One day a little girl accompanies her conservationist father as he tags a big black hibernating bear. Nestled beside her are two tiny cubs, a male and a female. The child names them Fraser and Samantha. She will remember them always, and one day will see Fraser again.

Fraser Bear follows the first two years in a black bear cub's life in the Pacific Northwest--from his first tentative steps outside his mother's den to the day when, alone now, he must find his own den for the winter's sleep. In between, his life is filled with play, learning, adventure, and the endless quest for food. Most important, he tries to learn the skill of salmon catching from his mother.

Eventually Fraser must leave the protection of his mother and sister and journey on by himself. This exciting story is illuminated by beautiful illustrations of Fraser and his adventures, uniting the cycles of bear and fish, whose lives are so importantly intertwined. A map of the area, glossary, and further information about bears and salmon complete this delightful nature story for young readers.