Comments from Recent Participants

"This year was my fourth consecutive course at WRI. I'm European, and traveling to Minnesota requires an extra effort. My personal situation suffered an unexpected blow just a few days before the start of the training when my father passed away suddenly. The environment, my classmates, the team, and of course the bears have always been a winning option for achieving an inner peace that's hard to explain, as well as the new learning I gain every year. This year was incredible because I found the peace I needed but couldn't find. Every year is different, and this one was especially generous with visits from mother bears and cubs." 
Inigo/Charlie - Spain 2025

"I first attended the Black Bear Field Study Course to observe, learn, and better understand black bears. I left with profound respect for bears, a deeper desire to coexist, and a better understanding of Dr. Rogers’ research. I attended a second time to connect with these magnificent animals. I am forever grateful for this unique Northwoods experience."
Allan - TN 2025

"For the first time since my son was born (20 yrs ago), he isn’t featured on my phone’s home screen. That honor has now been bestowed upon my new bear friend, Sidewinder.
I was enjoying all the bears at the Wildlife Research Institute, until I met “the one!” Some of the larger bears were up on the deck when I noticed a meek and beautiful bear keeping his distance. I felt like he wanted to come closer. I wasn’t sure I should go chasing after a bear, but the staff assured me it was okay to approach him. I brought him some hazelnuts, and we instantly became fast friends. There was an indescribable bond that was formed based on a trust and appreciation that seemed to be reciprocal. I spent hours upon hours feeding “my” bear.
As much as I enjoyed my encounters with Sidewinder, the true highlight of the experience was sharing meals with Dr. Roger’s and hearing his incredible bear study stories firsthand. I can tell you that I’ve never shared a meal with a more interesting person. He is humble and kind and his knowledge of bears is astounding.
The food was delectable, the conversation enthralling, and the company was the best.
My bear immersion was truly life changing."
Tiffany - ND 2025

"This was an amazing experience. I'm so glad I got to be part of it. The bears and the staff were so entertaining and knowledgeable. It was an unbelievable chance of a lifetime. A great opportunity to see bears up close and personable. My #1 vacation."
Cindy - Wisconsin 2024

"I attended a Bear Study Course at the Wildlife Research Institute. I love bears and have read a number of books about them. I knew facts, but this course went way beyond facts. I had the opportunity to observe their behavior, showing their intelligence, gentleness, and power. My respect for them has grown immeasurably, but my fear has diminished.
Dr. Rogers is one of the kindest people I've ever met. He was so excited to share his expertise with us and there are few people who have his level of experience with black bears.
The volunteers who took care of us were wonderful! We enjoyed guest speakers, presentations, delicious meals, and great conversation.
I highly recommend attending one of these classes."
Janet - Tennessee 2024

"From the first moments of experiencing BEARCOURSE, I was transfixed, amazed, and in awe to be in the presence of such amazing creatures. I learned so much about the true nature of black bears and busted many long-held myths. In addition to the bears themselves, I have been deeply impressed by the love, dedication, and sacrifices made by the team at WRI and their commitment to the bears and educating people. BEARCOURSE has to be one of the top adventures in my lifetime and I have loved it so much that I just completed my 8th BEARCOURSE."
David - AZ 2024

"I have been to 4 bear courses over 15 years and each time it has been an enlightening experience. I learn something new every time. The lectures and slide presentations are informative and educational. Depending on the weather and time of year you come you can observe several adult bears and cubs, sometimes as many as 20 at one time! Being among other bear lovers makes it a very comfortable and entertaining experience. It is a chance to be among the bears in their natural habitat. In addition to bears you may also encounter other wildlife including loons, deer and numerous chipmunks!"
Irma - Delaware 2024

"I am an avid animal lover and teach others to put love over fear in their interactions with horses. However, when I signed up to attend the Bear Study course in Ely, Minnesota, I wasn't sure I would be able to do that with bears. The first thing I teach my students is to observe the horses in the herd. So, I followed this protocol with the bears. I watched them with each other and with the humans who moved among them. It did not take long to see their true nature and before long I was able to move comfortably among them snapping pictures of older bears, moms with cubs and yearlings without any fear. The bears were content to be bears displaying their own various personalities. Some ate out of our hands. The softness of their muzzles tickled my palms they gently licked up a special trail mix. I never felt a tooth or witnessed any aggression towards the humans.
The constant humor and knowledge offered by Dr. Lynn Rogers was unsurpassable and busted many myths about bears. If you are thinking about going, GO! You will come away a different person- a person who can put love over fear by respecting the nature and perspective of another beautiful, sentient being."
Gail - North Carolina 2024

"Participating in the Black Bear study was one of the most fulfilling and exciting things I’ve ever done. I told my wife when I got home, I now measure my life BB (before bears) and AB (after bears). I learned more about black bears in 4 days than I thought I knew my whole life prior. Black bears are innocent, docile, and precious creatures. I want to thank Dr. Lynn Rogers and his whole crew at the Wildlife Research Institute for all their efforts in teaching us so much about the life of the Black Bear. Meeting all the other participants and sharing our stories was also very enjoyable. The whole experience was incredible, and I hope to do it again. Next time maybe my wife will join me."
Tom - North Dakota 2024

"The setting in the Minnesota forests surrounded by lakes is breathtaking. Having so many close encounters with different bears is incredible. There should be many more places like Wildlife Research Institute where humans and black bears can become acquainted, and the true nature of the bears witnessed. Everyone has the right to share in this activity. The entire staff was wonderful to be around and very knowledgeable. The housing was very comfortable, and the meals were tasty and well prepared. The boat ride around the lake and the chance to enter a real bear den was a treat."
Jean - Pennsylvania 2024