In 2009, a mountain lion visited the St. Croix/Indianhead county of Wisconsin. Although cougars roamed through the area in the early frontier days of the 1800's, overhunting and human population growth drove the cougars out of Wisconsin. This particular, Cougars visits generated a great interest because it was photographed and written about in the local papers. This book is the story of the Cougar of 2009, written as if the Mountain Lion narrated the story himself

There is an essential element of nature which defies reason, logic, or science. An element which emanates from my experiences living in the majestic hills and valleys of Vermont's Green Mountains. A calling, if it were, where the working land speaks, and the wind sings, and the ever changing skies dazzle our sight with amazing color and clarity. Only when one captures the breath, the life, and the feeling of such a place which has inspired many generations by its breathtaking beauty, abundant freshness, and pastoral beckoning can one begin to understand this element. From this element one can achieve valuable insight into more than the heart and mind of a writer, but also partake in a richer part of the fabric of life woven across fields, and lakes, and mountains always changing with the seasons. I simply share with the reader a love for poetry mostly presented in classical English sonnet style. Further inspiration for this work will consider the role that nature plays in creating the essential element to define our life and time. I attempt to move past describing climate that only dampens or brightens daily lives to how it actually defines feelings and moods. Belonging to the Vermont experience means seeking out those treasured hollows, and stepping lightly out atop those hilly ledges, and smiling brightly at the sun and sky and water and grass. We can smile at ourselves too for all our rugged beauty. Thankfully --- partly, it must be said, thanks to the vision and sense of loyalty of generations of those who have come before us, what they have taken, and what they have left behind; this essential element collectively cherishes and preserves this unique heritage. This essential element, I am calling.....Organic Soul.

DEADLY COUGAR ENCOUNTERS
A mountain lion gives birth under a porch in Boulder, Colorado. Another saunters into the parking garage of a swank hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. In the hills outside Sacramento, the remains of a jogger are found buried in a shallow grave, the story of her violent death told in a confusion of animal tracks and a blood-stained sun visor. A child is snatched on his way to school, his attacker a shadow in the alders, a fixed yellow stare crouching over the boy's torn face.
Where western wilderness unravels into suburbia, at the intersection of a recovering species and a human population hungry for space, the common wisdom that cougars prefer to avoid people has given way to a harsher reality: Mountain lions move in the shadows of our homes, and a few of them hunt there. In this gripping look at the myths and realities of cougar and human interactions, Jo Deurbrouck takes us from the fieldwork of researchers to the near misses of those who faced down these predators and to those rare, horrifying moments when everything went wrong.

The State of Texas not only boasts the largest snakes in North America, but also the largest number of species 105. This guide describes in detail each and every one of them, from the benign Texas long-nosed snake, to the venomous Western Cottonmouth. Facts on the biology and behavior are given, plus the latest findings on abundance, reproduction, prey, sizes, and habitat. In addition, introductory chapters describe the physiology and diet of snakes, and an all-important section on "Venom and Evenomation" debunks the many myths surrounding what to do when bit by a venomous snake. 128 color plates of species and subspecies aid in identification.

Elk are the quintessential big game animal in the West, and there is no more exciting sight for a hunter than a heavy-racked bull that seems to materialize out of thin air in the dawning light of a cold fall morning. But it takes more than blind luck to put yourself in this situation year after year. Elk are smart, wary, highly mobile animals that use their surroundings to great advantage to elude hunters. To be successful, you must understand the subtleties of elk habits and habitat.
The Complete Book of Elk Hunting provides detailed information on all aspects of these elements, along with hunting tactics that will help you consistently take trophy elk throughout their range.
Specific features include:
"The behavior and micro-habitats of big bulls
"The top hunting methods for elk, including still-hunting, glassing and stalking, tracking, and stand hunting
"Hunting the rut in early fall and finding elk in any type of weather and terrain throughout the season
"The top states for trophy bulls and overall numbers of elk
"Methods for learning about feeding, bedding, escape, and migration habits
"Searching for and interpreting sign and the secrets of effective scouting
"A chart for forecasting elk whereabouts based on long-term weather conditions
"Trip planning and basic equipment
Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, this ultimate guidebook is filled with expert advice that is sure to make you a better, more efficient hunter. Elk numbers throughout much of the West are higher than they have been in more than a century, so don't wait to acquire the knowledge that could make all the difference on your next hunt.

Do bear attacks touch people in the far-back recesses of their psyches? Reach latent ancestral memories of cave days when humans were potential prey? Indeed, there are those who say their nightmares involved bears before they ever saw one, either in the flesh or in the movies. Unfortunately, these nightmares all too often come true. People perform almost superhuman feats in their fight to survive bear attacks. Jim Marriott, for instance, was attacked and
mauled by a grizzly while carving out a moose head. When playing dead didn't work, he slammed his skinning knife into the attacker's neck. The surprised bear backed off only to charge again, cut his tongue trying to bite at the knife, and got the knife sunk into the
same place. By the third charge, Marriott was on his feet despite chewed buttocks and damaged legs. This time the bear left with the knife still sticking in his neck. "In bear attacks, the human survival instinct is extraordinary," says a doctor who sees the terrible punishment victims of bear attacks live through. "And equally amazing are the heroics and seemingly superhuman efforts of those around the victims."
BEAR ATTACKS OF THE CENTURY gathers together these stories of courage,
chronicling the most horrific encounters between bears and people. With expert advice on avoiding attacks and information that may help both species leave an encounter unscathed, this book is required reading for hikers, hunters, campers, or anyone visiting bear country, and those who want to learn more about these sometimes deadly but always fascinating animals.

The International Bestseller ‘Somehow, the elephants got into my soul, and it became my life’s work to see them safe and happy. There was no giving up on that vision, no matter how hard the road was at times.’ Françoise Malby-Anthony is the owner of a game reserve in South Africa with a remarkable family of elephants whose adventures have touched hearts around the world. The herd’s feisty matriarch Frankie knows who’s in charge at Thula Thula, and it’s not Françoise. But when Frankie becomes ill, and the authorities threaten to remove or cull some of the herd if the reserve doesn’t expand, Françoise is in a race against time to save her beloved elephants . . . The joys and challenges of a life dedicated to conservation are vividly described in this charming and moving book. The search is on to get a girlfriend for orphaned rhino Thabo – and then, as his behaviour becomes increasingly boisterous, a big brother to teach him manners. Françoise realizes a dream with the arrival of Savannah the cheetah – an endangered species not seen in the area since the 1940s – and finds herself rescuing meerkats kept as pets. But will Thula Thula survive the pandemic, an invasion from poachers and the threat from a mining company wanting access to its land? As Françoise faces her toughest years yet, she realizes once again that with their wisdom, resilience and communal bonds, the elephants have much to teach us. 'Enthralling' – Daily Mail

Julia Rothman's series of Anatomy books (549,000 copies in print) are beloved by children and adults alike. In Wildlife Anatomy, Rothman captures the excitement and distinctive attributes of wild animals around the world. The book is packed with hundreds of her charming, original illustrations, detailing the unique features of animals of the rainforest, desert, grasslands, oceans, and much more. From lions, bears, and zebras to monkeys, mongoose, bats, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and much more, Rothman's visual guide covers all the key features, right down to the anatomy of a lion's claw and a wild horse's hoof. All the illustrations are accompanied by labels, intriguing facts, and identifying details, such as: When is a Panther Not a Panther? and What Makes Aardvarks So Odd? Rothman's characteristic combination of curiosity and an artist's eye makes this wildlife treasury rich and full, and promises new discoveries every time it's opened.

The name of this book really says it all; it is the ULTIMATE book for anyone that is thinking about purchasing or already has the pleasure of sharing their love with a Yorkshire terrier. The author is not only a Yorkie owner, but also a breeder who showed and raised champions for over 25 years. This book contains all the information that you will ever need to know about Yorkies including: Detailed information about Yorkshire Terrier Standards. Feeding recommendations just for Yorkies, including a few homemade recipes. The history of Yorkshire Terriers and their Origin. Information about where to purchase a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy, and how to pick out your puppy from its littermates. Preparing your home for a new puppy arrival. Children, other pets and your Yorkie addition. Showing Your Yorkshire Terrier, explaining in detail the different show categories and what you can expect before, during and after a show. Yorkshire Terrier Teeth Care Brushing, Bathing & Grooming information, including hair wrapping. Immunizations Information. Pet Health Insurance and Yorkshire Terrier Health Concerns including: Hypoglycemia, Collapsed trachea, Luxating Patella, Pancreatitis, Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy, Portosystemic Shunt, Renal Failure, Retinal Dysplasia, Legg-Perthes Disease, Enteropathy, Distichia, Cataracts. Helpful hints for Traveling with your Yorkshire Terrier Spaying or Neutering information. Breeding your Yorkie, in detail, before you breed, selecting your mate, line breeding, inbreeding, outcross breeding, what to expect during the mating, and, when you should or shouldn't breed your pet. Detailed information explaining what you can expect during the pregnancy, whelping (the delivery) and afterwards care for mom and newborn puppies. Yorkie puppy care from birth including weaning the puppies from mom, and selling your puppies. Advice about when it's time to say Goodbye to your old friend. Also included are Yorkshire Terrier Facts, Oddities and Interesting Tidbits just for fun.

"Smart Paws "brought a warm feeling, gentleness and love, and] knowledge of animal/bird life. There is pain, but also hope and humor. Importantly, there is] encouragement for others to follow, without fear.""
Helga Milberg
Dog trainer and board member of Tucson-based Handi-Dogs

.A good dog will change your life. When Eloise met Gamble, her first golden retriever, she befriended a gentle, generous soul who understood the art of being a healing presence. Years later, when overwhelming depression and debilitating physical challenges forever changed her lifestyle, outlook, and career, her life went to the dogs. Research about service dogs and the profound impact they can have on a life quickly became her one life-affirming activity. The partnership she envisioned would provide comfort and support by giving her new purpose, allowing her to conquer the many challenges her new life presented.

A mental health counselor, artist, and animal lover, Eloise emphasizes the miraculous competencies of dogs who literally and figuratively open new doors for countless people challenged by physical or mental health problems.

This is also a story about a very special dog named Rusty. Through Rusty, Eloise provides useful information for others interested in bringing a service animal into their lives. Eloise and Rusty explore how dogs have responded to our changing needs from prehistoric times to the present. Eloise's lifelong experiences with animals and her study of the human-dog bond, including research into the evolution of the dog and their special intelligence, are candidly reflected in her tales about pets and partners.

If you're hoping to someday catch a glimpse of the imposing and powerful grizzly bear, you'll have to take a trek through the Northern Rockies, Canada, or Alaska. Having once roamed the entire continent of North America, the population of grizzlies in the lower 48 states has been nearly wiped out by aggressive hunting. First published in 1955, this classic work by one of America's beloved outdoor writers pays homage to the Pleistocene Era's most "pugnacious and extraordinary" survivor, the grizzly bear. As you read about the once scientifically classified Ursus horribilis, you'll learn about this powerful recluse's role in Native American rituals and myths, and relive the encounters early explorers and mountain men experienced with grizzlies. "Observing and studying grizzly bears," McCracken thoughtfully observed, "has proved to be far more gratifying than all the hunting I have done."

Documents mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians Includes over 100 line art illustrations

Details the animals found in the remarkably diverse habitats throughout Virginia and Maryland: their life in the wild, what they look like, what and how they eat, and how they raise their young. Intended for a general audience with any level of knowledge, the material presented serves as an informative companion to a wide range of field guides. The introduction provides general information about the various types of landscape in these Mid-Atlantic states, and how they support wildlife populations.