We are currently hosting a distinguished guest and bear expert, prof. Tom Smith from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah (USA). Professor Smith’s main research interests include wildlife-human conflicts, particularly involving all three species of North American bears. He is currently engaged in major studies of behaviour and patterns in bear attacks on humans. We have hosted a journal club to discuss issues behind climate change and its effects on polar bear populations, and a seminar where prof. Smith presented us with his knowledge and experience on human-bear coexistence and safety in a bear country. We are continuing to enjoy a month-long visit, during which we will also visit two core areas of Carpathian brown bear population in Poland.
by Agnieszka Sergiel