Bears (Altitude Superguides (Paperback))

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, up-to-date Natural History
Review: Bears: Monarch's of the Northern Wilderness, by Wayne Lynch, is the best all-around natural history on bears; Van Tighem's book isn't quite as rich in natural history, but includes more practical information on safety in bear country, and environmental issues affecting bears. With spring black bear hunting a contentious issue in various parts of North America, so called "experts" writing for hook and bullet magazines have reassured readers that you don't have to worry about accidentally mistaking females for males, because cubs rarely leave their mother's side. Wrong. Van Tighem notes that a study near Canada's Riding Mountain National Park found that "when female black bears investigate bait stations, they usually leave their cubs behind."

This book is filled with well-documented facts about bears. It's well-written, too. It doesn't read like a boring scientific paper. Van Tighem touches on a lot of politically sensitive issues affecting bears but doesn't have a shrill voice at all; instead, he let's the facts speak for themselves. Excellent book.