Special Tours
It is possible to organize guided trips into any regions of the world inhabited by the different bear species. Here you will find some food for thought. Even a trip to the legendary taiga, home of the mighty Amur tiger of the Russian Far East, is an option. Please contact me if you have an idea, a wish or are interested. These trips are custom designed. An unforgettable and unique adventure is unavoidable!
Tiger & Asiatic Black Bear
I’ve been hooked on the far eastern Ussuri taiga, ever since I began work with my Russian colleagues on an orphaned rehabilitation project there in 2013, where I was first in the magical presence of the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). These subtropical broad-leaved forests, with their high biodiversity are absolutely fascinating. This region is the only one left on the planet, where the large and usually dominant brown bear, here almost completely black (Ursus arctos lasiotus), is only second in row.
Here the Amurtiger is calling the shots (with the usual exception of our own species!). The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is also home to these ancient forests. Chances to be able to spot and observe these arborial specialists feeding high up in a Mongolian oak are very good during the month of october.
Spirit Bear (Ursus amerianus kermodei)
Observing one of the rare coastal Spirit bears in the wild is likely one of the major highlights for any nature enthusiast. Together with whales, coastal wolves and bald eagles, the Kermode bear beautifully represents these lush temperate rainforests along BC’s west coast. These white black bears aren’t albinos. It is a recessive gene, unique to this subspecies, that is responsible for the snowy white coats of this mystical bear.
Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
The spectacled bear is mainly making its home in the remote lushness of the cloud forests along the spine of the Andes, stretching from from Columbia to Argentina. This relatively smallish bear species is difficult to observe in its dense and foggy habitat but the very high diversity of life here will leave the aware observer with little time to rest. The best time to visit this stunning area of the world is any time between October and February.
Panda Bear (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Approximately 1800 panda bears roam the bamboo forests of the three Chinese provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi and Sichuan. In order to observe a panda in the wild, you will need to be in great physical shape, as these mountains and slopes here are very steep and you will also require a fair size portion of luck. A stop at the Wolong Panda Research Center would be part of the program.
The idea of wilderness needs no defense,
it only needs defenders.
Edward Abbey