Welcome to the World of Bears

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

These two books offer good coverage of the natural history of Canadian
bears and our two species of otters. Evolution, diversity, habitat,
locomotion, feeding, reproduction, behavior, and bodily features such as
size and fur are all introduced, along with intriguing details like the
role of scent marking in sociality, algae in the fur of polar bears, and
the armpit pouches and deep diving of otters. The “up-close” style
of presentation provides a sense of intimacy with the animals. The text
is pleasing and enhanced by color photographs and an attractive layout.
Highly recommended.