Description
Book SynopsisGet to know black bears, brown bears, and polar bears like never before—through Stan Tekiela’s wildlife photography, personal anecdotes, and years of research.
They are icons of our wild places. They are powerful and intimidating, yet they signify calmness, comfort, and peace. Bears are adored around the world. They are magnificent animals that capture our fascination. Enter the world of bears with award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela.
Crawling into black bear dens in northern Wisconsin, trekking across the Manitoba tundra in search of polar bears, traversing the Rocky Mountains in pursuit of grizzly bears, Stan spent more than 20 years traveling across the United States and Canada to observe and photograph bears. He documented every aspect of their lives: major events such as mating and hibernation (torpor), as well as everyday activities including foraging, hunting, and socializing. The result is a striking portrayal of these mammals in Bears of North America. Stan’s extraordinary photographs depict the creatures in a new, unique fashion. The coffee-table book is pleasurable to browse and easy to read.
Accompany Stan on some of the greatest adventures of his life. Explore North America’s desolate areas with him, pursuing these resourceful animals. With his instinct for being in the right place at the right time, Stan utilizes rare opportunities to capture some of the most compelling images of his career. Through this book, you can share in his research and develop a new appreciation and respect for bears. Bears of North America is a must-have for lovers of wildlife and nature.
Table of ContentsBears—a lifelong affair
An eminent history
The bear family
Origins of the species
Species around the world
Black Bears
Brown Bears
Polar Bears
Is it a Black Bear or a Brown Bear?
Names of distinction
Sizes north to south
Considerations of weight
Life expectancy
Roaming the home range
Step-for-step paths
Scent marking
Claw scraping
Posturing to communicate
Expression of aggression
Congeniality
Not just smart—resourceful
Large skull and jaws
Claws and paws
Tiny tails
Snouts and scents
Fuzzy ears, sharp hearing
Sight, near and far
Strong, stout legs
Gait
Masters at running
Standing advantage
Tracks and trails
Silent travelers
Swimming trips
Climbing trees
Sleeping in trees
Daybed naps
Play fighting
Color palette
Furry coat
Hollow hair
Black Bear blaze
White, but not albino
Shedding
Potluck diet
Breeding time
Ready to mate
Unusual gestation
Birthing
Newborn and helpless
Eyes open
Mother’s milk
Nursing duty
Litter size
Family planning
A difficult beginning
Mixing up cubs
The miracle of hibernation
Den diversity
Preparing for winter
Emerging in spring
Cautionary measures
Respecting bears
Featured bears
Where to spot bears in the wild
About the author
