Outsider Animals: How the Creatures at the Margins of Our Lives Have the Most to Teach Us

by Marlene Zuk, David J. Tuss (Illustrator)

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Biology, Science, Audiobook, Ecology, Nature

312 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Marlene Zuk is an American evolutionary biologist and behavioral ecologist. She worked as professor of biology at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) until she transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2012. Her studies involve sexual selection and parasites.

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cover read. I love raccoons and I was instantly intruiged by the cover. Of course the the blurb as well as the title made me interested as well. Enjoyed the book as it gove information about various "harder to love animals" and talked in them in a more positive light (as well mention the more negative one). Personally I doubt I will love seagulls anytime soon as they go in attack mode where I live as the babies wobble around on the ground. (Babies are very cute tough). I dont have any experience of wild city rats and all I've seen are happy cozy pet rats. So I love rats.

What I took away from a book it matters a lot of what kind of experience you've had with an animal. Might be harder to find affection for an animal that scares you or cause chaos where you live.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that I’d recommend to any animal lover. A good mix of informative and entertaining. Made me appreciate a lot of the animals more. I need to get my hands on a physical copy to see the illustrations!

[Claudia]

Years ago, Jonathan Adams and Thomas McShane explored: "The Myth of Wild Africa: Conservation Without Illusion. Later, Robert Sullivan flushed out the bestseller "Rats". Now, biologist Marlene Zuk sheds light on additional often-unwanted animals—raccoons, gulls, cockroaches, coyotes—living near humans. All present proposals to place people positively into animal conservation arguing they are not mere pests but brilliant adaptors and guides teaching us about our own evolution, cohabitation, character, and society; so we should reevaluate our tendency to unjustly villainize their existence. Many of these animals, such as raccoons, are intelligent opportunists that use their proximity to human garbage and infrastructure to survive and thrive. Species like coyotes and snakes reveal insights into co-evolution with humans, while cowbirds and mynas challenge our understanding of invasive species. Author Zuk questions what truly defines a "natural" habitat in an increasingly human-modified world, noting how humans are often responsible for bringing these "outsiders" inside. She encourages a fresh review for these creatures to gain valuable insights into human-animal relationships along with our own place in nature. For my upcoming trip to Africa, this book is packed along with my binoculars and a novel focused on Africa--gifts from my dear daughter.

[Elizabeth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zuk accomplishes something remarkable: transforming our reflexive disgust into genuine curiosity and even admiration. Her exploration of raccoons, rats, and cockroaches reveals not pests but evolutionary marvels adapting to the world we built without consulting them. What distinguishes this from typical nature writing is the scientific rigor combined with genuine humor; she never anthropomorphizes yet makes these creatures vividly present. The insights about coevolution, roadside pollution effects, and what pregnancy means across species challenge easy assumptions about intelligence and belonging. David Tuss's illustrations add dimension without distraction. By the final chapter, you will find yourself observing the "intruders" in your own life with new patience. A masterclass in finding wonder where we least expect it.

[Kristyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have a much clearer and greater appreciation for raccoons, gulls, rats, and even cabbage moths!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, informative, and funny read about the animals on the periphery of our lives.

[Artymesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book that questions a lot of human preconceptions in between some truly fascinating information about the involved species. Will definitely read again.

[Andrea Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written and read by one of my animal behavior professors from undergrad!!