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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

Year: 2026
Type: book-review
Abstract: 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 Journal of Wildlife Management 2026;e70173.wileyonlinelibrary.
DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.70173
Language: English
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7128421874
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