The bears of the world--from the polar bears of the Arctic to the Andean bears of South America--are among the most studied and loved of all wild creatures. In this revised and updated edition, Gary Brown collects what is known about the world's bears, capturing in words and images a complete factual compendium of bear knowledge for the amateur naturalist and the bear specialist alike. The Bear Almanac is for anyone who has ever paused to wonder at both the might--and the mind--of the bear. Beyond their well-known, imposing physical traits, these generally shy creatures command the ability to learn rapidly and to reason. In addition to addressing such topics as bear physiology, social behavior, and habitats, this comprehensive resource lists endangered bears by state and covers a breadth of other bear-related topics, such as the effects of war on bears and what to do if you meet up with one, as well as issues in the news related to the most beloved, and mysterious, of creatures.