Bears We've Met
Short Stories of Close Encounters
by
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Sassy Teenager -- The two cubs, however, now presented a more daunting concern, as the larger of the two hastily made its way closer toward us and assumed the female’s previous position. The sinister demeanor of this cub caused me to reflect back over my fifty-plus years. There was no doubt that he was looking for trouble, and I considered that this could be the last opportunity to relish my earthly appointment.
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About the Book
Bears We've Met (see www.bearswevemet.com) is a compelling narrative of short stories of close encounters with bears spanning more than thirty years of the author's experiences in North America's remote regions.
In this documentary the author shares early blunders and tense moments, including humorous and intriguing confrontations, as he and his wife confront the largest of land mammals.
The book recounts time spent exploring Alaska and Kodiak Island; backpacking along the Appalachian Trail; and hiking within the Southern Appalachians, Colorado, and Shenandoah and Yellowstone National Parks.
Each story affords the reader a vicarious opportunity to explore a remarkable wilderness area through informative descriptions of the extraordinary landscape and flora and fauna found within.
This book is more than "armchair entertainment" for those interested in the bear as an American wilderness icon. It provides valuable insight to understanding this majestic creature and the vital role it serves in nature as a dominant landscape species.
About the Author
Joel Zachry has taught outdoor skills courses and led backcountry adventures in black bear and grizzly bear habitat for over thirty years.
His career as a community college biology professor and naturalist allowed him to combine his occupation with his passion for the outdoors and wildlife. He also served in the mid-1990’s as board member and president of the Appalachian Bear Rescue and Great Bear Foundation.
Together with his wife Kathy, a career medical industry executive, he has guided extended trips within bear habitat regions of the southern Appalachians, as well as Colorado, Maine, and Montana, and guided excursions in remote portions of Alaska for over twenty years.
Additionally, they section hiked the length of the Appalachian Trail, backpacking 2,175 miles from Georgia to Maine. They completed nearly half of this journey with their beloved dog, “AT,” and six loyal hiking friends.
They have served as backcountry instructors, Joel since 1980 and Kathy since 1983, of the nationally recognized, award winning, Smoky Mountain Field School – a cooperative venture between the National Park Service of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee.
Retired from initial careers, they live on 17 acres in East Tennessee with their four cats, fainting goats, and a diversity of wildlife.
They continue to share their knowledge, experiences, and love of the outdoors through their company – Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel.