“Cash” loves his co-worker, WDFW Wildlife biologist, Rich Beausoleil. Bears, not so much. 

In his career with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife, “Cash,” a 10 1/2 year old Karelian Bear Dog, has worked on over 500 bears and 140 Cougars (the big cat variety, not the human ones) to alleviate conflicts between their and the human population. The breed’s quick reflexes and fearless nature have made it a very effective “tool with a pulse” by assisting in hard releases in a non-lethal manner, and by tracking and detecting evidence of the animals.  The breed serves as Bear Conflict Dogs (for Bear Managers, Biologists, Officers, Wardens, Rangers, Private), Bear Protection Dogs (for Biologists, Outfitters, Ranchers, Campground Managers, Private), and, of course, Companion Dogs, for experienced dog owners prepared to live with what some describe as a primitive breed.

The purchase of these dogs and their upkeep with WSFW is funded entirely by private donation, but it’s a win/win for everyone. Click here to see the current “staff” of Bear Dogs working with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department, and to see photos from a recent 5K fun run/walk at Mirabeau Park benefiting the Karelian Bear Dog program, click here.

The thumbnail image by Young Kwak is from the article found in the link.