Our Three Bears

Bears roam North America from the waters of the Canadian arctic to the forests of the United States southeast. Black, grizzly, and polar bears are thrilling to see in the wild and exciting to study. In order to appreciate how wonderful bears are it helps to get to know them. Black bears, the most abundant bear in North America, can be seen just a short distance from populated areas. Their numbers are stable and even increasing in some places. Unlike black bears, however, grizzly bears are a rare sight. They have completely disappeared from California, though they remain the state’s emblem. Polar bears are not easy to see, either, living in lands that are difficult to reach. This book provides a close-up view. Ron Hirschi and Tom Mangelsen have spent many hours observing bears in the wild. They have a special love for these majestic creatures. Together, they are the perfect guides into the secretive world of bears. With a lively and informative text, and stunning photography, Hirschi and Mangelsen offer a look at the lives and behaviors of bears, and the challenges that our three bears face as humans affect their habitat.