The Wind River Bear Institute (WRBI) was founded in 1996 by bear biologist, Carrie Hunt, to provide innovative, non-lethal solutions to complex human-wildlife conflict issues. After testing and developing bear spray (perhaps the greatest contribution to the world of non-lethal bear deterrence of our time), Hunt began experimenting with other aversive conditioning tools to teach wild bears how to move around human occupied space, allowing these animals to remain on the landscape without having to be destroyed or relocated. This pursuit led her to the Karelian Bear Dog (KBD) for shepherding of problem wildlife with a focus on grizzly bear.
The KBD is a hardy hunting dog from Finland that is renowned for their ability to pursue and bay large game safely and effectively. Traditional knowledge of the breed indicates that select KBDs from good hunting lines are fearless even in the pursuit of bear. Hunt recognized the utility of KBD for wildlife management and began breeding, testing, selecting, placing, and handling these dogs under the working title “Wildlife K-9” (WK-9).
Join us to learn about this amazing organization, the work they do, and meet some of their K-9 ambassadors.