Moving to a valley in the Montana wilderness sparked Eisenberg’s interest in the natural history of her land, and when wolves recolonized the area, she decided to go to graduate school and study ecology. Living in the area she dubs the Carnivore Way, a corridor that extends from Alaska to Mexico along the spine of the Rockies and through which the large carnivores can freely move, she found an intact ecosystem. The first section of the book describes the continental-scale corridors that carnivores and other wildlife use for their movements and why international cooperation in environmental laws is so important. In part 2, Eisenberg examines six large carnivores—grizzly bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx, cougar, and jaguar—in more detail. Woven throughout the science of studying carnivores are the author’s reminiscences of her interactions with wild predators and insights into her research, making for an eminently readable primer on predator ecology. --Nancy Bent
Review
"Using personal anecdotes of encounters with North America predators, supplemented by the results of a number of studies, Eisenberg makes a case for the place of carnivores in the wild." ― Publishers Weekly
“Eisenberg is a fine writer...Examining each species separately, [she] is able to deftly touch on diverse themes: border fences; species life histories; ranching; hunting; and trapping; reintroduction efforts; drought and fire; public land availability and management; ranging and dispersal tendencies; and environmental laws and legal structures. The book, like its focal species, roams widely. The author is at her best when telling stories. By discussing how individual animals use their landscape, Eisenberg paints a picture of their trials and tribulations and how they make a living in an increasingly human-dominated environment.” ― Science
"Ecologist Cristina Eisenberg travels wildlife corridors between Alaska and northern Mexico, focusing on six species: the grizzly bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx, cougar and jaguar. Examining the science and public policy surrounding these majestic creatures, she argues that we need to give them room to roam—and we can do it in a way that allows us to peacefully coexist." ― Conservation
"[A]n eminently readable primer on predator ecology." ― Booklist
"[T]his fascinating book...offers a blend of research and narrative that will appeal to lay readers..." ― Library Journal
"Unfortunately, the topic of large predators can draw plenty of passion and emotion, but that often leaves little room for clear thinking. That's why Cristina Eisenberg's The Carnivore Way is so refreshing. It brings science and rational thought to the issue and shows that we can indeed coexist with large, carnivorous animals—and that most of the issue is with us, not them." ― The Nature Conservancy's Cool Green Science Blog
"In this call for a unified vision in conservation, ecologist Cristina Eisenberg argues that big carnivores such as grizzly bears underpin the corridor's ecological health, and need it in turn for dispersal into new territory. She interweaves multiple skeins of science—on predator population resilience, the success of wildlife crossings and more—to build a putative scenario of human-carnivore coexistence." ― Nature
"In The Carnivore Way, ecologist Cristina Eisenberg argues for the protection of North America's big predators and their expansive habitats. As a researcher, she illustrates the creatures' ecological importance as linchpins of their ecosystems, affecting the populations and dynamics not only of their prey, but of trophic levels throughout the system. She also urges cooperation among the various stakeholders whose livelihoods are impacted by the presence of large carnivores. Coexistence with carnivores is her steady mantra." ― The Scientist
"Her doctoral research at Oregon State University and her 2011 book The Wolf’s Tooth made her a leading spokeswoman for the ecological roles of carnivores. Now, in The Carnivore Way, Eisenberg gathers her most compelling stories and the latest science from the Mexico to Alaska to help human beings learn how to coexist with the key carnivores in the Greater Rocky Mountains — the wolf, cougar, grizzly bear, lynx, wolverine and jaguar." ― High Country News
"Eisenberg is showing us the greatest hope that may exist for a "carnivore way"--the people among us who care enough about the wildlife in their backyards to become engaged in a large carnivore conservation on their own terms." ― Ecology
"It is both informative and thoroughly enjoyable to read, with its combination of personal narrative and well-explained science." ― Biological Conservation
"The Carnivore Way is an accessible, engaging expert’s view of the complex biological, social, and political situation of North American carnivore conservation." ― Choice
"In today’s political hysteria, I found this profoundly refreshing. Fluidly written, engaging, and informative." ― San Francisco Book Review
"...[Eisenberg] is skilled at translating complex ecological ideas into prose." ― Ecological Restoration
"Carnivores are challenging animals to think about, and we tend to get distracted by their sharp teeth and meat-eating ways. But they have much to teach us about the landscapes we live in, the ecology of our home places, and our own ability to adapt, learn, and coexist. Nobody knows this beter than Cristina Eisenberg, and no one is a more insightful guide into the world of these fascinating wild neighbors." -- Kevin Van Tighem, Author of "Bears Without Fear" and "The Homeward Wolf"
"An impressive synthesis of conservation and science, The Carnivore Way is the road map for carnivore conservation and connected landscapes in North America's Rocky Mountains. With keen insights into carnivores' roles in ecosystems, their behaviors, and their complex relationships with humans, Cristina Eisenberg compels us to understand why carnivores are essential to the health of ecosystems and our need to coexist with them." -- Jodi A. Hilty, North American Program Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Society
"Eisenberg investigates the extensive cascading biological medicine wheel we know as the natural world, continuing to prove carnivore coexistence is fundamental to our own survival—inextricable. The Carnivore Way makes a remarkable case for immediate overhaul of human intrusion. Our brothers and sisters in other forms depend on us to get this right and their wellbeing distinguishes our own sustained presence. Genius narrative, essential knowledge, this book is beautiful lifeblood." -- Allison Adelle Hedge Coke, Author of "Blood Run & Streaming" and editor of "Sing: Poetry of the Indigenous Americas"
"With characteristic insight and clarity, Cristina Eisenberg paints the large-carnivore story across a vast canvas. Few can boil down the essentials like Eisenberg in prose that both informs and inspires. She has come through again with an engaging read about iconic species that put to the test our willingness to coexist with other life forms."
-- Douglas W. Smith, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Yellowstone National Park
"...Eisenberg is always worthwhile reading..." ― Restoration Ecology
"[Eisenberg] write[s] inspiringly about research on large carnivores and convincingly argue[s] for the need to deeply understand large carnivore behavior and ecology in order to better manage and conserve them." ― Conservation Biology
"an exceptionally well-written book" ― Natural Areas Journal
Book Description
An inspiring look into how large-landscape connectivity is critical for sustaining large carnivores and, in turn, healthy and resilient ecosystems.
About the Author
Ecologist Cristina Eisenberg studies wolves, bison, and fire in Rocky Mountain ecosystems and works to empower native people to use Traditional Ecological Knowledge to restore nature and create a resilient, sustainable Earth. She is the former chief scientist at Earthwatch Institute where she developed strategic initiatives to explore key environmental sustainability issues and establish partnerships with principal investigators. She is a Smithsonian Research Associate, a Boone and Crockett Club professional member, and the nonfiction editor of the literary journal Whitefish Review. She serves on the board of directors for the Society of Ecological Restoration, the board of trustees at Prescott College, and the editorial board of Oregon State University Press. She holds a PhD in forestry and wildlife from Oregon State University. Her books for Island Press include The Carnivore Way: Coexisting with and Conserving America's Predators and The Wolf's Tooth: Keystone Predators, Trophic Cascades, and Biodiversity. She lives with her family in a remote, wild corner of northwest Montana.
