Large, fierce, and often dangerous predators might seem the best survivors. They have superior strength, great speed, and high levels of intelligence. If they are so well equipped, why are they among the rarest of animals and the most threatened by human activity?To answer these questions, Ron Hirschi and Thomas Mangelsen introduce young readers to some of the earth's most spectacular predators: cougar, polar bear, lion, cheetah, tiger, grizzly bear, and killer whale. They examine the animals' past and present, and speculate on their future.In a lively and informative text, Ron Hirschi takes a look at the world in which these animals live, the environmental challenges they face, and what biologists and other people around the globe are doing to help these majestic animals survive.With spectacular photographs by Tom Mangelsen, "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" offers a realistic - and hopeful - look at earth's great predators....

Bears roam North America from the waters of the Canadian arctic to the forests of the United States southeast. Black, grizzly, and polar bears are thrilling to see in the wild and exciting to study. In order to appreciate how wonderful bears are it helps to get to know them. Black bears, the most abundant bear in North America, can be seen just a short distance from populated areas. Their numbers are stable and even increasing in some places. Unlike black bears, however, grizzly bears are a rare sight. They have completely disappeared from California, though they remain the state's emblem. Polar bears are not easy to see, either, living in lands that are difficult to reach....

Seasons change in the ocean much as they do on land. Spring brings new plants and baby animals, while summer oceans are aglow with sparkly plankton lights, and autumn winds blow across the open water. In winter the humpback whales migrate to warmer waters, just as some land animals move to warmer climates. In fun, fanciful form, children learn about plants and animals that are joined through the mix of seasons, food webs and habitats beneath the waves. While set in the Pacific, similar changes occur in all the world s oceans....