Episode 15 – Founder Tales: Pieces of the Sanctuary ft. Klari Lea (Part 4)
In the second part of Philip’s chat with Klari we learn more about the bears, the people and when people work together we can make a difference (and her rock collection!).

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

Contact: [email protected]
Find out more: American Bear Association
Facebook– Instagram: @vinceshutewildlife

Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: XMYQI90LIM6BNDWE

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/macondo
License code: E2EYUWG61QJU4DSJ

Episode 14 – Founder Tales: Seeds of Hope ft. Klari Lea (Part 3)

Co-Founder Klari Lea joins Philip to talk about her passion for animal advocacy since childhood, meeting her husband, fellow co-founder, Bill Lea, and their arrival at the sanctuary. Klari talks about the early days of the wildlife sanctuary, and how the core principles of the ABA were laid down. These were not without their challenges as there was negative reactions from the local community, but they gradually brought in more structure and education. Klari also emphasizes the need for constant evolution and improvement in the sanctuary’s operations... Read more

Episode 13 – Never Cry Wolf: A Chat with Voyageurs Wolf Project Team Lead Tom Gable

Philip chats to Tom Gable, Project Team Lead, for the Voyageurs Wolf Project. With over a decades worth of experience working in Voyageurs National Park, Tom has a wealth of knowledge into wolf research and conservation. They talk about wolf ecology and Tom’s personal experiences out in the field and insights into the ongoing research of the Voyageurs Wolf Project. All this, plus the challenges of working with local communities and advice for budding “wolfologists.” What are you waiting for?

The Bear Den Artwork... Read more

Episode 12 – Snapshot: Interview w/ Naturalist, Wildlife Photographer & Author Stan Tekiela

Philip is joined by Stan Tekiela, who discusses his 40+ year career working in the wildlife field. For over 20 years, Stan has visited the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary and led countless photo workshops in that time. Together Philip and Stan cover topics ranging from Stan’s renowned field guides (including some typos), his recent Yellowstone workshop, his visits to the sanctuary, advances in camera technology and MUCH MORE!

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

Contact: [email protected]
Find out more: American Bear AssociationRead more

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 families reaction to her working with them and much more.

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

Contact: [email protected]
Find out more: American Bear Association
Facebook– Instagram: @vinceshutewildlife

Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: 9EMYP4VNY9TAX7A2

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 the early 1990s. We also find out about Mexican black bears in the Sub Species Spotlight!

The Founder Tales series documents the history of the ABA and describes times before the sanctuary was set up. It discusses practices that the ABA do not endorse and... 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, including family dynamics, collaboration and the social order of bears. Philip couldn’t help but notice similarities to the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Join us as he talks about Ben Kilham’s work, ideas and how these can apply to the sanctuary. We also hear from volunteer... 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 hibernation, menstruation misconception and how removing a bear, but not an attractant, doesn’t solve the problem. Plus, we have a new feature, the Sub Species Spotlight and we hear from former staff member, Melia Marquez about a bear she connected with.

Contact: [email protected]
... 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 the remarkable bear behaviour’s we see at the sanctuary – and MUCH MORE.

Contact: [email protected]
Find out more: American Bear Association
Facebook– Instagram: @vinceshutewildlife

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
... 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 about the sanctuary’s evolving operations, from new facilities for volunteers to improved educational tools for the public. Volunteers come from all over, united by a love for wildlife and a willingness to adapt to challenges— including the infamous “poop wars!”  We also find time to... Read more