All About Bear Roundworm

April 25, 2026 – All About Bear Roundworm

In this talk, Appalachian Bear Rescue’s resident Parasitologist and Lead Curator, Seth Wyckoff, speaks on the focal species of ABR’s ongoing soil parasite surveillance project: Baylisascaris transfuga.

Commonly known as the bear roundworm, Baylisascaris transfuga is an intestinal parasite found in bear species across the northern hemisphere of the entire world. We will spare you the pictures of wormy bear scat from the past. We assure you we have plenty! Instead, here is Curator Seth hard at work on recent, crucial soil samples:

Seth Wyckoff bear parasite work apalachian bear rescue 2026

Those who have followed us for a while know that some of our worse-off residents come to us, especially the emaciated/malnourished ones, with a surplus of worms that have to be eliminated upon arrival. Wild bears often carry these worms in their GI tract at tolerable levels with little to no symptoms or side-effects of infection. When overloaded, though, it can be problematic and detrimental to a bear’s health, especially young bears.

Watch the video below to hear Seth elaborate as he picks apart the bear roundworm with a fine-toothed comb. The link will be sent to all ABR member email addresses on Wednesday afternoon. Recordings will also be emailed afterwards for anyone who wants to watch it again or couldn’t attend the session live.

Recording from ABR’s April Member Education night with ABR Lead Curator and Parasitologist Seth Wyckoff. Seth covers all of the important information regarding Bear Roundworm (Baylisascaris transfuga) and what we do at the ABR facility to mitigate high loads of this parasite! Over 50% of cubs and over 90% of adult bears in the East Tennessee region carry this worm and Curator Seth talks about what is concerning about this parasite and what is not!

Join ABR For Future Education Nights!

You can join these insightful discussions about all things bears (and other wildlife) by becoming an ABR Member. It is a great way to support us, as well as get some cool “insider” perks! Joining in on these classes and discussions and asking questions live with our experts is just one of many.

If you’re not a current member, don’t worry. You can renew or sign up for your annual ABR membership by following this link: https://appalachianbearrescue.org/become-a-member/ or clicking the button below.

If you have any issues with your membership please email: katrina.anderson@appalachianbearrescue.org

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Thank you for being an advocate for our black bear and wildlife conservation!