Introducing Last Hope: Grizzly Bears
- Simon Sage
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
Grizzly bears are an icon of the Canadian wilderness. They contain both a gentle elusiveness and a hidden ferocity befitting their stature. Grizzlies disperse berry seeds far and wide, helping the propagation of important plantlife. They also keep local herbivore populations in check, which can prevent overgrazing. Despite their ability to inspire awe and their vital ecosystem roles, grizzly bear populations have declined by over 50% since the 1800s.
This is why we have chosen the grizzly bear as the first species in our new awareness series, Last Hope. With the help of world-class photography shot by the members of the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective, we hope to showcase the beauty of at-risk wildlife across the country and inspire action to protect it.
Once we have caught the eye of those curious, we aim to educate as well. For example, our new guide on grizzly bears describes the biology, territory, and history of the species. With that information, we’re able to discuss the state of the species today. In the guide, we examine the various threats faced by grizzly bears and their current population health.
Road transportation remains a major impediment to grizzlies. Direct road mortality and habitat fragmentation are common sights in grizzly territory. For more information on the role human transportation has to play with wildlife health, be sure to dig into our previous campaign, Crossing Paths.
Finally, Last Hope looks at the solutions that are at hand to protect grizzly bears and how much progress is being made in deploying them. Once inspired and informed, anyone can take meaningful action to protect these gentle giants.
Future episodes of Last Hope will put other Canadian wildlife species into focus by combining stunning photography with credible, actionable information. Until then, visit the Last Hope hub to get started on an unforgettable path.
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