Supporting scientists, managers and conservation

From humble beginnings in 1968, the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) has grown into a thriving community of bear biologists, managers, technicians, educators, and conservationists. We have approximately 500 members in over 40 countries, and receive assistance from donors, partner organizations and non-members as well.

IBA impacts bear conservation through conferences, publications, grants, and our website. Our efforts focus on supporting our members’ work and helping train the next generation of bear professionals. Please help us to help bears by making a donation to IBA, your support is vital to the continued success of our organization.

John Hechtel – IBA President

FAST FACTS

Species: Ailuropoda melanoleuca (Giant Panda)

Location: Minshan Mountains, China (33°38’N 103°36’E)

Wild Population: Estimated 1,864 individuals

IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU)

Our Mission

We advance scientific understanding and global conservation of the world’s eight bear species.

Our Vision

We envision a world where all eight bear species can thrive and coexist with humans.

What's happening at IBA...

Ursus

Ursus 2024 Volume 35 Articles 18-19

This volume provides two new papers focusing on the interactions between people and the two bear species in Yellowstone National Park, plus an article on female Polar bears in Hudson Bay. Members can access the full articles now through the BioOne link in the members area.

Read More
IBA News

Double the Impact of Your Gift

🌟 Join us in making a difference! 🌟 Until the end of 2024, a generous anonymous donor will match your donations up to $10,000, allowing you to maximize your impact in our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a critical role in achieving our goals. Together, we can meet this exciting challenge—donate today and double your impact! Your support is vital for creating lasting change. Thank you for your generosity! 💖

Read More
Ursus

Ursus 2024 Volume 35 Articles 14-15

This volume provides two new papers, one focusing on Asiatic Black Bears, and the other on hyperdontia in grizzly bears. Members can access the full articles now through the BioOne link in the members area.

Read More
Ursus

Ursus 2024 Volume 35 Articles 16-17

This volume provides two new papers focusing on the interactions between people and the two bear species in Yellowstone National Park, plus an article on female Polar bears in Hudson Bay. Members can access the full articles now through the BioOne link in the members area.

Read More
Grants

2024/25 Grant Funding Cycle Now Open

Applications for the IBA 2024-25 grant funding cycle are now being accepted. The deadline to apply for a Research and Conservation or Experience and Exchange Grant is 1st October 2024.

Read More

Edmonton, Alberta

From its establishment in 1968, the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) has been the leading organization for those involved in bear research, conservation and management. A big part of that success is due to our annual conference, where members and non-members have an opportunity to socialize and share research across a variety of bear-related fields.

It is with great pleasure that we advise the 28th IBA conference will be held in September 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, under the theme “Co-existing with Bears on Dynamic Landscapes.”

Please click on the button below to visit our new dedicated conference website, where you can register, submit abstracts and learn more about the program.

Become an IBA member

Membership in the IBA benefits bear researchers, managers, students and conservationists alike. The IBA offers connectivity with peers, professional meetings, publications, and updated information and news pertaining to bears and bear projects worldwide. Membership entitles you to receive International Bear News, and access to our peer-reviewed journal Ursus. It is the most comprehensive publication dedicated specifically to bear research and management. Other membership benefits include various discounts during our international conferences, and voting privileges.

DONATE

IBA is an non-profit professional society with members from over 45 different countries who dedicate their time to protecting bears. Small and large donations alike collectively fund IBA’ programs including grants for frontline work for bears, our peer-reviewed journal Ursus and global conferences. Please consider supporting our work by donating today.

FAST FACTS

Species: Ursus maritimus (Polar bear)

Location: Northern Beaufort Sea, Canada (77°24’N 120°15’E)

Wild Population: Estimated 26,500 individuals

IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU)