears
You were saved by angels who cared for you
With Smokey’s family sending you prayers
And rock-a-bye sweet baby bears.

[Lencho]

Hibernation

Delayed Implantation

A female will carry a fertilized egg in her womb for many months. The egg is ready to attach itself to the uterine wall and begin developing into a fetus. But it doesn't do so until the female's body gives some unknown signal.
If food is scarce and she has not accumulated enough fat by the time she settles into her den to hibernate, the egg will spontaneously abort.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/satoyama/hibernation2.html

[Lencho]

Hibernation

Delayed Implantation

A female will carry a fertilized egg in her womb for many months. The egg is ready to attach itself to the uterine wall and begin developing into a fetus. But it doesn't do so until the female's body gives some unknown signal.
If food is scarce and she has not accumulated enough fat by the time she settles into her den to hibernate, the egg will spontaneously abort.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/satoyama/hibernation2.html

[Lencho]

Spirit Bears

Females reach sexual maturity at three to four years of age. Mating takes place during the summer months, with gestation taking about 220 days. Cubs are born in their mother’s winter den in January or February, and are weaned at about eight months, but may remain with their mother for up to a year-and-a-half, when she is ready to mate again.

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2006AL0002-000066-Attachment3.htm

[Lencho]

Syliva from Inverness: Nice! It's fun isn't it?
I used to live in Bolina's and Gate 3 in Sausalito 30 years ago. I love Olema Lake and Pt. Reyes, the whole area. You are luck to live there!
I just spent the weekend recording my cousin's live history and her extensive knowldge of our family history.
I encourage you all to do the same, it's a gift to the family and it is also American history.
If you are interested go to this web link for Story Corps:

http://www.storycorps.org/

So one should record the history of LTWC and send it to the Library of Congress via Story Story Corps.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

Good one, Sylvia. Thanks. I'm sure going to miss these little ones after next week.

[Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA]

Now two of the gentlemen are discussing the room service menu. Will it be melon balls or English muffins with honey?

[Karen]

Hi all! Just to let you know, you can now purchase the 2010 LTWC Wall Calendars using the "Buy Now" button on the home page of the blog, or by visiting the LTWC website store at http://ltwc.org/store.html.

[Tom @ Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care]

Hi guys,

Just two reminders for you.

First of all, next Friday night, which just 'happens' to be Christmas night, we will turn off the light in the bear cage. 'MORE THAN LIKELY' - - - you will not be able to see much after that happens. There 'is' a small possibility that you 'may' see something, but, without light, most likely not. So, get in your fixes now.

Also, as I mentioned before, our 2010 LTWC Calendar is now ready. The price is $15. If you would like them mailed to you, then there will be an extra $5 for shipping and handling. They came our really good (or is it 'well'). Our 'sample' photo of the color is in black and white, but the actual calendar is in full color. And, all but one or two of the photos is a 'mug' shot. The 'whole' face covers the top half of the two page spread, with the bottom part of the page the actual calendar.

Cheryl and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We leave for Southern Cal to work on the Phoenix Satellite TV float (Dance with the Terra Cotta Warriors) for the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

Tom

[Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA]

Thank you, Sylvia! I was rolling down expecting to see Lencho's name. Love sure brings out the talent!

[Sylvia from Inverness, CA]

Sung to the tune of "Blackbird" by the Beatles

Blackbears sleeping in the dead of night
Take our prayers when you go back home
To your wild life
You are only waiting for the springtime to arise

Blackbears sleeping in the dead of night
Take good care when you’re on your own
All your life
You are only waiting for the moment you are free

Blackbears free
Blackbears free
Into the wild of the streams and trees

Blackbears sleeping in the dead of night
Take our prayers when you go back home
To your wild life
You are only waiting for the dark to turn to light
You are only waiting for the springtime to arise
You are only waiting for the moment you are free

[Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA]

Wow! At this moment two bears are snuggled under the shelf. One is on the shelf. Two are out in front sort of sitting there. Cute as ever but moving very slowly. Go back to sleep, kids! You aren't missing a thing! You get your presents to open in the spring -- the wild world your mama first showed you!

[Linda, Redding, CA.]

Marcia.....I second everything you said! I'm thankful she is my friend too!

Bear Hugs!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

Willow is good. She is the kindest, most big-hearted person I've ever met. So glad she's my friend. She sent me a great email this morning. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

If I don't get a chance before Christmas to tell everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS hope everyone has a great one!!!!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

By the way, SuEllen, didn't I ask you to keep the snow up there??...HMMMM?

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

Is Willow doing ok? Haven't been on here at the same time with her in quite awhile

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

Talk about pole dancing!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

We have an acrobat. I think the other cub is saying "just let me sleep".

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

Marcia, I tried to reply to you on fb but for some reason it doesn't seem to be working but I'm sure it must be me...lol

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

Vickie - How lucky we are to see playing bears. They're too cute. Sorry about the cold weather. 60 degrees here in California today. Rain coming soon.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047868190]

I can't believe I actually caught the bears awake! Yea!!!

Getting lots of snow here, YUCK!!!!!!!!!! Too, too early in the season, don't usually see snow until late Jan or Feb if at all. NOT HAPPY...lol

[SuEllen from CT]

Good Morning and TGIF!

Well the bears look so nice and snug. It is colder than ____ in new england. The low was 9 this morning. we may get a blizzard this weekend, or it will miss CT totally. I am hoping for a white christmas.

Lencho, I had a dwarf bunny while in college, and listening to your story of "Earl" brought back some really funny memories, thank you so much. I think I had the only bunny in the world who did not like carrots.

Everyone have a safe warm weekend!
Bear hugs to all.
SuEllen

[Karen V. Stefanini]

Thank you once again to L'il Smokey bloggers for the comforting condolence messages. Yes, Willow, you are right. Precious Thumbelina's legacy will be for me to try to spread the word to be cautious when using air cleaners in bird areas. The ionizers produce ozone and it is actually considered a hazard for people by the FDA and many bird websites warn people to avoid using it around birds, although some say they have used them and never had a problem, so it has to do with the output and size of the bird and whether it has a sensitivity to it. My cockatiel is much larger and probably is immune to it. Cookie is 20 years old and he is an easy going little guy and also our pride and joy. He is a dear companion and family member to me and my husband.

Submitted by: Karen, Beautiful Back Bay, Boston

[Kat, NC]

They are so cute when they get up and play and annoy each other, and even cuter when they snuggle back in the pine needles. We do love you bears!

Tom, Cheryl, LTWC staff, thank you all so much for sharing these little angels with us. It has brought us so much joy and so much more understanding of bears that it is simply amazing. We appreciate all of your hard work!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season :)

[Mimi Routh - Mount Shasta, CA]

Are all five right there? Is that corner large enough? I see two boys and the little girl is off to the left. Maybe there's another corner where the other two snuggle together. I'm going to miss them and all of you when the lights go out. HI, DEBBIE IN WISCONSIN! Isn't this fun?

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

Linda - I agree. It's even nice to see them sleeping. But I'll sure miss them. Hope to see you again at the training class in the spring. I'm really going to try to be there.

[Linda, Redding, CA.]

That toy was on a rope in the play area til they got it down. Looks like they still want to play with things! Cute! I'm so thankful we get to watch their hibernation process....we didn't have that with the 6 pac.

Bear Hugs!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

Where did the chartreuse toy come from?

[Tina]

I tell people that we as humans have alot to learn from our animal friends. Good story Lench of Lord Earl. Im trying to learn from two Red Earred Slider turtles right now. I inherited them from a co-worker who moved to New Zealand and wanted me to have them. Of course I couldnt say no. But the girls are a lot harder to learn from than Iggy, my box turtle that is burrowed and warm right now.

[Linda - Citrus Heights, CA]

Spoke to soon. The camera just switched back to the sleeping area!

[Linda - Citrus Heights, CA]

Oh, we're back to the playroom now. Now all we have to do is hope that the cubs are in the mood to play a little and not sleep all day. Crossing the fingers and toes, I am!

[Vicki E - Tucson, AZ]

good one Lencho! Is this Brother and Sister that has been sleeping here under this platform? Wonder where the other kids all are? Could they be sleeping in the den? I can't tell if there are three (3) sleeping here...

Brother is up...he is doing a good job of grooming... probably trying to wake everyone up to play...Lil Sis wouldn't be so polite... =)

This picture is of Maynard when he first joined us. This is at feeding time...

[Linda - Citrus Heights, CA]

Lencho, that's very funny about Earl Grey. It does seem like he knew what you were going to do for him. Thanks for all the intresting facts. Especially about the lack of dehydration on hybernating bears. That was very informative. I enjoyed it. :-)

[Lencho]

Spirit Bears are usually solitary, except females with offspring.

Males keep large home ranges overlapping with smaller ranges of several females.

[Lencho]

Hibernation

Even though a hibernating bear drinks no water, it does not become dehydrated. In a 1973 study found that the three hibernating bears were in "almost perfect water balance" after about 100 days of hibernation, during which they swallowed not a single drop of water.
Researchers want to learn how bears accomplish this metabolic feat, during which the amount of urine entering the kidneys drops by 95 percent, in hopes of using the information to help treat people suffering from chronic kidney failure.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/satoyama/hibernation2.html

[Lencho]

Further Tales of Earl Grey.

As some of you know My Sweetheart Carol has a pet Lopp Eared Rabbit named Earl. Carol has been working nights so have been taking care of the little lagomorph.

Last night I was about to feed him and loooked under the bed & he's had his nose in his food dish eating his alfalfa pellets.
He raised his eyes, saw me, put his nose under the lip of the dish & pushed it to me twice, then grabbed it with his mouth & dumped the old pellets out as if to say

"Could you freshen these up for me old man?"

It took me about 5 minutes to stop laughing. I am now calling him Lord Earl The Grey.

[Willow]

I will really miss watching the cubs. The blog will slow down, just like the cubs are doing now. The great part of this year is the Li'l Smokey Family. I've met so many nice people & have friends for life. Some people blog occasionaly and we think it is great you join us, we would like to hear more from you. The family is on facebook & we will continue our friendships through there. This is a great place-caring, sharing, educational and the love of animals. Karen it was an accident but your Thumbelina left a legacy. Do you realize how many people you are educating on the dangers of the air cleaner? When we read this we share information with our friends and family. You may not realize it now but it may just save another animals life in the future. I will still be keeping in touch with my new family after the cubs go home. May all of you have a safe & wonderful holiday!

[lil smokeys buddy]

the little sleepy heads up moving around....

[Kat, NC]

Wow our sleepyheads are wide awake and playing away. So fun to watch them!

[Vicki E - Tucson, AZ]

Hello little sleepy heads...we would love to see you up playing, but we realize that it is time for you to be sleeping... =(

[Vicki E - Tucson, AZ]

Lencho - thank you for reminding us so clearly what it was like the day our Lil Smokes went home. You put our thoughts and feelings so clearly into words. You have such a gift. Thank you! I hope that you and Carol have a very Merry Christmas also!

Let me know when and where you will be going on your bear sighting expedition. I would love to go with you both. Wouldn't that be awesome - to post pictures of bears from here? Karen has my email address and hopefully my phone number that if you are interested, please contact her for them. I would love to meet both you and Carol.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569737833]

Thanks, Lencho and Merry Christmas, everyone. I just sent my donation to LTWC. Thank you for all your great work.

[Lencho]

Spirit bears

Like most black bears, Spirit bears omnivores. They eat berries, nuts, fruits, roots, grasses and other plants, insects, deer and moose fawns, carrion and, during the salmon season from late summer through fall, spawning salmon.

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2006AL0002-000066-Attachment3.htm

[Lencho]

Hibernation

Hibernating bears have cholesterol levels are more than twice what they are in summer (and more than two times higher than those of most people). But bears evince no signs of hardening of the arteries or the formation of cholesterol gallstones.
Research has shown that hibernating bears generate a form of bile acid that, when administered to people, dissolves gallstones, eliminating the need for surgery.
Despite being cooped up in a space about the size of a doghouse, hibernating black bears also appear to avoid muscle cramping and degenerative bone loss. How they accomplish this remains a mystery.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/satoyama/hibernation2.html

[Lencho]

I remember the igloo door stuffed with hay and a little snout sticking out on some days and how LS had his stuffed toys and a red ball in his little den and how when they came to pull him out he stacked the hay back in the entrance as fast as they pulled it out and in a final defiant gesture shot that red ball out like a bullet. Some of us were watching live and hitting the refresh button every minute or so and feeling giddy and sad and a part of it all though we only viewing it from far away. I recall a wave from Tom or was it Cheryl and then LS was gone.
And later the wonderful video of LS’s release into the wild, his Fierce Dislike for human creatures intact and expressed, and then wonderful sound of his snoring that had me laughing and reviewing the video over and over again. Seeing him place in the wild, in a den made by humans, and how wonderful everyone who was there felt.
I am so thankful for the reports from F&G that have let us know he’s alive and doing well.
I remember the sadness of hearing about Yosemite Girls fate, and yet knowing that she died in the wild helped a little.
Watching all the cubs since then I have come to see what a strong personality LS had and that each of these bear is unique too. I confess to not having followed this batch as closely as I would have liked to, but I have become so attached to the Little Loner bear for some many reasons.
Getting to watch these cubs over time has made me see how similar they are to their cousin the dog. There is much of the puppy in a cub and vice versa.
My heart won’t be as broken this time, nor as joyful, but still it is so satisfying and heartening to see LTWC help turn tragedy, ignorance, and brutality, into something good and in doing so, fostering a community and increasing knowledge.
I post the quotes from the bear experts to add my little part to the educational aspect of the blog and for the record it is as much for my education as it is for anyone else who reads the information. For those of you who have been around some time you have seen I am a firm believer in REVIEW to keep the knowledge fresh.
I have learned so much from you all and this experience. I thank you all for sharing your lives and your kind words to me when they were needed.
I look forward to the next batch of bears, even though I wish there was no need to bring them to LTWC, because I have come to love this unique and fascinating animal, and it is such blessing to be able to see them with just a click of a mouse.
My Sweetheart Carol and I are talking about going on a bear sighting expedition in the mountains near Tucson. I hope someday to see them in the wild. I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to come across a single paw print when we were hiking a few weeks ago. Don’t worry, Carol spent 15 years a National Park Ranger, so it will be safety first for the bears and us.
I am so thankful to Tom and Cheryl and Karen and everyone at LTWC for the wonderful work they do.
My check is in the mail, I hope yours is too!
Happy Holidays to everyone!

[Vicki E - Tucson, AZ]

Good morning Family! Sue, that brought back a lot of memories...like Sharon said, happy AND heartbreaking... mucho leaky eyes now though...I am trying to stop the flow before many more folks walk by the window of my office and see the tears flowing...yep, time to start collecting kleenex again...hopefully it will be easier watching this current group be set free than it was watching our favorite little bear Lil Smokey. Plus, it was hard watching Patches looking for his playmates - so, it might not be as easy as we are hoping that it will be...

These are bitter-sweet times. I want to watch the cubbies as much as I can (even if it is just watching them sleeping) but it is hard knowing that we don't have much time left with them. I hope that they are warm enough. I remember Lil Smokey hunkered in his igloo with the straw pulled in covering the front door - not going to let in any cold air, and here these guys just have the straw and pine needles with open air. Especially the poor little guy that doesn't have anyone to cover his back...

Oh well, back to work I had better go! Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Tom and Cheryl and all the volunteers, thank you for all that you do! We truly appreciate you, your love of all animals and you sharing that love with us. Thank you all and we are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!