Warner Shedd

I really enjoyed this book. I learned much about animals while reading about the myths, their origin, and further information about the animals. I can't say I had heard all of the myths, or that I believed many of them (there were some I must admit I thought were true, though). I enjoyed the stories the author tells about his and others' experiences, and the facts that refute the myths. It really is a shame that some of those myths are so ingrained and, at times, so dangerous.

Also, I am an animal lover (I am a vegetarian), but a practical animal lover. I don't believe in preserving all animal life at the cost of human life (not counting the stupid interactions, some caused by the myths so universally believed), or animal quality of life. It really is a shame that some animal lovers want to save all animals, even when it means suffering and death because of starvation, or other causes. I've seen that in action, and it is deplorable! If we've upset the balance (taken away predators, habitat...) in the wild, we need to manage it so that balance is returned. Allow controlled hunting, preserve habitat, etc. Starving is a horrible way to die as exhibited by the whitetail deer overpopulation that has happened right here in my own back yard. I just don't want to be a part of the management. I am just glad others are willing to perform that service.

A really interesting book!… (lisätietoja)

A very readable introduction to a wide variety of U.S. wildlife. The details about the various animals' life cycles, diets, activities, environment, and so forth was interesting, and Shedd also talks about things we *don't* know about particular animals.

My only complaint about this book is that there are parts where Shedd conflates "common sight in New England" with "common sight in the U.S." I've never seen a beaver's dam that I can recall, for example, because I've never lived in the northern U.S., so when Shedd talks about how you see them everywhere, I think "huh? I've seen more non-roadkilled armadillos than I've seen beaver dams!" In spite of this, I've learned a lot about some animals that I do see regularly, like opossums and deer, and this book is definitely worth reading.… (lisätietoja)