The bears of North America and their relations with man from earliest times to the present: an absorbing story of violent encounters, humorous adventures, and gradually acquired scientific knowledge. Includes historical paintings and drawings, as well as superb photos by top wildlife photographers. Author George Laycock first traces the origins of American bears to a prehistoric ancestor, then surveys the bear family world-wide, finally focusing on the animals that loom so large in our history--the grizzly and Alaska brown bear. Here are tales of early explorers who met the grizzly head-on in their push westward--of Henry Kelsey, an Englishman, who in 1690 explored the Northwest and was the first to describe the great bear; of Lewis and Clark a century later, whose men hunted' and killed the grizzly on their historic journey; and of the mountain men who, trapping for beaver in the Rockies, often tangled with the ferocious bear. Here too are the lore and legends of Indian tribes for whom the bear was both a religious symbol and a feared quarry. Some tribes believed they could gain courage by eating the grizzly's vital parts; others refused to eat the bear at all, since if the animal ate humans and they ate the bear, they would be guilty of cannibalism. Laycock also takes us into the world of the grizzly and describes its life cycle in the wilderness. Relying on the latest scientific studies, he covers every phase of the bear's existence known to man: denning, feeding, mating, birthing, and care of young. As the settlers poured westward, conflict was inevitable. Here are stories of renegade bears that killed livestock and were in turn slaughtered by cattlemen and sheepherders. So many instances of the grizzly's cunning have been recorded that a whole chapter is devoted to an investigation of its intelligence. What saved the bears were the two great national parks, Yellowstone and Glacier. The author also tells of efforts to protect the bears in wilderness areas outside the parks, and their chances of survival in the future. In the second half of the book, Laycock turns his attention to the black bear. Although not as truculent as the grizzly, this bear has compiled a grim record of attacks against humans, a number of which are recorded here in order to make a point: black bears are dangerous. Again, he provides a detailed portrait of the animal and its habits, and relates the exploits of famous bear hunters from Davy Crockett to Teddy Roosevelt. As to the future, it all depends on available habitat. An engaging narrative and an informative and authoritative reference work, The Wild Bears will be enjoyed by everyone who cares about these fascinating creatures and the wilderness they inhabit.--Adapted from dust jacket.