Grizzly Confidential, by Kevin Grange, takes the reader deep into the world of bears. We get to see many aspects of the lives of grizzly/brown bears as the author takes us along.

The author shows us how there is an illegal trade in bears, how some wildlife parks are not benefitting the animals, and more. We see bears in show business, bears in their natural habitat, and bears that people pay to watch as they fish in a remote river. We learn some of the science of bears, as well as see some of the most amazing gatherings of bears in the world. The whole book is full of fantastic information on one of my favorite species. I loved it!

There is so much we can learn from bears. For example, they spend months in their dens, but don't have issues with cholesterol or muscle atrophy during that time. What can we learn from this? Can it benefit human health?

Bears themselves have been the subject of many stories, legends, and lore. What are the real facts? Bears in movies are often shown doing things that real bears would not do. So, it is helpful to learn the truth about this fascinating species.

The author even takes us along to see the bears as they fish at the falls for salmon, in the largest peaceful gathering of bears that happens anywhere on Earth. It's a special place and only accessible to very few people per year. Winning a drawing to get a ticket to go see them is the dream of many bear fans. Just the descriptions of the bears, their unique personalities, and the guides' stories about them, were so entertaining!

This is a wonderful book for anyone who loves bears. I could not get enough of it. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bears, especially grizzlies, are facing challenges: environmental from climate change, loss of habitat from population growth and always “bad press” touting fearful misinformation. Enter the world of grizzlies with author Kevin Grange. His experience as a paramedic and park ranger in the iconic bear areas of Yellowstone and the Tetons gives him the curiosity to explore bears from the viewpoints of enthusiastic self-educated volunteers, degreed scientists, activists, ranchers, and hunters. He takes the reader on journeys through the Rockies, sanctuaries in Alaska, moviemaking, rehabilitation and relocation places and universities with grizzly study programs. Growing up in the forested NE, his interest, as well as bear fear was whetted in his youngest days. Grange’s quest is to educate himself and the reader. Success!! He does not neglect the history of grizzlies, their link to indigenous populations nor the potency of their mythic/spiritual embodiment. Highly recommended. Informative, entertaining, well-written. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.