~wildlife education~ A bear’s winter den. Photo credit: istock.com/ Gennaro Leonardi How do wild animals survive in winter when the weather turns cold and natural food sources are scarce? Many animals hibernate or go into “winter sleep”. During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate and body temperature and movements slow down. Unlike many small mammals, bears do not actually hibernate; instead, they go into torpor, which is a state of decreased physiological activity, usua

~Wildlife education~ Vancouver Island black bears eat both meat and plants, and their sense of smell and hearing is far superior to that of humans. If a hungry bear smells food waste in a barbecue or trash container or a vehicle, it will go after it. Photo credit: istock.com/eyfoto Bears are natural scavengers and have good memories, so they will return to locations where they have found food before. Bears must eat large amounts of food, so they don’t starve during the win

~wildlife education~ Since becoming internationally known in January 1989 after rescuing 25 poisoned eagles, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) has evolved into a remarkable wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in black bear cubs and birds of prey. NIWRA’s mission is to care for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and to educate the public on wildlife and environmental issues. Years of dedication and hard work have resulted in thousa