Eager college students interested in careers in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, or similar will have the opportunity to get hands-on time feeding and caring for a trio of black bears and educating others about the animals.
With a $1,500 stipend and housing provided, the internship has been running since 2014.
“We offer nine Bear Educator positions, six for the summer season and three for the fall season,” North American Bear Center’s Biologist & Internship Director Spencer Peter told Newsweek.
“The Bear Educator internship is focused on educating our guests about bears and caring for the three live bears that we have at the center. All aspects of bear care including feeding, cleaning, data-logging, behavioral observation, enclosure maintenance, enrichment, and more are conducted by our interns.
“In addition, our interns conduct programs regularly throughout the day to educate our guests about bears,” Peter added.
What Do Bears Eat?
American black bears mostly eat grasses, herbs and fruit, but will sometimes consume other items such as fish, honey or human foods from garbage.
During the internship, applicants will prepare bear meals daily, ensuring the animals are getting all of the nutrients they need.
The center said that they were accepting applications for 2023 on Facebook where they shared an in-depth video that follows a “day in the life” of a bear educator intern.
The North American Bear Center is the only black-bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind. It is dedicated to replacing misconceptions with facts and helping people learn about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans.
“Exhibits include a 660-gallon aquarium, terrariums with local reptiles and amphibians, a majestic bull moose mount, woodland caribou mount, and a 40-foot wildlife exhibit showcasing over 35 mammals and birds in seasonal habitat settings,” said Peter.
“The bear enclosure is home to three live American black bears; Lucky Bear, Holly Bear, and Tasha Bear. A daily behind-the-scenes tour takes our guests back to get an up-close-and-personal view of the bears, while our staff feeds them and educates our guests about them.”
What Are the Most Dangerous Bears?
Of the species, American black bears are not known to be the most dangerous. Grizzly bears and polar bears are the most dangerous, according to Britannica, with American black bears and Eurasian brown bears also noted for attacking humans.
No specific experience is required for the internship, but applicants must be attending college or other secondary education and be pursuing a degree in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental sciences, ecology, wildlife management, conservation, natural resources, biology, and animal behavior.
The North American Bear Center added that applications with strong communication skills, public-speaking skills and work ethic are preferred.
“They get regular time with the bears. Every morning, they spend at least the first hour of the day with bears and are constantly working with them all day long,” said Peter.
“We should clarify the ‘hands-on’ part, though. They will not be petting the bears, as they do not like to be touched and we want the bears to live as naturally as possible here in captivity.”
Peter has been in charge of the internship program for the last few years and enjoys meeting new interns and watching them learn and grow.
“The bears are constantly teaching us and entertaining us with their behaviors and antics,” Peter said. “The experience of working with these animals is the best part of the internship because it is an experience that is extremely rare, yet extremely rewarding.”
