Our WRBI mission is to reduce human-caused bear mortality and conflicts worldwide to ensure the continued survival of all species of bears for future generations. 

Our work is founded on a simple but groundbreaking approach: We teach both bears and humans correct behaviors to reduce conflicts.

Bear Shepherding involves teaching bears to recognize and avoid humans and our boundaries while educating people on bear conflict prevention. Since Wind River’s beginning in 1996, our efforts have met with stunning success! We hope that our work will serve as a template for work with other species.

WRBI offers on-site consultation and courses for bear managers, private groups and individuals in Bear Shepherding, conflict prevention and Karelian Bear Dogs (KBD) training and handling. We also maintain breeding and training facilities for KBDs to teach responsible, safe and effective handling of KBDs.

Wind River Bear Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We rely on the generous support of private wildlife organizations, corporations, and individuals who believe in the value of our work. We are glad that you stopped in to visit to our site and we hope you will join us in our efforts to save wild bears, and contact us if you need more information.