In The Journey of the Bitterroot Grizzly Bear, author Steve Nadeau creates a compelling insider's look at a unique grassroots recovery effort that encouraged leaders in conservation, industry, and government to collaborate on a proposal unlike any other in Endangered Species history. In the West, politics often override scientific judgments, but the demise of this optimistic proposal was not necessarily a defeat for grizzlies. Alongside the author's historical account of the recovery effort, Nadeau weaves a fascinating tale of the journey of BB, a remarkable young grizzly and recovery pioneer who survived the gauntlet in his travels from the Canadian border to central Idaho. He became the first grizzly in 60 years to find his home in the 5500 square miles of wilderness landscape in central Idaho, and his path marked the way for other bears to follow. Biologists, students, and others will enjoy this close-up look at the beauty and mystery of grizzly bears, as well as the science, conflict, and politics surrounding them as they attempt to establish a new home in the "wildest heart" of the American West."

Includes index of names, organizations, and abbreviations; bibliographic information; timeline; maps, illustrations, photos; and glossary of terms.