EPISODE 5: Kinship

Grizzly bears have been portrayed by Hollywood as cuddly, bumbling, chatty friends wearing crop tops and singing songs, while simultaneously constructed as abnormally large people-eating predators, out to maul anything in their path. In folktales and myths they are powerful teachers. How we portray the grizzly bear is a fascinating part of our culture – one that is changing, as wild places and wild animals slowly disappear.

What happens when grizzly bears and humans share the same landscape, the same home? What happens when a mother bear is killed and her orphaned cubs are left behind to fend for themselves?

Near Grizzly Bear Foundation headquarters on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, we connect with veterinarian, former Zoo Director, and scientist Ken Macquisten. Nicholas and Ken meld the past with the present in a “through the lens” approach to wildlife conservation. With a shared hope for flourishing biodiversity, the two acknowledge controversy in the battle to protect the iconic grizzly bear. Listen in for creative ideas to help build a healthy future alongside grizzlies and hear special stories about unique characteristics learned from the bears at Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge and Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider supporting our efforts with a financial gift to help safeguard the lands grizzly bears roam, the food they eat, and the wild we share.