'Bear Facts' Start Reading program

The "Bear Facts," a family-oriented presentation about Idaho's black and grizzly bears, will kick off the summer reading program at Barnes and Noble Booksellers on Monday,June 14 at 7 p.m. Presented by Idaho Fish and Game, the presentation will cover a variety of topics, including bear biology, natural history and management. In addition, participants will learn some safety tips for traveling in bear country this summer. Idaho Fish and Game will also distribute free bear posters, bookmarks and other material. "A presentation on Idaho bears is a great way to kick off our Summer Reading Safari" Store Manager Kiersten Cooper said. "We are very excited to have Idaho Fish and Gamepartner with us on this project." The Summer Reading Safari is a Barnes and Noble campaign to encourage kids to continue reading even though school is out. To participate, kids need to read eight books over the summer, keep a brief Safari Journal provided by Barnes and Noble, and turn in their journal any time before September 10, 2004. Participants will receive a coupon for a free book at Barnes and Noble. Although kids don't necessarily have to read books about bears to participate in the summer reading program, there are plenty to choose from according to Kevin Frailey, Idaho Fish and Game's Conservation Education Supervisor. "Other than horses and dogs, I can't think of an animal that has had more written about it than bears," he said. Unfortunately they aren't all terribly accurate and many portray bears as cute and friendly for children while others frame bears as malicious and terrifying for adults. Frailey, who will be conducting the presentation, will suggest a few of his favorites to the audience. Anyone who plans on spending time in Idaho's back country this summer should stop by and learn about North America's largest terrestrial carnivore. It will be an exciting evening and an opportunity to bear down on your summer reading.