Comments from Recent Participants

"In my opinion, learning to respect and be respected in a gentle way by such fascinating and powerful beings as bears is a gradual and ongoing process. You soon go from black to white. From fear to fascination. I think it is important to acquire the skills to properly interpret the context of the interaction between the two. This is only possible at WRI. Each year is different and cumulative. I am sure that I will continue to make my annual bear pilgrimage indefinitely. Thanks to Lynn, the WRI team, and all the bear-friendly neighbors in the Eagle Nest community."
Inigo - Spain 2024

"I live in black bear habitat and want to coexist with them. The Black Bear Field Study course significantly improved my understanding of these magnificent animals. Research-based presentations covered their feeding, denning, vocalization, body language, social organization, ecology, and effects of an increasingly urbanized environment. They refuted widely held misconceptions. Daily close-up observations of bear behavior and reactions to humans reinforced the presentations. Time with Dr. Rogers, his associates, and others who appreciate bears was a pleasure, and it was a genuine treat to observe these timid, intelligent creatures as they go about the business of being bears."
Allan - Tennessee 2024

"We participated in the Bear Course mid-July. We took the course to feel less scared and more comfortable being around black bears while camping, hiking and biking in known bear areas. When we first arrived, there was a bear sitting on the deck and we were excited and shaking, too scared to get out of the car. Within the first 5 minutes though we were hand feeding a BEAR!! It was so overwhelming and wonderful. Our fears disappeared over the course from all the knowledge we received from everyone. By the end they had to tell us to quit feeding them because it was time to leave. All the staff and course participants were all so friendly. We really connected with the guest speakers too. Planning on going again in 2025! We can't wait! Best, most memorable experience of our lives!"
Craig and Melita - North Dakota 2024

"Highly recommend attending the Black Bear Field Study Course! 10/10! The Wildlife Research Institute's setting is serene and relaxing. The accommodations are cozy, comfortable and lends itself to an intimate learning experience. The staff were equally accommodating, especially with my dietary needs.
Dr. Lynn Rogers, who has studied these Black Bears for decades, is legend! He's the most knowledgeable, kind man who educates in a uniquely interesting, story-telling way. There is no better source to learn from than Dr. Lynn Rogers. I just love Doc!
Then there are the stars of the show---wild Black Bears! Truly amazing to wake up and see 6 or more lounging on the front deck! The yearlings wrestled and played outside our bedroom window. Hand feeding them was a bonus!"
Deborah - Ohio 2024

"On August 5th, we attended a Black Bear Field Course for the 4th. time and it was, as it has been the times before, an awesome learning experience. We learned anew and a lot more from the bears, from PHD Lynn Rogers and his assistant Mike Johnson. It was a so enriching time but, above all, we as Italians enjoyed this time mids bears and bear-loving people as a respite from what is happening in Italy, Province of Trentino, where misinformation about bears is constantly spread by the media and the Provincial Government and used for political interests. Organisation was flawless as usual, and the meals prepared by Andrea Nixon where unbeatable."
Cristina & Alfredo - Italy 2024

"For months I had been telling all my friends and family that I was, "Going to meet bears! Going to meet bears!" I told anyone who would listen, my doctor, the pharmacist, the internet repair guy. The days drew closer and before I knew it I was on a plane from PA to Minnesota. When I first arrived at the Institute, it looked like something out of a movie. A huge cabin, bear feeding stations galore, being smack dab in the middle of nature was overwhelming at first. Keep in mind that I live on a busy city street back home. Anyhow, it was around 6:30pm as we unloaded the cars and walked towards the cabin. I noticed a jeep with wood pallets in front of each tire. Was this because of the bears?? What had I signed up for? My mind raced. I didn't have much time to collect my thoughts, before it was happening- there were black bears on the deck of the cabin! The researchers were all relaxed, calm and told me to feed the bears hazelnuts. Do what now? Feed them? I was still in shock that I was looking at one (Adam) in real life and now they wanted me to FEED A WILD BLACK BEAR? I decided that I was not ready for that. I was going to wait until the following day and bring my spine with me! Or at least that's what I thought. I was walking my luggage up the flights of steps to my room when I ran into Dr Lyn Rogers in his office. A grand room filled with books, reports, magazines, photos on the walls, stacks of documents and more hazelnuts. Now why would Dr. Rogers need hazelnuts at his 2nd floor office I wondered? Well, simply said, the bears climb up. You heard me right. These majestic black bears climb the steps and help themselves to a beautiful view off the deck, not to mention a plethora of supplemental feeding. 2 yearlings were outside and before I knew it, Dr Rogers was gently hand feeding them. All my nerves were on fire, it was my turn. I had 2 hands full of nuts and I slowly reached out towards the bears. I could feel the bear's tongues on my hand. It was surreal. I did not want to harm them, and they extended the same courtesy. I learned quite a bit about black bears at the research center, but I think the number 1 rule towards bears is to have RESPECT.
My time at the research center was informative, jaw dropping and impressive. The staff is absolutely amazing, allowing us to treat the cabin as our home, They were intelligent, kind and love bears. Should I ever have the opportunity to return to Bears, I definitely would."
Leslie - Pennsylvania 2024

“Bear School” has become a highlight of my calendar for the last several years. As an educator, it helps ground me in what is significant and of consequence in the natural world- the bears themselves are wonderful teachers and Dr Rogers is Bear Man extraordinaire! It’s also great fun and you get to meet a diverse group of interesting (and interested) people. A highlight this year was the talk from a Native American lady who spoke of being "bear clan" in her tribe… we even had Goldie, a bear, sit with us and listen to her words of immense wisdom.
It’s a packed few days, with great food, great accommodation and great company, of the human and ursine kinds!!"
Margaret - New Zealand 2024

"As a psychologist with a passion for wildlife, I’m especially interested in learning more about black bear social behavior and how to promote respectful interactions between humans and bears. The bear study course provides an invaluable opportunity for up close observations unlike anywhere else. The folks at the WRI are eager to share their wealth of knowledge accumulated from decades of research. The bears were also incredibly gracious. I look forward to participating in another course next year!"
Michele - Vermont 2024

"2024 was my 4th time at the WRI – first time alone, second time with my daughter & granddaughter, 3rd with my daughter, granddaughter and a good friend, this year with my daughter, grandson and my niece. So grateful to teach all of them the truth about Black Bears (oh, and to meet Dr. Rogers & Judy & Mike!!!)"
Sherry - North Carolina 2024

"This was our second time attending the Black Bear Course. We decided after having a wonderful time in early summer 2023, we would sign up for a second course, this time in late summer. We were not disappointed. It was amazing to learn about the bears during a different stage of their yearly activity. The bears were fascinating both times, but late summer during hyperphagia is especially exciting as many huge fat bears visit the WRI cabin and we could see them up close and personal. We got good enough to recognize a few individuals by their markings and also learned their individual personalities, with the help of Dr. Rogers and the knowledgeable leaders. They are such gentle creatures. It seemed like a Peaceable Kingdom in the evening when many large male bears appeared around the cabin while we sat out on the cabin’s deck, or around the fire pit at the picnic area. They tolerated or ignored us as we admired them from inches away, or sometimes hand-fed them! It was interesting to explore the environment of the boreal forest around the cabin and, on the wonderful boat ride that is offered as part of the class, we got to travel to the den where Lily gave birth to Hope back in 2010. We saw Common Loons on the boat trip, and a Bald Eagle nest that has been used by these majestic birds for many years. The experience is simply a nature-lover’s dream. This year a highlight was an afternoon with two fascinating ladies from the Ojibwa Bear Clan in traditional garb, who told of the reverence and symbolism of Black Bears in their culture. Each delicious meal was magically and skillfully prepared by wonderful chef Andrea, and we were once again enthralled by the many teachings and stories of Dr. Lynn Rogers. We ended the Course with a visit to the fantastic North American Bear Center in Ely, where we toured the exhibits and had a special visit with their resident ambassador bears. Thank you, Dr. Rogers and Wildlife Research Institute, for an unforgettable time in the North Woods."
Laura and Steve - North Carolina 2024