Thursday, May 20, 2021

Not Quite What I Expected

 

Locating a tree with fairly recent beaver chewing activity is probably a good indication that a beaver will be back to finish the job. Two such trees were located on opposite sides of the swamp. I figured setting trail cameras  up on each location would certainly capture a beaver at work. Wrong !!

The collared bear and cub(s) are the same  family of bears that were videoed last month in another swamp located about three and one half miles away.

The collared bear is a Massachusetts study bear. This bear helps provide important data  to the bears home range, habitat, reproduction rate , cub survivor rate ( winter bear den checks). 

Based on my anecdotal  data so far this year with capturing videos of:

- several single bears

- sow with four yearlings

- sow with three three yearlings

- sow with three COY ( cubs of year)

All in one location might suggest Massachusetts bears are thriving. 

Late May and June are mating season for black bears in MA. The likelihood of seeing a bear is the greatest this time of year, with males spending more time travelling in pursuit of a mate. I'm hoping to catch a " Big Bruin" passing one of my trial cameras in the next few weeks.


Took my canoe out for it's " maiden voyage" yesterday on the Ware River. My daughter and I  paddled five miles. We saw lots of herons and several water snakes. 

Jim