The Urban Bestiary

Starred review from September 16, 2013
In this sparkling follow-up to Crow Planet, Haupt returns to the urban wilds, this time familiarizing the reader with the wildlife ecology within their own backyards. From the ubiquitous squirrel, to the seldom seen coyote, or the subterranean mole, Haupt seeks to demystify the lives of the animals that commonly surround us, even in the most urban and seemingly unnatural settings. Each chapter focuses on a specific species, allowing to Haupt thoroughly untangle the reasons why for example people tend to admire the cleverness and dexterity of the raccoon, yet revile the rat or the opossum. Why many fear coyotes, yet are tempted to feed bears. With a nod to mythology and folklore, she examines the habits and culture of each species, paying particular attention to points where their lives intersect with humanity. Packed with information yet conversational in style, this nature memoir invites backyard birdwatchers and amateur naturalists to take a moment to be still, observant, and to discover that the wild world really does extend into our own lives, and even still today, we are too a part of that wild.

November 1, 2013

A medieval bestiary was an illustrated volume that presented moralistic human characteristics in the form of animal behavior. Haupt (Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness) here encourages readers to understand the creatures sharing our modern urban ecosystem--moles, squirrels, house sparrows, coyotes, and others--aiming to help city dwellers live with neighboring wildlife. She explores our perception of each species, its natural history, why it is well suited to urban backyards, and how to coexist, minimizing negative impacts. Haupt recommends practical tips such as bringing in pet food and water dishes at night to remove invitations for raccoon mischief. Readers learn more than expected about each animal; for example, Haupt explains that opossums have 50 teeth, the most of any mammal in North America. The author shares her immediate and personal experiences regarding peaceful coexistence between humans and urban animals. She exhorts us to observe nature around us, chronicle what we see, and harmonize ourselves with the surrounding wildlife. VERDICT Nature lovers, gardeners, and birders will find this fascinating; those less connected to nature may have their eyes opened by some of Haupt's reflections.--Sally Bickley, Del Mar Coll. Lib., Corpus Christi, TX

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