Since before history, man and bear have shared hunting grounds and homes: in the caves of Europe, the bamboo forests of China, the mountains and woods of North America. Bears are woven deep in human mythology. Bears as friends, enemies, gods, entertainers, even lovers.

Now, with human populations and appetites so vast and climate change rolling on, the bears are in trouble. Polar bears, grizzlies, the sun bear. By the end of this century, says Robert Bieder, author of “Bear,” only black bears may remain.

This hour, On Point: the bear in myth and history, and bear rescue right now.

-Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

Victor Watkins, WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) Wildlife Advisor.

Robert Bieder, author of “Bear” and retired visiting Professor in the Department of History and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Tags: animals, bears, climate change, environment