Although Black Bear populations on Canada's West Coast appear to be thriving, industrial development has resulted in the loss of biological diversity and destruction of habitat within the Pacific Rim Rainforest.  Home to old-growth forests, many bird species, as well as large mammals and sealife, the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area has been established to preserve the wildlife habitat of Clayoquot Sound.  While the Black Bears in this region may not be endangered, the permanent disappearance of any one species within it may have a ripple effect on the area's entire biosphere.

With special thanks and acknowledgement to brother-in-law Rick Brooks, from Canmore, Alberta, who graciously provided the photograph reference images from which this painting was created.