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This is the cover of Richard P. Smith’s new book about black bears in Michigan. (Photo courtesy of Richard P. Smith)

MARQUETTE — A book considered the definitive work on black bears in Michigan just got even better with the release of the third edition of “Understanding Michigan Black Bear.”

The new book has 78 more pages than the second edition and many more photos. Four chapters have been added and all existing chapters have been updated.

The book is aimed at anyone who wants to learn about bears in Michigan and how to prevent and deal with them. The 336-page volume contains a lot of valuable information for hunters, hikers, campers, campground owners and anglers who spend time in bear areas.

Even if you don’t plan on spending time in bear country but just want to learn more about Michigan’s bears, this book has what you’re looking for.

Twelve of the title’s 29 chapters are devoted to research findings on the biology, behavior, life history and management of bears in the state.

There are detailed reports of several extensive bear research projects that have been conducted in the UP, including one that involved walking with bears. The other bear research project, which is still ongoing, is on Drummond Island.

Three chapters of the book are devoted to bear attacks that have occurred in the state and how to avoid them.

Two more chapters cover nuisance bears and how to deal with them. The new chapters cover bears in color phases, bears hunting deer, and how many bears there are in the state.

The book is divided into four sections: research, problem bears, management, and hunting bans. The management section includes a chapter on the history of bear hunting in the state.

The hunting ban section looks at efforts to ban two of the state’s most popular and effective bear hunting methods in 1996 and how those efforts were thwarted.

The information in this section will prove valuable if and when new attempts are made to eliminate hunting practices that play a key role in controlling Michigan’s growing bear population.

One of the updated chapters is titled “Understanding the Permit System,” which has been in place for issuing bear hunting licenses since 1990. This chapter contains valuable data listing the number of applicants, available licenses, and harvest for each year through 2022.

The book is available at select stores across the state, including many in the U.S. region. Smith will also be presenting the new book, along with his other titles on deer and bear hunting, at the Lakenenland Sculpture Park Summer Festival on July 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.