One of the world’s first and best-known bear researchers is, in many ways, the Jane Goodall of bears. Stephen Herrro is professor emeritus of ecology at the University of Calgary and, most famously, author of the legendary classic, Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance. The book, which is in its third edition – remarkable for a Canadian publication – is the definitive book on bear-human conflict and required reading for anyone who spends time in bear country. His journey to becoming a globally recognized authority on bears began with a PhD in animal behaviour and ecology at Berkeley. His ground-breaking studies started in Jasper National Park and quickly led him to uncovering facts that have saved countless lives – both human and bear. His research has been used to re-examine our relationship with grizzly bears, advance new strategies to conserve the species and underpin bear safety laws and techniques.
Though battling a debilitating disease, Stephen graciously opened his Calgary home to share with us his story and his vision for how science can help us balance the needs of people and nature.
What do you think?
- Does one bear matter? Does one species matter? Does one ecosystem matter?
- Based on what Stephen said, do you have a better sense of how to coexist with bears?
- How do you think we’re doing at co-existence? How can we improve?
- To debate these answers, how important is it to reflect on our relationship with nature and with animals like grizzlies?
- How important is it that we seek feedback – official or otherwise – when we work to ask questions that can blaze a new path forward?
- How will you honour Stephen’s legacy and strike a balance between the needs of people and nature?