there just isn't much to do during the winter. I made food for what few critters we have, threw away a couple of really grody balls that the raccoons had been chewing on, swept out a couple of outdoor storage locations that otherwise did not need any cleaning or tidying, and got to watch a bear getting minor surgery and an ultrasound. :D

she's the bear that was hit by a car and had her pelvis broken. she's been with us for... four weeks now, I think, and we *still* don't know if she's pregnant. the veterinary ultrasound specialist from Woodland Park Zoo came and was doing fine-point ultrasound and *she* couldn't be sure if there's a fetus or what. it was very intense and interesting. the bear was unconscious, of course, and she got through the procedure fine. her paws are as big as MY ENTIRE FACE and her round ears looked so soft I wanted to pet them, but that was Not Allowed, so I have to imagine.

so we may have a Surprise Bonus Bear sometime in the next month or so, as that's the time when bears normally give birth. or we may not!