Author and wildlife expert Mike Lapinski compiled this chilling collection of true bear-encounter stories from throughout the western United States, British Columbia, and Alaska. Some have happy endings, some fatal; all are thrilling. But there's more to this book than a heart-pounding read. Think of these as campfire stories with a higher purpose. Lapinski strongly advocates the use of bear pepper spray for backpackers, rangers, anglers, hunters, photographers, anybody who hikes through bear country. Repelling and reconditioning bears saves lives, both human and bruin. The author also shares insights into bear behavior, why they attack, and how to travel through bear country. Mike Lapinski has written eight other outdoors and nature books. He conducts seminars on grizzly bears and the use of pepper spray in encounters with bears as well as other large predators. He makes his home in Montana.