In celebration of Earth Day Bears are paramount species. They play an important role in First Nations culture and are an important source of income for local stakeholders in terms of tourism and recreational activities. Bears help maintain a healthy ecosystem by scavenging on dead carcasses and helping keep herbivore populations such as deer and moose in balance. More importantly, some species of bears bridge the gap between the ocean and the forest. By catching fish and dragging salmon carcasses into the forest to eat, bears help fertilize the soil and enrich it with nitrogen. A healthy forest nurtures the ground, helps tree roots grow and provides shade for streams. Cool streams encourage the fish to return and reproduce each year. In the circle of life, everything is interconnected. Daisy