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k e l l y d e a n  and  c o m p a n y

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First, we'd like to introduce you to our study subject for this chapter. . .

This is 'Gizmo'.  He's a happy little cub of approximately 8 weeks

He can still be a little unsteady on his feet, and tires very easily.

Shhhh. . . I think he spotted us. .

Little cubs are very curious.

Well, I don't think he's spotted us, but he does see something interesting. . .

I wonder what it could be. . .

It sure has captured his attention!

Oh! It's an acorn & leaves.  Mom must have dragged it into the cave for bedding.

What a fun toy for a bored little cub!

Something he can really get his claws into.

(oops!  wee Gizmo isn't very co-ordinated yet, is he?)

But he's learning to balance upright a little bit.

He doesn't really have any teeth yet

But that doesn't stop him from chewing, he's teething after all.

of course, even an acorn can get boring after awhile.  

Besides, a bear's gotta stop and scratch his nose once in a while. 

(let's zoom in a little here, check out that still-pinkish nose and those pearly little claws.  They will all turn black at Gizmo grows up)

Here we can see part of his leathery paw pads, and the way the golden fur on his muzzle shades to black at the edges.

Of course, bear cubs never sit still for long.

And our wee Gizmo is no exception

He's heard something at the back of the cave.. it might be interesting.

Gizmo is off to investigate!

Nope, nothing back there. (but it looks like Giz might be getting tired)

Yeah, I think he's looking for a place to curl up.

Gizmo always likes a good stretch before he takes a nap.

But now he's really getting tired.

look at those sleepy eyelids. . even his ears are drooping.

Maybe he'll just sit right here

or maybe. .  .just maybe. . .

he could just lie down.

Or curl up beside mom - who was just always sleeping, for gosh sakes!

Soon, his eyelids begin to sag and Gizmo gets more comfortable.

and then he's fast asleep. . .

Dreaming little grizzly bear dreams . . .

Gizmo scratches under his nose while he sleeps  - bears only have wake up for the important stuff, like eating and playing

of course, he rolls around a lot in his sleep, a cub has got to stay comfy, you understand. 

but there's that rustling sound in the back of the cave again. . .hm m m. .

sooo tired, but maybe he should investigate. . .

Giz cocked his head.

He listened carefully. . . 

was it really worth getting up for?

Maybe he could just sniff from here.

Nah, forget it, this cub has had enough!

He's going back to sleep.

Gizmo says he's finally found a comfortable spot to sleep.

and that you can wake him up when the auction is over. . .

but right now, he's got some serious sleeping to do!

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