One of Us: A Biologist's Walk Among Bears

by Barrie K. Gilbert, Kaylene Johnson-Sullivan (Editor), Shea Wyatt (Photographer)

Barrie Gilbert’s fascination with grizzly bears almost got him killed in Yellowstone National Park. He recovered, returned to fieldwork and devoted the next several decades to understanding and protecting these often-maligned giants. He has spent thousands of hours among wild grizzles in Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks, Alberta, coastal British Columbia, and along Brooks River in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, where hundreds of people gather to watch dozens of grizzlies feast on salmon. His research has centered on how bears respond to people and each other, with a focus on how to keep humans and bears safe.

Drawn from his decades of experience, One of Us: A Biologist’s Walk Among Bears explodes myths that depict grizzlies as bloodthirsty beasts that “kill for pleasure” and reveals the intelligent, adaptable side of these astonishingly social animals. He also explains their pivotal role in maintaining and protecting their fragile ecosystems. Accordingly, Gilbert pulls no punches when outlining threats to bear conservation. Most importantly, this book extolls a new way of appreciating grizzly bears, the same way we regard wolves, whales, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2019

Reviews

[Carole Giangrande · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book. Dr. Gilbert's commitment to the welfare of grizzly bears is compelling, considering that he was mauled and almost killed by a grizzly some forty years ago. He conveys a strong sense of what an ecosystem is, in this case, the relationship between bears, salmon and coastal waters. What happens to bears if the waters grow warmer (and salmon numbers fall)? Moreover, Gilbert makes clear that a bear allowed to roam its traditional trails in search of food will tolerate humans, and is not dangerous - but as roads and resorts invade bear country, grizzlies lacking a route to food will take to raiding garbage and campsites. This is an eye-opening study. At times I felt that the discussion might have gone too far "into the weeds" for a layperson (lots of politics surround the diminution of the grizzly), but on the whole, this is a stirring book, one that will allow you to appreciate both the beauty and intelligence of these bears, and the astounding dedication of this biologist.

[Audrey Sauble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes an in-depth look at bears, how they behave around humans, and why they may behave differently in some regions vs. others. Along the way, it addresses a variety of conservation and political issues that affect how bears have been treated over the years. Toward the end, the book became repetitive and rehashed topics the author had covered earlier in the book, but apart from that, I found it engaging and thought-provoking.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barrie Gilbert's One of Us begins with the author's recounting of being attacked by a bear. It's hard to read, but also hard to put down. Obviously (and miraculously) he survives to write this highly educational book, which has much to offer non-specialists on the topic of bear natural history, ecology, and culture. Grounded in research and first-hand experience, the book offers possibilities for how humans and bears can safely and peacefully co-exist. His explanation and examples of the long-term effects of culling bear populations as a means of controlling them is eye-opening. The final chapters seemed to repeat and recycle information and stories, but that was a minor issue for me in an otherwise really good and much needed book.

[Adam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read like it was written by someone who didn’t get the credit they think they deserve. Sections of this book run counter to accepted bear biology, others are downright fabricated in what seemed like a desperate effort to coin a new term in the lexicon. It wasn’t a total loss of a read, but if you’re looking for a publication to further your own knowledge on the subject, there are better options.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading for those with serious interest but poorly edited.

Important and insightful observations from an eminently qualified voice in Brown Bear research. However, this often feels like a compilation of articles, essays or research paper intros. Many topics, scenarios and conclusions repeat more than once as if never mentioned before. Glad to have read it but would have been happier to have paid the same amount or more for a well edited and considerably shorter work.

[Bev Emerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Stacey Schmeidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book, honestly and candidly written.

Barrie Gilbert is one of our foremost thinkers on bears. After being attacked by a bear, he has devoted his life to understanding wild bear behavior and advocating for bears and the wild environments they need to survive.

In a straightforward, conversational style, Gilbert shares his knowledge—focusing primarily on his experience in Katmai National Park in Alaska, one of the world's best places to see bears in the wild.

Gilbert is clear about what makes bears special -- and even essential: They are smart, playful, curious, and one of our keystone species.

And he's clear about what puts bears at risk -- primarily humans, and the things we do on both large and small scales (from foolish encounters in the wilderness to questionable planning in national parks and bad environmental practice in wilderness areas).

Gilbert isn't afraid to speak truth to power. And even if you don't agree with everything he says, his is a strong, expert and persuasive voice that warrants serious attention.

I'll read this book again -- and probably again and again after that.

I'm grateful to the author for putting his experience and expertise on the page.