More Research, More Space, More Outreach
Mission Statement
Vision for the Future



A Future Based on Excellence
The rich history of the existing bear program at WSU and its demonstrated scientific rigor and success over the past 28 years provide a solid foundation of support for the broader vision of an International Bear Center. Future growth will leverage this history of accomplishment to enhance the core principles and research emphases of the current program.
Generating knowledge for bear and human health and welfare
Discovering the unique physiological aspects of bears
Building diverse and unique collaborations
Understanding how bears will adapt to a changing world
Leading by delivering practical management tools
Training future wildlife and veterinary professionals
Engaging community supporters
Developing new methods to perpetuate healthy populations
Unique Collaborations
The new facility would initially house both grizzly bears and polar bears. Polar bears are currently threatened by loss of their sea ice habitat and the resulting decline of access to their primary foods due to climate change.
Changing climatic conditions around the world will create challenges for the survival of all bears as some areas dry out, others become wetter, and warmer temperatures alter annual cycles of habitat and prey. The International Bear Center will be uniquely positioned to develop scientific knowledge for management agencies to use in addressing those challenges. The International Bear Center will be the premier facility in the world to answer important questions about how bears can adapt to a changing climate and, thus, will play a primary role in bear conservation through high-quality scientific research on bear physiology and ecology.


Animal and Human Health
Education
International Bear Center Research
Polar Bears
What are the physiological limits to fasting?
What is the metabolic capability for diet change?
What is the extent of nutritional flexibility that may sustain a population?
What are the controls and limits to reproduction?
What are healthy biochemical and activity patterns?
Can polar bears successfully compete with grizzly bears?
Grizzly Bears
What are the physiological limits of regional diet change?
Can hair analysis be expanded for enhanced dietary and reproductive analysis?
How are grizzly bears affected by competition with black bears?
What are the genetic characteristics of isolated populations?
What biomarkers can be used to quantify health?
Physiological Balance
What are the limits of obesity and insulin resistance?
How are kidneys shut down for months?
How do bears preserve muscle strength during hibernation?
How do bears maintain bone density?
How does the heart adapt to extremely low heart rates?
What prevents abnormal blood clotting?
Education
What are the needs of future wildlife professionals?
How may veterinarians be equipped with expertise in wildlife health?
What are the best practices for educating communities on bears and bear needs?
What are the best methods to raise awareness of animal and human health links?
What is the best collaborative structure with all partners?