Animals Among Us: Living with Suburban Wildlife by Fran Hodgkins, published by The Shoe String Press, Inc.

A Linnet Book
Grades 6-up
2000. x, 117 p., illus., bibliog.
Cloth, 0-208-02478-6
$19.50

Review!

"This intriguing book takes a close look at wildlife in the suburbs, considering the positive and negative effects of various animals as well as the many ways in which people try to manage their environment. From deer to coyotes, from bears to bats, and songbirds to skunks, animals arouse varying degrees of affection, fear, and contempt from their human neighbors. Hodgkins relates a number of tales, including an entire chapter called "Success Stories," to illustrate the history of people interacting with animals in the suburbs and the techniques of those who handle the balance of interests well.... Engaging and informative."—Booklist

"The complex relationships between human and animal inhabitants of the suburbs are thoroughly discussed in this eye-opening book . . . . Not meant to be a field guide . . . [this book] is a serious consideration of the effects of urban sprawl and development on the environment and of the adaptation of animals to humans (and humans to animals). Hodgkins is evenhanded in her treatment of highly political controversies over suburban wildlife control. Proposed solutions for the management of animal populations are realistic in their emphasis on the inevitability of suburban expansion . . . . Remedies include both individual steps readers can take to help maintain the habitat and community-wide efforts at conservation and management. A list of resources for further information is included." - Horn Book (July/August 2000)

Animals Among Us
Living with Suburban Wildlife

by Fran Hodgkins

The New York Public Library 2001 Books for The Teen Age List

RABID RACCOON SHOT!

COYOTE SNATCHES TOY POODLE!

BEAR TREED IN CITY PARK!

What these breathless headlines announce is a growing phenomenon in America: increasing interaction in the suburbs between people and animals that we think of as "wild." They have adapted to our takeover of their habitat, and have found ways to survive–even thrive–right under our noses. How we react to them and the real and perceived threats they bring is at the core of this book.

Fran Hodgkins discusses why certain populations such as deer, Canada geese, and beavers have made such a dramatic comeback in the East and have become, in some places, nuisances. She details why songbirds are dying off, why coyotes are moving in; what is to be feared, or not, in diseases such as rabies and Lyme disease; how some interactions have led to open warfare on animals, or between their advocates and detractors. Hodgkins signals the need for coherent strategies for dealing with the animals among us and gives pointers on how we can live together in peace.

This book teaches the lesson of "eco-awareness": thinking ahead for the sake of all species. It can be used as the basis for reports and even field work by youngsters learning about the consequences of environmental interactions. Besides that, it is lively and fun to read.

About the Author

Fran Hodgkins grew up fascinated by the wild things that lived in and around her small city backyard. A science writer, she studied journalism at Northeastern University, and has written one other book, The Orphan Seal. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and four (indoor) cats.

Reviews and comments from nature writers who know about the animals among us:
Roger Caras: "An new imperative is coming into our lives and the sooner we each understand it the better we will deal with it. We have usurped too much of our wildlife’s habitat. Now they must move in with us. Fran Hodgkins is right on the mark with this book. It is the test of our time, how well we handle this."

Margery Facklam: "Raccoons forage in our garbage cans, deer nibble on our favorite shrubs, and skunks sleep in our garages. What can we do about these animals that invade our suburbs? Or are we the invaders? In this book, Fran Hodgkins tells how suburbs have taken over animal habitats, but even more important, she describes ways in which people and animals can share the same territory. Everyone who lives in a suburb should read this book."

James Cross Giblin: "From the first chapter, in which she takes readers on a wildlife tour of a typical suburban town today, the author combines lively anecdotes with solid factual material in a way that is sure to keep eight-to-twelve-year-olds turning the pages."

For other books about animals from The Shoe String Press, see

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