What Bears Teach Us

by Sarah Elmeligi, John E. Marriott (Photographer)

A lavishly illustrated book that explores the complex behavioural characteristics of North America’s largest land carnivores by examining the bear–human relationship from the bear’s perspective.

From the first moment Sarah Elmeligi came eye to eye with a grizzly bear, her life changed. In a moment that lasted mere seconds, she began to question everything she thought she knew about bears. How could this docile creature be the same one with a fearsome reputation for vicious attacks? Through years of research, Elmeligi grew to appreciate that bears are so much more than data points, stunning photos, and sensational online stories. Elmeligi expertly weaves the science of bear behaviour with her passionate account of personal encounters. Dive into the life of a bear biologist as Sarah’s colleagues recount their own “stories from the field” – intimate moments with bears where they were connected to an animal with personality, decision-making capabilities, and a host of engaging behaviours.

Join Elmeligi and Marriott on a journey that examines and shares the behaviour of black, grizzly, and polar bears in North America in a way you’ve never seen before. What Bears Teach Us will surprise you, inspire you, foster your curiosity, and teach you something new about bears and maybe even yourself.

Genres: Nature

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cool and I liked all the images included of the bears that I miss with the audiobooks.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the human/bear relationship and what we can learn from bears as the title clearly points out. But in addition to that it teaches us about how human actions and/or inaction with respect to encroachment, development and climate change impacts bears in the wild, and wildlife and nature in general and highlights much of the research that has or is being done to help understand and potentially mitigate this.
This book is beautifully illustrated with many fantastic pictures of bears in their natural habitats. A wonderful production by both the author and photographer working together.

[John Geary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, both in terms of written content and the photography.
It was the photography that attracted me to this book initially as I have taken two or three seminars from the photographer at national photography conferences.
The writing is very well done too; it’s really interesting how the author goes through the various aspects and elements of bear behaviour and how we can learn from that - not only with respect to behaviour towards bears, but behaviour towards other humans, in our own lives.

[James Schlichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully informative and amazing photographs. I've read a number of books about human/bear interactions and cohabability, but this is the first I've come across (other than perhaps "Grizzly Heart" by Charles Russel), that says humans and bears can co-exist when we use our intellect and compassion, rather than our fear, to allow for that relationship to prosper.

[Katie Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! The photography by John Marriott is elegant, and Sarah Elmeligi’s writing is brilliant. As a wildlife biologist, I appreciated their hard work and commitment to their trades. I have another perspective on bear management in my tool belt that is valid and constructive. Thank you!

Sarah, I agree 100% that bears taught me all that too. Well said.

[April Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning photography and approachable, informed writing in a modern, inspired format. I love that the scientist didn't take the emotion out of the experiences. It takes factual & serious content and brings it to life, making the heart-felt personal experiences engaging; you imagine your own self gazing into the eyes of a bear. The environmental messaging is understated, not preachy.

[Dave Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough and thought-provoking, yet at the same time accessible look at bears -- grizzly, black and polar. John Marriott's stunning images add huge value to this book.

[Bev Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs!