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Scientists in the Field
Backyard Bears: Conservation, Habitat Changes, and the Rise of Urban Wildlife – An Acclaimed Book About Black Bears and Thriving Animal Populations in ... Kids (Ages 10-12)
In this acclaimed addition to the beloved Scientists in the Field series, author Amy Cherrix follows scientists investigating black bears—and other animals around the globe—who are rapidly becoming our neighbors in urban and suburban areas, with full-color photography.? North Carolina's black bears were once a threatened species, but what happens when conservation efforts for a species are so successful that there’s a boom in the population. With black bear numbers on the rise, suddenly these animals are finding themselves in areas they've never been before—like in and around Asheville. Author Amy Cherrix follows scientists as they study these backyard bears and the local citizens living among them, trying to figure out just how this happened and what it means for bears and their new neighbors. Part field science, part conservation science, Backyard Bears looks at black bears—and other animals around the globe—whose numbers are not only rising, but thriving, and finding themselves in new locations around the world.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2018
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111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 27, 2019
Great book from the "Scientists in the Field" series. This series is designed for middle grades and up, but I seek them out and I am 60.
This volume looks at the rising problems of urban wildlife by following research into the black bear population of Asheville, North Carolina in the US. (We've had bears walking down our street here in Connecticut, too.) Many other examples involving other species are also touched upon in the book.
This volume looks at the rising problems of urban wildlife by following research into the black bear population of Asheville, North Carolina in the US. (We've had bears walking down our street here in Connecticut, too.) Many other examples involving other species are also touched upon in the book.
March 2, 2019
Wow! Another fabulous entry in this nonfiction series for middle grade. The photographs in this book are fantastic and there is a treasure trove of information about American black bears and the Urban Bear Study. This is really interesting, relevant stuff. I especially enjoyed the author's discussion of other urban areas that are experiencing an uptick in wildlife encounters. Wild turkeys in Boston? Who knew?
January 18, 2019
Excellent non-fiction for middle grade and older students. Outstanding photographs.
March 21, 2019
Another outstanding Scientists in the Field book - this one appropriate for middle grade readers and up. Chronicles a study by wildlife biologists of the the urban/suburban bear population around Ashville, North Carolina. As always, this does an excellent job of explaining the work of the team, the data they are gathering and the questions they are seeking to answer.
One fascinating chapter looks at other cities experiencing influxes of various other animals and birds and the extensive back matter includes information on bears and tips on how to be "bearwise" and how to behave in a close encounter with a bear. Glossary and recommended resources are also provided.
A highlight of the book are the many large color photographs that add both information and huge appeal to the book. Fascinating and important. I loved the fact that the biologists baited their bear capture traps with day-old doughnuts ;-)
One fascinating chapter looks at other cities experiencing influxes of various other animals and birds and the extensive back matter includes information on bears and tips on how to be "bearwise" and how to behave in a close encounter with a bear. Glossary and recommended resources are also provided.
A highlight of the book are the many large color photographs that add both information and huge appeal to the book. Fascinating and important. I loved the fact that the biologists baited their bear capture traps with day-old doughnuts ;-)
September 4, 2019
Another great book in the Scientists in the Field series from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - this one focuses on the black bears living in and around Asheville, North Carolina, and manages to give a good model for people to think about the wild animals that might pop up in their own city.
Like other books in the series, there are great photos, with clear captions, showing the animals, the habitat, the scientists, and a few maps and charts.
Unfortunately, the area covered by this bear study does not include a diverse human population, apparently, so the book ends up showing only white people interacting with wildlife. (...and the one-page sections at the end that briefly cover a few other locations shows only the animals in the photos, no people. Since it includes leopards in Mumbai, wolves from Canada to Mexico, chickens in Hawaii, and turkeys in New England, it would have been a great opportunity to show diverse humans.)
Despite the obvious flaw of leaving out a lot of urban people in a book specifically about urban wildlife, the message is nevertheless applicable to all of us, and readers learn about the jobs that researches do while also learning about how members of the community either help or hurt the chances of the animals thriving without harming humans.
Did I mention there are fantastic photos? They include a mix of those beautiful coffee-table animal portraits in their habitat and less-glorious ones showing the scientists at work - the combination is inspiring!
Like other books in the series, there are great photos, with clear captions, showing the animals, the habitat, the scientists, and a few maps and charts.
Unfortunately, the area covered by this bear study does not include a diverse human population, apparently, so the book ends up showing only white people interacting with wildlife. (...and the one-page sections at the end that briefly cover a few other locations shows only the animals in the photos, no people. Since it includes leopards in Mumbai, wolves from Canada to Mexico, chickens in Hawaii, and turkeys in New England, it would have been a great opportunity to show diverse humans.)
Despite the obvious flaw of leaving out a lot of urban people in a book specifically about urban wildlife, the message is nevertheless applicable to all of us, and readers learn about the jobs that researches do while also learning about how members of the community either help or hurt the chances of the animals thriving without harming humans.
Did I mention there are fantastic photos? They include a mix of those beautiful coffee-table animal portraits in their habitat and less-glorious ones showing the scientists at work - the combination is inspiring!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
While I would recommend this book and found it full of interesting information, I also found it very lacking. Where is the editing? It is verbose, unorganized, and lacking basic information. While the book is about scientists who study bears, the basic information and statistics about bears should have been provided early in the book. Since the book is about bears in urban settings, the issues of sharing space with bears should have been discussed in depth. The story line of a day spent catching and examining the bears was very interesting. While the author discussed the questions the scientists are trying to answer, the book gave little insight about how the scientists analyzed the data they collect. The graphs and maps about the expanding bear population were well done. The section where the scientists were named had little value as the interviews were so short and for the most part without substance. All the photos of children with the bears were inappropriate as it presented the impression that it is safe for children and the public at large to interact with the bears. While this is a valuable book to read, the author and publisher should have done a better job organizing it. (Note: This book is part of the "Scientists in the Field" series, which is ironic as scientists are required to present data in a concise organized manner.)
November 6, 2018
Backyard Bears by Amy Cherrix (Scientists in the Field), 63 pages. Houghton Mifflin, 2018. $19.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERGE
Cherrix takes a look at an animal-human interaction going on in her own backyard – Asheville, North Carolina. It’s illegal to hunt black bears within the city limits and the bear population has grown from 1500 in 1970 to 19,000 in 2014. This has led to some interesting interactions between the humans and animals of Ashville. The Black Bear Study has been working hard to educate the human part of the education and most residents have jumped into the project enthusiastically.
Another nice addition to the Scientists in the Field series. The book also looks at other urban spaces where a wild animal has a prominent place. I like the twist that this is going on in Cherrix’ own city.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERGE
Cherrix takes a look at an animal-human interaction going on in her own backyard – Asheville, North Carolina. It’s illegal to hunt black bears within the city limits and the bear population has grown from 1500 in 1970 to 19,000 in 2014. This has led to some interesting interactions between the humans and animals of Ashville. The Black Bear Study has been working hard to educate the human part of the education and most residents have jumped into the project enthusiastically.
Another nice addition to the Scientists in the Field series. The book also looks at other urban spaces where a wild animal has a prominent place. I like the twist that this is going on in Cherrix’ own city.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
December 1, 2019
Summary:
This book is about bears and how close they are to human life. This book talks about close encounters with bears, the consequences of conservation, different types of bears and animals, and how to be safe around bears. This book also provides web resources and a glossary for more information and definitions of the material covered in the book.
Evaluation:
This book was very informative, but due to the length of it, I did not enjoy it. It would be perfect for a student who is interested in bears or who is required to do a project on bears. There are pictures and descriptions of multiple bears and how people interact/ learn about bears.
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used in fourth grade when teaching about ecosystems, food chains, and food webs. Students could use this book to research bears. They would learn the different types, how they live, and what they eat. This book is informative. This assignment could be done individually, as partners, or as an at home project.
This book is about bears and how close they are to human life. This book talks about close encounters with bears, the consequences of conservation, different types of bears and animals, and how to be safe around bears. This book also provides web resources and a glossary for more information and definitions of the material covered in the book.
Evaluation:
This book was very informative, but due to the length of it, I did not enjoy it. It would be perfect for a student who is interested in bears or who is required to do a project on bears. There are pictures and descriptions of multiple bears and how people interact/ learn about bears.
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used in fourth grade when teaching about ecosystems, food chains, and food webs. Students could use this book to research bears. They would learn the different types, how they live, and what they eat. This book is informative. This assignment could be done individually, as partners, or as an at home project.
October 19, 2019
The Scientist in the Field series has mastered the genre of presenting a relatively young professional scientist as the central thread in telling the story of some aspect of science. In this case the frequently reported issue of wild black bears "invading" community spaces is explored through historic, interventionist, analytic, and potential resolution perspectives. All this unfolds while conveying facts, film, and respect for wildlife who preceded human habitation in these and other spaces.
The titles in this series are reliable information sources, including valuable informational content in back mater, table of contents, objective but intriguing photo captions, glossary, and current resources. This title and others in the series could spark STEM studies and future scientific careers.
The titles in this series are reliable information sources, including valuable informational content in back mater, table of contents, objective but intriguing photo captions, glossary, and current resources. This title and others in the series could spark STEM studies and future scientific careers.
January 3, 2019
Another excellent title in the “Scientists in the Field” series, “where science meets adventure.” These books are always well written and photographed. The science of the individual study being carried out, in this case about black bears living in close proximity to the urban area of Asheville, NC, is clearly explained. I always learn about what it takes to carry out these studies. The passion of the people involved is inspiring. This book is no exception. I can’t recommend this series of books highly enough. For students, ages 9 and up....or really for anyone who wants to learn about how scientists carry out studies in the field.
March 26, 2019
I knew I had to read this book as soon as I saw the cover. I read it before putting it out in my library for my students. Backyard Bears covers the challenges that Asheville, North Carolina is facing with their wildlife. The author meticulously describes what and how the scientists are doing to help track and deal with the bears as well as the other wildlife issues. The town itself is taking responsibility by encompassing this conservation plan with outreach to the younger town members. Everyone is involved. The book is an easy, quick read and also has some wonderful photographs that accompany the story-line.
November 23, 2019
Upper Elementary, Scientists in the Field series book.
Backyard bears is a non fiction chapter book on conservation, habitat preservation, study and co-habitation of black bears in a town in North Carolina. The locals have learned how to live alongside a large population of black bears. The black bears in turn are learning to live with the sounds and sights of humans. The town of Ashville sees bears all the time, this book highlights the many interesting ways that scientists, adults and children are learning about the black bears and how black bears in turn are learning to live in newer habitats.
Backyard bears is a non fiction chapter book on conservation, habitat preservation, study and co-habitation of black bears in a town in North Carolina. The locals have learned how to live alongside a large population of black bears. The black bears in turn are learning to live with the sounds and sights of humans. The town of Ashville sees bears all the time, this book highlights the many interesting ways that scientists, adults and children are learning about the black bears and how black bears in turn are learning to live in newer habitats.
November 4, 2018
A thorough, fun, and fascinating NF picture book about bears in the city of Asheville, and also about animals habitating in cities around the world. A very interesting and educational read for any young person and an absolute must for the classroom. (with amazing photographs 0f baby cubs and up-close bears and other animals!!)
October 8, 2019
Showcases a study of black bears, conducted mostly in Western North Carolina - Asheville, NC - Very interesting with accompanying photographs - I learned A LOT!
There is also a chapter showcasing other Urban Wildlife, i.e. Coyote, Chickens (They're EVERYWHERE in Hawaii!). "Wild" Turkeys, and the Capybara. There is a lot to see and learn about, here!
Intriguing!
There is also a chapter showcasing other Urban Wildlife, i.e. Coyote, Chickens (They're EVERYWHERE in Hawaii!). "Wild" Turkeys, and the Capybara. There is a lot to see and learn about, here!
Intriguing!
July 17, 2020
This is a middle-grade nonfiction book about urban wildlife - bears in Asheville, NC, as well as leopards in Mumbai, feral chickens in Hawaii, turkeys in Boston, wild boars in Berlin, starlings across North America. It was engaging and well written, and I'll be using it as an example as I try to write my own middle-grade nonfiction.
December 6, 2018
This books if well-done but who is the target audience? As a teacher and storyteller at my local library, I'm not sure who I would recommend this book to. It is very text dense and very technical. I felt like it was a good introduction for an adult but would a child/teen pick this up? Just curious.
December 7, 2018
It's rare that I actually enjoy a non-fiction book, but in this case I did. 1: bears are such interesting animals. 2: Yoshi looks like a black bear to me. 3: I learned a lot and loved looking at the photos included. Like. Really loved it.
December 26, 2018
Oh, Amy Cherrix. What a fantastic book! I love meeting the team of scientists, seeing how they work and learning more about bears. Excellent nonfiction for 3rd-high school. Beautifully written with gorgeous photos.
October 18, 2019
Tag along with scientists studying the black bears living in Asheville, NC and its suburbs. They are looking at how living in the city is affecting the health, longevity, and population of the bears. The book also looks at several other wild animals that have adapted to living in urban areas.
The message of this book isn't so much get the animals out or even get the people out, it is much more balanced and looks at how wild animals and humans can live together successfully. The program the book primarily focuses on has done a great job of educating the public on how to avoid negative run-ins with bears and how to live with them in the area. They aren't encouraging the bears to move in, but they recognize that the bears are there to stay and the people need to know how to live with these big omnivores next door. It is a fascinating look at urban wildlife. And the way people and animals are impacting each other. Highly recommended, and the book is written at a level that is approachable for even the lower end of middle grade while sophisticated enough for teens too.
The message of this book isn't so much get the animals out or even get the people out, it is much more balanced and looks at how wild animals and humans can live together successfully. The program the book primarily focuses on has done a great job of educating the public on how to avoid negative run-ins with bears and how to live with them in the area. They aren't encouraging the bears to move in, but they recognize that the bears are there to stay and the people need to know how to live with these big omnivores next door. It is a fascinating look at urban wildlife. And the way people and animals are impacting each other. Highly recommended, and the book is written at a level that is approachable for even the lower end of middle grade while sophisticated enough for teens too.
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November 1, 2019Another terrific entry in one of my favorite informational series! We need to share our spaces with wildlife and it just tickles me that the residents of Asheville, North Carolina are buying in. Engaging narrative, spectacular photos, fantastic back matter. First-purchase and a must-read.
January 19, 2019
Wonderful book about bears joining the urban world and how human are working to make sure they survive. A bit repetitive at time but worth the read. Great photo's.
February 12, 2019
Longer text. Non fiction. Great for classroom reports on bears, understanding scientists in the conservation field and what they do. Great photographs. Recommend for 2nd grade and up.
March 17, 2019
One book in an excellent series for the budding scientist.
May 18, 2019
Excellent. This series continues to enlighten readers, this time a story about North Carolina’s attempts to live peacefully alongside the black bears in the urban landscape.
June 5, 2020
An excellent addition to the series. Discusses the boundaries where humans and animals interact with an emphasis on black bears in North Carolina.
April 7, 2021
I know that I read and appreciated this. But apparently I didn't review it, sorry. Still, 'Scientists in the Field' so you know it's going to be worth your time.
July 30, 2023
Cataloged as Y but SLJ reviews it for 4th grade.
November 2, 2023
Excellent reference for 5-10 year olds interested in black bears and the science and research of wildlife biologists studying conservation efforts.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews