The Grizzly in the Driveway

The Return of Bears to a Crowded American West

By: Rob Chaney

Narrated by: Marlin May

Four decades ago, the areas around Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks sheltered the last few hundred surviving grizzlies in the lower 48 states. Protected by the Endangered Species Act, their population has surged to more than 1,500, and this burgeoning number of grizzlies now collides with the increasingly populated landscape of the 21st-century American West. While humans and bears have long shared space, today's grizzlies navigate a shrinking amount of wilderness: Cars whiz like bullets through their habitats, tourists check Facebook to pinpoint locations for a quick selfie with a grizzly, and hunters seek trophy prey. People, too, must learn to live and work within a potential predator's territory they have chosen to call home.

Mixing fast-paced storytelling with rich details about the hidden lives of grizzly bears, Montana journalist Robert Chaney chronicles the resurgence of this charismatic species against the backdrop of the country's long history with the bear. Chaney captures the clash between groups with radically different visions: ranchers frustrated at losing livestock, environmental advocates, hunters, and conservation and historic preservation officers of tribal nations. Underneath, he probes the balance between our demands on nature and our tolerance for risk.

The book is published by University of Washington Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"A well-written and thought-provoking analysis of this pressing issue." (The Literary West)

"Fans of bears, and of hearty nature writing, will take pleasure in Chaney's paean." (Kirkus Reviews)

©2020 University of Washington Press (P)2021 Redwood Audiobooks

Fairly Balanced Presentation

Author does a good job of informing on the history of Grizzly Bear-Human conflicts and conservation. He takes a fairly balanced approach, and discusses practical concerns and solutions. Also addresses the tangle of bureaucratic and political issues surrounding Grizzly Bears.

A great overview of the situation.

Grizzly in the driveway shows just all the players, the stakes and the clashing ideas and deals when it comes to grizzlies in the west. The author clearly shows he understands the importance of the animal and the reason so many love, hate and fear them.


The narrator did a solid job.

Cranky old man confused and enraged by computers

A well researched and thoughtful exploration of the modern complexities of Grizzly bear conservation derailed by about three hours of complaining about computers. The author goes back to the well of “computers have ruined our minds” way too many times for a topic wherein it’s not entirely necessary. It goes beyond distracting to down right grating.

Poor reading

The narrator ruined this book for me with his mis pronunciation of basic words and names of towns. His rhythm of reading contributed to my not liking it. I will buy the book and read it and will not recommend it.