Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A local wildlife organization brought black bear education to Polk County elementary students through after-school programs in January.

Champions for Wildlife conducted its Wild for Black Bears program, teaching students about bear behavior, ecological roles and safety protocols for bear encounters. The lessons incorporated BearWise guidelines, which provide standardized practices for coexisting with black bears.

Students created clay bowls shaped like black bears following the educational session. The hands-on art project helped reinforce the lessons while providing students with a take-home memento.

The organization plans to continue its educational outreach this spring with programming that will highlight lesser-known local species and their environmental significance. The sessions will be conducted by Champions for Wildlife educators with volunteer assistance.