We are committed to the conservation of bears, but we view that mission in the context of all the world’s biodiversity.  We will work with any organization or individual sharing our vision of conserving nature that is in some way linked to bears and science-based. 

We aim to provide accurate and reliable information about bears, the habitats they use, threats to their existence, and their future outlook.  Our goal is not to provide either a dire or rosy picture, but simply the best information, based both on data and expert opinion. 

While we strive to rely on the “best available science”, we are fully aware that in many cases, scientific data are insufficient to reach meaningful conclusions.  Indeed, data-driven population estimates and assessments of population trend do not exist in most bear range countries.  So we must also rely on the opinions of the best experts we can find, acknowledging that everyone’s opinion is not without some bias.  We seek to critically examine all information we receive.

Where data are weak, we often err on the side of caution by assuming a higher conservation risk –– but we aim not to exaggerate risks simply to draw more attention.  If a species is improving (in all or parts of its range), we will strive to understand why, and use this knowledge to create positive change in other situations.  We highlight both shortfalls and advances, seeking knowledge that promotes better understanding and informed conservation action, always with a watchful eye on the credibility of the information that we provide.

Examining skin of Andean bear Bolivia_ X Velez-Liendo

Collared yearling Asiatic black bear Taiwan_M-H Hwang