The Bears of Grand Teton: A Natural and Cultural History By SueConsolo‐Murphy, Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press. 2025. pp. 282. $26.95 (paperback). ISBN: 978‐1‐4962‐3627‐2

There has been a multitude of books and literature written about the biology, ecology, and cultural and natural history of bears (Ursus spp.) in Yellowstone National Park. The Bears of Grand Teton: A Natural and Cultural History represents the first substantial, comprehensive history of bears in and around Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming. Blending stories from her multi-decade tenure with the National Park Service, Sue Consolo-Murphy adds a personal touch throughout the book when highlighting some of her stories on bears. The book is largely focused on cultural, historical, and biological perspectives on bears, but Consolo-Murphy provides context about park history, dives into the current bear management in Grand Teton National Park, and spotlights the more recent phenomenon of celebrity bears such as the late grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) #399. The Bears of Grand Teton consists of 19 chapters with themes spanning ecological, administrative, natural, and cultural history. The book can be described as personal recollections and research from archival records, old newspapers, and other writings, so the book is less about species' biology because the “…intent in this work is not to repeat much of the ecological information that is well told in general works about bears…” (p. 8). Sue describes the history of bears and bear management in Grand Teton and the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway as “…emblematic of areas beyond Yellowstone, where the bruins existed before but declined or disappeared in the face of human settlement and land use, hunting, trapping, farming, and ranching” (p. 7). Consolo-Murphy chronicles the early relationships of people and bears in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming, including historical conflicts with livestock and people, and the implications for future policy and management. Upon Consolo-Murphy's arrival to Grand Teton National Park as the new Division Chief of Science and Resource Management, bear management was simply not a top priority. Throughout the book, it becomes apparent how wildlife management has evolved over time and taken shape based on scientific knowledge but also the understanding of societal and social complexities while managing large charismatic megafauna such as bears. Sue does an excellent job weaving her own personal accounts into stories for readers, which are supplemented by science and natural history, sometimes lost in other books. The author focuses on ways people and organizations may influence bear conservation, including securing critical habitat for bears in Chapter 17 (Making a Difference). However, Chapter 18 (Celebrity) pivots to celebrity bears such as grizzly bear #399, which may be the most famous grizzly bear in the world. Consolo-Murphy admits her discomfort with celebrity wildlife because of her academic background; she also suggests that the public's focus on highly observable individuals may detract from grizzly bear conservation. Sue adds, “I struggled with what to write about the renowned ursid, fully aware that some readers might assume she is central to any story of bears in the Tetons. As an eyewitness, sometimes a player in deciding her fate and that of her progeny, and certainly a responsible party in helping shape Grand Teton National Park's response to her, I cannot view her with objectivity any more than others can. Her personal history has been told, in greater detail than I choose to repeat…” (p. 200). In her final chapter, The Unknowable Bears, the author speaks contrarily to celebrity bears as mentioned in the previous chapter. “Most of them avoid or ignore us. They are the vast majority of bears—both black and grizzly—in Grand Teton National Park and indeed across greater Yellowstone, unknown and always somewhat unknowable wild creatures that help make the ecosystem so special. May it always be so.” (p. 222). Not only is this book the first comprehensive history of bears in Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson community, but it is arguably one of the strongest and most well-presented books involving the natural history of bears in the ecosystem. Combining Park history, with over 3 decades of lived experience, Sue provides readers with a tangible perspective and everything they need to know about the history of grizzly and black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Teton Range and surrounding areas. In honest commentary, she addresses the complex but valid scrutiny of scientific research; she also alludes to some views on unnecessary research, or irresponsible project management. “Some people view additional research as an ever-present delaying tactic, or a means to spend more funds supporting scientists' pet projects. While that may sometimes occur, I feel compelled to defend the need for good research that does not, in most instances, determine all the facts about how the world works, or find definitive answers to anyone's burning questions. Science is about asking questions, exploring (sometimes experimenting with) alternative possibilities, and concluding with an explained level of certainty what, at the outlined time and conditions, the investigators discovered.” (p. 176). Further exploring Grand Teton National Park's current bear management, Sue discusses bear jams and their significance. Endless debate could ensue regarding the current management strategy of habituated tolerance and roadside bear viewing in both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Managing roadside bear jams comes with many pros and cons. Importantly, the current strategy does involve some level of habituation, which inevitably could result in celebrity bears. One may see such a strategy as a double-edged sword. While habituation may result in an increased risk of bears becoming food conditioned, these scenarios can be viewed as opportunities to educate and interface with the public on bear ecology and conservation. This also may be the case with celebrity bears because they might be viewed as ambassadors for species conservation. As Sue puts it, “We can choose to offer stewardship, tempering how we live and recreate in their habitat, yielding enough for them to survive. And we do so understanding that neither cougars [Puma concolor] nor bears nor other wild creatures, iconic or not, care a whit for what we think of and do for them.” (p. 208). To this end, I recall the quote by famed evolutionary biologist, Stephen Jay Gould: “We cannot win this battle to save species and environments without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well—for we will not fight to save what we do not love.” (cited in Boyd 2024). In the case of bears, humans connect with the bears they see, not those outside their view. Unequivocally, The Bears of Grand Teton will become a staple reference about bears and their relationship with people and ecosystems around Grand Teton National Park. The book is extremely well researched with much context and history about the Park discovered from long-lost archives. What makes the book unique is Sue Consolo-Murphy's unmatched lived experience, conveyed through stories and anecdotes blended with ecological insight and cultural and natural history of human–bear relationships in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming. The author declares no conflicts of interest.