About Ursus Expeditions

For centuries, bears have captured the human imagination—as symbols of strength, wisdom, and the untamed wild. At Ursus Expeditions, we believe that experiencing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat fosters a deeper understanding and respect for both wildlife and the fragile ecosystems they call home.

Our small-group expeditions take you to some of the world’s most remote wilderness regions, offering rare opportunities to observe and photograph all eight bear species in the wild. Whether it’s the grizzlies of Alaska, the spirit bears of British Columbia, or the polar bears of the Arctic, each journey is designed to be intimate, educational, and impactful.

A Journey Into the Wild.
A Commitment to Conservation.

Our Approach Is More Than Just a Tour

Ursus Expeditions is not just about watching bears—it’s about truly understanding them. Our small-group journeys take travelers to remote wilderness locations, offering rare opportunities to observe, photograph, and learn about the world's eight bear species.

  • Through firsthand experiences, we aim to replace misconceptions with scientific understanding, fostering deeper connections with nature.

  • Our tours incorporate ecology, natural history, and local cultural insights, ensuring travelers leave with more than just photos.

  • We partner with nonprofits, ecotourism groups, and local communities to actively support bear habitat conservation efforts.

  • Every Ursus Expedition follows strict guidelines to minimize disruption and prioritize animal welfare while capturing stunning imagery.

Ultimately, we believe that witnessing the beauty of these creatures firsthand creates a lasting sense of responsibility—one that extends beyond the expedition and into everyday advocacy for conservation.

Meet Kevin Andrews

A Life Dedicated to the Wild

I’m Kevin Andrews, a Northern California native whose passion for wildlife, conservation, and photography has shaped my life’s mission.

Growing up in the rugged landscapes of Northern California, I developed an unbreakable bond with the outdoors. But it wasn’t until a life-changing trip to Yellowstone National Park that I found my true calling: exploring, photographing, and protecting bears in the wild.

That moment set me on a relentless journey—one that has taken me across continents, tracking all eight bear species in their natural habitats. I’ve dedicated my career to guiding expeditions, educating travelers, and advocating for conservation through responsible wildlife tourism.

My mission is twofold:
To capture and share the beauty of bears through photography
and to inspire global conservation efforts that protect their habitats

Every expedition I lead is designed to empower others to experience bears in a transformative way—one that fosters love, respect, and a commitment to preservation.

“Together, we can make a tangible difference for the bears of our planet and inspire a new generation to safeguard the wonders of the natural world.”

Frequently asked questions

  • Between planning the trip and hopping on a plane to head back home, you can always expect adventure in between! We go where the bears are, and with different species spread out in various ecosystems across the world, this will look very different from place to place. Some trips will be based from a vehicle, some will be more hiking intensive. Some locations will be wet and rainy while others may be humid and sunny.

    Rest assured, we will prepare you with all of the essentials to meet your needs for each unique itinerary. Weeks before your trip begins, we will send you a pre-trip packing checklist as well as expectations for the climate, culture, cuisine, and day-to-day activities. We even offer assistance with booking flights if you are new to traveling or simply want the convenience! As always, feel free to email us if you have any questions or concerns.

  • Bears are one of the most charismatic, endearing animals in the world, and you are undoubtedly going to want to bring your camera to capture these encounters! Depending on the location, we may be photographing bears from 500+ yards or as close as 50. It is recommended that you bring both a telephoto and wide-angle lens so you have both situations covered. A tripod is also useful for stabilizing photos and essential if you wish to capture video. Other smaller gear features we suggest bringing include spare batteries, battery chargers, lens cleaners, and potentially rain covers.

  • Bears are individuals just like us. They will have good and bad days, varying degrees of tolerance toward humans, and different personal space bubbles. This is why we will allow you to walk on foot around bears on some trips, while others will be based in a vehicle. We as trip leaders have years of experience spending time around bears and reading their body language. We will never approach bears if it impedes their natural behavior or causes them discomfort. These ethics are paramount on every trip, regardless of trip length, weather, group size, or mode of transportation. More often than not, if we are respectful and show that we are not a threat, wildlife will come to us!