Lily the Black Bear - FAQs
Welcome to the Lily the Black Bear Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page!
The purpose of this page is answer some of the most commonly asked questions on Lily the Black Bear’s Facebook Wall. We will continue to add items to this FAQ over time.
Getting Started
- Who is Lily and what's so special about her and this web cam?
Where can I view the LIVE den cam?
Who put the Den Cam in place and why?
Where can I see a video of the birth?
Respectful posts
Support the research by donating to the North American Bear Center
General Questions
- Guidelines for creating topics in the Discussion Board
How do I capture still images from the den cam?
What is the annoying humming sound and what can I do about it?
What can we do about offensive ads appearing on the den cam video stream?
How do I get to the video archive?
Where can I buy one of those Lily T-shirts?
If something blocks the camera will someone go fix it?
Copyright information, use of pictures, etc.
Who is Charlotte, Edwood and Speedy?
What are the donations used for?
Questions on Lily and Cub
- When was the cub born?
Is the cub a boy or girl?
What is the name of the cub?
When will we see the cub on the den cam?
When with Lily and cub leave the den?
Is Lily in a sanctuary/protected area?
That looks like snow on Lily’s back. How can she and the cub stand the cold and snow?
How big is the den?
How long will the cub stay with Lily?
How does Lily care for the cub in the den?
What are the different sounds Lily and the cub are making?
How often does the cub eat?
When the cub becomes an adult will Lily recognize her as her cub or just another adult bear?
Is there any concern about Lily becoming habituated to humans and causing problems with humans not part of the research team?
What are the odds of Lily abandoning the cub?
If something were to happen to the cub would lily go into estrus again?
Will Lily den in the same spot next year?
Will a camera be setup outside the den?
Where can I get more Information on Lily’s family?
Will Lily’s cub be collared for study?
Questions on WRI’s Research/General Black Bear information
- Where can I find details on Lynn and Sue’s research?
What does it mean you "walk" with Lily?
Do you drug your bears to perform your research?
Will the researchers interfere with Mother Nature if something should happen?
Do females ever spurn the advances of males in favor of their cubs?
How do we know if the baby is getting enough to eat?
Do Black Bears hibernate? We see Lily very active on the den cam.
Can you tell us about your study area? What is the size and what defines the boundaries of the study area?
Statement on Black Bear hunting in Minnesota
How do male bears interact with mothers and their cubs?
Are Black bears vulnerable to predators such as wolves and coyotes?
What is the survival rate for new cubs?
How do hibernating bears nurse cubs? Where do they get the nutrients?
Who is the Bear walker of the north woods?
Are you concerned with people or wild animals disturbing the den?
What do black bears eat to generate so much fat to allow them to hibernate all winter?
Do male black bears kill cubs?
Getting Started
Who is Lily and what's so special about her and this web cam?
Lily is a 3-year-old black bear denning near Ely, Minnesota. She gave birth to a cub on Jan 22. Producer Doug Hajicek and bear researcher Lynn Rogers installed the LIVE cam in her den so the public could share in the birth and care of her cub. This is the first time a life birth of a wild black bear has been viewed live on the internet.
[return to ToC]Where can I view the LIVE den cam?
- http://www.bear.org/website/visit-us/lily-den-cam.html
http://www.wildearth.tv/static/wildearth/channels/we_bear_den.html
http://www.pixcontroller.com/WebCam/BearDenWebCam.htm
Who put the Den Cam in place and why?
Producer Doug Hajicek and bear researcher Lynn Rogers installed the LIVE cam in her den so the public could share in the birth and care of her cub. Information on the Den Cam Team can be found at:
Photographs of Lily's den camera be found at:
Live video on the installation can be found at:
[return to ToC]Where can I see a video of the birth?
On January 22, 2010 Lily gave birth to a single cub. Video of the birth can be seen at:
[return to ToC]Respectful posts
Please help keep this site family friendly by refraining from harsh language and personal attacks. This is a great forum to discuss this wonderful event so let’s keep it a positive experience for everyone. Posts containing harsh language and personal attacks will be removed by the administrators.
[return to ToC]Support the research by donating to the North American Bear Center
Please help support this and future research by making a donation at the link below. The North American Bear Center is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit so donations are tax-deductible!
General Questions
Guidelines for creating topics in the Discussion Board
Before creating new topics on the Discussions Board please check to see if a simular topic has already been created. Please be descriptive when creating topic names. A topic called "Lily" doesn't really give anyone an idea on what's being discussed under that topic. In an effort to keep the Discussion Board organized and useful these topics will be deleted.
[return to ToC]How do I capture still images from the den cam?
On a Windows PC:
- Press Ctrl - Prt Scr (at the same time)
use Ctrl- V to paste into a program like Paint, Word, or GIMP
On a MAC:
- Press command - shift - 3 (at the same time)
What is the annoying humming sound and what can I do about it?
We are aware of the hum and we are working on a solution.
[return to ToC]What can we do about offensive ads appearing on the den cam video stream?
The ads that appear on the den cam video are important because they help cover the cost of the streaming video therefore we can't just get rid of them all. However some of the ads appearing are not just annoying but offensive.
You can help us by reporting offensive ads as follows:
- - Click on the offending ad and then copy the URL address
- If the ad appears on the actual den cam image, email the URL to admin@wildearth.tv
- If the ad appears within one of the Google Ad boxes on a www.bear.org page, email the URL to info@bear.org
- Please put 'offensive ad' in the subject line of your email
Remember -- we don't see these ads before you do. We can only attempt to prevent them from reappearing.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
[return to ToC]How do I get to the video archive?
You must go to the following video website – currently no other site has the archive:
Run live video
Under the video - on the control bar under video - there is a row of icons. Click on the last icon to the right (some people say they look like spoons).
Select the archive you would like to watch
The discussion board contains an index to cub sightings and more instructions at:
[return to ToC]Where can I buy one of those Lily T-shirts?
Lily T-shirts can be purchased through the
[return to ToC]If something blocks the camera will someone go fix it?
Probably not--as long as the blockage is only partial or deemed temporary. If something major happens to disrupt the camera, then researchers will likely reset the camera to facilitate their research of life in the den.
[return to ToC]Copyright information, use of pictures, etc.
Remember the information on www.bearstudy.org and www.bear.org is copyrighted. It is best practice to add links to the original source information rather than copying source information to the new site. If you have no other method to present this infomation please seek permission first and then give credit to the North American Bear Center.
[return to ToC]Who is Charlotte, Edwood and Speedy?
Charlotte is the spider that has been seen numerous times crawling across Lily's back.
Edwood is the branch she dragged into the den, it sometimes blocked the den door just before the cub was born.
Speedy is the little mouse that has been spotted scooting around the den.
What are the donations used for?
Donations are used entirely to pay down the $700,000 debt that remains from construction of the North American Bear Center. The payments on the interest and principle are currently preventing the Bear Center from expanding their educational offerings.
Questions on Lily and Cub
When was the cub born?
Lily had a single cub born at 11:38 AM CST on January 22nd, 2010.
[return to ToC]Is the cub a boy or girl?
It might be weeks before we can determine the sex of the cub. Once the cub has matured a bit and is more visible in the den we may get a peek. Without litter mates competing for milk, this little cub should grow fast and may weigh 9 pounds when they leave the den in the spring.
[return to ToC]What is the name of the cub?
In the research cabin, our hearts are warmed by your tremendous response to the name quest. Clever, thoughtful names—over a thousand of them. Good names for this and other cubs in the study. We are working on choosing a name.
[return to ToC]When will we see the cub on the den cam?
There is only one warm place in the den — the space between Lily’s sparsely furred underside and the bedding. With her head tucked under her chest, her breath warms that small space while her legs form walls to contain the heat. Re-breathing the air reduces loss of heat and moisture.
We will see few glimpses of the tiny cub from time to time as Lily repositions to clean the cub. As the cub grows we will see it more and more often as spring approaches.
[return to ToC]When with Lily and cub leave the den?
Bears around Ely typically leave their dens in early to mid April. In years with sparse snow, some bears leave as early as March 24. Mothers with unusually small cubs have remained at dens until mid May.
For more information on Black Bears emerging from the den visit www.bear.org - The Family Emerges
[return to ToC]Is Lily in a sanctuary/protected area?
Lily and cub are currently dening on private property. They are wild bears and their summer range will cover both private and public land.
[return to ToC]That looks like snow on Lily’s back. How can she and the cub stand the cold and snow?
Temperatures inside dens are the same as outside unless snow closes the entrances, in which case den temperatures rise to that of the soil. Lily’s big entrance will remain open.
Lily has incredibly thick fur that insulates her so well her body temperature stays well above 90 degrees!
Lily herself keeps the nearly hairless cub warm by tucking it underneath her next to the warmth of her sparsely-furred belly, which is why viewers have seen Lily’s back for the most part since the cub was born.
[return to ToC]How big is the den?
Bear dens are generally not much bigger than the bear is – and we can see just how small Lily’s den is as she moves around in it.
[return to ToC]How long will the cub stay with Lily?
Cubs usually stay with their mother for 16-17 months (rarely 29 months). The family group breaks up one to six days before the mothers are ready to mate in late May or June. At that point the cubs (then yearlings) are on their own.
More bear facts can be found at: www.bear.org: Quick Black Bear Facts.
[return to ToC]How does Lily care for the cub in the den?
Lily’s job now is to care for her cub and respond to its every cry. She tucks it under her to keep it warm, she repositions herself to make sure the cub has access to her nipples, she licks the cubs to stimulate the elimination of wastes.
The www.bear.org website has great information on cub care that can be found at: www.bear.org: Mothers Raise Cubs
[return to ToC]What are the different sounds Lily and the cub are making?
The cub sounds range from contented humming sounds as it nurses, to intense screams when it is hungry or cold. You may also hear it murmur and coo. Lily calms her cub with reassuring grunts. You may notice the intensity of her grunts increases in response to the strength of the cub’s cries.
The www.bear.org website had great information on Black Bear communications that can be found at: www.bear.org: Communications
[return to ToC]How often does the cub eat?
In the den the cub will nurse (i.e. ‘eats’) whenever it wants – definitely on-demand feedings! The ‘how often’ part we are only beginning to learn by watching and listening to the den cam.
[return to ToC]When the cub becomes an adult will Lily recognize her as her cub or just another adult bear?
Yes, mother black bears recognize their offspring after family breakup but will vigorously chase them—even years after family breakup. Once their offspring are on their own they become competitors for food resources and their mothers do not allow them to hang around.
Is there any concern about Lily becoming habituated to humans and causing problems with humans not part of the research team?
For the most part, the research bears are comfortable seeing people in areas where they are used to seeing people, but avoid and even run from people they encounter in unexpected places. To learn more about the research that Lily is part of see http://www.bearstudy.org/website.
What are the odds of Lily abandoning the cub?
It is unlikely that Lily will abandon her cub.
If something were to happen to the cub would lily go into estrus again?
If Lily lost the cub prior to mating season she would come into estrus and mate again to have cubs next winter.
Will Lily den in the same spot next year?
Black bears seldom reuse one of their own dens. Dens do sometimes get reused, but usually by another bear. More about dens and hibernation can be found at: www.bear.org: Hibernation
Will a camera be setup outside the den?
We're not sure if we'll be able to set up a camera outside the den this spring.
Where can I get more information on Lily’s family?
More Information on Lily's family can be found at: Lily's Family.
Research updates can be found at: Research Update.
Will Lily’s cub be collared for study?
If Lily’s cub is a female we’ll attempt to collar her in the spring of 2011 before family breakup. We may also collar her cub if it’s a male but will likely remove the collar if he disperses from the study are.
Questions on WRI’s Research/General Black Bear information
Where can I find details on Lynn Roger’s research?
Information on Lynn Rogers and the Wildlife Research Institute’s research can be found at www.bearstudy.org.
Much of the outcome of this research can be found under the Bear Pages -> Black Bear in the www.bear.org.
Another good source of research observation notes specifically for Lily can be found under the Notes tab on the FB fan page – Lily the Black Bear Notes Tab.
[return to ToC]What does it mean you "walk" with Lily?
Several of our research bears allow us to accompany them in the woods. First we radio-locate them in the woods and then simply follow them wherever they roam and record their behaviors and food choices. Bears vary in their tolerance for being followed. Lily’s mother is particularly trusting and tolerant. More can be learned by watching the video ‘Taking the Video’ at: http://www.bear.org/website/videos.html
[return to ToC]Do you drug your bears to perform your research?
We use trust rather than tranquillizers to radio-collar our research bears. There’s always a certain amount of risk to a bear when drugs are used. Also, jabbing a bear with a syringe would destroy the mutual trust we have developed with these bears that allows us to work closely with them and gather data that can’t be gotten any other way.
[return to ToC]Will the researchers interfere with Mother Nature if something should happen?
In general we are simply observers and don’t interfere. However, as researchers we will interfere if we feel it’s in the best interest of the research.
[return to ToC]Do females ever spurn the advances of males in favor of their yearlings?
We are learning that females do favor certain male partners, and it’s possible they may choose to stay with their yearlings until ‘mister right’ comes along.
[return to ToC]How do we know if the baby is getting enough to eat?
We saw Lily licking milk from her chest before she delivered. She is well-fed and should have an ample supply of milk for this lone cub.
[return to ToC]Do Black Bears hibernate? We see Lily very active on the den cam.
More Information on Black Bear hibernation can be found at: www.bear.org: Hibernation.
[return to ToC]Can you tell us about your study area? What is the size and what defines the boundaries of the study area?
The study area is defined by the territories of the female bears in the study. The females are all members of Shadow's clan -- the 20-year-old matriarch. The study area is roughly 25 miles by 10 miles.
[return to ToC]Statement on Black Bear hunting in Minnesota
Our research is conducted under a Minnesota DNR research permit. The MN DNR actively discourages hunters from shooting radio-collared bears. We post signs in the study area to alert hunters to the presence of radio-collared bears, talk with hunters we meet, and post notes on their vehicles. Most hunters are cooperative once they understand about the research.
[return to ToC]How do male bears interact with mothers and their cubs?
Male bears generally defer to mothers with cubs and avoid them.
[return to ToC]Are Black bears vulnerable to predators such as wolves and coyotes?
Cubs separated from their mothers may be somewhat vulnerable to wolves and coyotes, but cubs have the advantage in that they can climb trees. But as long as mom is around, cubs are pretty well protected.
[return to ToC]What is the survival rate for new cubs?
Survival of cubs in one-cub litters is very high -- close to 100%.
[return to ToC]How do hibernating bears nurse cubs? Where do they get the nutrients?
Only fat bears can successfully have cubs – and they draw on those fat reserves to produce milk to nourish their cubs.
[return to ToC]Who is the 'Bear walker of the Northwoods'?
‘Bearwalker of the Northwoods’ is a BBC/Animal Planet documentary featuring Lynn Rogers and his research. It was mainly filmed in the spring/summer of 2008. Lily is one of the bears featured in the film, first as a yearling still with her mother June and brothers Cal and Bud, then as a yearling on her own. ‘Bearwalker’ premiered in the UK on October 28, 2009 and is scheduled to air on Animal Planet on April 4, 2010.
[return to ToC]Are you concerned with people or wild animals disturbing the den?
Please rest assured that Lily is safe. She is denned on private land and the homeowner is keeping a good eye on the situation there. No one has approached the den. The few folks that know where it is are guarding the secret nicely. Lily has many friends in the community where she is denned and now around the world! If there is a disturbance near her den we will all know -- because we will see it in her reaction. We, as researchers, do not go to the den unnecessarily because we do not what to disturb her. What we are all seeing through this den cam is what a bear does when no one is looking -- cool, eh?
[return to ToC]What do black bears eat to generate so much fat to allow them to hibernate all winter?
Hibernating bears eat an incredible amount in the fall before they hibernate. This coupled with the low metabolism characteristic of hibernation means that Lily has a lot of fat to share. She also recycles nutrients from baby’s poop and urine.
[return to ToC]Do male black bears kill cubs?
Male bears do sometimes kill cubs if they get separated from their mother. With only one cub to look after there is little worry for Lily. In general, male bears avoid females with cubs. It is commonly thought that males kill cubs to bring the female come into estrus -- however, the common litter size in MN is 3 and a male would have to kill all 3 before the female would come into estrus.
[return to ToC]