The Chewonki Foundation will present its program entitled, "Bears of North America: Beauty or Beauty or Beast" on Monday, Dec. 3.

Both respected and feared by humans, bears are some of the largest land mammal predators in the world. References to bears are found in mythology, Native American legends, children's stories and cartoons. Unfortunately, bears are commonly portrayed as snarling beasts and villains.

In "Bears of North America," Chewonki's Assistant Director of Outreach Programs, Kelly Martin, will allay some of these misapprehensions. Via slides and a skeleton, Martin will help students understand more about the three bear species found in North America: Black, Grizzly, and Polar bears. The program will focus most closely on Maine's native Black Bear, possibly the most misunderstood of all of the species.

All ages are welcome. The cost is $5 for adults; children are admitted free of charge.