It was a nice surprise being able to see this two and half year-old cub and its mother in June and a few times after that over the season. As well as being able to get a few pictures most of those times. When looking at those images of the cub, we can really see how it looks over the season and the changes that occur in terms of weight gain, fur colour change and more. A great way to learn firsthand.
This male cub has been a handful from year one and showed a lot of independence as it got older. The last time I saw him was in October, probably a few days before it was sleepy time. About forty meters from its mother, digging for food. The muscles that help to form the hump over a few months this season, really helps with the digging. The independence might get a big test next season, if the mother decides to mate, the cub will be pushed away to defend itself. But, thanks to its mother and also with a great berry season, the cub went from being under 100 pounds to near 250 in October. The cubs learn a lot from their mother, the knowledge plays a big role in determining if it survives on its own. His grandmother was F72 and his grandfather is M122, so he has good genes running through him. Rule number one will be staying away from bigger males, including his grandfather.
