Comments from Recent Participants
"We attended the Black Bear Field Study Course at the Wildlife Research Institute in July 2012. We stayed at the WRI lodge, dined on fabulous, home-cooked meals, viewed bears of all sizes at the feeding stations, went bush-whacking in the forest to locate radio-collared bears and their cubs, took over 1,000 pictures, and learned about our beautiful black bears. There are many myths about black bears, so it was eye-opening to learn about these timid animals from two dedicated experts. Out in the forest, we’d sit quietly watching Dr. Lynn Rogers or biologist Sue Mansfield check the bears’ heart rates and change batteries in their GPS collars. To meet Lily, June, Jewel and her cubs Fern and Herbie was truly heartwarming. It was an incredible trip, one we will always remember and cherish. We met life-long friends from around the world because of this amazing adventure. Our hope is to attend another course, and in the future volunteer in any way we can to support the WRI and the North American Bear Center in their educational quest."
Betty and Dennis M. – Minnesota 2012
"We took our Black Bear Field Study course in July of 2012 and we both consider this course to have been an experience of a lifetime. We were so impressed with the incredible wealth of information and experience that Dr. Rogers and Ms. Mansfield had regarding the North American Black Bear. From the very beginning, to the very end of the course, they shared with us the knowledge they had gathered from research made over several decades.
They were, and are, both professional instructors and wildlife researchers who are truly passionate about bears. We and our fellow participants embraced their passion and are grateful to them for enriching our lives with an expanded understanding, respect and enhanced appreciation of the black bear—a beautiful and gentle creature of the forest."
Bob W. and Mary B. – California 2012
"The Black Bear Field Study Course enabled me to dispel the myth that black bears are ferocious predators and need to be feared while hiking in the forest. I hike frequently and now look forward to the experience of seeing black bears. When I see a bear I pause and admire these shy but intelligent creatures. I often wish I could talk to them and approach them like Sue and Lynn. Participating in the Bear Study Course has greatly enhanced my frequent outings into the wilderness."
Mark A. – Washington 2012
Beyond comparison
An opportunity to Listen and learn
Acquired knowledge of bears and how they live in the north MN woods
Gained an understanding of how to Co-exist with black bears
Kept busy keeping up with Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield
Exposed to the Beauty of the area of Ely
Established rapport with fellow course participants
Was in Awe of the unique chance to observe bears
Learned to Respect bears and how they live their lives
Will Savor the memories of the Field Study forever!
Cathy H. – Texas 2013
"At one moment you are eating a delicious meal and asking questions about bear behavior. And in another you find yourself in the forest with crackling sticks underfoot, hand guarding your face against the inevitable willow branch snapping back at you from the person ahead. You must step quickly to trail the Pipers carrying the Ziplock cache of pecans, listening through a headset and occasionally raising an antenna in the air. Suddenly your group has slowed and is gathered in one spot. Everything is very quiet. A lovely and clear bell rings out into the woods, “It’s me, bear. Come June. It’s me.”
"All eyes scan the landscape in the dim light searching for that dark shadow. Suddenly, there is June in the distance circling back around to sniff downwind of the group to ensure her safety. It is truly magical!"
Laura C. – Colorado 2013
"I had the awesome experience of attending the Bear Study Course several years ago and it was one of the most rewarding and learning study courses I have ever attended. The knowledge and hands on experience of Lynn and Sue was just mind-boggling. I learned so much and experienced a newfound love of the bears and just what wonderful creatures they truly are. They have a place in this universe that people need to know about, education, education is the only way to obtain this knowledge, which Lynn and Sue are more than willing to share. Thank you triple fold for all you are doing."
Kaye L. – North Carolina 2012
"For me the course was a once in a lifetime experience. I have spent some time in northern Wisconsin and have seen 4 bears covering maybe 15 seconds in total. At the course, the bears were close to us. There was no reason to be afraid. The bears weren’t tame; they just wanted the nuts from Lynn. They ignored the rest of us. These are wild animals. They appear from out of the woods and when the nuts are gone they disappear quietly back into the woods. I took over 400 pictures and have arranged them in a sequence to explain what I did. But unless you have been there, people can’t comprehend how amazing it was to be around the bears."
Paul M. – Wisconsin 2012
"Living in the UK where there are sadly no longer any wild bears made seeing them in the wild in the States truly awe inspiring. It was fantastic to see wild bears in their natural environment. I was inspired originally by the TV programmes ‘Bearwalker’ and ‘Bear Family and Me’, and the story of Hope. I started to follow Dr. Rogers’ and Sue Mansfield’s work in the Northwoods, and eventually knew I had to go on one of the courses and see the beautiful bears for myself. The dream came true in July 2013. Despite my extreme nervousness about flying, and the fact that I was going such a long way on my own for the first time, I was determined to do it and was so glad I did. I came away with fantastic memories (not to mention a couple thousand photos!), met a bunch of great people, and above all saw the wild bears – Lily and her cubs Eli and Ellie, and Juliet.
"It was fascinating to see the non-invasive research methods by Dr. Lynn Rogers and his team. It was great being among likeminded individuals. The WRI is in a stunning location, and it was great to wake up in the morning and look at the splendid view, and see the animals pottering about around the building.
"I am a vegan, and I was really well catered for at the WRI. I came away with memories that will stay with me forever. Being able to see Black Bears in the wild was a unique and priceless experience. I also felt that the course was educational, with interesting talks from Dr. Rogers and a great demonstration of bear tracking from Sue. The insights into Dr. Rogers’ research methods, and seeing them demonstrated for real was also a great privilege. Indeed, education was a significant aspect of the Black Bear Field Course (as it is in all Lynn and Sue’s work)—in not only learning about Black Bears, but showing how we can co-exist with them as well.
"Seeing how Dr. Rogers interacts with the bears is truly amazing, and the envy of those, like me, who are passionate for all the sentient beings on this precious planet.
"I have put my name down to go again, but will have to wait until my turn comes round!"
Susan B. – UK 2013
"It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The course was a great balance of activities. Not only did we get to see bears at the WRI— first bear Big Harry who despite his size was so gentle—we also saw them in their territories. We explored the den where Lily gave birth to Hope. We observed mother and cub interactions (RC and her cubs and Juliet, Sophie, Sybil and Sam) and saw Lily and June. The lectures and the outings where we learned to track bears were fascinating and you didn’t need to be a biologist to understand everything! I really got to appreciate what a fantastic job Lynn, Sue and the volunteers do. I can’t wait to do it again."
Mel C. – UK 2012
"We were lucky enough to be part of a study course in 2012, we waited a great number of years to fulfill my dream of seeing these amazing creatures ‘ up close ‘ and as nature intended. The course was extremely informative, well run but in a relaxed and very friendly way. Any bear enthusiast travelling either singly or not, from any country would fit in well with the bear study course. It truly was a magical experience and one that as many people as possible should experience so we realize how misunderstood these animal are and how we need to change in our treatment of them."
David T. and Sally L. – UK