The NABF was incorporated November 11, 1998 in Fort Ripley, Minnesota. The NABF is a national non-profit conservation organization that is concerned with healthy wildlife populations and their habitats across North America. The NABF is a 501(c) 3 corporation, making contributions and donations tax deductible. Funding for programs is acquired through memberships, corporate sponsorships, donations and fundraising events at the local, state and national levels.
           
Wildlife education is a priority with NABF. Our goal is to promote public awareness about the natural history of North American wildlife, our wild bear populations, and our environment through widespread educational programs.
           
The NABF will also be involved in wildlife research and management. We will work with local, state, and federal agencies to conserve, restore and enhance wildlife habitat. We also cooperate with other conservation organizations to maximize our efforts for the benefit of all wildlife. NABF will work with local wildlife managers to determine what projects will be most beneficial and cost effective. We will also organize volunteer members of the NABF to complete recommended projects across the country.

To help our wild bears, we will assist state agencies in management of nuisance bears by providing funds for live traps and transporting bears to suitable habitat. We will have volunteers trained and ready to assist game managers in the trapping and transporting of nuisance bears. They will be certified in the use of tranquilizing drugs. We will also help fund bear research projects of state biologist for estimating populations, determining factors that influence breeding, preferred habitats, seasonal diets, migration and other projects that can be used to promote wildlife and habitat. We will work closely with state biologists and facilitate nationwide seminars and conferences to promote cooperation between agencies.

The NABF supports the professional, scientific management of all wildlife species with a focus on promoting healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. We recognize the importance of being responsible stewards of our wild lands, promoting sound conservation, and strive to have all species of wildlife flourish in healthy environments. The NABF also endorses the established principals of modern wildlife management where bear populations are regulated on a management unit level with scientifically accurate population counts and where specific regulations are tailored to ensure healthy bear populations for all citizens to enjoy.