On Saturday, January 27 th from Noon – 1:15 Eastern Time we will discuss two books about the black bear. Read one or both and email director@GratiotLakeConservancy.org to get the discussion link.

Walking with Bears: One Man’s Relationship with Three Generations of Wild Bears by Terry DeBruyn, 272 pages. Published in 1999 the book is out-of-print, but available in many upper Midwest libraries and also for purchase though used book sellers. Wildlife biologist DeBruyn researched his subject in an up-close-and-personal manner for six seasons in the U.P. He slowly acclimated a wild black bear to his presenceand followed in her footsteps to observe her behavior.

Out on a Limb: What Black Bears Have Taught Me about Intelligence and Intuition by wildlife biologist Benjamin Kilham, with forward by Temple Grandin, 224 pages. Published in 2013 it is available in a variety of formats. According to the Goodreads review, “Out on a Limb delivers Kilham’s fascinating glimpse at the inner world of bears, and also makes a passionate case for science, and education in general, to open its doors to different ways of learning and researching―doors that could lead to far broader realms of discovery.” Kilham and his work have been featured in documentaries and in radio and TV shows. Kilham is an experienced wildlife rehabilitator and founder of the Kilham Bear Center in Connecticut which fosters orphaned bear cubs.