Visiting the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
Thousands of visitors come to the VSWS every year to see the black bears that inhabit the area and learn about and view their behavior, habitat and life cycles. Around 80+ black bears visit the sanctuary each season, including large boars, sows with cubs, yearlings and sub-adults. From our bear viewing deck visitors can observe bears feeding, playing and interacting in the surrounding meadow and woods.
What to Expect
Upon arrival at the VSWS - click here for directions - visitors follow a gravel road for approximately 1 mile to the sanctuary parking lot. Courtesy buses run every 15-20 minutes from the parking lot to the viewing platform and visitors will receive a short talk on the history of the sanctuary and the bears.On the viewing deck, visitors will be free to walk around and view the bears and other wildlife and take photographs. There will be volunteers on deck to answer any questions you may have about the bears. Also throughout the evening there will be talks about the bears and the sanctuary from experienced naturalists.
There is a gift shop on the viewing platform where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts, all proceeds from which go back into the sanctuary. There is also an opportunity to become a member of the American Bear Association or to adopt a bear.
Visiting the VSWS
Bear Sanctuary News
Keep up to date with developments and progress at the Vince Shute Wildlife SanctuaryBear Sanctuary News
Membership of the ABA
Help the bears by becoming a member of The American Bear AssociationMembership of the ABA
Wildlife Volunteers
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Information on Bears
Facts about bears, including FAQ, Bear Biology and Bear Species around the worldInformation on Bears