Shades of the North: Black Bear Ecology and Conservation in the North Maine Woods
Step into the North Maine Woods, where close encounters with black bears, wilderness traditions, and hands-on wildlife research bring the world of bears to life.
Program Description
Bears hold a powerful place in human cultural consciousness. From indigenous Penobscot and Passamaquoddy mythology, to frontier lore, modern hunting heritage, and contemporary environmental conversations, the bear has occupied a position as a revered spiritual relative and symbol of wildness. And in Maine, there are a lot of bears–more than 35,000 by most accounts–one of the largest black bear populations in the US.
Shades of the North is a hands-on learning expedition that immerses students in the world and ideas of the bear. Using the 3.5 million acre North Maine Woods wilderness as our classroom, students will learn directly from the bears that call this place home and from the people and organizations involved most intimately in managing, conserving, and celebrating this remarkable animal. Meet Registered Maine Guides and professional houndsmen Jake and Lisa Feener who will share their vast bear and hound expertise as we track and encounter bears up close. Talk bears with renowned Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Randy Cross who spent four decades managing Maine’s “Bear Team”, the longest-running bear study in North America. Check trail cameras on designated bear bait sites and work firsthand with the hound team to track and catch a bear for an unforgettable up close encounter.
This program provides students with a comprehensive look at wildlife conservation science and traditional wilderness pursuits in Maine. Through field research, ecological study, and time on the bear trail, students will ponder and explore the complex lives of black bears; the myriad ecological, political, and social issues connected to them; and how managed hunting plays a crucial role in supporting Maine’s black bear population.
If you’re a young person who is curious about bears, who either loves or wants to learn to love the outdoors, or who appreciates examining a complex issue through as many stakeholder perspectives as possible, then this program is for you!
Program
Dates
July 11 - 16,
2027
Program
Location
Maine,
United States
Application
Status
Opens Soon
Cost of
Participation
$2,950 USD +
Travel Costs*
Eligible
Ages
Grades 9-12
at time of
application
*Financial Aid Is Available
At Bald Mountain Meadow, we believe the opportunity to learn, explore, and experience the world shouldn't depend on financial circumstances. Financial aid is central to our commitment to making these experiences accessible to people from all backgrounds. We want our programs to bring together people with different perspectives, experiences, and ways of seeing the world, and we're committed to removing financial barriers that might otherwise keep them apart.
Currently, 37% of participants in Bald Mountain Meadow programs receive financial aid, on average.
Understanding the World of the Black Bear
The North Maine Woods are home to one of the largest black bear populations in the country, where wildlife conservation, hunting traditions, and human relationships with nature intersect. Through firsthand encounters with bears and conversations with guides, biologists, and conservationists, students explore the science, traditions, and competing perspectives that shape how we understand and manage these remarkable animals.
Track
black bears through Maine’s North Woods alongside professional guides and houndsmen.
Learn
from wildlife biologists and local experts about bear behavior, research, and conservation.
Consider
the role of hunting, tradition, and science in managing Maine’s black bear population.
