Conservation in Community with Carnivores
Chimpanzees, elephants, and other mammals are renown for their affectionate ways. The sight of tender elephantine caresses of a mother and her infant and testimonies of their lifelong attachments overpower even a scientist’s effort to remain detached.
However, carnivores—bears, cougars, lions, coyotes, and orcas—do not receive the same empathy. They may be admired, but their presence is rarely tolerated. Even though statistics show otherwise, carnivores are considered to be a major threat to human safety. To the detriment of carnivores, much of conservation and wildlife "management" is shaped by this perception. Scientific theory, data, and experience show otherwise.
Kerulos Carnivore Community Project brings scientific concepts of trans-species psychology to "bear" on carnivore conservation. Our primary goals are to dispel the myth of carnivores as unpredictable killers and to re-instill ways of human living that are compatible with and respectful of carnivore cultures.
We accomplish this through the publications of scientific papers, workshops and courses that integrate science and field experience to inform wildlife professionals and policy, conservation, and the public.
Charlie Russell
(shown at right) is one of the world’s leading bear experts as a result of living intimately with them and learning their culture and values. He asks:
"What if the thought of encountering a grizzly bear filled you with anticipation and wonder?
"What if you knew a bear her whole life, and the bear treated you as a welcome friend whenever you visited?
"What if bears themselves could be free to live as they were meant to, enjoying nature's splendour and not fearful of gun-bearing humans?"
Support carnivores.
photo credits
bear inset photos, courtesy Charlie Russell
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"Science in service to animals"
