Ecology

Mammalia

Coexistence in the Anthropocene — Sharing the Landscape

Learn the strategies for living safely in bear country. From bear-resistant trash cans and electric fencing to wildlife corridors and aversive conditioning, discover how we can share the landscape in the Anthropocene.
Mammalia

The Salmon Connection — The Pulse of the Great Forest

Explore the biological wonder of the Salmon-Forest Cycle. Learn how bears act as a bridge between the ocean and the woods, distributing marine-derived nitrogen that fuels the growth of giant ancient trees.
Mammalia

Keystone of the Ecosystem — The Gardeners of the Wild

Why are bears called keystone species? Discover how bears act as forest gardeners through seed dispersal, soil aeration, and nutrient cycling, supporting the survival of countless other plants and animals.
Mammalia

The Brown Bear — The Titan of the Northern Wilds

Dive into the biology of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos). Discover the differences between Grizzly and Kodiak bears, the biomechanics of their muscle hump, and the critical role they play in the salmon ecosystem.
Mammalia

Interspecific Dynamics — Competitors and Allies

How do bears interact with wolves, cougars, and other predators? Explore the world of kleptoparasitism, territorial disputes, and the complex social hierarchy of the wild's apex generalist.
Mammalia

The Science of Hibernation — The Ecology of the Den

Explore the ecological side of bear hibernation. Learn how bears engineer their dens, the environmental triggers like photoperiod and food supply, and the critical period of hyperphagia before the long winter sleep.
Mammalia

Territories and Ranges — Mapping the Wild

Where do bears live? Explore the global distribution of the eight bear species, the science of home ranges, and how bears navigate habitats from the Arctic tundra to the Andean cloud forests.
Mammalia

The Opportunistic Generalist — Why Carnivores Choose Plants

Why do bears eat plants? Explore the omnivorous diet of the family Ursidae. Learn about their seasonal nutritional clock, the "Carnivore's Dilemma," and how their digestive system handles everything from salmon to berries.