Lily, the Famous Black Bear

Back in January I noticed an article about a video first - of a black bear named Lily, giving birth.  It caught my interest because it took place near Ely, Minnesota, and I was born in Minnesota.  Also, technology never ceases to amaze me.  To capture a live bear birth from the den is just as amazing as walking on the moon in this baby boomer's mind.  Lily gave birth to Hope on January 22, 2010, and videos are all over the web.

The main site is the North American Bear Center.  It is certainly worth checking out.  There is a whole menu about Lily and Hope with FAQ's and photos and videos.  The biologist (Lynn Rogers) also started a "Lily the Black Bear" site on Facebook.  That too is quite interesting.  Of course, numerous videos are on You Tube as well.

I figured a blog about Lily was necessary.  After all, maybe some of you recall reading something about her, but never had time to look into the results?  We all get terribly busy in day to day events that affect our lives, so this  dramatic story may refresh them, and highlight life in general.

The Center has a mission statement worth repeating.  I quote:

"The mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their relations with humans.
There is a huge need for accurate information about bears worldwide. 
Bears have been unfairly demonized for centuries.  Exaggerated perceptions of danger historically led to eradication campaigns using bounties, poison, trapping, and shooting.  All eight bear species around the world are now listed as vulnerable, threatened or endangered in all or portions of their ranges.  Remote habitats that once insured isolation and protection are now being occupied by people, and the attitudes of these people will determine the future of those populations. 
The Bear Center is dedicated to replacing misconceptions with facts worldwide.  It is also working to conserve bear habitat, stop poaching for bear body parts, rehabilitate injured and orphaned bears back to the wild, and implement methods to reduce conflict between humans and bears."

I live in an area where bears and humans overlap too much.  This is happening all over the country and we all need to be aware of the dire consequences.  This blog is my way of supporting the Bear center.