Wildlife Research Institute

This is a wonderful place to learn all about the WRI research bear , Dr. L Rogers and Sue M teach field courses where you learn how to find bear tracks and signs :D One day i would like to take this course .

The research on Black Bears done by the WRI in Ely in invaluable. Through online daily research updates, videos, photos and web cams of hibernating Black Bears and their cubs, thousands and thousands of people around the world have learned so much.

I have learned more than i ever thought there was to know about black bears from the research of the Wri.
They are dispelling the misconceptions that black bears are man killing animals. Through their research- the walks in the woods with with bears- viewing the den cams and the educational materials made available to schools this organization is top notch in educating the world about black bears. They are teaching the world what timid calm animals black bears are. They don't do it for glory or high pay, they do it for the education of the world so we can all learn to respect the bears and nature in general. They do it so humans can learn to coexist with nature as we are meant to.

I've been following Dr.Lynn Rogers,and Sue Mansfield's research since early 2010. I have learned so much about the misconceptions of the black bear,and they are not the ferocious animals so many people think they are. For me it all started with a bear named Lily,giving birth via a live web cam in Ely,MN to a cub called Hope~Following the research,and Shadow's clan has been life changing for me,and I'm so grateful to learn everyday more and more,through the daily updates at the WRI,and bear.org~

"Groundbreaking Education" is absolutely the best description I have ever seen fo rthis organization. The things they have learned, and shared freely, with the world is wonderful. Education is the only way there is to progress as a society, and the education shared by the Wildlife Research Institute is eye opening to say the very least. Why anyone would think that to be detrimental to anyone, or anything, is a mystery yet to be solved, beyond jealousy and revenge. I will continue to donate every penny I can to them, and if I were wealthy I would give the a good portion of all I have.

I personally witnessed their work in 2012. What a game changer. What they do is so far removed from the traditional approach that seemingly every finding they make is groundbreaking. Their findings challenge the decades old dogma we all learned in school and in outdoor circles. As a biologist, everything I "knew" about black bears was challenged. As a biologist with several decades of professional experience under my belt, I felt like my career might have been wasted. The dynamic duo of Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, WRI supporting cast, and WRI volunteers are now some of my favorite people on the planet. They truly deserve healthy funding as they deliver value for every dollar. Kudos to them and if you were on the fence, don't be. They are a GREAT place for your dollars to make a real difference. To a person, everyone I have spoken with who has first hand knowledge of WRI simply can't say enough good about them. Count me in that camp now. Please help put them on sustainable footing. They return your good will with fantastic work.

There are not enough words to describe the dedication and commitment Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield are making in their endeavor to research, educate and understand the life of the black bear. I have been following their efforts since 2010 and have learned more about black bears than I ever would have anticipated. Kudos to them for their tireless efforts and integrity!

I have followed the NABC and WRI since Jan 2011, watching the den cam hen Hope was born. Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield have and are doing a great job researching the lives of Shadow's clan and educating us on the truths about black bears and dismissing the myths. Their research is known worldwide and highly respected. I plan to visit Ely in July and visit the NABC. I have learned so much from this research. Both the NABC and WRI are doing a great job educating about black bears

This non-profit ranks among the unique. The leaders, researchers, work 7 da/wk and easily 12-14 hrs./da. so that others will understand the important niche the American Black Bear holds in the world of wildlife and how humans can learn to co-exist with them. There are no big salaries or performance vehicles, only hours of forest trekking, data compiling and communication. The WRI is among the finest of non-profits-a gem of integrity. It is a privilege to support this Research and benefit from it.

The WRI has been a part of my daily life for the last few years. I have learnt so much about Black Bears, and the surrounding Northwoods. I was able to volunteer my services, by doing shifts on the dencam, collecting data for the research. Which gave me great satsfaction, in the hope that these beautiful animals will be understood a lot more. My dream is to visit the Bear Centre and the Ely area.

I have been following the work of Dr. Rogers and Ms. Mansfield for several years, and finally had the opportunity to take the Bear Study Course last summer. I am a physician, educator and a researcher, and very familiar with scientific methodology. Their research is sound, impeccably done and likely to yield important findings on bear behavior. Management of the finances is likewise beyond reproach. They personally never benefit from any of it, live very simple and modest lives, and are truly dedicated to their research, but even more so to education about black bears. Countless elementary school children are learning more than they could ever imagine from these animals, including science, math, civics and the ups and downs of life. These are lessons that cannot be duplicated in other ways. I will continue to support Dr. Rogers and Ms Mansfield in any way I can, including contributing my knowledge towards interpretation of their findings whenever they feel appropriate.

When a friend said,"Did you see that stuff on the internet about a bear up in Ely that's going to have cubs and it's going to be on webcam?", little did i know what effect that would have on my life. The bears on camera, in the videos available on the website and in Updates, the photos of their life activities, all the factual scientific research that is shared on the webpages has totally changed my understanding of the black bear. I used to be afraid of being in the woods at night. In our 35 years of Boundary Water trips we would quote all the misinformation offered by sporting magazines, hunters, the DNR, etc about how aggressive and dangerous black bears are. Now i know better. They are wild animals and deserve respect but i am no longer afraid. i have yet to see a black bear on any BWCAW trips. but i really want to know that i understand their behavior. All this from two totally dedicated researchers who quietly present facts to the public and their peers in an effort to have people open their eyes and minds to what the MN black bear really is about. Thank you Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield!

This organizaton headed by Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, biologists has changed my thinking about the behaviors of black bears. There expertise in this field and their willingness to share the years of knowledge has brought together so many people with the same interests, and has increased education about black bears in many school systems. Reading others comments, who say that the donations aren't being used as they said they is not true. The biologists share how the donations are being used with the public. It's unfortunate that even after years and years on study, Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield are still questioned about how they do their research. I will stand by this organization through thick and thin. I cannot believe that there are naysayers that speak about this organization.

Dr Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield are teaching the world about how the Black Bear lives, what they eat, how they grow, mating, giving birth, raising , protecting and teaching cubs, territory, scent marking, so much information that was never known or documented before. The education that is being taught in the class rooms through the use of the den cams is teaching children that the Black Bear is a beautiful animal and not at all ferocious as we all once believed. Dr Rogers and Sue are showing the world that Humans & Black Bears can co -exist in peace.. I have and will continue to support this important research. Thank You Dr Rogers and Sue Mansfield for all you do!

I have nothing but respect for Dr Rogers and Sue Mansfield! They have taught me so much about the North American Black Bear!, Their website Bear.Org is the most comprehensive website i have come across where the Black Bear is concerned. They are both kind and generous with their time, always ready to answer questions! All i can do is thank them from the bottom of my heart !

I've taken the time to read all these reviews with some laughing at the lengths a few disgruntled people will go to discredit something that they were once totally involved in and sang the praises of, only to get their toes "stepped on" because of the unfair treatment said people gave the general public fan as moderators and fundraiser heads for the NABC and WRI. I just LOVE the Law of REAPING what we plant. Some people call it karma....same principle. We are promised by God that whatever we "sow, we will also reap." Sow goodness and kindness and it will come back to you 10 fold or more. Sow hatefulness and lies and THAT too is promised by God to come back to the sower. Dr. Lynn Rogers and Biologist Sue Mansfield are two of the kindest people I have ever met. It is Dr. Rogers' life goal to teach the world about the American Black Bear and how they relate to one another and to humans. Thousands and thousands of people agree with him. So why should we even listen to the few who are pissed off because they lost in the "power struggle" that they created themselves. Yay for goodness and Kindness. Good will always overcome evil.......................EVERY TIME.

I can only say thank you to Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield for deciding one day, two years ago, to set up a camera at the entrance of a wild black bear den and stream life video through internet giving the world, included children in classrooms in the USA, the chance to learn and discover the true nature of these wonderful creatures. Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield on behalf of WRI conduct the most detailed long-term study of black bears behaviour based on trust. It has been a life devoted to the study of these animals. Day by day, year by year... A labor of love... Thank you WRI for your tireless efforts to educate the world!

Nowhere has there been a truly comprehensive study of wild mammals native to the United States as the research of black bears in MN. Nowhere in the United States has the plight of those research animals been so electrifying to bring hundreds of thousands of people within and outside of MN together to support their cause with their voices and their dollars as the radio collared research bears of the North American Bear Center.

After being mesmerized by my admiration for these beautiful creatures. I became entranced with this organization only to find them in my opinion to be guileful, capricious, and mephitic.

And in pursuing other non-profit organizations I found other non-profits to be the complete opposite and respectful of the general public and its members.

Cavete !

Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield are highly educated and knowledgeable in the field of black bears. To be able to follow their research has been a joy. I am especially excited that their other organization the NABC has the education outreach program which enables classrooms worlwide also share this experience. The WRI is a great organization.

As someone who has had personal experience with the work of Dr Rogers, Biologist Sue Mansfield, and others who work at both the WRI and the NABC, I can attest to both the high quality of their work and also to their commitment to increase knowledge of the American Black Bear. As a participant in their Black Bear Field Study course, I saw first hand the time and effort they put into learning about bears, and dispelling the myths about black bear behavior. These are very committed people who work long hours at what is their life's work.

The work of the WRI speaks for itself. This information is invaluable and has made an enormous contribution to the understanding of black bears. The more we know about these animals, the better we can coexist. It stands to reason that a bear is far better off being observed in its natural environment without being subjected to physical harm or sedation. Many sedated bears have gone into respiratory distress and died as a result. Rogers and Mansfield take a very neutral, benign approach to learning about these animals. The people who perpetuate their smear campaign against Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield do so out of personal agendas and not at all because they care about the welfare of these bears. Most of them were fervent supporters of the WRI/NABC at one point, and absolutely nothing has changed in terms of the research. I will continue to support the WRI/NABC and am grateful for the opportunity to learn from their experience.

I have been following Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield and the Bears since 2010 when I first read in the local paper that a black bear was about to give birth and there was a den cam . Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield have since helped to educate the world about black bears. These beautiful creatures are not the ferocious animals we have all feared. The TRUST between Dr Rogers, Sue and the bears is amazing and is the main focus in gaining the knowledge we are all learning from these bears . Children are learning the truths about black bears in the classrooms with the use of den cams, over 500 schools nation wide follow these bears daily in their classrooms. Education is the best way for future generations to learn how to co-exist peacefully with these beautiful creatures. Thank you Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield for sharing your life's work and dreams. We are all learning !

I found the Wildlife Research Institute quite by accident in January 2010 and have been a firm and loyal supporter ever since. The education I have received has been monumental in helping me coexist with the bears and other wildlife in the rural area where I live. Dr. Lynn Rogers' research is comparable to that of Dr. Jane Goodall ~ him with black bears, hers with chimpanzees. Matter of fact, Dr. Goodall is on the International Advisory Board of the North American Bear Center which is the sister-organization of the WRI!!! Dr. Rogers is a world-class biologist as is Sue Mansfield. Together, they are forces that unite the world, and every age group, in debunking myths about black bears and other maligned wildlife. His work on black bear mother-daughter kinship prompted Harvard University sociobiologist E.O. Wilson to rank the research as one of the world's "four major pioneering studies of large mammals." Rogers was also the first bear researcher to take blood samples from winter-dormant wild bears--a procedure that has led to greater understanding of such human ailments as gallstones and circulatory problems." I am proud to say I have met both Dr. Rogers and Ms. Mansfield, and understand their characters which are above reproach, despite what one might read in other comments on this site, made by individuals who thought they would be able to control the research AND researchers by donating their time or money. I have donated many, many times and will again. I have been to the NABC and will go again. I am impressed by the strength of character and the knowledge each of these two fine individuals posses, as well as the many others who contribute their expertise and efforts to this worthy organization. If you have any doubt about the integrity of this research, you need only ask any one of THOUSANDS of people, from first grade students who have taken it upon themselves to write legislation to make the black bear the MN state mammal, to Edward Osborne Wilson; an American biologist, researcher (sociobiology, biodiversity), theorist (consilience, biophilia), naturalist (conservationist) and author. Wilson is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction. He is known for his scientific career, his role as "the father of sociobiology" and his environmental advocacy, among other things.

"The educational values being received by thousands in fifty (50) states and fifty seven (57) countries as well as in classrooms all over the world is undeniably the best education ever presented about the behaviors of these magnificent creatures. Children are learning the truths about wild North American black bears and about all of nature with this experience. Protecting them for future benefit to humanity is necessary. The dozen radio-collared bears around Ely are part of the biggest classroom bear education program ever done. Over 500 schools follow these bears daily in their classrooms. Teachers and students watch the live Den Cam and read the daily research updates on bear.org . Individual radio-collared bears are part of their science, reading, and math classes along with the lesson plans.

Minnesota’s radio-collared bears have become too valuable to science, education, tourism, and regional economics to be killed like any other bears The township of Ely, MN has taken a major step toward supporting the protection of these bears. They have signed a resolution recognizing the importance of these bears and that the need for the legalization of their protection. “Regional benefits from the research bears are just beginning.” Continued success depends entirely upon the radio-collared bears that hundreds of thousands are following worldwide. We all must do whatever we can to gain legal protection for the radio-collared bears that are the foundation for it all.

March 6, 2011 at 10:45 am"

The above comment was left after a newspaper article, concerning the fact that radio-collared bears would continue to be fair game to hunters, was written. It says so much about what the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) and North American Bear Center (NABC) are about. I couldn't have said it better.

Therefore, I'm shocked to see that some people have posted negative comments, here, about the WRI. The fact is, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife (MN DNR) has issued them a permit. The permit states, "Permission is granted to conduct a pilot research study of black bears and black bear public education on the Mud Creek study area." The permit allows them to do the following with the black bears they are studying, "Capture, handle, radio-collar, and monitor for research purposes and public education." All permits have conditions...there wouldn't be a need for a permit, if they didn't. Having received a permit from the MN DNR, is enough for me to acknowledge the work the WRI is doing. I donate because I want to, and believe in what they are doing.

Some of the negative comments mention that the bears are in danger of harm, by hunters, because of the research. Protection has been sought for these study bears, and has continually been denied. The fact is, they're wild bears. Hunting is a big part of Minnesota history, and unless the bear is a cub, it is legal to be hunted.

I started following Dr. Roger's and Sue Mansfield's bear research in Jan. 2010 when the webcam was first placed in Lily's den. I found it so intriguing that I went to 'bearstudy.com' and found the previous publications; they, too, were intriguing. I'd taken a trip into the BWCAW for nearly 30 summers, and 'thought' I knew bears. That concept has been 'blown out of the water'!! I've since come to know and understand them far more intimately, thanks to the den cams, and have an immensely greater respect for bears than I would ever have without this new information. I've always loved to learn, and am so grateful that Dr. Rogers and Sue Mansfield have afforded this continued learning opportunity by their research!! And the 'learning' is something NEW almost daily! Their gentle method of working with the 12 - 16 research bears fits with the way I believe it should be done. And when I watch Jewel with her cubs and then realize there are probably another 8,000 -10,000 mother bears in dens with cubs out of the 22,000 bears in the state of Minnesota doing the exact same thing...pretty humbling... especially since I never gave it a thought before the dencam. There is far more learning to be had in this field, and the new information will be found as a result of this research! Thank you Doc & Sue!

I have followed Dr Lynn Rogers' research and adventures with the black bears of Ely's Northwoods since 2010 when Hope was born to Lily. I see nothing in Doc's manner which would suggest any type of mismanagement. I believe he has brought awareness of black bears to many people all over the world, and has created a community of wonderful caring people who love the bears, and care for each other. Every one has their own opinions about...anything ... and may donate to ... anything ... they feel strongly about. I feel strongly that the research done by Dr Lynn and his assistant Sue Mansfield is important and well-documented by them, and by a legion of cam-watchers collecting minute-by-minute data about life in a bear's den.

Have been following this Research since Feb.2010 and find the presentations geared to my level of understanding and straightforward, allowing me , and others, to learn directly from the bears. Some entered into following with the concept that they would get something other than what is offerred and feel offended-we are given the opportunity to really learn about this species in a very special way and it is always about the bears. The funds have been used to further the Research appropriately and I rejoice that we have been able to be a part of this tremendous undertaking. My dtr. is a biologist and was delighted with all the discoveries of bear behavior that WRI has shown to the world.

Having spent a large portion of my 33 year career involved in research processes, I am well acquainted with the requirements. I have looked into the WRI (bearstudy.org and have spoken directly with Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, MS) and their research and find them achieving the high standards of correctly implemented research. The study design and methodology are very appropriate to studying the socio-biologic behavior of bears. The funds are NOT mis-appropriated as has been fraudulently alledged by several of the posts here. One of prime focuses of the WRI is educating people about bears, and they are achieving that goal world-wide, thanks to web (den) cam technology and use of the internet. The research they do and the increased understanding of bear behavior will truly benefit both humans and bears.

I've seen this organization go from what appeared to be all about the bears to one that now is all about the money. The bears are fed on a regular basis which habituates them to humans, affects their hibernation patterns, and makes them more desirable to hunters due to their larger size and tameness. Their "research" is supposed to be based on wild bears, but due to all of the interactions, their instincts don't reflect those of truely wild bears. If their methods are questioned, you can expect to be bullied by their fans who fail to see what's really happening. The bears lives are at risk due to Rogers, Mansifield and their so called research practices. Comparing this organization to the work of Jane Goodall is shameful. Why the DNR continues to issue a permit to them remains a mystery.

I have followed the wild research bears in the Ely area for over two years. I've found out that the research and how it's sharred is always honest, straight forward, and very educational...It's not by chance that Doctor Rogers has been compared to Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall, some pretty hefty company to be sure in the way of mammal research. Doctor Rogers with the help of Sue Mansfield has taught the WORLD more about this species than anyone in the history and more than likely more than anyone ever will !! Education and how we can better understand this animal is what Doctor Rogers is trying to teach us and I can only say that I'm very thankful that he's invited me along on this incredible journey !!! Moe

Dr. Lynn Rogers, and Sue Mansfield are reaching a wide spread audience with important information on how we can better to co-habitat with black bears.
I am particularly pleased that a whole new generation will learn facts not fiction about black bears through the Education Outreach program currently under development by the North American Bear Center.

Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield have helped to educate the world about black bears; their efforts, through trust based research, have changed our perception of these magnificent creatures. Through the use of cameras in dens and Black Bear Education Boxes in classrooms our children have opportunities like never before to learn about nature and animals.

Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, biologists, have studied individual black bears in one clan for many years. Through their work they have been able to walk with the bears and gain valuable insight into eating, breeding, reproductive and family socialization habits of the black bear, and to then share this information with the world. They have provided tools for education in classrooms and opportunities for filming documentaries by the BBC. They have given me a changed perception of the black bear, from an animal to be simply feared, to an animal to be respected, remembering that it is a wild animal.

The Wildlife Research Institute operates under the guise of "education" and "research" They exploit the bears that they study for money and notoriety. Not only are their research methods are not up to standard and their research permit is currently restricted by the Minnesota DNR, but they continually habituate these bears to humans other than themselves. This has been going on for years. These bears have been petted and fed by humans for years and this endangers their lives in the wild. I would not recommend this organization to any educator or student of wildlife studies. The WRI plays on the emotions and psychological needs of their fans and they cause great harm to the bears in the process.

I am shocked at how poorly this organization treats the people that donate money to support it. I will definitely never donate again and recommend that you really think twice about donating to this organization. There are many other far more well deserving charities.

Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield with the WRI have changed the perceptions of many concerning black bears. Through their research, I have learned that these gentle giants are not the ferocious animals they are depicted to be. Lynn Rogers has studied black bears for over 40 years and his research is based on trust and coexistence with these magnificent animals. The BBC has filmed numerous programs about his research and there are plans for more programming in the near future.

Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, the biologists at the Wildlife Research Institute have spent decades studying the behavior and family relationships of American black bears. Their use of trust-based research allows them to walk with bears and observe their natural behaviors in the wild. Their methods have been featured on Animal Planet documentaries. They are dedicated to educating others about these gentle giants.