GATLINBURG, TN — Little did retired national park wildlife biologist Kim DeLozier know that when he put pen to paper he’d soon be elevated to celebrity status. But standing-room-only presentations and extra-long lines for autographs have become the norm for this first-time author and long-time wild animal advocate.

Retired national park wildlife biologist Kim DeLozier will speak to Great Smoky Mountains Association members about his book, “Bear in the Back Seat,” Saturday, March 15, at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tenn. DeLozier’s program is limit to the first 50 members to register by Feb. 20. Cost to attend is $10 for GSMA members and $35 for non-members, which includes a complimentary personal or gift membership opportunity. For more information and to register, call 888.898.9102, Ext. 222 or 254. (Image by Susie Neel.)

DeLozier’s work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park proved time and time again that truth is stranger than fiction, especially when it brought him into contact with “an extraordinary bear, hormonally-crazed elk, homicidal wild boars, hopelessly timid wolves, and 9 million tourists, some of whom are clueless.”

Great Smoky Mountains Association members are invited to hear DeLozier talk about the many stories in his new book, “Bear in the Back Seat,” Saturday, March 15, at Sugarlands Visitor Center.

In DeLozier’s world when sedated wild black bears wake up unexpectedly in the back seat of a helicopter in mid-flight – or in his car as he’s driving down the highway, or in his office while he’s talking on the phone – it’s just another day in the park. “Bear in the Back Seat” is a hilarious, heartwarming, and heartbreaking memoir by the chief wildlife ranger in the most popular family destination in the USA, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“Kim DeLozier, a wildlife biologist in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for over 30 years, has seen just ab out everything when it comes to bear antics!” said Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and host of TV’s “Into the Wild. “His book is packed with amazing stories that the whole family will enjoy. And, you’ll learn a ton of great pointers about how to safely view animals in the wild.”

DeLozier’s program is limit to the first 50 members to register by Feb. 20. Cost to attend is $10 for GSMA members and $35 for non-members, which includes a complimentary personal or gift membership opportunity. “Bear in the Back Seat” is available at Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstores in Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as on their website. Cost of the softcover edition is $12.99, with proceeds to support the national park. Using their discount benefits, GSMA members can purchase “Bear in the Back Seat” prior to the presentation.

The oldest non-profit funding partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GSMA supports the national park through funds raised primarily from sales of publications designed to enhance greater understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of the national park and from its membership program. GSMA has provided more than $32 million to support the park’s educational, scientific and historical programs since its inception 60 years ago. For more information about GSMA’s membership and volunteer opportunities, visit SmokiesInformation.org or call 888-898-9102, Ext. 222 or 254.