Bears
From the cloud forests of Ecuador to the rugged valleys of the Russian Far East, WCS works to protect these powerful symbols of wilderness. Because bears require the kind of vast, intact landscapes that have grown increasingly scarce on Earth, they serve as bellwethers of their environment’s health. WCS bear conservation programs seek to repair habitat fragmentation and maintain interconnected landscapes that can support these wide-ranging, captivating animals.
Featured Species
The Andean bear has light fur resembling huge glasses around its eyes. These bears once had a safe haven in the undeveloped Andes foothills, but deforestation is causing populations to shrink.
The average adult grizzly bear weighs between 300 and 600 pounds. Despite its fearsome reputation, this icon of the North American wilderness is vulnerable in the face of an increasingly fragmented landscape.