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Outsider Animals: How the Creatures at the Margins of Our Lives Have the Most to Teach Us
This audiobook narrated by Marlene Zuk provides an entertaining look at what raccoons, rats, and other animal intruders teach us about intelligence, adaptability, and ourselves
When we think of animals that provide the greatest insights into animal cognition and behavior, primates and honeybees come to mind, or perhaps whales or octopus. What about the raccoons that plunder our rubbish at night, or the coyotes that threaten pets and livestock, or the gulls that divebomb for snacks at the beach? Outsider Animals challenges everything you thought you knew about the overlooked animals that live in proximity to humans, sharing the stories that each has to tell about adaptation and cohabitation on our increasingly crowded planet.
Marlene Zuk gives us a new appreciation for the animals we often shun, explaining why these unpopular creatures have something special to teach us not only about the ways we deal with other species but about our own place in nature and what it means for an animal to belong somewhere. You will discover how coyotes and snakes shed light on our coevolution with predators, what cockroaches tell us about the evolution of pregnancy, how butterflies make us reconsider the effects of roadside pollution, how cowbirds and mynas are forcing ecologists to think differently about invasive species, and much more.
Writing with an infectious blend of humor and curiosity, Zuk invites us to reflect on our relationships with these close-to-home creatures and the ways our lives encroach on theirs, and to draw lessons from their behavior in all its fascinating complexity.
When we think of animals that provide the greatest insights into animal cognition and behavior, primates and honeybees come to mind, or perhaps whales or octopus. What about the raccoons that plunder our rubbish at night, or the coyotes that threaten pets and livestock, or the gulls that divebomb for snacks at the beach? Outsider Animals challenges everything you thought you knew about the overlooked animals that live in proximity to humans, sharing the stories that each has to tell about adaptation and cohabitation on our increasingly crowded planet.
Marlene Zuk gives us a new appreciation for the animals we often shun, explaining why these unpopular creatures have something special to teach us not only about the ways we deal with other species but about our own place in nature and what it means for an animal to belong somewhere. You will discover how coyotes and snakes shed light on our coevolution with predators, what cockroaches tell us about the evolution of pregnancy, how butterflies make us reconsider the effects of roadside pollution, how cowbirds and mynas are forcing ecologists to think differently about invasive species, and much more.
Writing with an infectious blend of humor and curiosity, Zuk invites us to reflect on our relationships with these close-to-home creatures and the ways our lives encroach on theirs, and to draw lessons from their behavior in all its fascinating complexity.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Marlene Zuk
15 books61 followersMarlene 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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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June 12, 2026"Since 2019 the European Gull Screeching Championship has been held annually in Belgium. In case the title doesn't sufficiently explain the goal, the website advises entrants to "Screech and behave as a seagull Do it well, because you have only one chance." In the UK, seagulls have a very bad name.They steal chips, crisps, sandwiches anything from people actually eating them, but in Belgium they are celebrated!"
The author describes cockroaches quite lovingly, talking of how some species, like the wood-eating cockroach are monogamous, can have live births rather than eggs, and 'husband' and 'wife' raise their offspring together. So long as they stay outside, ok, but come inside and I have no mercy. I no longer scream for my husband as he's ex, or my partner as he has MS and is too slow or my son, who lives on another island, but I'm very brave and deal with them myself.
Still thinking of more to write for this review.
The author describes cockroaches quite lovingly, talking of how some species, like the wood-eating cockroach are monogamous, can have live births rather than eggs, and 'husband' and 'wife' raise their offspring together. So long as they stay outside, ok, but come inside and I have no mercy. I no longer scream for my husband as he's ex, or my partner as he has MS and is too slow or my son, who lives on another island, but I'm very brave and deal with them myself.
Still thinking of more to write for this review.
April 26, 2026
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.
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.
April 5, 2026
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!
August 16, 2026
It was a hot, humid day in New York City when my girlfriend and I decided to swing by The Strand for air conditioning and books. Inside, Outsider Animals’ cover immediately caught my eye (is it not the cutest thing ever?). So, I went home with a copy of the book and a raccoon-in-a-trashcan bookmark.
The book focuses on “outsider animals” — animals who live on the outskirts of our lives, often over-hated and under-appreciated. The book asks, of these outsider animals: How have humans historically perceived these species? How have these species evolved over time as they learned to co-exist among humans (and other animals)? How has evolution affected the way humans perceive them?
The book covers a range of intriguing creatures and topics:
Raccoons - I love raccoons. One night, I took trash to the dumpster at my complex to find three pairs of eyes staring up at me. Two raccoons immediately scrambled away, but the last stood atop the dumpster, staring curiously through a little bandit mask. I’ve always been fascinated with trash pandas and their innate curiosity. This chapter delves into their relationship with humans; they’re real neophiliacs (attracted to new objects), and are great problem solvers — the author references cool studies about their learning capabilities.
Gulls - There are few sounds more iconic than the calls of seagulls hunting for fallen snacks on a beach. This one was interesting. Why are gulls so bold and bashful around humans? How do they learn and communicate threats? How do gulls behave in urban vs rural environments?
Cowbirds - Parasitic bird species are SO cool. How does an animal raised among a different species, learn to communicate and reproduce with its own? This chapter made me appreciate how incredible and fascinating cowbirds and cuckoos are! Loved this one!
Common Mynas - Mynas are beautiful birds (though non-native and invasive). So why are they so hated? Relatively interesting, but not my favorite — even as a bird-lover.
Cabbage White Butterflies - That white butterfly flying around your garden landing on plants? Probably a Cabbage White, a critical pollinator — thought it probably munched through your garden plants as a larvae. This chapter explores how the insects learn and adapt to different conditions; can they solve problems? If so, can their brains develop and physically grow? How can invasive plant species become beneficial for native species?
Rats - On my way to Strand, I saw a few rats spread throughout the city. It’s incredible how nonchalant they are: skittering through the humid, musty-smelling subway system, and scouring Union Square Park in search of scraps. How major are the differences between domesticated and wild populations — not just in rats, but in other domesticated species? How have domesticated and wild rats changed as a result of their life among humans? How does that affect what we can learn from them? How can humans best “control” population of a species that specializes in its coexistence with humans?
Cockroaches - I live in an area with plenty of Ectobius Pallidus, a slow-moving brown wood roach with large eyes. I think they’re rather cute, so perhaps I’m not the target audience as a roach sympathizer already. While German cockroaches give the species a bad rep, this chapter focuses on the breadth of biodiversity in the cockroach kingdom. There are fascinating tidbits about how cockroaches are even inspiring human robotics, along with plenty of interesting facts on their diverse breeding practices. Up there with cowbirds for my favorite chapter!
Snakes - Why are primates afraid of snakes? They’re long and slithery, and they can gulp down prey bigger than they are, but they’re rarely a threat to humans. We read about venom-spitting evolution, the hunting of invasive pythons, and more. I like snakes even more now.
Coyotes - Coyotes were my elementary school mascot, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. They’re related to domestic dogs. They’re also mammals who have historically always lived near humans. So why do humans hate them so much? Why do humans fear certain predators and not others? This chapter helped me appreciate the resilience of the species.
A very good — and accessible — read. I recommend it to animal lovers interested in wildlife and ecology!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Buy
The book focuses on “outsider animals” — animals who live on the outskirts of our lives, often over-hated and under-appreciated. The book asks, of these outsider animals: How have humans historically perceived these species? How have these species evolved over time as they learned to co-exist among humans (and other animals)? How has evolution affected the way humans perceive them?
The book covers a range of intriguing creatures and topics:
Raccoons - I love raccoons. One night, I took trash to the dumpster at my complex to find three pairs of eyes staring up at me. Two raccoons immediately scrambled away, but the last stood atop the dumpster, staring curiously through a little bandit mask. I’ve always been fascinated with trash pandas and their innate curiosity. This chapter delves into their relationship with humans; they’re real neophiliacs (attracted to new objects), and are great problem solvers — the author references cool studies about their learning capabilities.
Gulls - There are few sounds more iconic than the calls of seagulls hunting for fallen snacks on a beach. This one was interesting. Why are gulls so bold and bashful around humans? How do they learn and communicate threats? How do gulls behave in urban vs rural environments?
Cowbirds - Parasitic bird species are SO cool. How does an animal raised among a different species, learn to communicate and reproduce with its own? This chapter made me appreciate how incredible and fascinating cowbirds and cuckoos are! Loved this one!
Common Mynas - Mynas are beautiful birds (though non-native and invasive). So why are they so hated? Relatively interesting, but not my favorite — even as a bird-lover.
Cabbage White Butterflies - That white butterfly flying around your garden landing on plants? Probably a Cabbage White, a critical pollinator — thought it probably munched through your garden plants as a larvae. This chapter explores how the insects learn and adapt to different conditions; can they solve problems? If so, can their brains develop and physically grow? How can invasive plant species become beneficial for native species?
Rats - On my way to Strand, I saw a few rats spread throughout the city. It’s incredible how nonchalant they are: skittering through the humid, musty-smelling subway system, and scouring Union Square Park in search of scraps. How major are the differences between domesticated and wild populations — not just in rats, but in other domesticated species? How have domesticated and wild rats changed as a result of their life among humans? How does that affect what we can learn from them? How can humans best “control” population of a species that specializes in its coexistence with humans?
Cockroaches - I live in an area with plenty of Ectobius Pallidus, a slow-moving brown wood roach with large eyes. I think they’re rather cute, so perhaps I’m not the target audience as a roach sympathizer already. While German cockroaches give the species a bad rep, this chapter focuses on the breadth of biodiversity in the cockroach kingdom. There are fascinating tidbits about how cockroaches are even inspiring human robotics, along with plenty of interesting facts on their diverse breeding practices. Up there with cowbirds for my favorite chapter!
Snakes - Why are primates afraid of snakes? They’re long and slithery, and they can gulp down prey bigger than they are, but they’re rarely a threat to humans. We read about venom-spitting evolution, the hunting of invasive pythons, and more. I like snakes even more now.
Coyotes - Coyotes were my elementary school mascot, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. They’re related to domestic dogs. They’re also mammals who have historically always lived near humans. So why do humans hate them so much? Why do humans fear certain predators and not others? This chapter helped me appreciate the resilience of the species.
A very good — and accessible — read. I recommend it to animal lovers interested in wildlife and ecology!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Buy
August 7, 2026
Learning about Mouse Units as a form of venom measurement blew my mind.
July 18, 2026
Marlene Zuk is a professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. She's studied all kinds of animals and while she can find something to love about most animals, insects, etc. not everyone feels the same way. In this book, Zuk is highlighting some Outsider Animals that tend to get a bad rap or humans find a nuisance. But Zuk feels that all animals have something to teach us and hopes this book will help you appreciate these less-loved animals. "One of the definitions of appreciation is 'a full understanding of a situation,' without any values attached." (p. 4) Zuk covers 9 different animals and makes the case that they all have something to offer. I will admit, I could barely read the chapter on cockroaches. But she makes a good case for the rest of the "outsiders." I think my main takeaway was that humans like to categorize animals as good or bad and that's not how nature operates. A songbird is technically a "predator" of insects, but most people don't think of songbirds as predators. An interesting book about some less-loved but common place animals.
Some quotes I liked:
[Margaret Renkle writes]"'When you are paying attention to nature, you will always see something you don't want to see, some workings of the great world that don't comport with your own taxonomies, your own notions of justice.' She's right. It all comes down to who you want to root for. In those nature documentaries about lions in the Serengeti, we tend to cheer when the gazelle gets away, but what about the poor little cubs left without their supper? Predators need to eat, too, and sometimes their prey is cute. We don't have to love the blood and guts of hunting other animals for food, but we need to recognize how subjective we are in our judgement of what goes on in the natural world." (p. 78)
"Andrea Griffin noted that people have changed their minds about many animal species, and gives crows as a perfect example. Crows, she points out, have always been recognized as clever, but hundreds of years ago, that cleverness was tied to villainy. Crows were evil plotters, sinister. Then, perhaps starting a couple of decades ago, the whole jay and crow family, the corvids, received something of a rehab. Scientists discovered that crows could use, and even make, tools, and ravens could solve complex problems. Their intelligence suddenly became admirable, not evil." (p. 108)
Some quotes I liked:
[Margaret Renkle writes]"'When you are paying attention to nature, you will always see something you don't want to see, some workings of the great world that don't comport with your own taxonomies, your own notions of justice.' She's right. It all comes down to who you want to root for. In those nature documentaries about lions in the Serengeti, we tend to cheer when the gazelle gets away, but what about the poor little cubs left without their supper? Predators need to eat, too, and sometimes their prey is cute. We don't have to love the blood and guts of hunting other animals for food, but we need to recognize how subjective we are in our judgement of what goes on in the natural world." (p. 78)
"Andrea Griffin noted that people have changed their minds about many animal species, and gives crows as a perfect example. Crows, she points out, have always been recognized as clever, but hundreds of years ago, that cleverness was tied to villainy. Crows were evil plotters, sinister. Then, perhaps starting a couple of decades ago, the whole jay and crow family, the corvids, received something of a rehab. Scientists discovered that crows could use, and even make, tools, and ravens could solve complex problems. Their intelligence suddenly became admirable, not evil." (p. 108)
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April 30, 2026Years 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.
June 27, 2026
WOW! What an interesting book! Each chapter about a different animal - from adorable raccoons to, uh, not so adorable cockroaches - has so much really interesting information.
We all know how engaging raccoons are - and the author uses that fact to "get you" in the very first chapter, and then moves on to lesser animals "on the cuteness scale" so you can learn how fascinating they are too.
Such as:
Cockroaches have been studied by engineers for their speed, resilience, and maneuverability, in the development of robots.
How do Cowbirds find love? Cowbirds leave their eggs in other birds' nests, and so their babies are raised with other species of birds. Yet when it comes time to find a mate, how do they know to find another cowbird?
Rats have the ability to play and many rats enjoy having their tummy tickled. And, yes! Rats can laugh when they are tickled.
If you are an animal lover, you will love this book!
We all know how engaging raccoons are - and the author uses that fact to "get you" in the very first chapter, and then moves on to lesser animals "on the cuteness scale" so you can learn how fascinating they are too.
Such as:
Cockroaches have been studied by engineers for their speed, resilience, and maneuverability, in the development of robots.
How do Cowbirds find love? Cowbirds leave their eggs in other birds' nests, and so their babies are raised with other species of birds. Yet when it comes time to find a mate, how do they know to find another cowbird?
Rats have the ability to play and many rats enjoy having their tummy tickled. And, yes! Rats can laugh when they are tickled.
If you are an animal lover, you will love this book!
April 2, 2026
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.
June 26, 2026
DNF around the half-way point where the author was talking about the cabbage white butterflies.
I didn't know what to expect when I first picked up this book. As I listened, I realized I already knew a lot of the info the author shares about these "outsider" animals. This probably contributed to me not caring so much about this book. I was already convinced to look at animals/insects as living beings that are just trying to survive in the wild before reading this book.
This is probably a better read for someone who is curious and wants to see these "outsider" animals in a different light.
I didn't know what to expect when I first picked up this book. As I listened, I realized I already knew a lot of the info the author shares about these "outsider" animals. This probably contributed to me not caring so much about this book. I was already convinced to look at animals/insects as living beings that are just trying to survive in the wild before reading this book.
This is probably a better read for someone who is curious and wants to see these "outsider" animals in a different light.
July 19, 2026
When I first moved to Omaha, one of the things that most fascinated me was the presence of raccoons and opossums in my neighborhood (& the much larger variety of bird life). Then I learned that not everyone loved seeing raccoons when they were out for a morning walk and I came to understand why eventually, though I still have a child's enthusiasm for them every time I see one, even in my own backyard. Zuk's book focuses on the relationship between humans and "outsider" animals, like raccoons. This book is well-researched and well-written. My favorite chapters focused on raccoons, gulls, cowbirds, and coyotes. If you like this genre, I recommend this book!
June 29, 2026
Actually would give it 3.5. I did enjoy it. Author writes in a breezy, personable style and is actually quite clever and funny. She talks about raccoons, myna birds, cockroaches, rats, cowbirds, gulls, coyotes and a few more. She is a professor at the U of MN in Ecology and evolution. She is often talking about possible evolutionary causes for various behaviors and that can bog things down a bit. Did open my eyes to the human factor in causing problems e.g. better, quicker garbage collection would help with rat control. Overall a pretty good book
August 15, 2026
I’m a bit biased because the author was my PhD adviser, but I loved this. Interesting examples and science easily packaged for the non-expert, told in an entertaining way. Zuk’s voice comes through clearly, and she’s a great science communicator and general enthusiast about the natural world. I liked Tuss’ illustrations, too.
August 17, 2026
A book about the animals who live in the periphery of our lives- rats, crows, raccoons, sea gulls. And absolutely delightful read about looking at them with kinder eyes. You know, rats like being tickled.. they'll try all sorts of things to get their handlers to hold them and give belly rubs. This research helps us understand more about human joy.
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July 2, 2026This book is a great discussion of animals that draw a large amount of attention to themselves in the public eye. Animals like the raccoon, the cockroach, and mice make people think and wonder about how they influence and are influenced by people.
March 22, 2026
After reading this book, I have a much clearer and greater appreciation for raccoons, gulls, rats, and even cabbage moths!
April 19, 2026
An excellent, informative, and funny read about the animals on the periphery of our lives.
April 20, 2026
Fun book that questions a lot of human preconceptions in between some truly fascinating information about the involved species. Will definitely read again.
May 16, 2026
Written and read by one of my animal behavior professors from undergrad!!
May 16, 2026
Fascinating read. The book is a scientific discussion around how animals are often misunderstood. It’s factual and often humorous. The question I was left with am I a moth or a butterfly person?
May 27, 2026
So much fun to read while learning at the same time.
June 2, 2026
Quick read with lots of interesting bits. Inspiring for future work
June 8, 2026
Already agreeing with the author on all points, I don't think I was the target audience. But an excellent book and helpful for finding new arguments to use when defending critters.
July 22, 2026
The chapters on snakes and coyotes were the most interesting. The cockroaches chapter I skipped.
August 11, 2026
raccoons: 1
toronto: 0
toronto: 0
June 9, 2026
You know, I listened to this on a roadtrip while I was doing most of the driving and I did not absorb a lot of it. Probably nothing against the book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews