Katmai National Park and Preserve's annual Fat Bear Week is right around the corner, where millions of folks tune in to get a look at some chonky bears who are on their way to hibernation. It's a great time to shine a spotlight on bears in America, even if only for a week. But... if you actually want to get a real look at brown bears in America, look no further than the new book from Kevin Grange. Titled
Grizzly Confidential: An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North America’s Most Fearsome Predator, the book is a memoir of sorts, and takes readers on an immersive exploration of brown bears, particularly focusing on their behavior, ecology, and the challenges of studying them in the wild. Author Kevin Grange combines personal adventure with in-depth scientific insights to paint a comprehensive picture of these magnificent creatures. Grange is a firefighter paramedic in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, who has also worked as a park ranger and paramedic at Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Grange has taken his bucket of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and channeled that into award winning pieces of literature including
Wild Rescues: A Paramedic's Extreme Adventures in Yosemite, Yellowston e
, and Grand Teton, Lights and Sirens: The Education of a Paramedic , and
Beneath Blossom Rain: Discovering Bhutan on the Toughest Trek in the World. In addition to his books, he has written for
National Parks, Backpacker, Utne Reader, Yoga Journal, and the Orange County Register. But
Grizzly Confidential is Grange's first dive into the incredible world of bears, taking readers on a journey through some of North America’s most rugged and remote landscapes, revealing the secret lives of grizzly bears. Through a series of adventures, encounters, and scientific missions, Grange provides an intimate look at the world of these powerful predators. The synopsis reads as follows:
In Grizzly Confidential, author Kevin Grange—former paramedic and park ranger at Yellowstone and Grand Teton—comes face-to-face with North America’s most fearsome predator, Ursus Arctos.
His quest takes him from his home in the Tetons to an eerie, mist-shrouded island of gigantic bruins; from the Bear Center at Washington State University—where scientists believe the secrets of hibernation might help treat diabetes, heart disease, and obesity in humans—to the dark underbelly of for-profit wildlife parks, illegal animal trade and black markets hawking bear bile.
Along the way, he meets fascinating biologists and activists and discovers that everything he knew about grizzlies was wrong. Ultimately, his odyssey leads him to find answers on a remote corner of the Alaskan Peninsula where, for the last fifty years, humans have coexisted peacefully alongside the largest gathering of brown bears on the planet.
Grizzly Confidential is about bears but also the inspiring people who look after them. This is a fast-paced, gripping story that educates, entertains, and gives a sneak peek into the secret life of a well-known species. Part science, part travelogue, and a passionate plea for bear conservation, Grizzly Confidential is a lively account for anyone who loves the outdoors and learning about the natural world.
The book delves into the bears’ ecological significance and their role in the natural world. The narrative is filled with thrilling field adventures where Grange accompanies wildlife biologists and researchers on various missions. These include tracking bears using GPS collars, observing their behavior in their natural habitats, and dealing with the challenges of working in remote, rugged environments. Grange explores the scientific aspects of bear research, such as the use of GPS collars to track bear movements, understand their habitat use, and study their behavior. He provides detailed explanations of how data is collected and analyzed to contribute to conservation efforts. The book includes vivid accounts of encounters with grizzly bears, illustrating the animals’ behaviors and interactions with humans. Grange describes the thrill and danger of these encounters, offering insights into bear behavior and safety protocols. He also addresses the conservation challenges faced by grizzly bears, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and climate change. He highlights the efforts of researchers and conservationists working to protect and preserve bear populations. Throughout the book, Grange reflects on his experiences and the personal impact of his adventures. His reflections provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of working in wildlife conservation, and really connects the reader with bears in a way that they've probably never experienced before. You get to see bears through a lense that most will never have access to, with personal stories and understanding that few have ever gathered in one place.
Grizzly Confidential is a MUST-READ for anyone curious about brown bears, or anyone interested in traveling to place where they can be viewed, especially the wild frontier of Alaska. Out TODAY, you can pick up a copy at Amazon, Google Books, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books and more. For more information, you can visit
kevingrange.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUYB_1Wbptc
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