The author conveys her viewpoint that the scientist, John Hechtel, is concerned about bear conservation by relaying how John says that more information is needed about bears and their behavior to protect them and their habitats.
The author depicts Hechtel's life work as an important part of the effort to protect North American black bears. After describing the potentially controversial aspects of his job (how he tracks and tranquilizes the bears), Quinlan chose to write down a lengthy quote by the scientist himself to explain why he is doing this data-collecting work. This indicates that she shares or supports his concerns about bear preservation, because she conveyed it using Hechtel's own words.
This is because he steals from the rich and gives to the poor. He fights for what is right and never gives up. Another character could be Joan of Arc. She sacrificed herself to save France from danger and even was burned at the stake for her friends.
