Episode 11 – Founder Tales: Taking over from Vince (Part 2)
ABA Co-Founder Karen Hauserman continues her story detailing Vince’s declining health and her first meeting with Bill and Klari Lea, and how the three of them went on to form the ABA. Karen also reflects on bears she met over the years, her... Read more

Episode 10 – Founder Tales: Meeting Vince (Part 1)
Philip is joined by ABA Co-Founder Karen Hauserman in the first of a two-parter! They chat about how the property was in the “before times”, before the sanctuary was founded. Karen details how she came to the Northwoods and her first meeting with Vince in... Read more

Episode 9 – Out on a Limb
In 2016, Philip pulled a book off the shelf entitled “Out on a Limb” by Benjamin Kilham. Benjamin Kilham has rehabilitated hundreds of black bears cubs in New Hampshire. Walking with them in the forest has helped him detail bear communications, vocalisations, body language and other behaviours,... Read more

Episode 8 – Myths & Misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions about the North American black bear. Join Philip as he reviews the myths and counter these with the facts. This episode dives into folklore, misunderstood behavior, and scientific truths, all in an effort to separate fact from fiction including topics on... Read more

Episode 7 – ABA President Interview w/Steph Horner
During a visit to the sanctuary in summer 2024 Philip sat down for a chat with ABA President, Steph Horner. We discussed how she gained her love of animals, the challenges of running a non-profit, bears she has connected with over the years and some of... Read more

Episode 6 – Bear Necessities
Ever wondered what its like to volunteer at the sanctuary? Join Philip as he takes us through what has changed at the sanctuary over the last ten years and why volunteering at the sanctuary is an experience unlike many others. Listeners will enjoy insights on volunteering and learn... Read more

Episode 5 – Bear Safety
What are you supposed to do when you’re hiking out in bear country? Philip draws upon his own experiences hiking in Canada, before we welcome wildlife biologist, Amber Kornak, into the Bear Den. Having volunteered at the sanctuary many years ago, Amber has gone on to work in the... Read more

Episode 4 – Radio Collared bears
There have been several bears with radio collars that have passed through the sanctuary over the years. In 2016 the ABA, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began its own radio collar programme and 5 bears in total were radio collared over a multi-year period,... Read more

Episode 3 – Humans and Bears
Before Vince Shute passed away, the American Bear Association was formed in 1995. Its three founders were Karen Hauserman, Bill Lea and Klari Lea. It wasn’t an easy start for them and they had to establish rules at the sanctuary and wrestle with the question of feeding bears.... Read more

Episode 2 – The Bear Man
Who was Vince Shute, the man who started it all? We journey back over 100 years to learn about his humble beginnings, from having to leave school at a young age to support his family, and giving up his dreams of becoming a prize fighter, to owning a... Read more