Ghost Grizzlies Book

In many ways, this book turned out to be much more than a description of the search for remaining grizzly bears in southwestern Colorado wilderness areas. It also describes in some detail the natural history of grizzly bears and how the species has been managed (if one can call it that) and hunted over the years. It also describes how government policy makers have often yielded to pressure from special interest groups and have neglected their own biologists' advice when attempting to manage black bears and to protect any grizzlies that may remain.

The last documented grizzly kill in Colorado occurred in 1979. The last credible sighting occurred in 1995. Others have seen bears thought to be grizzlies or have seen sign (scat, hair, diggings, claw marks) consistent with grizzly bear activity but with no definitive proof.

It is the author's contention that a remnant population of grizzly bears still exists in the southern San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Certainly, suitable habitat does exist. This book describes his various attempts at finding the elusive bears in places where they have either been seen of killed in the past. His descriptions of the landscapes he travels are extraordinary in my opinion.

However a large part of the book includes discussion of the potential and perhaps unintended consequences to the bears themselves should a remnant population be found. The author presents his case for what should transpire if grizzlies are found but then has second thoughts. It is obvious the author has a passion for grizzly bear preservation. One needs to read the book to see what he eventually decides is the best approach.

If you think wildlife management is strictly a scientific endeavor, this book will help to dispel that notion.