It's GivingTuesday AND my Birthday! December 2nd!

The bears are and always will be our priority. We appreciate all of you for knowing that, even when we're not as present as we all might like. And, of course, by present - I mean sharing massive amounts of bear pictures and videos, and connecting with you on social media. We likely won't see much of Fozzie in the coming months, but I will stay more connected than I have been. 

It is such an honor and a joy to rescue and release black bears. I wish we could all do it. Well, we do - we are all IBBR afterall! You are the lifeline that gives black bears a second chance in the wild. I hope you know how much I value you - every one of you - liking, sharing, donating, asking questions. We can tell how much you care, and all of us here at IBBR feel amazingly supported in helping these bears on their journeys. I wish you could all enjoy being in the presence of these phenomenal animals, at least once in your life. Being able to share pictures and stories is a close second. 

Idaho Black Bear Rehab strives to improve our already stellar facility every day, every year, every time we learn. We have always had a high success rate in rehab-to-release. Over the years, we've changed how we interact with the bears. Now, the majority of our observations, pictures, and videos come from our remote cameras. I haven't wanted to spend too much of the budget on the remote cameras. For many years, they were a way to monitor and only occasionally share videos and pictures. We didn't worry too much about quality because we spent a few minutes a day checking on them in person and taking a few photos. The cameras were only meant to ensure the bears' safety. Now we realize that we really do need to upgrade our camera system since that is our main way to get pictures to share with you. You are the people who make all of this possible, and you deserve good pictures! I mean, we're not going to get crazy, but we can do a little better. It's about time to replace our old ones anyway. 

We also continue to adapt to the issues at hand. Because of bird flu, we'll be adding extra mesh screens to the entire enclosure, as well as a fan system to hopefully mitigate the risk of contamination. Whereas we were previously able to enjoy the occasional owl who decided to cohabitate with the bears, or the many birds who enjoyed building nests above the enclosure, that has become a risk. Fortunately, they have the 'pasture turning to forest' to live in. 

Toward the pasture

New trees!

So those are our two projects right now, along with our ongoing day-to-day expenses. If you'd like to help out, we'd sure appreciate it! 

Idaho Black Bear Rehab is run solely on the generosity of our supporters. Which does not mean you should donate if it creates a hardship for you! You can like, comment, and share with your wealthy friends! And if you don't have any - hey that's okay, I don't either! Keep us in your lotto dreams! Okay, seriously, you know I hate the money part. But, for the bears, I can ask. 

Help us celebrate Giving Tuesday and my birthday!  I'll also be accepting good wishes and cake! I'm guessing Fozzie will be sleeping in that day, but that's okay - just having him here is enough present for me!