Black Bear Biologist Presentation
Hear From North Carolina’s Black Bear Experts
The Black Bear Biologist Presentation gives festival visitors a rare opportunity to hear directly from the wildlife experts who study and protect North Carolina’s black bears. This educational session features biologists sharing their knowledge about black bear behavior, habitat, and conservation across the state.
Held at the Bear-Ology Black Bear Museum in Plymouth, the presentation offers an engaging look at the science behind the coastal giant black bears that make this region famous. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals and the work being done to protect them.
What to Expect at the Presentation
Learn about North Carolina’s black bear population from experienced wildlife biologists.
Discover why coastal black bears grow larger than bears in other regions.
Hear insights about bear habitat, conservation efforts, and wildlife management.
Ask questions and learn fascinating facts about black bear behavior.
Visit the Bear-Ology Black Bear Museum while attending the presentation.
Enjoy an engaging educational experience during the Black Bear Festival.
Why Visitors
Love This Event
The Black Bear Biologist Presentation is one of the most informative events of the festival. It gives visitors a chance to learn directly from experts who work every day to study and protect black bears across North Carolina.
Hear from professionals with decades of wildlife research and conservation experience.
Learn how black bears thrive in eastern North Carolina’s unique habitat.
Gain insight into wildlife management and the future of black bear conservation.
Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone curious about these animals.
Featured Speakers
Colleen Olfenbuttel
Colleen Olfenbuttel has served as the Statewide Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission since 2007. She is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with more than 20 years of experience working in wildlife conservation and research.
Chris Turner
Chris Turner joins the presentation as a featured speaker sharing additional insight into black bear research, management, and conservation efforts in North Carolina.
Event Information
Date: June 6, 2026
Presentation Times:
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location:
Bear-Ology Black Bear Museum
111 A West Water Street
Plymouth, NC
Learn More About Black Bears!
Stop by the Bear-Ology Black Bear Museum during the festival and hear directly from the experts who study and protect North Carolina’s black bears.