Patrick plays den mother at bear survey

I applaud Governor Patrick for his involvement with the Massachusetts bear repopulation and tracking project. It is one of the best managed programs of its kind.

It is quite a statement for the Governor to be involved and offer high profile to such a worthwhile project. Frequently, others would classify this 'type' of Conservation Project as 'pork' but it is in fact a vital aspect of Wildlife Management.



...While they worked yesterday, a political contingent along for the adventure played den mother to the bear's three cubs.

"I know, I know," Governor Deval Patrick cooed to a trembling, yawping cub, while Ian Bowles, the state's energy and environmental affairs secretary, stuffed a second cub into his jacket to keep it warm.

The bear reconnaissance mission, which found three cubs and their massive mother in an earthy den, was part of the state's annual black bear survey. Each year, researchers check in on 15 female bears wearing radio collars, to determine whether they are alive and healthy, and whether they've had cubs. This year, 10 of the 15 bears are expected to have newborns....