Look For Skunk Cabbage - Spring's First Bears

 

I’ve been busy this week setting camera traps. Skunk cabbage has started to sprout in Massachusetts. This will typically be the first greens a bear will eat. Find a skunk cabbage patch and look for chewed leaves and you have located an ideal spot for a camera trap set. Skunk cabbage can be found in wetlands, where the Spring sun’s rays have warmed the area.

I have a few new locations that camera traps have been set.  I have expanded my trapping area to encompass more bear habitat. More area will hopefully mean more bears. With the anticipation of spring:

1)    When will the first bear trigger a 2023 camera trap. Last year it was March 18th.

2)    Will there be any sows with four cubs?

3)    How many collared study bears will be seen this year?

4)    Will camera traps capture any out of state bears?

5)    Last year was the first year seeing a “Cinnamon Colored Bear” how about this year?

Jim

Closeup, bear bites in skunk cabbage leaf.

This is one plump bear !!!

Video from a few years ago.