A book by two local authors that seeks to dispel myths and misinformation about bears while feeding people's fascination with the ursine world has hit the shelves of local bookstores just in time for Christmas.

A Whistler Bear Story, written by Whistlerite Sylvia Dolson and Pemberton resident Katherine Fawcett, and featuring Dolson's full-colour photographs of Whistler bears, aims to "promote a deeper understanding of bears, one that transcends fears and misinformation" often passed along in exaggerated campfire stories and elsewhere, Dolson said.

"Bears have really been capturing people's imaginations for centuries," she added. "They've been revered and feared and adored throughout the ages and yet they're still misunderstood. We hope the book goes beyond the fear, beyond the media hype, just to tell a delightful, engaging and truthful account of what life is like for bears in Whistler."

The book includes photos and accounts of the daily struggles of well-known Whistler bears Jeanie, Katie, Marissa, Fitz, Slip and others — and of humans' efforts to avoid conflicts with the animals.

Dolson, who for 12 years has been executive director of the Whistler-based Get Bear Smart Society, added, "If I can spread a small amount of the joy and peace that they bring me, the book will have been a success."

All proceeds from the sale of the self-published book will be used to support the society's efforts to prevent human-bear conflicts. Retailing for $14.95, the 64-page, softcover coffee table book is available at Armchair Books, Marketplace IGA, Carlberg's gift shop, Whistler Foto Source and the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.