9781592283200
The Grizzly Almanac: A Fully Illustrated Natural and Cultural History of America's Great Bear share button
Robert H. Busch
Genre Reference
Format Paperback
Dimensions 7.62 (w) x 9.66 (h) x 0.53 (d)
Pages 224
Publisher Globe Pequot Press
Publication Date May 2004
ISBN 9781592283200
Book ISBN 10 1592283209
About Book

Few animals are as awe-inspiring as the grizzly bear, the largest terrestrial carnivore in North America. The Grizzly Almanac is an up-close, richly illustrated look at the animal known to biologists as Ursus arctos horribilis, the “horrible Northern bear.” A powerful symbol of wilderness, the grizzly was once widespread from Alaska to Mexico. Today, 99 percent of its population in the lower 48 states is gone - the victim of habitat loss, over-hunting, and predator control programs that were based more on emotion than fact. This impeccably researched volume looks at the natural and cultural history of the grizzly, with vital information on its evolution, habitat, diet, reproduction, intelligence, and behavior.
Robert H. Busch recounts the grizzly’s interaction with mankind, including: the bear’s place in native folklore; first encounters with Europeans; famous “outlaw” bears and the men who hunted them; the bear’s twentieth-century decline; and current conservation efforts. The almanac also covers the emotion-charged topic of grizzly attacks, with descriptions of notable cases and practical information for those who seek to share the dwindling domain of the last of the great predators. The Grizzly Almanac is especially important reading today, as controversy rages over plans to reintroduce the grizzly into areas of its former habitat. This comprehensive volume is essential for anyone who wishes to understand the grizzly and its world.

Reviews

KLIATT

Busch is a natural history writer with much experience with wild animals and the world they live in. He writes the story of the grizzly in clear non-scientific language that does not speak down to the reader. He begins with the bear's evolution, its habits, habitat and lifestyle, and interaction with humans; he also devotes a chapter to famous bear attacks and how to avoid them. The final chapter is called "The Future of the Grizzly," now an endangered species in the US and a threatened species in Canada. He shows how human encroachment, hunting, ecotourism, agriculture and mining have all led to the reduction in number of bears and then discusses some of the attempts to improve their chances of survival. All of this information is presented on glossy pages with beautiful photos. He concludes with useful information on organizations, a glossary and an extensive index. This will be a valuable research resource for most libraries. KLIATT Codes: JSA—Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Lyons Press, 229p. illus. bibliog. index., Ages 12 to adult.
—Nola Theiss