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Ursus maritimus
POLAR BEAR
Polar bears are exceptional swimmers and can often swim over 150 kilometers without taking a break. learn more
Credit: Shirley Szeto
Helarctos malayanus
SUN BEAR
With lengthy tongues of up to 25 centimeters, Sun bears are experts at extracting honey from bee hives. learn more
Credit: Lillian Tveit
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
GIANT PANDA
Giant pandas are known to eat up to 35 kilograms of bamboo every day. learn more
Credit: Johan Sjolander
Tremarctos ornatus
ANDEAN BEAR
Andean bears are also known as Spectacled bears because of the white/yellow rings around its eyes, which give the appearance of eyeglasses. learn more
Credit: MCPHOTO
Ursus thibetanus
ASIATIC BLACK BEAR
Habitat ranges for the Asiatic black bear stretch from South-Eastern Iran to South-Central Japan. learn more
Credit: Volodymyr Burdiak
Ursus americanus
AMERICAN BLACK BEAR
Black bears are excellent climbers - their claws give them great grip and trees offer them safety from predators. learn more
Credit: Don White
Ursus arctos
BROWN BEAR
Brown bears are the most widely distributed of all the bear species, with populations spanning North America, Europe and Asia. learn more
Credit: Erik Mandre
Melursus ursinus
SLOTH BEAR
Adult sloth bears do not have their top two front teeth (incisors), which enables them to suck up termites and other insects with ease. learn more
Credit: Vladimir Cech

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...

General

History of Ursus

Learn about the history of Ursus, IBA's peer-reviewed journal.

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Ursus

Ursus 2025 Volume 36 Articles 1-3

These 3 articles are open access on BioOne. IBA members can access all Ursus articles through the BioOne link in the members area.

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External Workshops

7th International Human-Bear Conflicts Workshop

Details on the upcoming IHBCW.

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General

IBA “Wrapped” – A look back at 2024

A summary of the many things IBA is proud of from 2024.

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Fundraising

Support Bear Conservation – Purchase from IBA’s Fundraising Partners!

Check out these unique products from our fundraising partners that help bears.

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IBA Management Committee

Results of the 2022 Survey of American Black Bear Management in the United States and Canada

In 2023, the IBA surveyed 62 jurisdictions across the U.S. and Canada on black bear management. This summary highlights key findings for wildlife managers and the public.

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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.

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)

Thank you to our fundraising partners