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Title details for What the Bears Know by Steve Searles - Wait list

What the Bears Know

Finding Truth and Magic in America's Most Misunderstood Creatures

by Steve Searles
Chris Erskine
ebook
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The incredible story of how one man went from a hired hunter to becoming one of America's top champions for this iconic animal.

**A Los Angeles Times and USA Today Bestseller**
In this wonderous and eye-opening exploration, Steve Searles, the reknown and respected "Bear Whisperer" of Mammoth Lakes, takes the reader on a journey into the lives of these remarkable creatures and the world we share.

In the late 1990s, the town of Mammoth Lakes, California hired Steve Searles as a hunter to cull half its troublesome bear population. But as he began to prepare for the grim task, the bears soon won him over, and Searles realized there had to be a better way. He soon developed non-lethal tactics to control their behavior and overpopulation that heralded a landmark moment in the care and handling of the American black bear.

But change was not without its challenges. To some, his success was dismissed due to his lack of formal academic training. Yet Searles never wavered in his commitment, and eventually became not just local folk hero but a nationally recognized expert. This high school dropout saved not just the bears, but, in many ways, his community.

In a tradition that runs from John Muir to Bear Grylls, Searles finds a fellowship with nature and a deeper meaning in the world of bears. Do bears understand things we don't? Are they dialed in to some greater natural force?

Unlike us, bears waste little time on unreasonable fears. Bears are fully in the moment. They have an inner peace that seems to offset their power and strength. That may explain why no other animal on the planet is as revered as the bear.

As Searles shares his remarkable knowledge and we become immersed in the ursine world, you'll never look at bears or nature the same way again. Warm and poignant, and perfect for anyone who has been fascinated by the natural world, What the Bears Know shows that wisdom and fulfillment can come from unexpected places.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 3, 2023

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781639365029

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781639365029
      • File size: 59237 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Booklist

      September 1, 2023
      In the 1990s, the colorful Searles was hired to deal with the black bear problem at Mammoth Lakes, California. He worked to find nonlethal, often unconventional solutions for dealing with the bears who raided the town's garbage cans, cars, and homes for food to bulk up as they prepared for hibernation. In lively prose, Searles, also known as the Bear Whisperer, shares about being a "media hustler" and filming with various crews; once, he trained bears to stay away from garbage bins by plowing his vehicle (with a news crew along for the ride) into the side of a dumpster. Not only was he training the bears, trying to figure out their relationships, emotions, and triggers, but he was also working with the town's inhabitants to not tempt the bears and facing challenges from those who questioned his methods. Along the way, many myths about bears are addressed and corrected. Periodically, coauthor Erksine, through italicized segments, offers his insights on the events and on Searles, along with insight into their writing process. Searles and the bears are captivating subjects in this funny and moving work.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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