The Wolves of Minnesota [Paperback]

L. David Mech (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 16, 2003

The wolves of Minnesota are one of conservations greatest success stories. Of the 48 contiguous United States, only Minnesota--with a wolf population at an estimated 2,600--has managed to protect and sustain a viable wolf population over the past two decades. But while some applaud the wolf’s return, others worry about the human cultural costs of maintaining such a large population, and others wonder if that population is too high for the wolf’s own good. Edited by renowned expert Dr. L. David ("Wolfman") Mech and comprising the work of several researchers who have studied Minnesota wolves, "The Wolves of Minnesota" is an authoritative account of the background of the wolf in Minnesota. It features the fascinating story of the comeback of the wolf in Minnesota and examines the cultural costs, to the point where the question is not "Will we ever hear the howl of the wolf again?" but "How many howls are enough?" This book examines the animal and its packs and populations, the past and present ranges of the species in Minnesota, the rich history of the scientific research about it, the wolfs biology and prey, wolf-human interactions, and the future of the wolf in Minnesota.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bookwatch, December 2006

“Enthusiastically recommended for wolf-lovers everywhere.”

About the Author

Editor Dr. L. David Mech is best known and most highly regarded wolf researcher in the world. Dr. Mech of St. Paul, MN works with the Biological Services Div., US Geological Survey; he's authored Way of the Wolf and Artic Wolf, 10 Years with the Pack.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press (August 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896585093
• ISBN-13: 978-0896585096
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,536,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great pictures and good introductory text, November 4, 2006

By 

Arthur Digbee (Indianapolis, IN, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Wolves of Minnesota (Paperback)

In this book, the alpha male of wolf studies, David Mech, has collected contributions from other leading researchers on a variety of topics concerning wolf behavior, wolf-human conflicts, and wolf research and policy. It differs from other books on wolves in focusing very narrowly on the Minnesota population, with only occasional mention of connected metapopulations in Michigan, Ontario and Wisconsin.

The book is filled with beautiful pictures of wolves at all times of the Minnesota year - - winter, no longer winter, and getting to be winter. (These seasons are also known as "winter" and "road construction.") Jokes aside, the pictures are beautiful and well worth the modest price of the book.

The chapters provide a very helpful introduction to wolves, written at the classic tenth-grade reading level that we are all supposed to use for adults. They are accessible and informative, but wolf freaks won't find anything new.

I'd heartily recommend this book for every high school and public library in Minnesota, and also recommend it to others for the pictures. The text is good for a certain audience, which I hope I've described above, but not for other audiences.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enthusiastically recommended for wolf lovers everywhere., November 4, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wolves of Minnesota (Paperback)

Edited by renowned wolf expert L. David Mech, The Wolves of Minnesota: Howl in the Heartland collects the expertise of individuals who have devoted themselves to studying Minnesota wolves, and presents the amazing true story of the wild Minnesota wolf's remarkable comeback. Gorgeous full-color photography on almost every page enhances this collection of essays that range from a summary of the wolf's life cycle and predator/prey habits to an in-depth discussion of managing the conflict between livestock owners who suffer from wolf depredations, wildlife supporters who have strong beliefs against allowing the killing of wolves, and government wolf control and compensation programs meant to chart an equitable middle ground. Enthusiastically recommended for wolf lovers everywhere.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wolves in one of our states, viewed and reviewed, March 13, 2010

By 

P. Pasda "artwings" (usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wolves of Minnesota (Paperback)

Mr Mech offers a detailed glance of wolf population, pack behavior, ecology and econmy(food) of wolves in minnesota. Fact friendly, this book could be used for a science project beginning in the fifth grade and would make a useful text for dog owners wanting to understand te mechanics of the wolf pack, so as to better their own understanding of their relative, the dog.