Bears have fascinated people since ancient times. The relationship between bears and humans dates back thousands of years, during which time we have also competed with bears for shelter and food. In modern times, bears have come under pressure through encroachment on their habitats, climate change, and illegal trade in their body parts, including the Asian bear bile market. The IUCN lists six bears as vulnerable or endangered, and even the least concern species, such as the brown bear, are at risk of extirpation in certain countries. The poaching and international trade of these most threatened populations are prohibited, but still ongoing. Covering all bears species worldwide, this beautifully illustrated volume brings together the contributions of 200 international bear experts on the ecology, conservation status, and management of the Ursidae family. It reveals the fascinating long history of interactions between humans and bears and the threats affecting these charismatic species. ‘The quality of the information and the general conciseness of the text make this long overdue book a thoroughly enjoyable read … Bears of the World fills a much needed niche in providing an expert overview of accurate, relevant, up‐to‐date, and highly readable information. As the only complete reference work on this subject, its value is immense for professionals in the field of bear ecology and management, and for interested naturalists and conservationists.' Jean‐Pierre d'Huart, The Journal of Wildlife Management ‘This is a professional job throughout, including excellent photos, maps, and other illustrations … Highly recommended.’ D. A. Lovejoy, CHOICE The first comprehensive reference book ever published on ecology, conservation status and management of all bears species worldwide. Vincenzo Penteriani is a researcher at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Senior Editor of Animal Conservation, Associate Editor of Ursus, and is leading the Cantabrian Brown Bear Research Group at the Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB), Spain. His current research focuses on the ecology and behaviour of brown bears in human-modified landscapes, as well as on large carnivore attacks on humans. Mario Melletti is an independent researcher and member of the African Buffalo Initiative Group, and the Wild Pig Specialist Group, which are part of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN SSC). He has contributed to several projects and surveys on both mammals and birds in Africa and Europe. He has edited two books with Cambridge University Press: Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour of Wild Cattle (2014) and Ecology, Conservation and Management of Wild Pigs and Peccaries (2017).