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Double your impact this holiday season - every donation to IBA is matched up to $10,000 to support bear conservation worldwide! Click to learn more.
  • A message from our President

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.

  • News and Events

What's happening at IBA...
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! 💖

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4 November 2024
Ursus

Ursus 2024 Volume 35 Articles 20-21

This volume provides two new open access articles discussing infanticide by polar bears in Hudson Bay and body weight fluctuations in Asiatic black bears.
Members can access all URSUS articles now through the BioOne link in the members area.

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6 December 2024
Letters & Statements

IBA & LCIE Position Statement 2024 – Bear Management in Slovak Republic

In collaboration with the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), IBA has released a statement regarding recent bear management practices in the Slovak Republic. This statement has been formally sent to the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic and the European Commission Directorate-General for Environment.

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25 November 2024
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.

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4 November 2024
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.

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25 October 2024
  • 28th IBA Conference - September 2024

Edmonton, Alberta

We are thrilled to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for the 28th International Conference on Bear Research and Management in the stunning city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! Your participation turned this event into a remarkable success, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing journey towards bear conservation.

After a six-year break from in-person events due to COVID-19, we were delighted to welcome 400 attendees and 27 guests at our banquet dinner, representing 31 different countries. It was a joyous celebration of togetherness, where we united to share our vision of a world in which all eight bear species can thrive alongside humans. This conference is part of the broader conservation efforts of the IBA, aimed at advancing scientific understanding and promoting global stewardship of bears.

For those looking to access information specific to the Edmonton conference, the Conference Website will remain live until the general IBA conference information page is available on the main IBA site. Thank for being an essential part of this incredible journey! Your support means so much.

Conference Website
Journal Access
Networking
Bear News
Research Grants
  • Membership Advantages

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.

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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.

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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)

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© 2024 International Association for Bear Research and Management.

We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live, work and research across the earth. We recognise their continued custodianship and connection to the land, waters and community. We respect and honor Elders past, present and emerging. Our hope is that we move forward with open minds listening and learning from their wisdom and knowledge.