Lily the black bear, an Internet star, gives birth to cub in her den in northeastern Minnesota

Associated Press
Last update: January 22, 2010 - 4:41 PM

MINNEAPOLIS - A researcher says Lily the black bear has given birth to a cub in her den in northeastern Minnesota.

Biologist Lynn Rogers says Lily gave birth just after 11:30 a.m. Central Time Friday in her den, which is equipped with a video camera. He says it was difficult to see her giving birth, so he based his conclusion on contortions the bear made, followed by "sweet grunts" that show concern for a cub.

Rogers and his North American Bear Center put a camera in Lily's den outside Ely (EE'-lee), Minn., that streams her activity live over the Internet.

Rogers says he doesn't know if the cub is male or female.

A bear's first litter is typically one or two cubs. But Rogers said enough time has passed that it's unlikely the 3-year-old Lily will deliver a second cub.

On the Net:

North American Bear Center: http://www.bear.org/website/visit-us/lily-den-cam.html

http://www.startribune.com/local/82401432.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUUUycaEacyU
(Submitted by D.R. Shoop)