In the Company of Wild Bears: A Celebration of Backcountry Grizzlies and Black Bears [Hardcover]

Howard Smith (Author), Michael H. Francis (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Real-life human-bear encounters with black bears, grizzlies, and Alaskan brown bears.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Smith (Yellowstone Memories) delivers a loving tribute to the Ursidae family that will delight animal enthusiasts and could even make a convert of famed (and faux) bear-hater Stephen Colbert. Smith combines accounts of his true-life encounters with bears across North America, from Alaska's Talkeetna Mountains to the Grand Teton and Shenandoah National Parks, with no-nonsense sidebars that dispense useful information for people interested in seeing bears firsthand. Supported on almost every page by Francis's gorgeous photos, the book more than meets Smith's goal of providing an account that is "representative of what it means to walk in bear country." One of the most entertaining adventures involves an exploration of Wyoming's Pilgrim Creek near Grand Teton National Park, which also features Smith's surprisingly rugged West Highland terrier. Smith's explorations also serve to counter what he calls "sensational" stories about bear maulings so he can encourage people to safely explore the backcountry. The book is best at showing that bears are "a metaphor for simply enjoying the sparkling wonder of wildness." (Sept.)
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From Booklist

Bears are a powerful icon in the collective consciousness of Americans, conjuring up images of love-worn stuffed animals, cartoon characters, the solemn spokesbear who reminds us that only we can prevent forest fires, as well as images gleaned from movies, television, and books. Smith's obsession is a bit beyond most people's interest in wildlife. He admits that the adrenaline rush that comes with sighting a bear is almost addicting, referring to the sensation as a "ramping up" of the senses. He has had extensive experience hiking on backcountry wildlife trails, although his accounts of his travels in Alaska, Canada, and various other wilderness outposts lack a precise time frame. Smith shares a wealth of information about bears, including such tips as "Play dead if touched by a grizzly. Fight back if touched by a black bear." Although most readers will never have to put such nuggets of wisdom to the test, Smith's fascination with and respect for this great animal make for an instructive and fun book, lavishly illustrated by wildlife photographer Francis. Pamela Crossland
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; 1 edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592289525
• ISBN-13: 978-1592289523
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #891,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Bears

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Personal reflections surrounding various opportunities for bear encounters, January 12, 2007

By 

Richard A. Reid "rar" (albuquerque, nm usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Company of Wild Bears: A Celebration of Backcountry Grizzlies and Black Bears (Hardcover)

I received this well-written book as a Christmas gift and have enjoyed the variety of wildlife adventures shared by the author, Howard Smith, and the remarkable photos presented by Michael H. Francis. The author has done his homework through relating relevant accounts and observations provided by acknowledged bear experts. Moreover, he has been able to share a great deal of practice advice surrounding possible bear encounters through sidebars interwoven with his actual first-hand personal experiences from hiking and backpacking in various wilderness areas around the country. Smith's potential and real run-ins with bears are documented in 10 chapters where he records his thoughts and feelings, often through each of our five senses. Often, in a rather dramatic fashion, he is clearly able to capture his emotions and record his reflections prior to, during, and following probable meetings with bears. I found the book to be an introspective analysis and reflection of the wide array of reactions experienced by respectful and fearful wildlife enthusiasts.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In the Company of Wild Bears, June 22, 2007

By 

T. Bullers (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Company of Wild Bears: A Celebration of Backcountry Grizzlies and Black Bears (Hardcover)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Designed to reduce reader fears about bear activities and presence., December 13, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Company of Wild Bears: A Celebration of Backcountry Grizzlies and Black Bears (Hardcover)

In the Company of Wild Bears: A Celebration of Backcountry Grizzlies and Black Bears pairs photographer Michael H. Francis' black and white photos of bears in the field with a blend of writer Howard Smith's bear encounters paired with sidebars of bear facts and safety tips. What makes this different from the usual bear guide - many laden with color photos and made for coffee table display - already on the market is an attention to understanding the bear's habitat and psyche: chapters focus on first-person encounters which provide such insights and understanding, and are designed to reduce reader fears about bear activities and presence.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch