Children and their parents went to the Wondering about Wildlife event at Cedar River Watershed Education Center Dec. 30 for a presentation about Karelian Bear Dogs and the work they do.

Darrel Smith, biologist and science adviser with Western Wildlife Outreach, started the presentation talking about bears, their behavior and how to be safe around them. Nicholas Jorg, an officer with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, followed up Smith’s presentation with an explanation of his work with Karelian Bear Dogs and how they are used to release captured bears back into the wild and away from people who might hurt them or get hurt by them.

Jorg brought Colter, one of the dogs on the department’s team and his partner since 2009, to meet the children and explained how Karelian Bear Dogs use their instincts to help track bears.

Since 2009, Colter has saved more than 100 bears from being euthanized in his role as a service dog.

Lorna Smith, executive director of Western Wildlife Outreach, pets Colter as Officer Jorg gives a presentation on the work he and Colter do.

Jorg shows the audience how a bear trap works with a staff member dressed as a bear.

Colter the Karelian Bear Dog poses for a photo.