Bear Biologist

Ben Kilham is a bear biologist who, for decades, has “studied wild black bears in a vast tract of Northern New Hampshire woodlands. At times, he has also taken in orphaned infants–feeding them, walking them through the forest for months to help them decipher their natural world, and eventually reintroducing them back into the wild. Once free, the orphaned bears still regard him as their mother. One of these bears, now a nearly 20-year-old female, has given him extraordinary access to her daily life, opening a rare window into how she and the wild bears she lives among carry out their daily lives, raise their young, and communicate. Kilham’s unique findings now interest bear researchers worldwide.”

His dedication to black bears has made him such an expert that China asked for his help with the giant panda, a collaboration that inspired the recently released documentary “Pandas.”

Ben's work with bears, however, is just part of his story. Ben is dyslexic, which, for years, kept him from pursuing an advanced degree. As a result, his work and rare insights into the social and emotional lives of bears went largely unpublished. With the support of wildlife preservationist George Schaller (whose story is also included in the Story Preservation 4-12 Learning Lab), Ben enrolled in a doctorate program at Drexel University where he completed his course of study and now holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science. In a review written about In the Company of Bears, Brock and Fernette Eide, authors of The Dyslexic Advantage write, "Kilham perfectly exemplifies how much the world has to gain from the exceptional insights of dyslexic individuals, who often possess a special talent for finding order hidden in the complex patterns of the real world."

Ben Kilham, Biologist

by Ben Kilham

Ben’s work with bears is just part of his story. Ben is dyslexic, a condition that held him back for years until, as he relates, he “learned to trust in himself and his own observations.” Brock and Fernette Eide, authors of The Dyslexic Advantage write, “Kilham perfectly exemplifies how much the world has to gain from the exceptional insights of dyslexic individuals, who often possess a special talent for finding order hidden in the complex patterns of the real world.” And so it is here that we begin.

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Ben Kilham Transcription

Ben Kilham When Dyslexia is a Strength

Being You Educator Viewing Guide Download

Being Yourself (Parts 1 and 2)
In this documentary, follow three young people with learning and attention issues as they travel the country to seek advice from TV host Howie Mandel, ice sculptor John Rodrigues, and many more who have transformed their learning and attention issues from a struggle into an asset. Permitted use: Stream only.
© 2016 Roadtrip Nation. All Rights Reserved.

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0:53

01. Intro to Recording

Ben Kilham
5:44

02. Childhood

Ben Kilham
5:15

04. Visualization
4:14

03. Dyslexia

Ben Kilham
5:46

05. The Giant Panda

Ben Kilham
4:32

06. Squirty

Ben Kilham
3:59

07. The Power of Observation

Ben Kilham