– The crucial role of veterinary staff and wildlife biologists in wildlife conservation efforts
– The innovative Surrogate-Sow Program for orphaned bear cubs in Michigan
– The intricate process of sedating, examining, and equipping mother bears with GPS collars
– The unique method of integrating orphaned cubs with surrogate mother bears
Wildlife conservation is an essential aspect of environmental stewardship, requiring the skillful collaboration of veterinary professionals and wildlife biologists. One exemplary initiative demonstrating this partnership is the assistance provided by Binder Park Zoo’s veterinary staff, namely Dr. Kim, Dr. Megan, vet tech Jeanette, and keeper Charlie, alongside Michigan DNR Wildlife Biologist Mark Boersen. Their work in northern Michigan involves the sedation and radio telemetry collar update on female black bears. This process is integral to the Surrogate-Sow Program, a pioneering effort to find new homes for orphaned bear cubs in Michigan.
The Surrogate-Sow Program stands as a testament to innovative conservation strategies. Black bears, particularly females that have previously mothered cubs, are identified and monitored for their potential to act as surrogate mothers. This selection criterion is based on their natural maternal instincts and experience in cub rearing. Interestingly, searching for these mother bears occurs during winter hibernation, minimizing disturbance and taking advantage of their less active state.
The process of sedating these bears is meticulous, involving a comprehensive physical examination, measurement, and weight assessment. Replacing old GPS collars with new ones is critical, ensuring that the DNR can accurately track and locate these bears when necessary. Once the examination and updates are complete, the bear and her cubs are safely returned to their den, allowing them to awaken from sedation without undue stress.
When the need arises to place an orphaned cub with a surrogate mother, the precision of GPS tracking comes into play. The targeted mother bear instinctively tries to protect her cubs by luring perceived threats away. During this diversion, wildlife officers place the orphaned cub among her cubs, applying a scented gel to create a uniform scent among the group. This ingenious method leverages the mother bear’s less precise counting abilities, facilitating the acceptance of the orphaned cub as her own.
Over the past two decades, the success of the Surrogate-Sow Program in Michigan has been remarkable. Its effectiveness underscores the critical importance of wildlife conservation efforts led by dedicated professionals. The collaboration between Binder Park Zoo’s veterinary staff and Michigan DNR wildlife biologists exemplifies how science, compassion, and innovative thinking can harmoniously contribute to species preservation.
Furthermore, educating the public and fostering an understanding of these efforts is vital. Awareness and support for such programs contribute to their success and the broader goal of wildlife preservation. Wildlife conservation is a collective responsibility, and the Surrogate-Sow Program is a shining example of what can be achieved when expertise and commitment come together in service of a noble cause.
This brief foray into the world of wildlife conservation, specifically the Surrogate-Sow Program in Michigan, highlights the adaptive strategies employed by dedicated professionals to ensure the survival and well-being of the species in their care and the environment at large. The path toward sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife becomes increasingly attainable through continued support and innovation.
*****
Source Description
This past week, Binder Park Zoo’s veterinary staff – Dr. Kim, Dr. Megan, vet tech Jeanette, and sandpaper Charlie assisted Michigan DNR Wildlife Biologist Mark Boersen in Northern Michigan in sedating and changing radio telemetry collars on female black bears. These mother bears are part of the Surrogate-Sow Program, which provides an important service when orphaned bear cubs are found in Michigan.
Each year, the DNR monitors a group of mother bears that can be used as surrogate mothers if an orphaned cub needs to be re-homed, typically in the spring or summer. To be classified as a surrogate sow, the mother bear has already had cubs of her own and knows the true meaning of being a “Mama Bear.”
After the DNR located these mother bears in their winter dens, the zoo’s veterinarians helped sedate them for a full physical exam, weighed, measured, and changed their old GPS collars for new ones. When the exam is complete, the mother bear and her current offspring are all placed back into the den, where the sedation wears off a little later.
If there is a need to place an orphan cub with a surrogate mother, the DNR locates the sow via her collar signal. Mama Bear will shoo her cubs up a tree and attempt to lure the “threat” (DNR Officers in this case) away from her cubs. During this time, the DNR will place the orphan cub in the tree, apply some scented gel and back away from the location. When Mama returns, and her cubs come down, the gel makes them all smell the same. Success!
The program has been very successful over the past 20 years in placing the orphaned cubs with a surrogate mother bear in the wild. The secret to the success is….mother bears aren’t the best at counting!
You can learn more about the Surrogate-Sow Program by reading more here:
https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/03/michigans-orphaned-baby-bears-surrogate-moms-scented-gel-tricks-and-cute-cubs.html
