Grizzly Chronicles - Introduction
There is no question that under certain circumstances grizzly bears can pose a mortal danger to humans. This fact has been well documented through horrific human/bear encounters. Nevertheless, looking beyond this scary reputation I have learned to know grizzlies differently. On the Dean River, British Columbia, we humans are relative newcomers.
The grizzlies have adjusted to our presence within their summer home range and are putting up with us. For several years now, living with grizzlies all around, I've found that they have little or no interest in me or my neighbors, except possibly to avoid us.
The secret I believe to furthering a good relationship with them is to respect them, to learn more about them and finally to learn from them. I have written this book, in part, to help show that grizzlies can be very tolerant of humans if left alone to be the bears nature intended. Grizzlies, like humans, are at the top of their food chain. Is it really asking too much of human culture to move over and share the catbird seat with them?
J. S.
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