Bears: Behavior, Ecology, Conservation

Describes the characteristics and behavior of black bears, grizzly bears, and brown bears, and looks at the impact of humans on their habitat

Two of the three North American species of bears are highlighted in this work by a husband-and-wife team of wildlife photographers. Erwin Bauer's text has the chatty, personal feel possible only from someone who has watched bears in the wild for a long time. Beginning with an introduction covering bear evolution with brief descriptions of the world's other species of bears, the book then devotes separate chapters to black bears, grizzly bears, and brown bears (the coastal form of the grizzly). Illustrated with marvelous photographs, many of which are intimate close-ups, the text is a factual description of the life of the bears in question and a plea for their preservation as well as an understanding of their place in nature. A list of bear-conservation organizations is a nice addition. Although this book is not a primary source, as a secondary reference, it will have value to libraries with large natural-history collections. Nancy Bent