"This was my first visit to the WRI and what a magical place it is. It was a great honor to spend time with and get to know Dr. Lynn Rogers. The fact that he spent his whole life living with and studying black bears is a beautiful gift to all humanity. I was already in love with black bears. I see them regularly here in Western NC. I never feared them but have always had a healthy respect for their space. To be physically right next to the black bears at the WRI gave me the privilege to observe their gentle nature while at the same time knowing they deserve respect. I came away with a deeper love for black bears and am extremely grateful for the experience I had at the WRI."
Jo Ann - NC 2025