Year of the Bear: Dare to Care
Every year, North Carolina State Parks has celebrated an annual theme in all of our state parks. Programs, festivals and events throughout the state support the annual theme.
The Interpretive and Education Council, a diverse group of park staff members from across the state, selects the theme each year based on suggestions and nominations.
A unique collectible bandana for the annual theme is available for sale at the park webstore or at each park office and visitor center.
Below are some resources for park staff and educators to tie in to the 2024 annual theme.
Resources from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Resources from BearWise.org
BearWise is a national program developed to help people live responsibly with black bears. It is managed by a team of North American bear biologists and communications professionals and supported by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the BearWise member states (including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission).
- All About Black Bears: FAQs
- Six Outdoor BearWise Basics Flyer
- BearWise Outdoor Safety Tips Flyer
- How BearWise Are You? Checklist
- BearWise Dog Safety Poster
- BearWise Spanish Flyers: Sea BearWise Al Aire Libre y Sea BearWise En Casa
- BearWise Spanish Flyers: Consejos para vacacionar y Consejos de seguridad al aire libre
- More fact sheets, checklists and posters from bearwise.org
Resources from the North American Bear Center
The North American Bear Center is a black bear and wildlife educational facility in Minnesota. Below are links to some of their lesson plans on black bears.