Bears Without Fear

by Kevin Van Tighem

Fear of bears seems almost to be part of what it is to be human. Our species emerged out of the depths of time into a world already populated by these great carnivores. Before we mastered iron and later developed firearms, we had few defences against bears--only watchful caution and elaborate ceremonies and sacrifices to ward off fear.Where human populations grow, bears have traditionally dwindled or disappeared. But when we return to the wild, to places where bears still survive, all our primeval fears awaken again. The risk of an automobile accident on the way to bear country far outstrips the risk of a close-range encounter with a bear, but it's the bear that worries us as we hurtle down the pavement at a hundred kilometres an hour.In this timely and sensitive book, Kevin Van Tighem calls on decades of experience, knowledge and understanding in order to enlighten readers about our relationship with and attitude toward bears. Along the way we are confronted with the realities confronting these great animals as a result of our ever-expanding human population and their ever-shrinking natural habitat. Through historical research, field observation, practical advice, personal anecdotes and an array of stunning photos, Van Tighem has written a comprehensive book that is meant to demystify bears in order to promote a deeper understanding of these powerful yet vulnerable creatures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Science, Canada

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2013

Reviews

[BlackfishGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good popular science introduction to bears in the USA, easy and pleasant to read and informative

[Tom Oman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s nice to read something written locally here in Alberta, even if it is aimed at the Banff gift shop audience. Parts of it are written as if you just arrived from another planet and are wondering what a bear is. Once you get past the basics the book is peppered with all the little stories and anecdotes that you hope for in a book about bears.

One interesting little aside about how sensitive animal populations and eco systems can be. In one part of Alberta they found that trapping and killing off male bears led to a significant increase in the overall bear population. Male bears often kill any cubs or smaller bears they come across, which is why female bears can be so aggressive. So getting rid of the males meant that many more bears grew to maturity. However in the next generation, since older male bears had been reduced and effectively replaced with increased numbers of younger male bears (that would have otherwise been killed off as juveniles). They discovered that these younger male bears killed even more cubs than the older males had been responsible for in the previous generation. Leading to a drastic reduction in the population. Amazing how one action of culling male bears had such major ramifications that took over two generations to play out their full effects.

I can’t say I totally recommend this book if you haven’t yet read Andy Russell’s “Grizzly Country”, one of the most fascinating wildlife books of all time.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative & thorough.

I saw this book at a gift shop in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada and added it to my library! It was interesting to read about some of the history of this national park in relation to its invasion of bear habitats and steps to live in harmony.

The book mainly focused on black, grizzly, and polar bears, explaining their origins, habits, behaviors, and more. Anecdotes broke up the chapter which felt a bit disorganized at times but also added some life to the factual content.

I learned a lot about bears and how to better understand how to interact and coexist with them from actual encounters and environmental impacts. It was interesting to see how societal stereotypes even extend to these creatures. They are more than just lovable clowns (like Yogi, Pooh, or Paddington), scary monsters, or wilderness emblems. Putting bears into these categories is inaccurate and can lead to problems that could otherwise be avoided.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative! The book discusses three types of bears: Blacks Bears, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears. The book is Canadian, so you'll learn a lot about the Canadian national parks such as Banff, but it also talks about parks in the U.S. If you're a bear lover, like myself, then you'll surely enjoy this book as the author also shares the cultural significance of bears and their influences in mythology and pop culture. The only thing I didn't like too much were the stories within the chapters. You'll be reading about something like the Grizzly when all of a sudden you come across a random side story that takes the reader away from the actual information. Overall, this was one of the better bear books that I've read.

[William Chaddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about North American bears, bear population, and issues threatening their existence. Not as well organized as it could be, and the author doesn't make much of a case as to why it is important for bears to continue to exist.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple overview of current environmental threats to black and grizzly bears, with a few interesting anecdotes sprinkled in. Gets repetitive at times when it comes to the 'human' threat to these animals - you'll leave this book having this cemented in your mind!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put human fear is the greatest threat to these magnificent animals with the author passionately sharing how so. A beautiful and important perspective for any person living amongst or close to bear habitats.

[Leah Vanderwiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A greatly informative book, however sometimes found that it was repetitive, and maybe not what I was looking for on bears. But overall, would recommend to anyone wanting to work in bear country.

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life! I was blown away by how much I loved it! So much information and gave me such a good and fresh perspective. You need to read this book!

[Eilidh Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book and seeing the amazing photography within it! Definitely decreased my fear and increased my respect for bears in Alberta.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Audrey Perreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good réflexion about Human and his ego

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might have needed some more editing or seemed like some parts belonged in a different chapter. Still an entertaining and informative read

[Foggygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, very informative about the different species of bears found in Canada and the US, their home ranges and their varied diets. It doesn't sugar coat the fact that bears can be extremely dangerous but doesn't take away from their fascinating history and very uncertain future.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

very beautiful book with good info and pictures

[Billie Milholland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, intimate glimpse at the complex life of bears.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enoyed this book. Saddened by how horrible humans can be, but loved it.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative and interesting. I have a much better understanding of bear behavior. I will purchase bear spray for possible future encounters.