The Grizzly Almanac [Hardcover]

Robert H. Busch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1585741434 | ISBN-13: 978-1585741434 | Publication Date: October 1, 2000 | Edition: 1st

Here is a full-color, heavily illustrated exploration of the largest terrestrial carnivore in North America--the fearsome, misunderstood, and threatened Grizzly.

THE GRIZZLY ALMANAC is a close-up 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 forty-eight states is gone, due to habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs based more on emotion than fact.

This comprehensive volume looks at the natural and cultural history of the grizzly, with vital information on its evolution, habitat, range, behavior, life history, its place in native folklore, and its decline at the hands of humankind. The almanac also covers the emotion-charged topic of grizzly attacks, with practical information for those who seek to share the dwindling domain of the last of the great predators.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For some of us, the glimpse of a bear is the ultimate wilderness experience; for others, it is a dreaded horror. These two books attempt to dispel some of our irrational fears and urge us to respect bears and understand their behavior. All but two of the remaining species of bears are on the endangered list, and both authors claim that the key to the bear's future is education. Both books send their message through a combination of lavish color photographs and text. The Grizzly Almanac focuses on the grizzly bear, the largest species and long considered to be the most fierce. Busch, the author of The Wolf Almanac and seven other natural history titles, traces the evolution of the "big bear" from its earliest days, describes its habitat and behavior, and recounts grizzly folklore and tales of grizzly attacks. Maintaining that the grizzly's reputation as a vicious killer is undeserved, he makes recommendations for a more peaceful coexistence with humans. In Bears of the World, Craighead, who lectures on biology and conducts genetic research on grizzly bears at Montana State University, describes eight species of bears and their history, behavior, and habitats. He examines the complex issues surrounding bear conservation and suggests what organizations and individuals might do to ensure a healthy future for bears. The photos of both books will appeal to those who like to browse, but their text is also scholarly enough to be useful to researchers. Recommended wherever there is an interest in bears.DDeborah Emerson, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, Fairport, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Busch has collected the known facts about the grizzly bear into a book for both laypeople and academics. He looks at grizzly behavior, biology, and relations with humans (including myths and legends from many cultures). Concentrating on their interactions with humans is important, as 99 percent of the grizzly population in the contiguous United States has been eliminated. Helping us to understand the grizzly and its needs will help to preserve the species for the future, and in this goal the author has succeeded admirably. The chapter on bear attacks is particularly helpful, as the author demonstrates that most bear attacks are due to some human-caused problem, such as bears becoming habituated to eating human garbage and no longer fearing people. A nice addition for public libraries, particularly those in grizzly country. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; 1st edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585741434
• ISBN-13: 978-1585741434
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,469,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Busch has done it again!, January 30, 2001

By 

tara donovan (Salmon Arm, BC Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Grizzly Almanac (Hardcover)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Grizzly Almanac, September 18, 2009

By 

Aaron W. White "Aaron W. White" (OH, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Grizzly Almanac: A Fully Illustrated Natural and Cultural History of America's Great Bear (Paperback)

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

5.0 out of 5 stars A cultural history and almanac of the bear, May 27, 2001

By 

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

This review is from: The Grizzly Almanac (Hardcover)

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.