Connecting with the Natural World: Grizzly Bears Saved My Life
“Wilderness settles peace on the soul because it needs no help; it is beyond human contrivance.” – E.O. Wilson
E.O. Wilson coined the term “biophilia” to describe the natural human “urge to affiliate with other forms of life.” People innately connect with the natural world. “The natural world is a refuge of the spirit,” Wilson has said. Spending time in nature has been shown to have positive health effects on many levels, rejuvenating, calming, refreshing the soul. For some, as in this video, nature can give solace and purpose to a person seeking refuge.
For Doug Peacock, Yellowstone National Park became his refuge, and “my companions ended up being grizzlies.” Peacock’s work to protect grizzly habitat gives voice to the voiceless. His dedication to grizzly conservation is another heartfelt example of the way that people work in big and small ways every day to help us get to Half-Earth.
