A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear: The True Story of a Town's Unlikely Collision

Subheadline:

Fires, bear attacks, and unpaved roads plagued a New Hampshire town after residents embraced libertarian ideals.

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As author Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling details in his new book, "A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear," the town of Grafton, New Hampshire, became an unlikely battleground between nature and libertarianism. In an effort to slash local taxes, residents voted to eliminate ordinances and regulations, including those designed to protect against bear encounters.

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The result was a dramatic shift in the town's environment. Bear encounters skyrocketed, with no local authority to manage the population. Unpaved roads fell into disrepair due to a lack of funding. And a series of devastating fires further exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread property destruction.

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Through interviews with local residents, wildlife experts, and policymakers, Hongoltz-Hetling explores the complex consequences of the town's libertarian experiment. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the potential perils of unchecked individualism and the importance of balancing human desires with the needs of both the environment and the community.