Mora Cub Scouts visit Minnesota Wildlife Connection

 

The Mora Cub Scout Pack 193 visited the Minnesota Wildlife Connection located just north of Sandstone Saturday, May 22. We got to see all kinds of animals and it was the perfect time of year to do so. Not only did we see various critters but many of them had babies for us to see as well, like the skunks that had two albino babies in the litter. Other babies we saw were mink, opossum, wolf, and coyote pups. The kids were able to hold the wolf and coyote pups that were all not much more than 8 weeks old. A list of animals we were able to view and learn about are cougars, wolf, coyote, bear, raccoon, skunks, fischer, opossum, mink, woodchuck and the red and grey fox. Some of the animals we were permitted to hold and pet like the red and grey fox, but the most popular with the youngsters and adults alike were the wolf and coyote pups. Blue the black bear was a huge hit also, he loves gummy bears and will take them out of your lips without touching you.

 

 Not often do kids get to see wild animals up close like this. Lee Greenly from the Minnesota Wildlife Connection breeds and raises animals for the purpose of wildlife photography in a natural setting. He explained to us how he handles the young animals so they imprint on people and this allows him and others to get amazingly close for the wildlife photo shoots. He also said that some of the animals actually know what a camera is and will almost pose for them. Many of his animals have been in movies, like Blue the bear. The Minnesota Timber Wolves, and the state lottery have shot several commercials at his site using his animals. Most photography sessions take place in the fall and winter when the animals fur is prime. Lee explained that in the spring and summer if he has time he will do tours, and he really seems to like the kids a lot too. Anyone wishing to set up a tour or photography session may contact Lee at mnwildlife@gmail.com or call 320-245-2017.

 

 A special thanks go out to Lee Greenly and the Minnesota Wildlife Connection for letting us visit, along with Steve and Mary Enfield from A-1 Rescue Towing and Recovery for setting this tour up for us.

 

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