Mama Bears and Other Mothers

Nothing is as dangerous as a mother protecting her babies. Babies in the park are now mostly adolescents, and they still need protection. The most threatening animals anywhere, including among humans, can be mothers with children. Although fathers also are the protectors of some species, mothers have a special role.

I have not been a biological mother so cannot speak directly to what protecting one’s offspring means. However, I am a cat mom, I love babies, and I feel great love for my adopted wild children.

In the animal world, two parents may raise young ones. In the past week, I was accosted by a hissing goose parent as well as swallows protecting their nest.

In other cases, however, such as among elk and moose populations, mothers are the primary caregivers. People sometimes worry about encountering bears and mountain lions in Rocky Mountain National Park, but they are of little consequence compared to mother elk or moose protecting their babies.

I had an experience with a mother elk last spring that could have been a disaster. The area around Lake Estes is often a prime area for cow elk to give birth. I was aware of this possibility when I went for a walk one evening. As I proceeded on the concrete path, I kept looking around cautiously to if any elk were there. Suddenly I heard the clip clop of hooves behind me and turned to come face to face with a large mama elk. She stopped as I gently whispered to her, “I meant you no harm and I am going to climb over this fence just as quickly as I can. Just be patient with me.” She hesitantly took a couple steps toward me but waited as I clumsily got away. She slowly went back toward the trees as I retreated behind the fence. I did not see a baby, but I know it was hiding nearby.

The “mama bear” meme image is popular these days. The urban dictionary defines a mama bear as a mom who can be cuddly and lovable but also has a ferocious side when it’s necessary to protect her cubs. A mama bear can be biological mom or the head of a group. I respect that notion that applies to humans as well as wild and domestic animals.

The babies born this spring continue to be safeguarded, but most moms (and other parents) are giving them their freedom, even though they are not yet independent. All moms should be proud of their efforts.