Research

 

The cost and time factor for a non-government funded facility to offer research in different wildlife avenues in the scientific field is not always feasible.

 

Black Bear Research - Spring 2004

 

Researchers have evaluated the data collected in our joint research study with the Northern Environmental Heritage Institute - Cambrian College: "The Survival and Behaviour of Orphaned Black Bear Cubs".

 

The final scientific paper is scheduled to be released soon. We are anxiously awaiting the findings and are certain the information that has been gathered on rehabilitated black bears will be of great interest to all our supporters and individuals in related fields. Visit the Cambrian College website.

An additional study was prepared by Laurentian University students Allegra Cairns & Sarah Dick. This undergraduate study - a spin-off to the original project - examines the relationship between den selection and body condition of rehabilitated, orphaned and wild black bear yearlings in North Eastern Ontario. Allegra and Sarah have valuable insight to share! Click here to view unique, exciting footage of a yearling cub emerging from its winter den! The camera used to capture this event is not available on the market, but rather it was created by Ivan Filion of Cambian College for this purpose. The camera used was a Digital Video Camera, with an infrared remote. The camera was set out for three weeks prior to the animal emerging. This is the first footage of a wild bear emerging using this technology.

Funding for the equipment for this valuable research on black bears in Ontario was provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Click here for more information on the Trillium Foundation.

Support for the bear research project and related educational efforts, had also been granted by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Conservation Fund. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden encourages its staff to be involved with the conservation of wildlife and wild places throughout the world. The Zoo’s involvement with the bear project was initiated by Zoo staff (Lisa Vollmer - lead bear keeper for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's animal care staff) and funded in part by the Zoo Conservation Fund.

Click here for more information on the conservation work the Cincinnati Zoo Conservation Fund is doing throughout the world.