Customer Reviews (1)

This story is not about Teddy Bears.
As a fellow nurse who once worked in a Emergency Room, I recommend this book for all healthcare workers, including physicians. The story outlines how an innocent hike in Waterton Parks, Alberta turned into a nightmare which lasted 10 years. This is the first book in which I slowly, began to understand how someone loses reality from intractable pain. Patricia asks for no pity only that her story and the following years of patchy healthcare illustrate how the relationship with healthcare providers is so vital. I often travel to the mountains to hike and now see bears in a totally different perspective. Patricia's book illustrates that once bears were afraid of humans and now we have become the prey. This book is not for readers who do not like morbid details about anatomy and physiology. ... Read more

Product Description
For nearly twenty years, alone and unarmed, author Doug Peacock traversed the rugged mountains of Montana and Wyoming tracking the magnificent grizzly. His thrilling narrative takes us into the bear's habitat, where we observe directly this majestic animal's behavior, from hunting strategies, mating patterns, and denning habits to social hierarchy and methods of communication. As Peacock tracks the bears, his story turns into a thrilling narrative about the breaking down of suspicion between man and beast in the wild.
Amazon.com Review
Doug Peacock, the model for the George Hayduke of Edward Abbey'snovels The Monkey Wrench Gang and Hayduke Lives!, served twotours of duty in Vietnam as a Green Beret medic, ministering to theMontagnard and Hre peoples of the highlands while trying to jump over thebullets that rang around him. When he returned home, as he writes, "Iretreated to the woods and pushed my mind toward sleep with cheap wine." Inthose woods he found grizzly bears, and among them he shook off memories ofwar. In the pages of this memoir, recounting what has now been Peacock'smany years among them, the bears of Montana come to life.They find an eloquent protector here. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Grizzly Authority
Author knows his subject, and the story he told demonstrates this knowledge to the reader. The book does a great job showing the personality of the author, as it evolved from the jungles of Vietnam to the wilderness of the U.S.

seeking bear deliverance . . .
It is the grizzly bear, of all animals, that can teach modern man the humility he needs in order to save his own species. This is Doug Peacock's viewpoint; and when it comes to bear lore, he is thoroughly versed in his subject.

The writing is strong and compelling: a juxtaposing of Vietnam war experiences with his retreats into the wilderness as he seeks deliverance from the aftermath of that war. Peacock's honesty is so brutal that it takes you by the throat. The narratives of his vietnam time are as gripping, even harrowing, as is the opening chapter's depiction of his standoff with a massive male grizzly.

Through the stark confrontation of the primal fear man has of the bear, Doug Peacock transcends his suffering through this fear and finds a kind of healing salvation. He finds this healing in the wild places, with the animals that society has villified for so many generations. And nobody gets closer to the big bears (and that includes the former fool T. Treadwell) than Doug Peacock.

A man in search of himself via the deliverance nature offers him.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

The Cloud Reckoner

A new high for environmentlist journaling!
I met Mr. Peacock a few weeks ago at the the Southwestern Writers conference in College Station. Among his published works he read from, "Walk it Off". Giving us all insight into his years in Vietnam and his friendships made along the way. He is one of a few writes who can actually transport you to the time and place he is experiencing.
Bravo Mr. Peacock!!! Bravo! Thank you for such a wonderful reading.

A killer Book!!!
For lovers of wilderness and Bears this is an outstanding book. I read it from cover to cover in two sittings. Doug Peacock has been through a lot in his lifetime and he did what he did to bring some sanity back into his life after Nam. I found this to be a much more interesting read than "Walking it off" which dewells too much on his feelings for Ed Abbey and tells you very little about his Viet Nam experiences or even himself.
Buy this Book! You won't be sorry!

Awesome book, one of the best environmental books out there
This is an outstanding book written by a man who is extraordinarily comfortable in his own skin, yet extraordinarily uncomfortable in modern society.

Peacock is a man who can write lyrically and genuinely about the wilderness, who can stand tall while staring a grizzly in the eyes, and yet who can't attend a party, or walk through a city, or even meet an innocuous stranger who has expressed an interest in chatting with him.

I've read a few other books by people who share Peacock's gruff no-compromise attitude when it comes to environmental protection, and have been really bothered by the sense that they seem to have formed a "we understand nature and you don't" club that excludes most of the environmental movement. Authors Gary Ferguson and Rick Bass (who spent some wilderness time with Peacock) have managed to make this model of environmental conservation seem childish and churlish. But Peacock, who is basically writing the same argument, gives this idea wings on which we soar.

Peacock is brutally honest about himself, and about how his war experiences in Vietnam shattered his soul and left him thrashing about the country in a state of spiritual agony. When he relates a story about becoming frustrated with a payphone operator, and then taking out a shotgun and blowing the telephone to bits, we know that he's not billing himself as a healthy individual.

This honesty lets us see the genuine love that Peacock has for nature in general and grizzly bears in particular. He is well-versed in the scientific side of environmental preservation, and gives us plenty to chew on as far as the good and bad of the institutions that are involved with grizzly bear issues. But his most compelling, unique contributions come when he is alone in the wild, stalking grizzly bears carrying nothing but photography equipment and a knife, with which he is prepared to defend himself to the death.

This is a great book for the environmental movement, and deserves a unique place in that broad and cluttered field. You should definitely read this book if you're an environmentalist. More importantly, you should give it to someone who is not an environmentalist, even someone who is against environmentalism.

Peacock has a way of framing the issues in a way that even a republican will love and understand. His individualistic approach and character are the antithesis of the characterization of environmentalists that the right has been pushing for the last forty years.
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Product Description
The eating habits of bears is one of fourteen topics in this clearly written look at three North American bears -- grizzly bears, ploar bears and black bears. You'll find out how and where bears live, how they give birth and raise their cubs, what they eat and much more. Did you know? * Bears eat so much in the fall that they don't need to eat during the winter. * All baby bears have blue eyes. * Polar bears are related to dogs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Bears
This book is awesome! I'm a first grade teacher. My class did a study on bears. This book was a perfect match for my independent readers. They were able to use the features of the text and the simple language to learn new and interesting facts about bears. They really enjoyed this book.

Great for young animal lovers!
After our trip to Alaska my one and a half year old loves bears.She loves this book!The pictures are great and keep her entertained.However the book has lots of information that makes it appropriate for much older children as well.A book that kids would love for up to ten years- that is something I love!I would like to own several books in the Kids Can Press WIldlife Series. ... Read more

Product Description
Joel Sartore has been face-to-face with a grizzly bear—and lived to tell this and other great tales in Face to Face with Grizzlies. Through stunning photography and engaging storytelling, this expert challenges young readers to coexist with this fearsome creature. Along with his vast experience and knowledge, Sartore’s contagious passion for the grizzly shines through on every page of this fascinating book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Teenager's loved it
Face to Face with Grizzlies, Face to Face with Polar Bears, and Little Polar Bears was purchased as a "Special Christmas Present" for my three teenage grand kids. They get an annual subscription to National Geographic KIDS. These seemed like they would fit into that category. Instead of the usual "Thank You Card", they each had to call and thank me for the "wonderful books", said a card would take to long to reach me. They were already planning who would take which book to school and share with their teachers and friends.

This face to face book with the endangered grizzly bear is a WOW experience!
Grizzly bears are fairly tolerant of people, but as a rule most people don't care to have them roaming in and around their neighborhoods and yards.There are, however, some people who are referred to as "bear paparazzi" who are nuts about looking and photographing them at Brooks Falls, Alaska.Grizzlies rarely attack humans and you'd have a much better chance of being struck by lightning than eaten by a bear.It's better to be safe than sorry and leave them alone.Even the author received a fair warning from one!

The author points out that "grizzly bears and brown bears are the same species," Ursus arctos.Coastal bears have a dark coat and inland ones tend to have grizzled fur.These bears love to eat and will eat salmon and are sometimes known to be dumpster divers.In this book you'll learn about their habitat, their "annual life cycle," their breeding habits, their relationship with their mothers, their social instincts, what they eat (in addition to garbage), their lifespan, why biologists collar grizzlies, where you can safely see them, you'll learn about the special Karelian bear dogs and you'll learn about why they are an endangered species.

I have always enjoyed every "Face to Face" book I've read.This one, like all the other ones, has magnificent photographs and is very informative.Scattered throughout the book you'll find some interesting sidebars.For example, you'll find one about "How to NOT get eaten by a grizzly."In the back of the book is a section that tells you how you can help, a "Facts at a Glance" section, a glossary, an index and additional book, article and web site resources.Did you know that a grizzly can gain as much as 200 pounds or more preparing for winter?WOW!

Stunning Photography with an Upper Grade/Middle School Text
So your kids need to do their first "research" paper on some animal and they select Grizzly Bears.(Perhaps the topic was selected for them.) In any event, this is a good, kid friendly source for your little monsters and you will enjoy the stunning photography. The author, Joel Sartore, is a National Geographic photographer and it shows in the pages of this book.The opening pages include his description of being charged by a sow with two cubs and it is sure to grab the kids' attention, even as the picture gets yours.I can add from experience that being charged by a Grizzly sow is not something you will forget soon.Sartore's description is quite accurate.

The book is relatively short with large text lettering. It includes an appendix with helpful bear facts and ways you can help the bears ("Let your parents know you care about bears...") and some advice for how to deal with bear encounters.For the most part, I found this advice reasonable, but there was one mistake.Sartore recommends hanging food "between trees at campsites."Actually, you would be well served to hang the food some distance away from the camp.Better yet, get a bear-proof storage container, the Garcia Bear Can is the most common, and put it a good 150 yards or so from camp.

On the whole, this is a good children's book on the Grizzly Bear, an animal of almost mythic proportions in the West.Get it for your kids, and enjoy the photography yourself.

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Customer Reviews (43)

Will Raise the Hairs on the Back of Your Neck
I just got back from Yellowstone National Park, and on the way in we stopped by the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, where I picked up this book as well as Bear Attacks:Their Causes and Avoidance, by Dr. Stephen Herrero.I read them back to back during our trip, and so will compare them in my reviews.

This one gets 5 stars for McMillion's ability to put you right there on the spot.His storytelling is so vivid, it makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.The book is primarily a collection of real-life anecdotes about grizzly attacks.Some were fatal, and in other cases the victims survived.

McMillion does include some analysis of what happened - why some victims survived and others didn't, along with some advice about safe traveling in grizzly country.But Herrero's book is far more detailed and and informative about that.What this book does best is to put a human face on the stories.You feel like you really get to know the people involved and can imagine all too well what happened to them.Mark of the Grizzly has some of the same stories as does Herrero's book, but McMillion tells them in a way that is far more interesting to read about.

I recommend reading Mark of the Grizzly for the stories, and Bear Attacks for the practical information.

(249 pages)

Great book
A must read if you spend any time at all in the Rock Mountains hiking around.

Great story telling
I love this book and have shared it with several friends.I find the most compelling aspect of it is the psychology involved with those who have survived these attacks.It is very interesting, and sometimes enlightening, to see how people have dealt with trauma, fear, and the healing process.

Safe at 39,000
Read the book flying between Seattle and Kuala Lumpur and squirmed through every attack. The author had me wishing time and again that an attack would end. There was all the education to boot. Great read. I intend to push several animal lovers and hunters to give it a read. My note will say, "Read only atop a mule with bear spray at the ready. Best not be alone either."

I have seen grizzlies in Montana and Alaska. Never shall I again be quite so relaxed about a chance encounter with one. I am even more convinced I would never have the wits to survive an attack. Two instances where I saw humans extremely close to a mother and two cubs now represent extremely more dangerous encounters than I imagined at the time. An exciting read and great education. I wanted to read more about bears as my observations of them in the field has heightened my interest in them.

GRIZMAN
I love this book .........fun and entertaining, though gory and spooky as the reviews suggest. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Tells of his survival of a grueling grizzly attack that left him maimed
BLINDSIDED: SURVIVING A GRIZZLY ATTACK AND STILL LOVING THE GREAT BEAR offers a blend of personal memoir and science story of survival, and comes from an author who spent years visiting Alaska and national parks in search of grizzlies in the backcountry. His survey offers not only natural history, but tells of his survival of a grueling grizzly attack that left him maimed - and still appreciative of the bear.

Good book, stupid author
Admittedly, this book was pretty good.However, I am absolutely befuddled with this man's attitude.He has been mauled twice, the last being quite disfiguring, and he maintains that it is always the human at fault when there is an attack.I beg to differ with him.Just last week, it was on the news about an "unprovoked" attack on two people sleeping in a tent and there was no food lingering odors and no reason for it to happen.Yeah right, the humans were at fault.This man will ultimately suffer the fate of Timothy Treadwell because he is stupidly thinking he is safe when, in fact, this bear WILL attack with no provocation.Unbelievable.All in all, the book itself was good, though the author needs to have his head examined.

Blindsided, by Jim Cole
This was a marvelous book. Engaging, truthful beyond reproach, and written with passion for the great bear.
I've known Jim Cole for over 40 years and I am mentioned in the book (full disclosure). I was in the hospital minutes after his 9 hr. surgery, and along with his good friend Ron G., I heard his first words days later. This is an honest autobiography of a man who earnestly cares for the welfare of the grizzle more than his himself. When you read Blindsided, you will begin to understand how Jim has sacrificed, yes, almost his life, in an endeavor to study and to share his knowledge with anyone seeking the truth about the Great Bear.
You have my word, you won't regret reading Blindsided by James Cole, a good man, a good friend, and a man dedicated to the preservation of the Grizzly Bear.
Rich Berman, richaberman@yahoo.com

Bindsided by BLINDSIDED
I was blindsided by BLINDSIDED. I was expecting a book about grizzly bears and, although the author suffered two serious attacks from grizzly bears, the book is not about bears. It's about him and his life before and after the attacks. If the author knows as much about bears as he claims that knowledge is little demonstrated in this book. He focuses primarily on repetitive expression of appreciation for those who came to his aid following the attacks and treated him and supported him through recovery from admittedly tramatic experiences. He tells and retells many of his life experiences. By the end of the book you will have read at least five times how he comes by his strong legs! If any of his book is intended to reflect knowledge and understanding of The Great Bear, he comes across more as a preservationist than a bear expert. His goal to educate others about bears is admirable, but he seems a little too much like Timothy Treadwell for my tastes to be taken very seriously. There are a few nice grizzly photos in the book.

Passionate account of a life devoted to studying and photographing grizzly bears
Blindsided is truly an inspirational book.Cole has spent more than thirty years studying and photographing grizzly bears in their natural habitat.He has logged thousands of miles backpacking in Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.I was moved by his respect and admiration of grizzlies.There are many fascinating stories and the photographs of bear families are wonderful.His accounts of two bear attacks are page turners.However, the central message of the book is the importance of preserving the grizzlies' ecosystems and public education.I certainly can't understand why any Park Service Ranger would be against these goals.Furthermore,Cole does not set up camp among the grizzlies and pretend to be one of them.He studies them from a distance (and, I assume a good telephoto lens) since getting too close would scare them away.It's clear from reading the book that bears avoid human contact as much as possible.Most maulings/deaths occur as a result of sudden, accidental encounters.Read the book, especially in light of the latest incident in Yellowstone when a man was killed by a bear.You may be surprised at how the book alters your thinking. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

the best book on grizzlies
This is the one, for anyone, adult or child, who wants to understand the reality of the grizzly bear.

Far left.....
This is written as a romantic view of the grizzly bear, villianizing all people, even those who have dedicated themselves to try and do something for the bear. Unfortunately, this book alienates readers more than helps the bear and its cause. If you are looking for a book with technical information, unbiased views, and real world strategies for grizzly bear protection.....buy something else.

Some good info, but very biased
Some good technical data on the life of the grizzly, but McNamee writes so that his words literally drip with contempt for people of any kind, campers, hunters, workers, etc. He never passes on a chance to blast hunters, and in his view we are entirely at fault as humans for coming to this continent. It would be a good book if he relented on his contempt, and focus on getting people to appreciate the bear and its habbitat.Reads more like a Sierra Club Propganda Pamphlet.

Everything you had no idea you wanted to know about grizzly
"Grizzly Bear" is everything you had no idea you wanted to know about our largest predators. It's a real page turner, reads like a novel ... Read more

Product Description
Few animals are as awe-inspiring as the grizzly bear, the largest terrestrial carnivore in North America. The Grizzly Almanac is an up-close, richly illustrated look at the animal known to biologists as Ursus arctos horribilis, the "horrible Northern bear." A powerful symbol of wilderness, the grizzly was once widespread from Alaska to Mexico. Today, 99 percent of its population in the lower 48 states is gone-the victim of habitat loss, over-hunting, and predator control programs that were based more on emotion than fact.This impeccably researched volume looks at the natural and cultural history of the grizzly, with vital information on its evolution, habitat, diet, reproduction, intelligence, and behavior. Robert H. Busch recounts the grizzly's interaction with mankind, including: the bear's place in native folklore; first encounters with Europeans; famous "outlaw" bears and the men who hunted them; the bear's twentieth-century decline; and current conservation efforts. The almanac also covers the emotion-charged topic of grizzly attacks, with descriptions of notable cases and practical information for those who seek to share the dwindling domain of the last of the great predators. The Grizzly Almanac is especially important reading today, as controversy rages over plans to reintroduce the grizzly into areas of its former habitat. This comprehensive volume is essential for anyone who wishes to understand the grizzly and its world.


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Customer Reviews (4)

The Grizzly Almanac
A really well developed and documented research account of grizzlies.Thoroughly enjoyable and enlighting.

A cultural history and almanac of the bear
Grizzly Almanac (143-4... provides a cultural history and almanac of the bear, covering everything from hunting regulations and changing environments to bear encounters with humans. An excellent guide to the grizzly.

Plagued by dubious cliches
Fine writing, but the facts are suspect. As an example, the chapter on bear attacks gives the usual spin that the odds of being killed in a car accident on your way to Yellowstone Park are greater than the odds of being killed by a grizzly in Yellowstone. Yeah, there's not much chance of encountering a grizzly in the vast parking lot at Old Faithful, but if you look at the rate of injuries from bears to hikers in Yellowstone's backcountry, it's readily apparent that people hiking in the backcountry are at far greater risk than people driving through the park in their Winnebago.

I give this book 3 stars only because the author is very sincere and trys to give a balanced presentation. In terms of accuracy and relevant facts, the Grizzly Almanac gets 1 star.

Busch has done it again!
Once again, Robert H. Busch has successfully compiled a complete and acurrate history of one of nature's greatest achievments. Written in terms that the general public can identify with, and accompanied by a multitude of photographs, charts, appendixes, and glossaries. This book displays all one would ever want and need to know about these great bears.An added touch of using his own photographs allows the reader to identify with the author--he or she is given a glimpse of everything that Busch saw through his camera lense. Quite simply, Busch has personalized the plight of the great bear in an effort to educate the greater population. His words linger long in memory, touching that piece of each of us that feels the need to rectify this outstanding injustice. ... Read more

Product Description
Grizzly bears have no enemies but humans.Here are fascinating facts about their habits, biology, and important place in their ecosystem. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice illustrations; false information
Mediocre child's book about grizzly bears provides basic information about anatomy and the life cycle of the sow and her cubs.Presents evolutionary theory as both a belief and a fact on the second page."Many scientist believe the bear family...evolved from the dog family about 20 million years ago.Around 3 million years ago they began to look like the bears we know today."

The author also indicates that the sow and her cubs hibernate.Contrary to popular belief (due to elementary teaching in public schools), bears do not hibernate.They go through a period called dormancy, which differs from hibernation in many ways.Children can handle accurate information, so why not provide it?

Two stars given (rather than one) for beautiful illustrations.

Grizzly Bears
Shows the habitat, characteristics, and range of grizzly bears. Majority of book covers a two year life cycle of a sow and her cubs. Includes some really nicely detailed illustrations. A few extra bear facts are presented at the end of the book. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Children's Science Book Review ... Read more

Product Description
Admired for its majesty and often feared for its strength, speed, and supposed aggressiveness, the grizzly bear was once unchallenged as the great apex predator of the American West. But by the 1970s, hunting and habitat loss had reduced its numbers in the lower 48 states to a mere 800 animals occupying just two percent of the bear's former range. Where the Grizzly Walks assesses the bear's current status and its uncertain future at the beginning of the 21st century. Focusing on the wildlife professionals who struggle to achieve a balance among the varied interests of government agencies, private landowners, politicians, and environmentalists, the author illuminates the enormous challenges in making sensible public policy for the management of a high-profile, threatened species--and one of the last great symbols of the American wilderness.
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Customer Reviews (2)

A most read for grizzly lovers
If you are interested in learning about what is going on in the area of grizzly management and habitat preservation, then this is a book for you. It is educational and mind opening to the plight of this great bear. The authors talks with all types of people involved with grizzles from environmentalist, researchers, ranchers and loggers. It kept me drawn in till the end and then I was sad there was not more. I read it in a day and think it is one of the best books in my large bear book collection.

With diverse ways to save the majestic great bear
Where The Grizzly Walks: The Future Of The Great Bear by Bill Schneider is a straightforward presentation of the grizzly bear species and the tremendous negative impact humanity has had on it. In the 1970s, the lower 48 states had a scant 1000 grizzly bears living in just 2 percent of their former range. Today the grizzly populations strain the limited carrying capacity of their wilderness home compelling them to expand their activities into nontraditional habitats. Diverse ways to save the majestic great bear from the ruthless throttle of civilization are the prime focus of this involving and strongly recommended study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Outstanding, Comprehensive Bear Hunting Guide
This book is a must for anyone seriously considering hunting brown/grizzly bears.Tony Russ covers every aspect of the trip, including a complete list of every piece of necessary gear, what to expect, how to find bears, how to judge bears, how to stalk bears or choose a good stand/blind location, how to make the shot, and how to care for a bear hide once you've got your bear.He also covers generalities, such as bear biology and behavior, how to prepare physically for a bear hunt, and when and where a bear hunter should focus his efforts.It is an extraordinarily easy read in which one can find everything he needs to know before setting out after these magnificent beasts. ... Read more

Product Description
Tyler runs away from home to find his reclusive Uncle Frank in Alaska. A prospector deep in the Alaskan woods, Frank has two orphaned Indian wards, Richard and Doris. Tension begins to build between city boy Tyler and the nature-minded Richard, but the two must work together in order to fend off a ferocious grizzly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A young boys thriller!
Wow! I chose this book for my 8 year old who was just branching out to read on his own. I read it before hand looking to find a book that would grab his attention and hold it. This book is well written. Packed with facts about bears and Alaska. A lot of action, everything a rambunctious boy needs to hold him still to read! This was a major key in his love of reading! It was also one of the first kids chapter books that I had read in many years... and I found it very enjoyable.

This book has inaccurate information about Alaska
I felt that while this book is a fast pace read, there are some errors that greatly bring down the value of this book.The Iditarod was run to provide medicine for diptheria, not smallpox as is stated in the book.Thedog museum is in Cinicinati, not in San Francisco.While this is correctedin the end of the book, it should have been correct all throught the book. The most grievous error though is that Doris and Richard were not provideda home within there village.A home in the village would be found forchildren in their circumstances. I feel this book should have beenbetter researched.

Great book on survival for students of all ages.
Tyler is VISITING his uncle in Alaska.I had a great sense of what Alaska, and it's wildlife is like after reading this book.I am going to recommend it to my intermediate elementary aged students as well as my highschool aged son who is a reluctant reader.It is fast moving andenjoyable.While I usually use a Paulsen book when kids are looking for anadventure book, this book reads quicker and will be a hit.I am going togo out and buy the entire "Against The Odds" series for myelementary school library today!! ... Read more

Product Description
The heart-warming story of the incredible friendshipbetween National Geographic star Casey Anderson andan 800-pound grizzly bear named Brutus, as seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Animal Planet,and Good Morning America.Casey Anderson, the host of National Geographic’s Expedition Grizzly, met a month-old bear cub ina wildlife preserve in 2002, whom he affectionately named Brutus. Little Brutus was destined to remainin captivity or, more likely, even euthanized due to overpopulation at the preserve. Anderson, alreadyan expert in animal rescue and rehabilitation, just could not let that happen to Brutus, who looked likea "fuzzy Twinkie." From the beginning it was clear something special existed between the two. And so, Anderson built the Montana grizzly encounter in Bozeman, Montana, especially for Brutus, so that he,and others like him, could grow up "being a bear." And so the love story began.

When together, Anderson and Brutus will wrestle, swim, play, and continue to act as advocates forgrizzly protection and education, be it through documentaries like Expedition Grizzly, appearanceson Oprah or Good Morning America, or in this inspiring book, which promises to be an intimate lookinto Anderson's relationship with Brutus and a call to action to protect these glorious animals and thenatural world they live in.

The Story of Brutus proves that love and friendship knows no bounds and that every care must betaken to protect one of nature's noblest creatures. 16 pages of color photographs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Very informative
It is obvious that Mr Anderson has a broad knowledge of bears and wildlife.He is able to transport us into his wild world through his writing.Very informative and a delightful read!

A great read
I loved the first hand accounts of Casey's adventures. It was well written, exciting and a touching story too!

A Grizzly-Sized Success
I finished "The Story of Brutus" and really enjoyed the reading. I've always admired the work that Casey Anderson does. I'm also an avid fan of Yellowstone and try to get there once every year. That being said, I have always had a respectful fear of nature, grizzlies, in particular. And this has shown me realistic expectations of behavior and consequences in the wild, as opposed to the Hollywood-ized exaggerations. And I think that this is, in part, a goal of the book- to dispel the myths, to dispel fears and encourage cautious enjoyment of the wild and the grizzlies that call it home. The book also paints an intimate portrait of life with Brutus in a way to discourages others from trying to obtain the very unique relationship that Casey and Brutus have.
It was a quick read for me, and in fact, I saved the last few chapters until the weekend because I simply didn't want it to end. Great work! Continued success, Casey!

Best Book Ever!
Casey is so inspirational to me and because of this I purchased the book. I am so happy that I did because it is now one of my favorite books. It is well-written, heartwarming, and uplifting.

A man who is passionate and deeply connected with nature.
This is by far my favorite book about the behavior and lives of wildlife.Montana's Casey Anderson shares his passion in a way that lets you step vicariously into his life.From the adoption of a tiny Grizzly cub he named Brutus to a heart stopping encounter with wolves, Casey gives us a candid perspective of what he has learned in working with the wild animals he has grown up with.He comes across as humble but determined to protect our natural world. His expertise and experience help to shed myths about our wild friends.Thanks Casey!! ... Read more

Product Description
Living with Wild Bears in Alaska

"A heart-stopping eco-adventure, a testimony to both the grizzlies and their courageous protector."

--People

"The grizzly bear is one of a very few animals remaining on earth that can kill a human in physical combat. It can decapitate with a single swipe or grotesquely disfigure a person in rapid order. Within the last wilderness areas where they dwell, they are the undisputed king of all beasts. I know this very well. My name is Timothy Treadwell, and I live with the wild grizzly. . . ."

After Timothy Treadwell nearly died from a heroin overdose, he sought healing far from the trappings of civilization--among wild grizzlies on the remote Alaskan coast. Without gun, two-way radio, or experience living in the wild, armed only with the love and respect he felt for these majestic animals, Treadwell set up camp surrounded by one of nature's most terrifying and fascinating forces of nature.

Here is the story of his astonishing adventures with grizzlies: soothing aggressive adolescents, facing down thousand-pound males, swimming with mothers and cubs, surviving countless brushes with death, earning their trust and acceptance. In these incredible pages, Treadwell lives a life no human has ever attempted, and ultimately saves his own. To share his experience is awesome, harrowing, and unforgettable.

"LIKE AFRICA NATURALIST JANE GOODALL, TREADWELL GIVES PERSONAL NAMES TO HIS SUBJECTS. . . . Bears have distinct personalities, Treadwell shows, and as a group, individual roles become clearly defined by gender, size, and age."

--The Seattle Times

With twenty-nine photographsAmazon.com Review
Alaska has a population of more than 30,000 grizzly bears, almost all that survive in the United States. It makes sense that Australia-born bear lover Timothy Treadwell would make his way there, then. Among Grizzlies records his adventures among Alaskan bears over the last 10 years, and adventures they are: being awakened at dawn by curious grizzlycubs, being treed by irritated mama bears, being sized up by huge males as if for a midday snack. Treadwell's affection for Ursus arctos horribilis is abundant in these pages, and even if other grizzly specialists question aspects of his up-close-and-personal approach, you'll learn quite a lot about the bears in his book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (96)

A true story...up to a point
Timothy Treadwell was a self-proclaimed eco-warrior who somehow managed to socialize with wild brown bears in Alaska for thirteen years in a row. He claimed to defend the bears from poachers and other human threats. In 2003, Treadwell's stunning success in bear country ended in tragedy as he and his girlfriend Amie Huguenard were killed and eaten by the bears they loved.

"Among Grizzlies", originally published in 1997, tells Timothy Treadwell's story in his own words. Or almost his own, since the book credits Jewel Palovak as co-author. The book was re-issued in 2005. It's somewhat mistitled, since the bears described are known as "brown bears" in Alaska, while "grizzly" refers to a somewhat different population in the Alaskan inland. But yes, both the brown bears and the grizzly bears belong to the same species, Ursus arctos.

Had I not known about Treadwell before reading "Among Grizzlies", I would have assumed that the book is a monumental hoax. The story is just too good to be true (and too weird). Treadwell starts out as a street punk in California, high on drugs and alcohol, low on money and self-esteem. After an overdose of heroine, he gets a revelation of sorts and eventually travells to a remote area of Alaska, where he learns to socialize and bond with wild bears. He does so by gently singing songs to the beasts and tell them how much he loves them. Every now and then, Treadwell is attacked by bears, but somehow manages to survive, sometimes by counter-charging!

Our brave explorer even enters bear tunnels in the dense brushes and eventually discovers an empty den, where he quite simply takes a nap. At another time, he falls asleep in a bear bed, surrounded by the animals. All this time, Treadwell is followed by a mischevious fox which he names Timmy after himself. The fox in effect becomes Treadwell's pet dog. Even more remarkable are his bad outdoor habits: Treadwell hardly knows how to erect a tent, and seems to have survived on a diet of Coke, peanut butter sandwiches and dried fruit. Occasionally, he listens to a radio that picks up traffic news from southern California!

As I said, the whole thing sounds like a transparent hoax. But no, Treadwell is telling the truth. At least up to a point. Somehow, he managed to get the bears to tolerate his presence. How is anybody's guess. "Among Grizzlies" is both interestig, exciting and absurd.

Despite Treadwell's love summer antics, singing songs to the big furry creatures and giving them names like Booble and Mr. Chocolate, he was at bottom a reckless thrill-seeker, constantly entering more and more dangerous territories (and encountering more and more dangerous bears). Treadwell had an even darker side, covered up in this book but mentioned in critical works by Nick Jans and Michael Lapinski. It turns out that the "remote area of Alaska" where Treadwell lived, is actually the Katmai National Park, visited every year by thousands of eco-tourists. There is virtually no poaching in the park. In desperation, Treadwell once forged evidence for poaching, accusing a local bear guide of being an illegal hunter. "Among Grizzlies" contain a story about how Treadwell stopped a heavily armed group of poachers from killing his beloved bears, but critics tend to think he made it up. Treadwell also habitually lied to his sponsors and allies about what he was up to in Katmai. I get the impression of a troubled young man who meant well but somehow couldn't overcome the murkier side of his passion.

It's difficult not to sympathize with Treadwell and his brown companions when reading this book. To get a more balanced view, the reader should also obtain "The Grizzly Maze" by Nick Jans and "Death in the Grizzly Maze" by Mike Lapinski. There is also a documentary about Treadwell, Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man", which contains some of Treadwell's remarkable footage of bears and foxes.

Jans points out in his book that Treadwell's ability to mingle with bears, while perhaps admirable, might not be the best way to save them. For that, sustained efforts to enlarge national parks and preserve wilderness areas is more important. The bears should be left alone. In principle, Jans is right. In practice, he is unfortunately wrong - Treadwell may have been an reckless adventurer and something of a trickster, but he was probably right that the public couldn't care less about anonymous, dangerous beasts in some remote corner of the globe. (Witness the glee of the anti-conservationists when Treadwell and Huguenard were killed by the bears!) Perhaps a thrilling adventure story featuring bears with personal names, bears who ultimately turn out to be more lovable than dangerous, might do the trick? The same angle is also visible in the movie "Sharkwater", where Rob Stewart tries to paint sharks as harmless to humans. Apparently, people just don't care about 90% of the sharks having been exterminated for no good reason, unless they think sharks are like dolphins! And what about conservationists in Africa, who want to change the name of the African Wild Dog to Painted Wolf, since that sounds more exciting to a Western audience? Nobody wants to save a bunch of wild dogs. Painted wolves, maybe.

Perhaps Treadwell's adventures and ultimate demise in the Grizzly Maze is a product of our own derenged society.

Worst book i have ever read
I made it to page 40, then i had to give up. Stay away! This is like a book written by a five year old child. If you are curious about T. Treadwell buy The grizzly maze by Nick Jans instead.

It would be ironic if it weren't so logical.
It's hard to read this book without thinking about the horrible way Treadwell died.Truly, this is a cautionary tale against the romantic notions some people seem to have about nature.

Beary good book!
If you liked the documentary (Grizzly Man) you will love the book 'Among Grizzlies'. Written by Timothy Treadwell, and when reading, you will feel like you are out there in the Alaskan wilderness with him. I bought a copy for myself and I also bought a copy for a good friend's birthday. This book rocks! I highly recommend it.

A curiosity piece
This review is for the hardcover, which I found in my local library.I had seen the movie "Grizzly Man," so I was curious about this book.I agree with other reviewers that this is more about Treadwell than the bears.If the reader wants a lot of information about bears, you won't really find much here.The writing style is more like a diary than anything else.The photos are good (not numerous), but would have been much better printed in color.The movie shows that Treadwell was a pretty good still photographer as well as a videographer; a coffee-table book with his bear photos would be an interesting idea.

One thing I noticed immediately when I opened the book was that Treadwell apparently lied to his publisher about his age.The year of birth in the book (in the catalog info area) is wrong.It's kind of odd for a man to lie about his age, trying to seem younger than he is.That alone gives you some insight into his character.By his own admission he had been a drug user and alcoholic; according to people who knew him, he was bi-polar.Not the kind of person who should be dealing with large, wild animals.The key reason he survived as long as he did is that most of the bears had ample food readily available to them.His death was at the paws of an old, underweight bear which was trying to fatten itself for hibernation.Treadwell knew exactly what he was doing when he went back to the "grizzly maze" that late in the year.After seeing the movie twice, and his last video (a soliloquy in the grizzly maze) a third time, I now think he was consciously or subconsciously choosing suicide by bear.It is unfortunate that his girlfriend stayed with him - I suspect she cared more about hurting his feelings by leaving than about protecting herself, and may have had an unwarranted belief in Tim's ability to protect her, even without so much as bear spray.The fact that he refused to carry bear spray shows he wasn't really rational.Also, I agree with other reviewers who said that he didn't protect the bears; he actually made their lives more dangerous by habituating them to human beings.

I wouldn't recommend buying this book, but if you've seen the movie, you might want to check this out of your local library to get a little more verification of the kind of person Timothy Treadwell was.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

A book about thinking about bears
Although this writer is a good writer and has had some wonderful wilderness adventures to write about, his experience with bears is limited. This shows in his narratives of his adventures where his sentiments are confusing. On the one hand, the excellent sidebars about bears are well researched and informative. On the other the author gets carried away by saying stuff like
"What if we had run into them earlier when bushwhacking up the hill? That would have been a fatal confrontation - and I don't mean bear fatalities-because she has three feisty cubs to defend. There would have been total carnage."This part of one of his stories was interspersed with pages of practical advice on how not to get in trouble with a bear. There is no way the author could know what would have happened in his imagined instance. I find that there are roughly three kinds of bear books . .those that dwell on maulings and attacks, those that are educational and include observations made in the field without prejudice, and those that say "don't do as I do, but I had a great time with bears . . you, on the other hand, will get killed"This book falls in the later category. The author wants you to understand how exciting and wonderful it is to have bears in our wild lands and how much fun he has walking and rafting where bears are, but he wants the reader to be scared as well.I still gave this book four stars, however, because the information he imparts is up to date and his stories, if you don't expect them to be without conjecture and feelings, are entertaining and engaging.

Outstanding work!
This is by far the best book about wild bears that is on Amazon.Howard Smith is a great writer!

Charming, Heartpounding, and Enlightening All at the Same Time
WOW--what an interesting read! While most bear books focus on the negative aspects of these unpredictable creatures, Howard Smith goes above and beyond and takes the reader on unforgettable adventures through Bear Country. While he stresses that one should always use caution when around wild bears, he allows us to open our eyes and see these beautiful animals for what they really are in their natural habitat. Highly recommended for all nature lovers and bear enthusiasts! Well done, Howard!

In the Company of Wild Bears
In a world of bear books that accent death and destruction, In the
Company of Wild Bears offers a refreshing alternative view. I often
hike and backpack in wilderness areas and appreciate Smith's bear experiences as will others who walk in 'bear country.' This is an excellent book to read and a great gift for those fascinated about bears.

In The Company of Wild Bears
This is a delightful book for those with an interest in bears and bear encounters.Smith relates stories with bear run-ins that the average person can relate to.You don't have to be some superhuman mountaineer to experience the same kind of encounters that Smith has.In fact this book is quite valuable because it confirms that a gentle approach to bear encounters is often the most rewarding.Fabulous job. ... Read more

Product Description
With a new introduction on Werner Herzog’s film entitled The Grizzly Man

Timothy Treadwell, self-styled “bear whisperer” dared to live among the grizzlies, seeking to overturn the perception of them as dangerously aggressive animals. When he and his girlfriend were mauled in October 2003, it created a media sensation.

In The Grizzly Maze, Nick Jans, a seasoned outdoor writer with a quarter century of experience writing about Alaska and bears, traces Treadwell’s rise from unknown waiter in California to celebrity, providing a moving portrait of the man whose controversial ideas and behavior earned him the scorn of hunters, the adoration of animal lovers and the skepticism of naturalists. BACKCOVER: “Intensely imagistic, artfully controlled prose . . . behind the building tension of Treadwell’s path to oblivion, a stunning landscape looms.”
—Newsday ... Read more

Customer Reviews (63)

Well-researched, fair, insightful, nuanced and very well-written book
As a part-time wildlife researcher particularly interested in carnivores who has had a little experience with brown bears (Pack Creek), I am greatly impressed with the job Jans did in his book. From the beginning, it is clear that Jans writes very well and engagingly. Many people are going to come to this book with strong opinions regarding the incident, and I am sure they will come away with a different view, or at least a much better understanding of other views and Treadwell, and have enjoyed the reading experience.

As Jans notes, nearly all the public versions of the Treadwell story contain enormous omissions and limited perspectives, and he fills in these gaps with surprising facts, not only about Treadwell, but about bear attacks, and the state of human-bear relations in contemporary culture.

Jans' intense interest in this story and other recent bear attacks has a personal aspect. He is remarkably well-positioned to understand Treadwell, those opposed to him, and media responses to bears and bear attacks. After shedding what light is a available on Treadwell and his experiences with bears (both good and bad), Jans expands the discussion to cover other recent bear attacks, measurements of the "danger" of bears, how to avoid bear attacks and what to do if attacked, and discussion of what should be the goals of human-bear relations. In all these discussions, he brings remarkable fairness, respect for the reader's own judgment, and an exceptionally nuanced view of the complex issues involved.

It is quite simply, one of the best books I have ever read about carnivores. Well done, Jans!

The strange case of Timothy Treadwell
Timothy Treadwell was a self-proclaimed eco-warrior who somehow managed to socialize with wild bears in the Katmai area of Alaska thirteen seasons in a row. Then, in 2003, Treadwell and his companion Amie Huguenard were suddenly killed and eaten by bears in a particularly dangerous area of Katmai known as Upper Kaflia.

Treadwell's curious and bizarre life, and his tragic end, is the subject of Werner Herzog's award-winning documentary "Grizzly Man". Two books on Treadwell have also been published, Mike Lapinski's "Death in the Grizzly Maze" and Nick Jans' "The Grizzly Maze". The Grizzly Maze was Treadwell's own name for Upper Kaflia, the area where he eventually met his death.

Nick Jans' book "The Grizzly Maze" says less about Treadwell the person as Lapinski's book. On the other hand, it says more about his death and the immediate aftermath. It also contains additional chapters on the real or perceived danger of brown and black bears, and one chapter about Jans himself. Thus, Jans and Lapinski complement each other. Most people prefer Jans, since his style of writing is livelier. He is also somewhat more neutral, since he interviews both opponents and supporters of Treadwell, including an interesting interview with Joel Bennett, who believes that Treadwell's bizarre antics have been grossly exaggerated by the media. Personally, I actually prefer Lapinski's book. It contains more information (and yes, speculation) about Treadwell himself.

People interested in traversing the Treadwell maze should buy both books, and then make up their own minds. Both books are very easy to read. My own opinion on Timothy Treadwell is that he was a con man with a Hollywood complex. But even if he had "the gift" to be a "bear whisperer", Jans asks a perfectly legitimate question: what's the point? Why should humans socialize with bears in the first place? Is that really the right way to save the bears? In Treadwell's case, it led to the needless death of two humans and two bears. In another case, the equally famous Charles Russell habituated wild bears in Kamchatka to humans, making it easier for poachers to approach the bears and massacre them. (Or so Jans believes.)

Perhaps the best way to save the bears is simply to leave them alone...

told me more about Jans himself I didn't care to know
I read this book before reading Mike Lapinski's "Death in the Grizzly Maze" and I'm glad. I'll tell you why in a minute. First of all, Nick Jans writes a great book, informed us a lot about bears, and about Timothy Treadwell, and the details regarding the deaths. He discussed bear predatory behavior, being familiar with it. He cautioned us about following in Tim's footsteps, being a self-styled bear whisperer, as they are dangerous and unpredictable, especially when the salmon run is about over and bears will eat anything to fatten up before hibernation. He discussed Tim's histrionics in his films and how he foolishly dared to live among the grizzlies (mostly Kodiak Browns, but he said Tim thought "grizzly sounded sexier." In fact he wasn't killed by a grizzly but a reddish brown bear in the Brown Bear division (larger than grizzly) ). He liked the guy though he never met him.

This is a gripping book. I couldn't put it down. Jans knows how to describe what he has learned about the man, and his behavior.He burst the heroic balloon of Grizzly Adams the so-called friend to bears--he was in fact a cruel and vicious man who trapped, killed mothers and cubs, beat and abused bears from cubhood on. I didn't know this, but apparently there is a book out about it (probably you can google it and buy it at Amazon but I won't; I can't even watch animal, dog or horse movies--or even old Lassie episodes (knowing how they are abused--despite .the claims that "no animals were harmed...")

He also told other truths about Tim, but gave poor co-victim Amie Huguenard mighty short shrift; and in fact she was shunted aside like a useless piece of baggage. To add insult to injury, she was portrayed by Jans as a rather attractive person, but "not sexy", i.e., not a hottie as Tim usually dated.Rather than give us some history about Amie, whom I found out in Lapinski's book was very interesting. She had a masters degree, was tough and pretty, very tiny, and other fine traits. The reason I'm glad I read this book first because in Mike Lapinski's book there is a generous chapter on Amie, her family, education, many accomplishments, personality (she could hike Tim and any man into the ground carrying a heavy backpack--had hiked every national park and climbed steep mountain ranges as well, before meeting Tim), and how she was loved and later, sorely missed.She wasn't some weak little thing. Her only weakness was Tim himself.Jans decided to write about his own bear hunting exploits in a book that should be only about Treadwell.

Lapinski in HIS book clarified that Tim and his parents were not only NOT estranged but he kept in touch with them at least twice a month regaling them with tales of his adventures and they loved him for it. Sure, Tim made up stories about being an Aussie orphan but that was for fun, and for show. If he wanted to perpetuate the orphanimage he'd not have wanted to drop the accent.His folks didn't mind, and he knew it, I will review the other book when done with this review.)

My greatest disappointment came later in the book when Jans devoted a chapter to himself, and own bear hunting and killing, again totally out of place in this book.He seemed to have enjoyed hunting bears and other animals and then, realates how, after killing a particularly magnificent one, how he "sat there, rocking back and forth crying as if he were my brother..." He didn't feel brotherly enough to stop killing them for a number of years after. "Nearly 20 years have passed. I've met dozens of bears...wish I could...gather my bullets in midair back into my rifle..." "My friends tell me I think too hard [probably guilt feelings]."Well, boo, and likewise hoo.

This is an unnecessary chapter titled "The Skulls That Are Mine" meaning he has kept the skulls of bears to remind him of his guilt, and he has bearskins, as well.He beats himself up over Michio Hoshino's death, with which he had absolutely nothing to do, as it took place 1,000 miles from where he was. Jans seemed self-obsessed, and was as passionate about hunting bear as Tim was about saving them (albeit going about it the wrong way, spurred on by the media, too). Somehow he was able to devote a chapter to his hunting. "[Timothy and I] each loved bears and driven by our love, brought them to their death. The final irony is that because I killed bears legally and by design, somehow I'm guiltless; Timothy, because he did so indirectly and by accident, is vilified." Give me a break. I gave it 4 stars for readability but stopped short of a 5th due to the self-aggrandizing crap about his hunting days.Why doesn't Jans write about his hunting days to pander to the bear hunters who enjoy killing? This is a book about a guy who would have shuddered at any killings of any wildlife. Admittedly, Tim went about it the wrong way, and he was a weird dude, but well...you'll like the book anyway.

Grizzly Adventure
After viewing Werner Herzog's documentary "Grizzly Man" I became fascinated with the story about Timothy Treadwell and his many summers spent with the bears in Alaska. I wanted to learn more about all of it, and so I turned to author Nick Jans and his book "The Grizzly Maze" to help fill in the details. I was not disappointed and found Mr. Jans to be an excellent, thorough writer. An outdoorsman himself, he was able to expand on the Treadwell story with not only facts, but his own insights gained from his own experiences living in the northland. Before you decide to label Treadwell as just plain foolhardy, or a dedicated envirionmentalist, I recommend reading "The Grizzly Maze" to get all the facts first.

A Good Read about a Foolish Man
Like many others here, my exposure to Timothy Treadwell was by catching part of his special on TV.Regardless of knowing him or not, the impression this footage leaves with any clear-eyed viewer is that the man was a total loon.

Jans' book clears up this misconception straight away and does so with clear facts.Mr. Treadwell was an enigma -part child, part eco-warrior.But he was also, according to this book, a lovable fool that got in over his head and whose trust of bears culminated in his and Hugenard's demise.

If you are only wanting to know about the Treadwell story, you can stop reading after page 174.The rest is anecdotal information about Jans' own experience, data about bears, ways to prevent attacks from them, etc.Interesting information in it's own right, but not really necessary to the Treadwell story.

The book is written in a down-home vernacular and reading it feels like a favorite uncle is telling you a good yarn.This tends to help soften the horrifying reality of Treadwell and Hugenard's deaths a bit and also treats Treadwell's life story with the kid gloves it probably deserves.He wasn't a bad person, just a foolish one and Jans treatment shows a decent amount of respect if nothing else. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Great book.
I just finished "In The Presence of Grizzlies". I thought it was very well written and flowed well. I liked the parts about the politics,as I have followed the reintroduction of the wolves to Yellowstone and didn't realize how much there is to do in regards to grizzlies. I read Doug's previous two books and felt this one followed well.
I was lucky to have read the previous review concerning the previous edition, and thought well of the author's willingness to come forward and apologize.

Non scientific and innaccurate propaganda!
If you want to become bear food then read this book and believe the propaganda in the book. It has some interesting stories but is full of misleading guidance. It gives the reader an inaccurate understanding of the bear. Read the three bear attack / survival books by author JAMES GARY SHELTON. You can get all three on AMAZON. I started reading the 1st book about a week ago. I am already 77 pages into the 3rd book in just about 1 week of reading. The books by shelton may save your life if you frequent the outdoors.

same book as previously published!
This is the same exact book as previously published by Doug Peacock. Different title!

I sent it back.

Getting into the mind of bears
This is quite a good read for anyone who wants to get into the mind of these alpha predators. To get the full picture on bears, also check Bears: A Brief History by Bernd Brunner.

Sorry!
Doug and I want to apologize for the confusion. We fought with our publisher about the possibility that people would think it was a new book, but got nowhere. It seems The Lyons Press just wants to make a buck (don't we all, but not by alienating readers). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Last Grizzly and other Southwestern Bear stories.
I could not put this book down!!! Wonderful stories about the Great Bear that roamed so much of the American West. This is really a history lesson about how our ancestors exterminated the Grizzly mainly due to not fully understanding this animal. Let this be a lesson for present and future generations on how to preserve the American Grizzly.

grizzlies and black bears in the southwest
Stories about particular bears and events in the southwest, from the 1820s to the present.Shows the changing attitude toward bears.Written by David Brown, who also wrote the very good book "The Grizzly in the Southwest: Documentary of an Extinction". ... Read more

Product Description
Walk wild Route Y2Y with wolves, bears, the author, his dog, and other creatures on one of North America's last migratory corridors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Walking the Big Wild: Get informed before we loose our national treasures forever!
This book first caught my attention as I was searching for books on grizzly bears. It drew my interest first of all because the author had a border collie named Webster who did most of this hike with him. Several years ago my son was looking in the dictionary for a name for his new border collie puppy. Not finding a name he liked inside, he closed the dictionary, and "Bingo," he saw the title "Webster's." That became the puppy's name, and he was so smart he probably could have read the dictionary if someone had turned the pages for him!

When I saw that the book was about a plan to walk from Yellowstone to the Yukon to do research to help establish a connecting corridor for wildlife from the lower 48 states north, I was excited to read it.

The book is very informative, though a little slow at times.It was a courageous, sometimes dangerous journey for someone to take, but hopefully, it gave a lot of people who had a negative attitude about bears and the preservation of habitat for all wildlife a different view of how man can learn to live with nature, prosper in their livelihoods, and still preserve the habitat and wildlife that cannot be replaced if we loose it.

I've been blessed to live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for the last 10 summers.Having lived near a large city in the South for the first 45 years of my life, the peace and magnificence of this area has completely captured me.I've traveled all over the country, and this is almost the only place in the lower 48 states where you can experience unspoiled beauty, nature, and animals in their natural habitat very close to the way it was long ago.Bears have always been a particular favorite.They are one of the most unique, fascinating creatures on the planet.

I'm not a total "tree hugger."I realize there are times when an animal may have to be destroyed for the safety of people or property, but only in extreme circumstances. An open-minded understanding and cooperation between conservationist, ranchers, farmers and the general public can lead to new attitudes and ideas of how to coexist with nature and preserve our national treasure.I believe the ideas found in "Walking the Big Wild" can educate us on how this can be accomplished before it's too late. I recommend that anyone who is interested in preserving our wild spaces and animals read this book. We can always build another ranch, farm, ski resort, etc., but when it comes to our wilderness and it's inhabitants, once they're gone, they're GONE!

Not what I expected, but an eye opening book
I bought this book thinking it was the journals of someone who, with his dog and girlfriend, hiked the wild places from Yellowstone to the Yukon where the grizzly bear roams.At first I was put off by the un-relenting attack on human development and the frequent message of "save the wilderness".There are millions of acres of national parks within the United States and Canada, and many more acres of private preserves and state and local parks.I get weary of reading how awful humans are and having to apologize for breathing air and taking up space on this planet. Heuer's purpose in taking this journey was to promote the Y2Y movement - connecting parks from Yellowstone the the Yukon with wildlife friendly corridors.The title and back cover didn't give me any indication of this subject.

But upon reading more, I learned that many animals are suffering from inbreeding due to being isolated in parks too far from others of their species in other parks.Some animals, like the wolverine, are just not breeding at all if crowded by humans and limited in their preference for true wilderness. Many animals who would naturally migrate hundreds or thousands of miles are stopped by development, or killed trying to cross highways.And I think most people feel the same way about the intrusion of ATVs into the wilderness - they are loud, destructive and take all the "natural" out of hunting and camping.

I'm not sure I agree with Heuer on the subject of logging.Logging companies are careful to replant areas after harvesting, if for no other reason than to give them something to harvest in future years. I've personally hiked along old logging trails in Missouri and don't see any long term damage from the roads and even clear cut areas.Forest fires naturally clear large areas of land, which for millenia hasn't affected wildlife populations.Within a few years of a logging company pulling out (or a wildfire), wildlife, trees and bushes return and flourish.Deer and bear use the most accessible routes through the wilderness, which is sometimes a logging trail.Heuer himself commented on how the game trails were always the easiest traveling routes.

I enjoyed the journal entries and daily details of Heuer's adventure, especially his descriptions of animal encounters and the beauty of the areas he traversed.I also enjoyed reading about Webster, his dog.

After finishing the book, I agree that North America should set aside areas to act as corridors between parks, so wildlife can migrate naturally and add diversity to their genes.

Overall this is a well written, informative and interesting book on a subject I hadn't considered fully before.I hope that the Y2Y movement continues to grow, to preserve not only the wilderness areas for the future, but also the many animals who live in them.I just hope that while we limit development in wildlife areas, we don't make areas off limits to man.

Excellent Read!
I've read a lot of non-fiction wilderness books and this is in the top 10 of my list. It's written very well and entertaining. I never heard of the Y2Y project until I read this book. Fascinating! I have driven through the Yukon, been to Yellowstone and BC. I think it's a great project and I hope that it continues to receive a more positive response. I highly recommend this book.

Loved It
Most stories of trail adventures and sponsored trips are full of bravado and ego boosting exagerations or inane details of equipment and techinque. Heuer, however, is a modest writer relating exciting stories without downplaying or overplaying his acomplishments. Best of all he is always relating them to a bigger picture that we can all identify with. Bravo.

So well written I felt I was there
This is a great book. A must read if you care about the wilderness,wildlife & people you will enjoy reading this. If you don't know how you feel about the wilderness,wildlife & humans, you must read this. It was wonderful to see how he got people to pay attention that thought they knew how they felt. ... Read more