They both have extensive experience working with grizzly bears in Canada, one of the places where they hope their findings will eventually be put to use. This project began by locating the ideal site and constructing a cabin at the foot of the Kambalnoe Volcano which became their base camp. They have returned each summer since then to continue their relationships with these cubs who have become the central participants to their study of human coexistence with bears. Maureen and Charlie plan to continue this research for 3 more years to see Chico and Biscuit reach maturity with cubs of their own. Their program not only develops techniques to reintroduce bear cubs successfully to their natural habitat but they are also exploring ways to share areas which are also important to bears.
Humans continue to eliminate bears and decrease natural bear habitat throughout the world.
There is an urgent need to discover methods and programs allowing humans to live closer to these animals with much less conflict. They are also proving that the relationships, which they have developed over the past 5 years, can be sustained with the bears in the South Kamchatka Sanctuary. Their research is a valuable resource and their methodologies and techniques can be applied to other situations as well. Their findings are beginning to prove conclusively that the natural tendencies of bears will allow for the coexistence of humans and bears in the same habitat, provided that humans can understand the needs and vulnerabilities of bears and make the appropriate adjustments. For more information please click on the buttons at the top of the screen and view more of the website.