The Bear Den

Episode 20 – Sun Bear Rehabilitation
Philip shares his first-hand experiences in Indonesia raising and rehabilitating orphaned sun bear cubs such as Bubu, Shannon and Yogi (he insists that he didn’t name them!). Philip talks about the joys of watching the sun bear cubs learn to be bears but also discusses the challenges and emotional moments this can bring. He also covers diverse topics including a crash course on Indonesia and sun bears, and exploring the complex question of whether returning an orphaned cub to the rainforest is always the right choice.

LINKS:
Orangutan...

Episode 19 – Meet the Interns
You’ve heard enough from Philip about the sanctuary – it’s time to hear what the interns think. In this episode, interns from the 2025 season share their impressions and experiences at the sanctuary. From memorable moments with the bears to their favourite fun facts, they give a fresh and personal perspective on life at the sanctuary and what makes working with bears so special. And all you ever needed to know about bear scats and black bears enigmatic butt plug!

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

Contact: [email protected]
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Episode 18 – The First Resort: A chat with Minnesota North Woods local, Cabin O’Pines resort owner, Ross Coyer
Philip chats to Ross Coyer, fifth generation owner of the family run Cabin O’Pines resort. Located just a few miles down the road from the sanctuary, Philip and Ross discuss his memories growing up near the sanctuary, and if being close to the sanctuary affects bear activity at the resort. Ross also details initiatives to ensure garbage and trash is secured properly and doesn’t act as an attractant for any woodland critters. Plus, the Sub Species Spotlight shines on the... Read more

Episode 17 – BearWise: A chat with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Bear Project Leader Andy Tri
Philip is joined by Andy Tri, Bear Project Leader for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), for an in-depth conversation on bear conservation and management.

Together, they explore Andy’s fascinating career journey and field experiences, diving into decades of research including black bear population dynamics, human-bear conflict, educational initiatives and MORE!
LINKS:
BearWise helps people live responsibly with bears

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

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

Episode 16 – 2025 Season Overview ft. ABA President Steph Horner
Hello! It’s been a minute since our last episode, so to kick things off Philip does some catching up ABA President on how 2025 went at the sanctuary. There is much to discuss, from celebrating the miracle that is flushing toilets to the return of staff favourite bear Kenai, to reflecting on popular programmes like Shadow A Bear and interesting bear behaviors. We also share learnings from a recent Human-Bear Conflict Workshop and take time to remember those bears that did not return this year. All this,... Read more

The Bear Den 2 Update + Wojtek & Winnipeg

Join Philip as he gives a teaser of what’s to come in the next season of The Bear Den, and we hear the stories of two renowned and inspirational bears, Wojtek & Winnipeg!

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: XPIZ8LCR1GDWUELC

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/macondo
License code: 24RTZEIDYNR6XHOU

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