The Bear Den

Episode 40 – Eight Bears: A Chat with Environmental Journalist & Author Gloria Dickie
Surprise! Depending on when you’re listening to this, we wrapped up our season a few weeks ago, but we have a SPECIAL BONUS episode for you, as this only came together also a few weeks ago.

Philip welcomes Gloria Dickie, author of the book Eight Bears onto the podcast, and they discuss conservation and her global journey researching the world’s eight remaining bear species. Gloria talks about her background, writing process and the witnessing Asiatic black bears in bile farms, as well as positive experiences visiting... Read more

Episode 39 – Teddies, Threads & Teachings

In the last episode of this series, Philip reflects on what we have heard in previous episodes identifying the similarities and differences between bear species, as well as recurring threads and themes. We also explore the origins of the Teddy bear, and Colton Galusha, a third generation ABA volunteer, talks to us about what the sanctuary means to his family. Finally we hear some Native American teachings from Ojibwe academic, Dr. Anton Treur. Join us for a packed episode!

What will you do to make a difference today?

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Episode 38 – Helping Bears Live With People: A Chat with Wildlife Biologist & Founder of Bear-ier Solutions, Heather Reich
In this episode Philip is joined by Heather Reich, a career wildlife biologist with a deep-rooted passion for solving human-wildlife conflict. She is also the founder of Bear-ier Solutions which produce electric bear mats designed as a non-lethal deterrent to give residents of bear country a simple, effective way to protect their homes and families while reducing the chances of bears getting into trouble. Heather’s mission is rooted in prevention: empowering the public with tools that make homes less... Read more

Episode 37- Owls Enchant The Night: A Chat with Executive Director of International Owl Center, Karla Bloem

The Bear Den is primarily about bears, but our origins come from the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary where a multitude of other species frequent the area. Sandhill cranes, blue jays, ravens, eagles, goldfinches, pine martens, beavers, wolves and a plethora of others – including owls. Flying further down to Houston, Minnesota we are being joined today by Karla Bloem, Executive Director of the International Owl Center. Their mission is to make the world a better place for owls through education and research and is... Read more

Episode 36 – Protect Polar Bears, Protect The World: A Chat with Alysa McCall, Director of Science at Polar Bears International

Philip is joined by Alysa McCall, Director of Science at Polar Bears International, the only non-profit with a sole focus on protecting polar bears and their sea ice habitat.

Alysa talks about what working in the Canadian Arctic is like (spoilers: its cold), polar bear ecology, and what coexistence is like for people living in polar bear country, including the importance of collaboration with Indigenous communities in polar... Read more

Episode 35 – Architects of the Forest: A Chat with Andean Bear Expert Santiago Molina
Philip journeys (virtually) to South America to discuss Andean bears aka spectacled bears with expert, Santiago Molina.
Santiago is enthusiastic and effusive and our conversation bounces from topic to topic. We learn about his journey from initially studying finance to becoming a wildlife biologist, indigenous perceptions of Andean bears, abd the challenges of bear conservation in Ecuador. We also talk about what he calls his “debt” to Andean bears, educational programs, and his work establishing a wildlife corridor for bears. We also hear... Read more

Episode 34 – Moral Duty: A Chat about Asiatic Black Bear Rehabilitation in India with Dr. Panjit Basumatary
Philip is joined by Dr. Panjit Basumatary, Project Head and Veterinarian for the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CRBC) in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Wildlife Trust India runs the CBRC, the first specialised rehabilitation centre for Asiatic black bears (aka moon bears) in India.

Finding time out of his busy schedule rescuing animals, Panjit shares his decades worth of experience, rescuing literally thousands of animals and hundreds of species. Panjits work has been covered by National Geographic, and also Apple TVs... Read more

Episode 33 – Over the Moon: A Chat about Moon Bears with Animals Asia Vietnam Director of Veterinary and Behavioural Husbandry Sarah Van Herpt
Philip is joined by Sarah Van Herpt, Director of Veterinary and Behavioural Husbandry Services Department for Animals Asia Vietnam, for this episode to talk about Asiatic Black Bears, aka Moon Bears. You’ll be hearing about the rescue work Animals Asia is doing, including innovations the team has introduced over the years to help rescued bears with their rehabilitation, lots of moving stories of individuals rescued from the cruel... Read more

Episode 32 – A Great Looking Bear: A Chat with Sloth Bear Expert & Director of Conservation and Research for Wildlife SOS, Thomas Sharp
We discuss this most unusual bear, and to do this Philip is joined by sloth bear expert Thomas Sharp, conservation and research director for Wildlife SOS and co-chair of the IUCN Sloth Bear expert team to tell us all about them. Said to be one of the least studied bears, Thomas provides insights on distinct sloth bear behavior, habitat, and threats, and the differences and parallels with other bear species.

They also talk about ongoing... Read more

Episode 31 – A Bear Is Not Just A Bear: A Chat with Animal Behaviour Expert, Wildlife Consultant & President of the Bear Care Group, Jay Pratte (Part 2)

This is the second part of Philip’s chat with Jay Pratte, so if you haven’t heard the first part, what are you doing here? I strongly recommend you listen to that. Jay has worked with animals in various roles for over 30 years and we have talked about his background, his work with giant pandas, being an expert witness in high profile animal cases, and the importance of behaviour-based husbandry in... Read more