In Search of BLACK BEARS.

The article presents the author's views on her experiences of participating in black bear monitoring programs in New York as a fish and wildlife technician of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Topics include the different types of bear dens that can be found in the state, the DEC's process of monitoring the bear population, and the importance of expecting the unexpected when working with animals. A brief profile of DEC bear biologist Matt Merchant is also provided.