Wind River Bear Institute

The Wind River Bear Institute, oftentimes referred to in searches as "Wind River Institute," is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to addressing human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with bears. It focuses on using Karelian Bear Dogs (KBDs) to safely deter bears and other wildlife from human settlements. The organization was founded in 1996 by renowned bear biologist Carrie Hunt.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Wind River Bear Institute is to reduce human-caused bear mortality and alleviate human-wildlife conflict through innovative approaches. It offers incident response services to address bear-related issues and conducts landowner outreach programs to educate people on how to minimize attractants that might lead to conflicts. The institute's methods include the use of Bear Shepherding, a technique that involves training Karelian Bear Dogs to safely haze bears away from conflict areas without harming them.

History and Impact

Since its inception, the Wind River Bear Institute has successfully implemented its methods across North America and Japan, conducting over 800 bear actions annually without injury to bears, dogs, or humans. The organization is recognized for its pioneering work in bear conservation and its role in advancing the use of wildlife K-9s in conflict resolution.

Leadership and Founders

The institute was founded by Carrie Hunt, a distinguished bear biologist known for her contributions to non-lethal bear deterrents and conflict resolution methods. Her work includes developing the use of capsicum-based bear sprays and pioneering the application of Karelian Bear Dogs in bear management.