Rating: 
Summary: This book sure could have used an editor.
Review: There is no doubt that Gary Shelton knows a lot about bears and remaining safe in bear country. For reasons unknown, he chose to publish this book himself and as a result, it is amateurish in many respects. The most glaring example of this is the fact that after the book was finished, a horrific attack took place in British Columbia. Shelton learned the details of this attack and tacked a chapter about it on to the end of the book after the conclusion. No editor worth his salt would have allowed this book to hit the shelves this way. There was no good reason not to have incorporated this chapter into the body of the book. Also, Shelton comes off as being somewhat desperate to be recognized as an authority on this subject. Okay............... Whatever. The book is worth the money and the time.
Rating: 
Summary: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN
Review: Definitely the one book on bear attacks that has no political agenda in mind, Mr. Shelton's work is documented and is a fantastic read. Not only is the book insightful, it is also very suspenseful and emotional. What impresses me more than anything else is the author's knowledge that bear attacks are NOT always a problem due to man, but are sometimes completely unprovoked and random. The information on bear attacks is presented in a way that any reader can understand, and is a must read for anyone going into bear country (ie., Montana, Alaska, B.C.). The most authoritative work on bear attacks I've ever read (yes, it is better than Herrero's work!). Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Well Documented, Intelligent, and Honest
Review: Definitely the one book on bear attacks that has no political agenda in mind, Mr. Shelton's work is documented and is a fantastic read. Not only is the book insightful, it is also very suspenseful and emotional. What impresses me more than anything else is the author's knowledge that bear attacks are NOT always a problem due to man, but are sometimes completely unprovoked and random. The information on bear attacks is presented in a way that any reader can understand, and is a must read for anyone going into bear country (ie., Montana, Alaska, B.C.). The most authoritative work on bear attacks I've ever read (yes, it is better than Herrero's work!). Buy it!
Rating: 
Summary: An exciting read spoiled only by a hidden agenda
Review: I felt more comfortable hiking in the mountains of British Columbia (if a little paranoid at times!)after reading and understanding these magnificent creatures. I did, however feel that the underlying mesage was to legalise the use of firearms and allow the unconditional hunting of these last great predators. A must for those venturing off the beaten track!
Rating:
Summary: Good Read!
Review: I found this book to me an excellent read, and full of good information. Mr. Shelton has really done his homework. The information in this book balances a love of wildlife with the truth about our relationship to these awsome animals. I would recommend it for anyone that dares venture into bear habitat.
Rating:
Summary: Good Read!
Review: I found this book to me an excellent read, and full of good information. Mr. Shelton has really done his homework. The information in this book balances a love of wildlife with the truth about our relationship to these awsome animals. I would recommend it for anyone that dares venture into bear habitat.
Rating:
Summary: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN
Review: I own both of Mr.Sheltons books and teach there writings to hunters I get each year while guiding in northwest BC Canada, not far from Mr.Sheltons home. Let the truth be known Mr.Shelton has hit this nail so hard on the head that it went through the board, being witness to a bear attack, I know first hand everything that is writen in theese 2 books WILL save your life , if followed carefully.
Rating:
Summary: A fantastic and truly accurate book
Review: I received this book from my father, Doug Van Tine whom was mentioned in the book on pg. 161. My family has lived in BC for several generations and has always had a love/kinship with the wilderness and the animals that live there. Most of my uncles are directly involved in wildlife/wilderness conservation in some way or another. The reason we received this book was because Mr. Shelton wrote about my cousin's husband, Shane Fumerton and his hunting partner whom were both attacked and killed by a single Grizzly bear in 1995 (story on pg 135-190). The pictures in the book are all pictures that I have seen well before the book was written. I can tell you that the account depicted is completely accurate from all the detailed information I have heard. The final analysis of this story is that it is believed that this bear attacked because it's food supply had been reduced by a recent government decision to allow hunting of the bear's prime food supply, young deer/elk. I also love the wilderness and am a true advocate for the conservation of bears. In my opinion, bears are a barometer of the state of the wilderness. This book conveys the authors respect and admiration of bears and tells the rare stories of bear/human encounters like they really are. Well done!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Terrifying
Review: I started collecting bear books when my father-in-law told me a couple of bear stories. I never knew much about bears but when I started hearing about them, I became TOTALLY fascinated. I loved the power and ferocity and natural instinct that the "bear" had. They are so powerful and magestic, yet absolutely SCARY & BEAUTIFUL at the same time (at least to me they are). I LOVE the wilderness but to be totally honest ever since I've learnt about bears and what they are capable of, I have become TOTALLY PETRIFIED of walking in the woods & down the trails. That's a SAD fact I know but it's the truth (honesty counts doesn't it?). However I love going to the dump to look at the bears (in the safety of my car or truck) when we are up at the cabin. Mr. Shelton and his experience proved such great immense detail in the stories that were told that you felt like you were right there. He knows the smell of a bears breath, he knows the "great" appearance of a bear, he knows the possible injury/fatality that can occurr plus all the characteristics of the bear and he respects that. He relies on his knowledge to express what his book is all about, with true honest feeling. I started reading it and I couldn't put it down. Seriously, I absolutely loved it. I loved the suspense and scariness. I also loved the major detail and care that he had to of taken in writing such a book. When the bear would attack and branches would break, scratches would occur, and mauling(s) take place, it was wild like it should be. It was something you didn't expect and I appreciate that because it was him being honest. I would love to meet Mr. Shelton and talk about bear attacks/incidents/stories but I know that this probably wouldn't be possible. However it would be a great experience. I love bears don't get me wrong. I appreciate them and care about them; however in some areas during certain years I think that they are over-protected. During this time I believe that Human/Bear Conflict is the highest because of the great concentration of bears during that time. Which may be due to different reasonings. During this time I believe it feasible to stand your guard. Sometimes that just has to be done! OVERALL, I ENJOYED HIS BOOK IMMENSELY! I hope another comes out soon! Sincerely, Gloria K.
Rating:
Summary: Your Life, Your Choice!! Finally THE TRUTH!!!
Review: If you spend time in or around bear habitat, and you value your life or your well-being, this book is absolutely, positively a MUST read! I have spent years in bear country, have witnessed two bear attacks and have talked with dozens of guides, rangers, game wardens, fishermen and hunters. I've also read virtually every credible book on bears and bear attacks and I can say with absolute certainty that with the possible exception of the author's bear "survival" guide, this book is the only book that gets to the heart of the matter of bear aggression in a straight-forward, "no-holds-barred" way. Some people will not appreciate all that Mr. Shelton writes. In particular, the notion that bears are our cute and furry friends is rather efficiently debunked. Not that Shelton demonizes bears. On the contrary. He writes with as much respect and compassion about bears as anybody. But realistically speaking bears are wild and potentially dangerous animals and must be regarded as such. Also, don't worry that this book is a tedious, dry biological documentary on bear physiology, hibernation metabolism, migration patterns, breeding cycles and other matters of strictly zoological interest. It is lively, interesting, absorbing and easy to read. It is also heart breaking, terrifying and at times infuriating. Although suitable for all ages, this book is not for the faint-of-heart or anybody unwilling or incapable of facing realilty. But then, neither are real-life bear encounters and the life-or-death struggles that sometimes follow.
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