Predator Paradox: Ending the War with Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes

The longest war carried out by the United States Government, beginning in 1914, is our war with mammalian predators. The death-toll is tremendous; the federal government kills 90,000 wolves, bears, coyotes, cougars, and other predators every year. The paradox is that while we need to protect ourselves and livestock from predators, we realize that we also need to preserve these key species in order to maintain healthy ecosystems.

Shivik argues that we can end the war. Through shifting away from "death from above" and embracing nonlethal approaches to wildlife management--practices and technologies he has helped pioneer--we can dismantle the paradox, have both people and predators on the landscape, and ensure the long-term survival of both.

By blending the science of the wild with strong narrative storytelling throughout, Shivik is able to make the topic entertaining and dramatic. He traces the culture of "good old boy" wildlife managers, and tells of the difference two cows can make to a widow rancher. His clear-eyed pragmatism allows him to look at both sides while arguing that coexistence is possible.