Waubonsee Community College

Do (not) feed the bears, the fitful history of wildlife and tourists in Yellowstone, Alice Wondrak Biel

eng

Includes bibliographical references (p. 151-175) and index

government publication of a state province territory dependency etc

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Do (not) feed the bears

bibliography

61859716

Alice Wondrak Biel

the fitful history of wildlife and tourists in Yellowstone

The story of Yellowstone Park and its wildlife, particularly bears, is intrinsically intertwined with tourists. Since the park's inception, people have traveled there to view Old Faithful and see a bear. When national parks were new, feeding grizzly and black bears was part of the charm. But once roadside feedings were de rigueur for tourists, the exchanges turned out to be detrimental to both wildlife and humans. The animals became dependent on a foreign, unhealthy food source, and people were getting mauled. Over the course of her clarifying history, Biel writes with conviction about the influence of various park superintendents, bear-management strategies, and changing ecopolitical influences, particularly the economic impact of the tourist trade. Years of training the public to regard bears as neither cute nor cuddly but as wild animals magnificent in their own right and deserving respect appear to have improved the welfare of wildlife in the park. Yet each generation must be educated anew, and Biel's book is a valuable contribution to that effort. --Pamela Crossland Copyright 2006 Booklist

Zoos, feeding grounds, and roadsides: the wild yet tame bear -- Admitting you have a problem: making the dangerous bear -- Funny bears and TV stars -- Science versus scenery: the wilderness bear -- The politics of peril -- Today's Yellowstone bear -- Conclusion: the post-enlightenment bear