The first comprehensive book in more than a century dedicated entirely to Yosemite's remarkable wild animal world.
Countless books have been written about Yosemite National Park's renowned scenery, yet as incredible as it is to us,Half Dome is also someone's home. Social media is flooded with people all over the world sharing their excitement about the antics of the park's distinctive residents: black bears causing traffic in "bear jams," mule deer grazing in Ahwahnee Meadow, and coyotes sauntering in the shadow of El Capitan.Yosemite Wildlifegoes beyond the field guides and offers extensive portraits of the park's creatures-a remarkable new publication sure to be welcomed by the more than 4 million annual park visitors and anyone interested in the Sierra Nevada.
Readers will discover:
This lively and accessible blend of storytelling, the latest research, natural history, and compelling wildlife photographs fills a 100-year gap in publishing that will deeply connect people to this world-renowned national park in California. Crafted over decades by writer and conservation leader Beth Pratt to fulfill her vision of continuing the legacy ofGrinnell & Storer's landmark 1924 work, Animal Life in the Yosemite. Beth's writing is accompanied by the work of naturalist-photographer Robb Hirsch, whospent more than 30 years in the field photographing animals so as not to impact them by his presence; his photography tells a distinctstory of the park's dazzling wildlife at its most undisturbed.
Yosemite Wildlifeshines a spotlight on species that not only make their homes in the park but also come with only-in-Yosemite stories such as those charismatic bears, the peregrine falcons brought back from the brink of extinction in part by big-wall rock climbers, and the tiny amphibians that persist on the tallest peaks.
The book celebrates decades of conservation and observation, by visitors and professionals, through highlighting charming and nostalgic pieces from the park's Archive, such as reproductions of handwritten wildlife observation cards and articles excerpted from the beloved Yosemite Nature Notes magazine. Some of this archival material has never been published!
This image-rich, engagingly readable volume is a feast for the eyes and has been crafted to appeal to anyone eager to dip in and find out more about Yosemite's enchanting wildlife. Yet the breadth and depth of information will also serve as an excellent reference for educators and scientists.
Yosemite is one of America's most precious resources.Yosemite Wildlifedoes this distinction proud, showcasing the creatures of the park that are as captivating as the spray of Yosemite Falls, the dizzying heights of Glacier Point, or the iconic Half Dome.
Beth Pratt, wildlife advocate and author, has worked in environmental leadership roles for over thirty years, and in two of the countryβs largest national parks: Yosemite and Yellowstone. Pratt leads the National Wildlife Federationβs #SaveLACougars campaign to build the Wallis Annenberg WildlifeΒ Crossing outside of Los Angeles. Her innovative conservation work has been featured byΒ the New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, BBCΒ World Service, CNN,Β CBS This Morning, the Los Angeles Times, Menβs Journal, the Guardian, NPR,Β AP News, and more. She is also the author ofΒ I HeartΒ WildlifeΒ and When Mountain Lions are Neighbors. Beth makes her home outside of Yosemite, her βnorth star," with her dogs and cats, and the mountain lions,Β bears, foxes, frogs, and other wildlife that frequent her backyard.Robb HirschΒ studied ecology and worked as a field biologist for the California State Parks, USGS, and private biology firms prior to his nature photography career. He publishes his images in books, calendars and magazines and leads photography workshops throughout the Sierra Nevada. His primary focus is using quality imagery for outreach, education and conservation, facilitating a deeper appreciation of the natural world.Β Robb is the author/photographer ofΒ The Nature of Yosemite: A Visual Journey.Β He and his wife, Regina, own Mountain Sage, a gallery-cafΓ©-plant nursery in the Yosemite gateway community of Groveland, CA, where he lives.
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