Customer Reviews:
 Highly entertaining with practical advice for safe Bear Country travel May 20, 2008
Linda Hunter's book about bears attracted me because I live and often hike alone in black bear habitat of SW Washington, so I felt it was important to increase my knowledge of bear traits and habits in preparation for a possible bear encounter on a backcountry trail. My read was delayed, however, by my husband who grabbed the book, read it cover to cover, and declared, "Great story! Gutsy lady!" Strong praise from a crusty, old woodsman. And I soon wholeheartedly agreed. For me, the strength of the author's detailed insights into bears came from observing the same creatures on numerous occasions, under diverse conditions, as they engaged a variety of activities, year after year. While scientists often observe bears briefly; she closely studied the same bears from birth to maturity. By the end of the book, I had developed an intimate bond to specific bears...the indifferent mother, the brothers bent on mischief (her story of the too-big bears wedged inside a too-small outhouse was a HOOT!), and the bear who wanted to be people. Her wilderness tales blend first-hand experiences of face-to-face bear encounters, some delightful, some fear-provoking, with practical, proven, survival methods, essential for anyone traveling in bear country. If I ever meet a bear face to face, I'll be damn glad I read this book. And hope like crazy I remember what Linda Hunter told me about the importance of "casually' walking way.
fan from NYC April 9, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
What makes this so fascinating is the way the author skillfully combines essential information about wild bears with entertaining anecdotes (which are, at times, laugh out loud funny). The reader will learn so much about these amazing creatures -- how they interact with each other and with humans; why they are at risk; what we can do to protect them and their enivronment etc. -- while enjoying every word. Highly recommended for animal and nature lovers every where.
Up Close and Fascinating April 3, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Whatever you think about bears, cuddly or fierce, you're probably going to come away from this book with a new perspective, and a smarter outlook on their place in the world. This remarkable book gives us a close-up view of brown, grizzly, and black bears that cost its author many seasons of hard toil as a guide in an Alaskan wilderness lodge to obtain! Her insights and observations about both human nature and bear behavior are keen and funny, surprising and moving, and probably unique in all the bear literature out there.
Personally, I'm bear-phobic; the sight of a grizzly snout sends physical sensations through my body that just aren't to be desired. But after reading Linda Hunter's tales of Alaskan summers spent a few feet from mothers and teenagers and cubs and aggressive males, and learning about bear-body-language from her thoughtful observations and experiences, I can honestly say that, where once I would have done everything to encourage a bear to reinforce my fears, now I have a chance of doing everything right, if I should perchance encounter one. And since I've recently moved to a black-bear state, that's not too far-fetched. I am no longer so afraid to venture into Michigan's northern woods. I'll be armed with pepper spray for emergencies, but also with a new respect and understanding for all the different types of bears & behaviors out there.
Make no mistake; this is no cuddly wishful thinking reminiscence about bears we'd like to have as pets! Ms. Hunter's book is a wise and carefully considered collection of observations that sometimes defies what "experts" have written before her. She may be "Lonesome for Bears," but she's also a trained animal tracker and sharp observer. This is the book to read if you can't afford the thousands of dollars it would cost you to visit these bears in their natural world; you'll gain several seasons' worth of wisdom, gathered and retold in delightful story after story of close encounters of the bear kind. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) She made me laugh and she made me cry, and perhaps most important to her way of thinking, she made me respect. Fear, which leads to unnecessary violence, isn't part of her ideal equation for humans and bears.
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