What the Bears Know: How I Found Truth and Magic in America's Most Misunderstood Creatures―A Memoir by Animal Planet's "The Bear Whisperer"

by Steve Searles, Chris Erskine

The incredible story of how one man went from a hired hunter to becoming one of America’s top champions for this iconic animal.In this wondrous and eye-opening exploration, Steve Searles, the renowned and respected "Bear Whisperer" of Mammoth Lakes, takes the reader on a journey into the lives of these remarkable creatures and the world we share.In the late 1990s, the town of Mammoth Lakes, California hired Steve Searles as a hunter to cull half its troublesome bear population. But as he began to prepare for the grim task, the bears soon won him over, and Searles realized there had to be a better way. He soon developed non-lethal tactics to control their behavior and overpopulation that heralded a landmark moment in the care and handling of the American black bear.But change was not without its challenges. To some, his success was dismissed due to his lack of formal academic training. Yet Searles never wavered in his commitment, and eventually became not just local folk hero but a nationally recognized expert. This high school dropout saved not just the bears, but, in many ways, his community.In a tradition that runs from John Muir to Bear Grylls, Searles finds a fellowship with nature and a deeper meaning in the world of bears. Do bears understand things we don’t? Are they dialed in to some greater natural force?Unlike us, bears waste little time on unreasonable fears. Bears are fully in the moment. They have an inner peace that seems to offset their power and strength. That may explain why no other animal on the planet is as revered as the bear.As Searles shares his remarkable knowledge and we become immersed in the ursine world, you’ll never look at bears or nature the same way again. Warm and poignant, and perfect for anyone who has been fascinated by the natural world, What the Bears Know shows that wisdom and fulfillment can come from unexpected places.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Memoir, Biography, Book Club

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Claire Xu · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love bears. I am a bear. I am one with the bears.

If you are reading this book because you love bears, then go get a refund. Yes this book was certainly about bears dropping an interesting fact about the bears every now and then. Like how they are "stomachs with feet" or they stuff their faces with dirt to shut down their metabolism.

Written more as a light hearted autobiography as opposed to the general fiction format, it places great focus on the reaccounts of Steve the bear expert's life, with a domination of hunting the bears and controlling them to ensure they get along with humans civilisation. In my opinion this was quite jarring to read, listening to a male mansplaining his livelihood about bear control.

But if you enjoy that stuff go for your life. Unfortunately, not my cup of tea

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book accomplished what I wanted, that is a greater knowledge of black bears. And the protection of bears! I learned you can run away from a black bear and he won't chase you. That there is a 60,000 greater chance being murdered, then being killed by a black bear. Black bears climb trees when they are afraid.
The lead figure in the book is Steve Searles, as too frequently self-described as a profane, gruff, bearded, lanky guy from Mammoth Lakes California. Apparently Mammouth Lake was being run over by an excess of black bears and Steve came to the rescue.
A lot of what we think about bears comes from movies, and relates to grizzlies. The black bears are are of course related, but have a far milder different temprament. A grizzly unlike a black bear will attack you. You can't run from a grizzly, and they don't climb trees.
Searles was hired to kill coyotes, and that task eventually changed to killing 16 black bears.
He never had to kill the bears, instead he put into practice humane methods of controlling the bears. Mainly eliminate feeding them, secure dumpsters and and food disposal areas and encourage in them a fear of humans.
What I didn't like about the book, I would have preferred to hear more about the bears and less about the authors personnel life, as he seemed too enamored with himself! For example his running a team-building camp for corporate big wheels, came out of nowhere, and was more of a distraction. I also found the macho crap boorish, referring to himself as having a raw and macho exterior! I prefer the Bear Whisperer, more then the John Wayne of Mammoth Lake.

[Amanda Ejups · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read and learned so much about bears! Loved hearing about Mammoth, a place I’ve enjoyed visiting. I enjoyed the writing style of the author and the voice used.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I seem to have a knack for critters." says Steve Searles in this part-memoir, part ode to bears.
Along with author Chris Erskine, we join Searles up in Mammoth Lakes, California as he serves as a wildlife deputy responding to calls of animals in trouble or causing it. Out of eight species of bear worldwide, the black bear is who you're likely to come across in this part of California. Steve, we learn has had a tough dysfunctional childhood, but his survival techniques and toughness serve him well as he deals with situations in the wild. He approaches his career with passion, common sense, and care.

[Samantha Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up skimming through the second half bc I couldn’t stand this guys inner narrative lol. Cool bear facts tho so I hope my grandma likes it!

[Mags · Rating 2 out of 5]

listen. i love bears. anyone who has interacted with me for more than 10 minutes knows that i love bears and i know a hell of a lot about them. and, i didn't particularly like this book. more than telling me about bears, it had me alternating between anger and disbelief at the way the humans treated the bears and profound sadness anytime a bear was hurt or killed. i think the work mr searles does is profoundly important and if this book serves as an entry point for people to begin learning, i think that it wonderful. it was simply not for me.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights on how to live with the animals around us. Don’t feed OUR bears. One little word change elicits a change in how one town adapted to their bears. Some pretty sad stories too.

[Julie Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot in this book. I share Steve’s deep love and appreciation for animals and really related to his emotions. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that while reading this book, I had a dream that a friend of mine had a “pet” bear who passed away and I woke up bawling in the middle of the night. Human and animal bond? Count me in everytime.

[Parker Felterman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not learn what the bears know or how they know it.

[Stacy Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

more about the man Steve then about the bears.

[Ken Heard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love bears. My nickname at the daily newspaper where I worked as "Bear." I saw my first bear in the wild of northern Minnesota outside my parents' tiny lake cabin and I've been hooked ever since.

So, I grabbed this book up with hopes of learning more about bears and how to become one with them.

Instead, I read about The Bear Whisperer (which I've never seen the show or even heard of it) and how he basically kills all bears that get in the way. It's all very sad. He shoots bears in the face, in trees and around the California town he lives in. He paints his memoir as if he's an outlier, challenging the city ordinances and hopes he can get people to better understand the animals. "Don't Feed Our Bears," he puts on bumpers sticker. Because if you do, he'll come by and shoot them.

The co-author drops in his own blathering about what a great guy Steve is in italicized parts of the book and how he's placed on earth as a magical Native American-type person to better merge with bears. It's all very odd.

Maybe in my cynical, crusty life as a reporter, I was hoping for some niceness. Maybe I was expecting a Polyanna world of Yogi and Bobo bears hanging out and being friends. I loved the show Grizzly Adams because the guy palled with bears and they loved him. Instead, this is more depressing look at how people have to rule the world and eliminate anything that is inconvient.

I give it two bear claws down as a rating.

[Tabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for books about bears and became intrigued with the title. I never heard of the Bear Whisperer or watched the Animal Planet show so this was all new to me. While working on my masters degree, I focused on human wildlife conflict (with a major focus on big cats, but bears face those same challenges), so I thought this book would be interesting to read, especially with “most misunderstood creatures” in the title. I greatly enjoyed the real life stories of the bears (and the pictures of them) and all the ways Steve impacted them and helped them. I loved that making a lethal decision was always his last course of action and that he made it his mission to use non-lethal tactics to help the bears, and the community. My heart hurt for every bear lost, but I did enjoy how he went back to the roots of lighting sage and respecting the bear in death. He certainly did a lot for the bears of Mammoth Lakes, and I’m glad they got to be there for him in his time of need. He saved and positively impacted so many bears, and taught people to not be afraid but rather taught them tools they can use to keep themselves and bears safe. A really interesting story from a guy who truly cares for the bears. I also loved the facts about bears throughout the book, especially at the end as a final reminder that most conflicts are an education (or lack thereof) problem. Remember, don’t feed our bears!

[Rrshively · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir by Steve Searles navigates his road from high school dropout to becoming "the bear whisperer" featured on Animal Planet. Leaving behind a childhood full of abuse and neglect, Steve heads for Mammoth Lakes, California where he fully embraces the outdoor life for which he is suited. He does a little hunting and becomes known as someone who might be able to get rid of Mammoth Lakes' mammoth bear problem. After reflection and study of the bears and their habits, even climbing into dens with them, Steve begins non-lethal ways of keeping them away from places where they might get in trouble. He describes them as an appetite on four legs which might explain his Don't Feed the Bears campaign. Steve becomes the town's wildlife officer which brings forth many anecdotes about bears and other wild animals. All is not smooth going as a man who didn't finish high school sometimes needs to advise state wildlife officers with advanced degrees. He also has a wife and, eventually, a son to support. The reader learns much about black bears, some Native American culture, and gets to know Steve as a unique human being.

[Elly Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I wanted to learn something about bears and I was satisfied that I did. The author was a brusque, bit of a redneck kind of guy but he can sure tell a story. Yes, he had help with the writing but it is his story and I commend him for rather than shooting the bears he found a way to integrate them into the life of the town. He sure had a sensitivity with the bears and that's what kept me reading. I never heard anything about this book but saw it on the "New Books" shelf in our local library. I'm a huge animal lover so I was cautious while reading it but nothing was disturbing and the author has a unique voice in telling it. A very likeable person and a very interesting book.

[Kathee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bears Know More Than You Do

I did not expect to enjoy this book, but I did and very much. It’s an honest story of one of the few people in this world who really know the outdoors and the animals who live there. Steve says he’s tough and rugged but he shows his gentleness whenever he encounters a bear who needs him and when he’s with Debs and Tyler. He may drop F-bombs, though not in the book, but he shows his leadership and expertise in all the stories in this book that the great and powerful Chris Erskine helped him write. Searles understanding of bears far exceeds what most humans could possibly learn. He knows their traits and habits, their needs and their instincts. And he knows what they know.

[Tobeylynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book to support the co-author, a local writer whose columns I have enjoyed reading for a number of years.* But the book is well worth reading. The book describes how Searles, originally hired to cull a troublesome population of bears at Mammoth Lakes, developed non-lethal methods of controlling the population. Self-taught, Searles has much to teach us about co-existing with bears and other wildlife, which have important roles in maintaining balanced ecosystems. The stories he tells are informative, humorous, and moving.

*Chris Erskine used to write for the Los Angeles Times but was let go several years ago during one of the newspaper's recent downsizings. Erskine now posts his funny and touching columns about everyday life to his website and to Facebook.

[Lauren Salaiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I share in Steve’s admiration for nature and bears so my enjoyment for this book came pretty easily. I think Steve does a wonderful job weaving in his life story and personality into his recounting of some really amazing adventures in Mammoth, with the bears, and humans with ill intentions. His upbringing and unconventional journey gives the reader a really interesting perspective.

I did get a little bored halfway through with some of the stories but I am so glad I pushed through as the second half really gets into some beautiful reflections from Steve. I was really moved by the way the bears and his wildlife career affected his perspective on life and took his down a journey of spiritual healing.

[Patrick Macke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went to Yosemite, had bears on the brain; read a book called "Eight Bears" then picked up this ... I read it for the bears, never heard of the author and never saw the TV show he was apparently on, so I had no real interest in the "memoir" part of this ... The way the ghost writer gushes about how cool and one-of-a-kind and groovy Searles is can be hard to stomach; the painting of the bear guy as divinely inspired and gifted and magically placed here by Mother Earth can feel disingenuous; and the propensity to call oneself things like a "roughneck philosopher," etc. is, well, over"bear"ing ... Still, there are some funny parts and some good bear tales, so maybe you'll take yer chances

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

If we could give half stars, this would be a 3.5 star read. It was very interesting and I learned several things about black bears. I’ll admit that I did shed a tear here and there. Steve shared some very emotional and vivid stories about his bears.

I do wish the timeline was a little more defined. It was confusing at times about when something was happening and if it was before or after other events. But, there was a disclaimer in the prologue about the timeline, so at least I knew it would be all over the place going in.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever watched the Bear Whisperer (Steve Searles) then you know what an amazing person Searles is! He has devoted much of his life to saving bears and ensuring not only their safety, but the safety of his community as well. This book contains insights into the nature of bears as a whole and a lot of anecdotes of individual bears.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting narrative about an unusual man and his love for black bears. It didn't bother me that the stories followed no particular time line because it didn't really detract from what the author wanted the reader to know about his favorite four-legged friends. I learned a lot about the Mammoth area in California as well as about the many bears that live there.

[sheila r nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing

This book has brought me more joy and understanding of the black bear. It also has reinforced my belief that the human race is supposed to live as one with nature and not try to conquer it. They will never succeed at it. The Native Americans got it right, and so did Steve Searles

[Charles E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

A friend recommended this book and I was somewhat skeptical but I am really glad he did. Lots of descriptors-uplifting, educational, heart wrenching, sad. This story of the “Bear Whisperer” was hard to put down. I fear Steve’s greatness has not been adequately recognized. I suspect his detractors were either close minded or jealous. Well done, Steve!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good, interesting book about bears. But was disappointed that it seems to speak more about the author than about bear info. Even though it did give some info. Guess I was looking for more of a bear facts book. But, it wasn’t a bad read. It kept my interest. And, then again, it does say a memoir. So that should have given me a clue. 🤣

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid memoir of Searles but not as much about bears. I didn’t like the voice of the ghost writer at all and think he made Steve come off as arrogant. If you have that same reaction, watch a couple YT videos of Steve and you’ll see that he seems very down to earth and much more likable than the book made him.

[Kim Piper Bartasavich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to see how other bear organizations operate. Not the best writing, but I love learning about bears and Mammoth, CA so this was a good read. Warning, not all stories have a happy ending. :(

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I thought I’d learn some cool stuff about bears. Little did I know the lessons in store— so grateful for Searles sharing the truths and the magic he’s learned from the bears. Loved it.

[ChrissieP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Searles partners with Chris Erskine to tell a remarkable story of befriending the bears in Mammoth Lake. Not only does he save the bears with his unique approach to animal control, but he saves himself in the process. I found this story heartwarming!

[Joshua Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it’s fine. It’s written in a really conversational prose, making it a breezy read. There’s just so much “I’m no big city fancy academic” and cockiness disguising itself as confidence that it gets a bit hammy. All in all, it’s not a bad memoir, just not a great one.

[Nick Burdick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the stories. The writing… not so much. There were places where they couldn’t even decide which tense to use (and apparently didn’t bother to get that help from an editor). I’m glad I read it, but I wish they had taken just a little more care in the writing and editing process.