Bear+Investigation

= Bear Den Cams =

The facts:


Jewel is wild American Black Bear. She lives in the woods. She lives near the town of Ely, Minnesota. She is 3 years old. She is hibernating. She probably will have babies this winter. She is Lily the bear's younger sister.

We are going to watch Jewel to learn about hibernation. Does hibernation mean abear sleeps all of the time?

Some people think so. A new book on bears //A Bear's Life says// **__"Baby bears, called cubs, are born in the winter, while their mother hibernates. In fact, she will not even be awake for their birth!"__** Other people say no, that hibernating bears have slow heatbeats, do not eat, and sleep most of the time, but especially females with cubs are often awake and moving. Things hibernation might mean:

Sleeping a lot Sleeping all of the time Not eating and living off of stored fat. A slow heartbeat.

Our researchers have measured Jewels heart rate. it has definitely slowed down. She is not out looking for food. We are going to observe Jewel to see if she is awake when she gives birth and tends her cubs. We will need to work together and record our observations:

Words to use:

Jewel -- the mother bear. Cubs -- baby bears.

Sounds:

Moan-- sound a bear might make if uncomfortable. Click -- sound bears make with their teeth. Blow -- bears may use their breath to warm themselves or the babies. Cry -- baby bears cry when cold and hungry Hum -- sound happy babies make, usually when nursing Wind Cars -- Jewel is close to the road.

Actions:

Scratch -- Bears tend to be itchy Chew -- Jewel will chew sticks to make bedding for the babies. Eat snow -- Mother bears need extra moisture to make milk. Lick -- Jewel may groom herself or the babies by licking. Move -- Who wants to stay in the same position all the time?