One of Us A Biologist's Walk Among Bears

About this book

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.

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Biography

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Barrie Gilbert graduated with a degree in biology from Queen's University, going on to earn a PhD in zoology from Duke University. After a stint as an Alberta wildlife research biologist, he joined the faculty of Utah State University, where he taught courses on animal behaviour, wildlife management and endangered species. His research interests include human-wildlife interactions, especially the three species of North American bears; studies of dolphin communication; and ungulate behaviour. Since retiring, Dr Gilbert has focused on bringing ecological insights to conservation of threatened species and habitats. His hobbies include photography, sailing, mountain biking, and physical fitness.