Book Description

Bears combines the work of some of North America's leading wildlife photographers with the writing of Daniel Wood, a leading nature writer. This celebration of the bears of North America covers black bears, brown bears, and polar bears.

Through photographs, text, and extended captions, the earth's largest terrestrial carnivore is revealed in intimate detail. Wood explores social interaction, hunting and hibernation patterns, mothering behaviour, and the consequences of human contact with these magnificent creatures. He also follows a year in the life of a bear and, in the process, dispels many common myths about this misunderstood animal.

Catch a glimpse of migrating polar bears hunting and frolicking in Churchill, Manitoba, as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze. Follow the black bear as it scrounges for salmon, insects, berries, and garbage. Discover why the grizzly bear can strike terror in the hearts of hikers and campers. Bears enters the wild domain of this fascinating animal and presents an in-depth portrait of it at work, rest and play. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Black Bears...Polar Bears...and the mighty Grizzly.
My love for Bears developed while living in Canada, which was the first time I came across this potentially dangerous animal...that lived where I lived...chose to walk the trails that I walked...and had no respect for those in hiking boots.

On a sunny, hot summers day I met with a protective grizzly sow with two cubs.A demonstration of 'Power', 'Intimidation', and 'Motherly Instinct' took place before my eyes.With the ability to merely watch...and not much else, I felt helpless, knowing that I did not have the ability to change my very-own immediate future. The bear was very much in control...she had the ability to kill in a matter of seconds...and yet she let us go.

Was it the quick actions of my friend that saved us? Was it that I reacted slowly (in an non-threatening manner) that disabled the situation? Or, was it that the bear saw our two dogs as 'our cubs'...and after protecting hers she left us alone to protect ours?

Questions like these have plagued me most days since our meeting, and this book is one of many, which I've read in search of answers.

This book has answered many questions...short of why the grizzly I met let me go. It is full of facts and written in a style that heavily leans toward the protection of these beautiful animals.Many people 'hate' Grizzlies (all bears for that matter), yet hatred feeds on fear, and fear is born from the unknown.Get to know what you're dealing with and the fear disappears.

While I'm not a fan of reviews that talk about pictures, the author has found 'most' of the best available to publish in his book.The pictures are wonderful (which in the case of 'understanding', especially for unapproachable animals, is so important) and the fear is replaced with respect. The pictures of the bears in their natural habitat show the bear is an animal of peace-yet-power; mother-yet (possible)-murderer; parent...provider...and protector.

Not only a book of fact, it is of'coffee-table' quality, which can be enjoyed by many.From those who want to learn, to those who just like the pictures of these 'not-so-cuddly' demons of our imagination, this book will enthral.

The 'Great Bear' has the ability to chisel it's being into the spine of those who cross it's path.It has the ability to erase landscapes, producing a tunnel-vision effect between animal and man - even of life and death.The bear reclaims its land in a second.All that one can see is the bear; standing proud, in a circle of white, empty space.The bear got me in 1998.My life took a turn because of it.

I plan on moving to Canada to live.The 'Great Bear' is a big reason why...and this book has provided some of my reasons. ... Read more

Book Description

Polar Bears is a very personal tale from an acclaimed Russian researcher detailing the four years he lived among these great white bears in the High Arctic. Ovsyanikov reveals startling new facts about polar bear behavior while capturing the power and beauty of these magnificent creatures in more than 100 color photos, and unveils the unexpected splendor of the Arctic landscape that is their home. For natural history buffs.

Also recommended: Polar Bears, Bears: Behavior, Ecology, Conservation, The Arctic Wolf: Ten Years with the Pack, The Way of the Grizzly, Great Bear Adventures. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Engaging storyteller, zealot proponent of Ursus Maritimus
This is the book for you if the imagery of Barry Lopez's Artic Dreams captured you. Dr. Ovsyanikov hung out with Bering population of Polar Bears, notably Wrangel and Hearld Island. A drawback is that there are only glimpses of the life cycle of the Polar Bear in his spring-fall trips he chronicles. In addition the most accessable bear population is trivially mentioned in one page (Churchill). So, this is a secular book, extraordinarily entertaining and full of facts and de-mystifying of the general ideas held of Polar Bear behavior, but of bears in only one part of the artic. It does stand alone as an appeal to understand these great mammals. Like grizzlies, these are individuals, and must be treated as such. Great work, Dr. Ovsyanikov!

Polar Wonders
I devoured this book while traveling on a two-day business trip. Ovsyanikov's writing is clean and easy to read. His photographs are beautiful and revealing. Most importantly, he dispels many myths about the "beast" of the north and replaces them with hard won insights.

As a scientist, Ovsyanikov does this by careful and sometimes brave experimentation and patient observation. I suspect that he may be the only person on the planet willing to stand up to a charging polar bear to assert his "dominance." He shares his love for the white bear and his concern for their future wellbeing. In these and other ways, he reminds me of Dian Fossey.

Anyone seeking to expand his or her knowledge of our natural world will treasure this wonderful book.

New knowledge displaces polar bear myths
I devoured this book while traveling on a two-day business trip. Ovsyanikov's writing is clean and easy to read. His photographs are beautiful and revealing. Most importantly, he dispels many myths about the "beast" of the north and replaces them with hard won insights.

As a scientist, Ovsyanikov does this by careful and sometimes brave experimentation and patient observation. I suspect that he may be the only person on the planet willing to stand up to a charging polar bear to assert his "dominance." He shares his love for the white bear and his concern for their future wellbeing. In these and other ways, he reminds me of Dian Fossey

Anyone seeking to expand his or her knowledge of our natural world will treasure this wonderful book.

Inspiring and affectionate account of a fascinating animal
I first encountered this book while on a ship, steaming along the Arctic ice edge on a research cruise towards Wrangel Island, the site of most of the author's research. Along the way, we regularly had the good fortune to encounter polar bears on the ice floes, often approaching within thirty metres of our ship. This book was the one that we all consulted -- devoured, really -- to learn more about these remarkable creatures. The author writes about them with great knowledge, but also tremendous sensitivity and understanding. While not compromising the information the book contains, he does not adhere to the objective distance typical of many scientists, but makes plain his love and fascination for these creatures. After reading this book, and gazing at the astonishing photographs, you will feel the same way. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A journey through their seasons, in words and pictures.

"What good is a bear?" The author opens the book with this thought-provoking question and proceeds to answer it by taking us through an entire year in the lives of three bear species found in North America -- the brown, the black and the polar bear.

Beginning when the bears first wake from hibernation and give birth in February, Bears tells the story of an entire year as these magnificent animals hunt, feed, play, mate and breed until the return of winter, when the cycle begins again with the need to hibernate.

Bears inspire both affection and fear in us. The teddy bear is a familiar symbol of childhood and security, yet the notion of the bear as a dangerous killer has survived the taming of the wilderness and remains frightening to the camper, rancher and wilderness traveler.

In Bears, the author covers: - Polar bears and their unique marine habitat - Brown and black bears across their range - Dangers from bears living too close to human habitation - Biology and breeding - The five bear species that do not live in North America

Bears: A Year in the Life is packed with facts and details and is lavishly illustrated with more than 125 remarkable color photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

Like no other book before, Bear: A Celebration of Power and Beauty blends natural history, legend, and folklore to explore the longstanding human fascination with one of Earth's most remarkable creatures. From shape-shifting shamans who drew their power from the bear to the Great Bear that prowls the night skies, Bear explores the many ways that early peoples expressed their fear, respect, and reverence for these spiritually powerful animals.

Drawing on a wide variety of sources, Rebecca L. Grambo weaves together ancient legends, up-to-date bear facts, historical writings, personal observations, and striking artifacts to create a uinique look at bears past and present.The magnificent photographs of Daniel J. Cox breathe life into the legends, giving us the privilege of seeing the power and beauty of bears today.

Read on and follow the track of the bear into the mists of time long past: when bears and humans married, when bears gave people healing powers, and when people could never be entirely certain whether they were looking at a bear or another person. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

INSPIRATIONAL!
Having been involved in bears and photography for the past twenty years, I found this book to be a magnificent synopsis of these great creatures. Dan Cox's photography allows you to become so close as to be intimate with some of Mother Nature's finest work. The images are truly breathtaking and the writing unquestionably illuminates our understanding of these great creatures and how they have influenced our cultures. On a one to ten scale, we give this book a twelve! ... Read more

From the Publisher

Teddy bears teach youngsters about good health and how to select the best things to eat. Plus easy recipes so children can make their own healthful treats. A charming and informative book.

from the author of the classic Oats, Peas, Beans & Barley Cookbook. ... Read more

Book Description

12" x 9" exceptional quality wall calendar featuring the mighty Grizzly Bear, the familiar Black Bear, and the magnificent Polar Bear.International award winning photographer, Bela Baliko, has captured each of these bears at home in their natural environment, whether fishing for salmon, out on the pack ice or perched in a pine tree.Each month's image is accompanied by an interesting paragraph of well-researched information.

Large user-friendly grid has all American and Canadian holidays.Includes a 2004-2006 year-at-a-glance page.Superb photography paired with top quality production, all at a reasonable price! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great introduction to the world of polar bears !
This book features great photos of polar bears in their habitat. There are quite a number of pictures of females and their cubs. The book's captions are well-written and affectionate.

"Polar Bear" is among my favorite books. ... Read more