Jellies

A Lion's Mane jelly and friend.  

When describing a lion's mane to my guests, I usually say to look for a jellyfish shaped like a child's drawing of a sun: bright, with ray-like lobes.    In South East, they can get quite large, but we typically see individuals at around 10 inches in diameter.   This one had a friend along.   The jelly has quite a sting which can cause a harsh rash and burning pain if you come in contact with them.    Local fishermen call them "red hots" for this reason.   However, several fish species can withstand the toxin and live quite comfortably alongside the jelly.     These photographs were taken above water from the dock in Elfin Cove.    We were quite lucky to see this bright, beautiful little fish swimming, protected by its mobile home.   

Black and Brown Bear Research

I volunteered late last month with Tania Lewis of Glacier Bay National Park to assist her in collecting hair samples for DNA research as well as recording track and scat patterns in Glacier Bay to identify species distribution in the park.    Here are the photos that resulted from the trip.   Images are property of the US National Park and cannot be used for profit.  

 Sow with a spring cub. 

Habitat

Tracks:   Image 1:  Whale grease print on a rock.   Image 2: Print in gravel.    Image 3: Hind print in sand.  Image 4: Front print in silt.  

Tania collecting hair for DNA

Guard hair is collected by placing wire on known rub trees.

Bark polished and smooth on a rub tree branch.

Soap berries are a main staple in the diet.   Before and after image.

We stayed at the Back Country ranger cabins during the three-day field study.