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The Bear Den

The Bear Den

By: American Bear Association
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THE BEAR DEN PODCAST Join host, Philip Stubley, long-time volunteer and board member, in this series which lifts the lid on the American Bear Association (ABA), the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary and talk all about our favourite subject – bears. The series details the formation of the ABA, and also spotlights bear species, and organizations making a difference around the world! The series details the formation of the ABA, who we are and why we do what we do. Listener’s will go on a journey dating back 100 years as we trace the ABA’s origins and detail the colourful, and sometimes controversial, life of Vince Shute. Along the way there will be many stories featuring colourful characters, both human and bear. There are interviews and contributions from key players ranging from ABA founders, staff and volunteers. Among other things, episodes will cover the sanctuary’s recent radio collar program and potential future volunteers and interns will also gain insight into the volunteer experience. Beyond the sanctuary we talk about bear conservation, bear behaviours, myth and misconceptions, and bear safety, including a chat with a wildlife biologist who survived a grizzly bear attack. Philip also talks about his experience working sun bears and invites friends from different organizations into the Bear Den to discuss all eight bear species and MORE. This series is for people who have never heard of the ABA and for those who are familiar and want to know more. It’s for anyone interested in wildlife, history and remarkable stories!© 2025 American Bear Association Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Episode 39 - Teddies, Threads & Teachings

    Episode 39 - Teddies, Threads & Teachings
    Jun 30 2026

    Episode 39 – Teddies, Threads & Teachings

    In the last episode of this series, Philip reflects on what we have heard in previous episodes identifying the similarities and differences between bear species, as well as recurring threads and themes. We also explore the origins of the Teddy bear, and Colton Galusha, a third generation ABA volunteer, talks to us about what the sanctuary means to his family. Finally we hear some Native American teachings from Ojibwe academic, Dr. Anton Treur. Join us for a packed episode!

    What will you do to make a difference today?

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    29 mins
  • Episode 38 - Helping Bears Live With People: A Chat with Wildlife Biologist & Founder of Bear-ier Solutions, Heather Reich

    Episode 38 - Helping Bears Live With People: A Chat with Wildlife Biologist & Founder of Bear-ier Solutions, Heather Reich
    Jun 23 2026

    Episode 38 – Helping Bears Live With People: A Chat with Wildlife Biologist & Founder of Bear-ier Solutions, Heather Reich
    In this episode Philip is joined by Heather Reich, a career wildlife biologist with a deep-rooted passion for solving human-wildlife conflict. She is also the founder of Bear-ier Solutions which produce electric bear mats designed as a non-lethal deterrent to give residents of bear country a simple, effective way to protect their homes and families while reducing the chances of bears getting into trouble. Heather’s mission is rooted in prevention: empowering the public with tools that make homes less... Read more
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    55 mins
  • Episode 37- Owls Enchant The Night: A Chat with International Owl Center Executive Director, Karla Bloem

    Episode 37- Owls Enchant The Night: A Chat with International Owl Center Executive Director, Karla Bloem
    Jun 16 2026

    Episode 37- Owls Enchant The Night: A Chat with Executive Director of International Owl Center, Karla Bloem

    The Bear Den is primarily about bears, but our origins come from the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary where a multitude of other species frequent the area. Sandhill cranes, blue jays, ravens, eagles, goldfinches, pine martens, beavers, wolves and a plethora of others – including owls. Flying further down to Houston, Minnesota we are being joined today by Karla Bloem, Executive Director of the International Owl Center. Their mission is to make the world a better place for owls through education and research and is... Read more
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    1 hr and 13 mins
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