The Wild Lens

A NOTE FROM THE BOOK'S EDITOR

“My research team and I recently published a new book titled Brown Bears in Alaska National Parks: Conservation of a Wilderness Icon. What is unique about this book is that it was written by a collection of more than 30 co-authors including wildlife biologists, educators, anthropologists, and others who have spent their careers studying and managing bears and humans across the Alaskan landscape.

While new scientific findings are often published in peer-reviewed journals, these articles are often dense, can be hard to access, and tend to be somewhat esoteric (my own writing often puts me to sleep). In this work, we synthesize the findings of our bear research of the past several decades to clearly share what has been learned, and of equal importance, the aspects of their ecology or environment we are yet to fully understand. We discuss how we decide what information is needed and how we go about designing and implementing research projects.

We place special emphasis on the long-standing cultural relationships between bears and humans who have shared the Alaskan landscape for millennia. Further, we discuss the current myriad challenges facing the species in our modern world and aspects of their resilience which will be critical for the species going forward.

Recognizing the Wild Lens connects wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe, I just want to acknowledge that it is the photos in the book that help us tell our stories and, to be frank, are the primary reason people will pick up and read the book. Your photos take most of us to places we will never go. You share National Parks with those that will never have a chance to visit them. Thus, as a scientist and public servant, I see you as partners and collaborators in conservation. Thank you for your passion and all that you do.”

- GRANT HILDERBRAND, Ph.D.

Brown Bears in America's National Parks can be purchased through the University Press, or through any of the major online booksellers. As an academic non-profit publication, none of the authors or editors receive any royalties from the sale of the book.