Bears both frighten and intrigue us. Our complicated relationship with these wild beasts is reflected in the extensive selection of books about them, which variously consider bears as wildlife, spiritual creatures, trophies, tourist attractions, and man eaters. But our fascination with these majestic and terrifying animals refuses to wane, as two new books on the subject demonstrate.

Winnipeg’s Jake MacDonald and Calgary’s Else Poulsen both anthropomorphize bears, but they do so in different ways, which are indicative of each author’s individual approach to their subject. Whereas Poulsen is sincere, MacDonald is tongue-in-cheek, as in his description of a Kelowna, Ontario bylaw enforcement officer’s characterization of the town’s bears as “street people in fur coats.” 

This breezy attitude is typical of Grizzlyville’s overall style. The book is a relaxed, literary chat on the subject of those who deal with bears, conducted by a confident, prolific writer. MacDonald’s book does not move in a direct line, but instead meanders, detours, and pauses frequently to describe the interesting people he encounters along the way. The author makes no apology for his digressive approach, pointing out in his introduction that he isn’t a bear expert, and that Grizzlyville is not intended as a scientific account.

MacDonald returns several times to Bella Coola on B.C.’s remote West Coast in search of grizzlies, and finally hits the motherlode when he meets Gary Shelton, a local bear expert who knows exactly how and where to look for these hulking animals. Shelton believes that northern B.C. grizzlies need to be hunted in order for them to retain their fear of humans and to control a population he maintains is expanding out of control. This is quite a different view from the one espoused by Dr. Lynn Rogers, a naturalist MacDonald labels “the Jane Goodall of Black Bears.” Rogers disputes the aphorism that a fed bear is a dead bear, claiming instead that bears are intelligent enough to avoid humans who don’t feed them.

This is a pleasant thought, although having earlier read about the “night of the bears,” when a young woman was dragged from her tent and eaten alive, we probably aren’t going to be convinced that easily. This is MacDonald’s tactic throughout the book: he routinely juxtaposes extreme points of view, providing readers with a spectrum of opinions and experiences while remaining impartial himself.

Divided into three almost equal parts dealing with grizzlies, American black bears, and polar bears, respectively, the volume would be more accurately titled Bearville. That small discrepancy aside, MacDonald’s book delivers exactly what it promises: an enjoyable, chatty read that is heavier on entertainment than information.

At the other end of the spectrum is Else Poulsen, a bear expert. A lifetime spent in the company of bears as a zookeeper in Calgary and Detroit, and later as an animal management consultant for zoos, has given her intriguing insights into bears’ behaviour.

“Who are you?” “What can I do for you?” These are the questions Poulsen asks of each of her charges: black bears, grizzlies, polar bears, and Andean spectacled bears. Her approach is painstaking and sometimes painful – bear cubs bite, after all. Poulsen’s patience and dedication to her animal wards come out clearly in this, her first book. There’s no wandering off the trail for her. Her focus is narrow and her message is precise: bears need our help.

The information she shares with us is fascinating. Bears can communicate their needs – fresh straw for their dens, water for washing, specific foods – to her through eye contact, expressions, sounds, and gestures. One particularly engaging portrait is that of the nipping cub, Miggy, who “trains” Poulsen to crack nuts with her teeth instead of using a stone.

Whereas MacDonald entertains us with his wit and literary skill, it is Poulsen’s insider information that catches and holds us. She may not be as stylistically accomplished, and her humour may occasionally be forced, but the route she has mapped out for us is original and rarely travelled. Think of MacDonald as the tour guide and Poulsen as the expert.