Yosemite Wildlife: The Wonder of Animal Life in California's Sierra Nevada

"Exquisite." —Shelf Awareness

The first comprehensive book in more than a century dedicated entirely to Yosemite’s remarkable wild animal world.

Countless books have been written about Yosemite National Park’s renowned scenery, yet as incredible as it is to us, Half Dome is also somebody’s home. Social media is flooded with people all over the world sharing their excitement about the antics of the park’s distinctive residents: black bears causing traffic in “bear jams,” mule deer grazing in Ahwahnee Meadow, and coyotes sauntering in the shadow of El Capitan. Yosemite Wildlife goes beyond the field guides and offers extensive portraits of the park’s creatures—a remarkable new publication sure to be welcomed by the more than 4 million annual park visitors and anyone interested in the Sierra Nevada.

Readers will discover:

• 150+ species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects
• 300+ photographs and archival images
• Commonly and rarely seen animals
• Rewilding success stories
• Profiles of the park scientists and others who protect wildlife

This lively and accessible blend of storytelling, the latest research, natural history, and compelling wildlife photographs fills a 100—year gap in publishing that will deeply connect people to this world—renowned national park in California. Crafted over decades by writer and conservation leader Beth Pratt to fulfill her vision of continuing the legacy of Grinnell & Storer's landmark 1924 work, Animal Life in the Yosemite. Beth's writing is accompanied by the work of naturalist—photographer Robb Hirsch, who spent more than 30 years in the field photographing animals so as not to impact them by his presence; his photography tells a distinct story of the park's dazzling wildlife at its most undisturbed. 

Yosemite Wildlife shines a spotlight on species that not only make their homes in the park but also come with only—in—Yosemite stories such as those charismatic bears, the peregrine falcons brought back from the brink of extinction in part by big—wall rock climbers, and the tiny amphibians that persist on the tallest peaks.

The book celebrates decades of conservation and observation, by visitors and professionals, through highlighting charming and nostalgic pieces from the park’s Archive, such as reproductions of handwritten wildlife observation cards and articles excerpted from the beloved Yosemite Nature Notes magazine. Some of this archival material has never been published!

This image—rich, engagingly readable volume is a feast for the eyes and has been crafted to appeal to anyone eager to dip in and find out more about Yosemite’s enchanting wildlife. Yet the breadth and depth of information will also serve as an excellent reference for educators and scientists.

Yosemite is one of America's most precious resources. Yosemite Wildlife does this distinction proud, showcasing the creatures of the park that are as captivating as the spray of Yosemite Falls, the dizzying heights of Glacier Point, or the iconic Half Dome.