The Grizzly Almanac: A Fully Illustrated Natural and Cultural History of North America's Great Bear

Peter Harmathy teaches fine arts in Victoria, B.C.

Robert Busch is the author of eight books on natural history, including
The Wolf Almanac and The Cougar Almanac. He has written numerous
magazine articles and is a recognized science writer. Busch lives in
central British Columbia, in the heart of grizzly country.

“Almanac” is a bit of a misnomer for this book, which is devoid of
lists or charts, and instead presents itself as a well-researched book
on the natural and cultural history of the grizzly. All aspects of the
grizzly bear are presented: its evolutionary history, range, physical,
and behavioral characteristics; its interaction with other mammals
(including humans); and its tenuous future in North America. Each of the
six chapters is well illustrated with numerous color photographs, most
from the author himself. The chapter on bears and men is a shocking and
disheartening account of humans’ systematic extermination, abuse, and
torture of this once abundant animal in the lower 48 states of the
United States. The chapter on grizzly attacks offers practical advice on
handling bear encounters, minimizing harm to both humans and bears.
Almost all information and research for this book is based on recent
observations and data (1990s), providing a most accurate portrayal of a
once maligned and unjustly vilified great animal.

This book demystifies this once horrifying denizen of the fearful
wilderness: the grizzly is highly intelligent, resourceful, cautious,
and far from unpredictable. Once a prairie animal, most grizzlies have
been pushed by humans into the mountains, and to the limits of their
existence. Busch best describes this encroachment of humans as a
beautiful carpet that is rolled back to reveal a bare, ugly floor
underneath. The essence of wilderness is thus diminished and made
emptier by humans. Busch provides the most objective comprehensive
portrayal of the grizzly I have read to date.