Kate Kendall is one of the leading bear researchers in the United States, and as such has been working to develop non-invasive techniques for gauging how bear populations in the Rockies are doing. If you're in Montana in December you can catch her presentation on "The Secret Life of Bears," which will provide insights into her latest research.

Across the National Park System there are millions of privately held acres that fall within the boundaries of national parks. Recently, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was able to acquire one small parcel that otherwise might have been developed. Voyageurs National Park is just one other example where efforts are ongoing to acquire inholdings.

Deep within the passageways that twist and turn at Mammoth Cave National Park the acoustics can be incredible. There is no background noise other than the shuffling feet, soft voices of visitors, and, in some passages, the running or dripping of water. On December 6 those sounds will fade into the background when the park hosts its annual Cave Sing to celebrate the coming holiday season.

As a recent court case illustrates, people convicted of poaching animals in national parks face stiff penalties. Two North Carolina men who pleaded guilty to killing a bear on the Blue Ridge Parkway were given prison time to reflect on the error of their ways.