As I watch the 2024 bear field courses filling up on Bearstudy.org, I’m looking forward to getting together once again with people who want to share bears. A high point for me each summer is meeting like-minded people in these Monday to Thursday courses and sharing the excitement as we immerse ourselves in wild bears that teach us directly.
The pictures here are of two of the favorite bears we look forward to seeing. One the pictures is of Lily in a den we often visit. I especially look forward to seeing her this year when she should have cubs. The other picture is of Burt who is shown with his happy face that is always a joy to see.
As I’ve said before, the courses are life-changing for people who fear bears, unforgettable for people who appreciate them, and essential for wildlife professionals. We see and hear the bears’ vocalizations, body language and how they relate to each other and people. On walks to old dens, leaders point out bear sign and wild foods. One of the pictures is of Lily in one of the dens we usually visit. Whatever we do, it’s always fun and interesting hearing questions during walks, dinner, lectures or any convenient time about what black bears are like and how they live. With the people we have helping to lead the 
courses together with what you learn from the bears, your questions, and the lectures we do during the least active part of each day, you end up going home knowing more about black bears than just about anyone, and no expert can tell you what you learn from the bears is wrong.
For more information about the courses, travel, local points of interest, etc. contact Judy Thon at
Thank you for all you do,
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center