Bear Attacks: Myth & Reality

Rating:
Summary: Bear Encounters: Riveting Realities!
Review: The best writers, it has been suggested, do not "tell" you the Truth, instead they "show" you the truth. The reason is that "demonstrated" Truth is seen more independently and to a greater degree is free from the author's bias or incompetence, and therefore gives you a clearer understanding of things.

So it is in the case of this very fine book on bears, which demonstrates the Truth ever so logically and objectively and also honors bears as the magnificent creatures they are.

While Mr. Shelton may never win any awards for purely literary achievement (at least not by the sanctimonious standards by which such awards are made), he does understand bears. And this book has a ring of truth more clear, more profound and more consistent, than most books I've ever read.

I reviewed one of Mr. Shelton's other books "Bear Attacks: the Deadly Truth" and many things which are true about that book are true about this one. One is that not everybody will appreciate everything Mr. Shelton writes. In particular, people who cannot face the reality that bears are NOT our cute and furry "friends" but can be vicious, cunning and extremely dangerous, may not like reading about it. Another is that this book also clearly demonstrates the tragic consequences of the stupid idea that animals are more important than people, or that they have rights, (which, being incapable of making responsible, moral decisions respecting others' rights, they most certainly do not!) Particularly dangerous is the idea that people should not participate in the ancient and eternal relationship of "prey and predator," which is to say hunting. Hunting is a natural process and always has been. And both you and your children (not to mention livestock and pets) are always safer in bear country where responsible, controlled hunting is permitted.

Written in a style similar to his other books, this book is easy to read, informative and highly entertaining. And it is Truthful! A must read for anyone venturing into bear country or interested in bears.