Living With Bears: A Practical Guide to Bear Country

by Linda Masterson

Colorado author Linda Masterson dispels myths, replaces fear with respect, and lays the foundation for improving human-black bear relations with an inside look at the fascinating world of these highly intelligent, adaptable and resourceful animals found in 41 U.S. states and every province in Canada. With over 900,000 black bears roaming North America today, people from Florida to British Columbia are encountering bears more often, and as a result, human-bear conflicts are on the rise. This guidebook to life in bear country is packed with a wealth of useful and often surprising information, and down-to-earth advice from bear experts all over the continent, along with real-life stories from wildlife managers, organizations and communities who've discovered creative, workable ways for people and bears to share space. Expanded 2nd edition is now available.

Genres: Nature

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Linda Masterson is a writer and researcher who specializes in sifting through mountains of information, unearthing what really matters and communicating with people in ways that make them think, nod their heads, groan, laugh and then get up off the couch and do something. Her books are well-researched, filled with practical information and fun to read. Books include Living with Bears Handbook and Surviving Wildfire. Get Prepared. Stay Alive. Rebuild Your Life. Linda and husband Cory Phillips live on Florida's southern Gulf Coast.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I WISH this book was not so clear, so fact-based, and so compelling in educating those of us who love black bears and those who fear them on how to live in bear country. If I had my own way, I would plant clover and apple trees and berries, leave peanut butter and crackers on the tree stump, and put out biscuits and honey every time I serve them to my family. But, unfortunately, this book is compelling in making the case that bears habituated to humans are inevitably going to face danger and even death at the hands of man. So. I do love bears. So I will revise my original Hiawatha National Forest plan, and make an attempt to follows Masterson's clear, convincing, approach. Sigh.

[Ms. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very informative, educational and entertaining.

[Jessica Glasscock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you think you already know everything there is to know about bears, this is a must read book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just moved to an area that is populated by bears. After reading this book I feel prepared to live amongst them. I had a lot of ideas about gardening, composting, berry patches and bird feeders that I have to think differently now. With this book, I have the knowledge to prevent the mistakes of attracting the bears to my back yard.

[Sylvia Dolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone living in bear country, and in particular for anyone working to educate people in bear country. It is the most comprehensive book available on the subject. It is a delight to read, beautifully layed out and chock full of good, concise advice. I have one on my shelf and bought an extra one to donate to my library.

[Tracy Haskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coexisting with wildlife is possible. Masterson presents us with a complete, well written guide to living in bear country.