For those who need an alternative to watching the grass grow (which it isn't, except down under) or sitting at the town square watching the paint peel off the historical canon (while it's a bit chilly for sitting on a a park bench), it is reported that we now have a splendid opportunity to watc, via webcam, a hibernating bear.

About the Hibernating Bear Webcam gives the (TV - with brief commercial) news report about this exciting event.

Not only is this young (3 year old) female bear asleep, it is also believed that she is pregnant and may "soon" give birth. The confirmation of her pregnancy appears not to have been confirmed by her OB/GYN, but the spokesperson says "she's old enough so she should be." (The suspense may be unbearable for some.)

The Bearcam link given in the news clip reports as a "broken link" but poking about a bit finds a report that the massive surge in traffic has crashed the server. A link at the reporting site sends you to the real bearcam. (Note that Adobe Flash may be needed, and there is a mike to pick up the sound from the den, but it has a significant "buzz" so you may want to turn the volume down.)

The Other Bearcam link given in the newsclip also reports as "broken" but may (or may not) redirect automatically to the same bearcam.

At my "check visit" there appeared to be a visible patch of black fur, and a few scattered snowflakes. I think I'll check in later when the snow dissipates, as the excitement was perhaps more intense than I can stand for any extended period.

John