Wolf Nation: The Life, Death, and Return of Wild American Wolves

by Brenda Peterson

In the tradition of Peter Matthiessen's Wildlife in America or Aldo Leopold, Brenda Peterson tells the 300-year history of wild wolves in America. It is also our own history, seen through our relationship with wolves. The earliest Americans revered them. Settlers zealously exterminated them. Now, scientists, writers, and ordinary citizens are fighting to bring them back to the wild. Peterson, an eloquent voice in the battle for twenty years, makes the powerful case that without wolves, not only will our whole ecology unravel, but we'll lose much of our national soul.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Wolves, Science, Wildlife, Environment

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2016

About the author

Brenda Peterson is the author of over 20 books, including the recently released murder mystery, Stiletto. Her first memoir Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals, chosen as a “Best Spiritual Book of 2001,” to three novels, one of which, Duck and Cover, was chosen by New York Times as a Notable Book of the Year. Her second memoir, a dark comedy of family and faith, is I Want To Be Left Behind: Finding Rapture Here on Earth; it was selected by The Christian Science Monitor among the Top Ten Best Non-Fiction Books and chosen by independent bookstores as an Indie Next and a Great Read.
Her non-fiction has appeared in numerous national newspapers, journals, and magazines, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times, Reader’s Digest, Christian Science Monitor, O: The Oprah Magazine, and Utne Reader. Oprah.com featured her Your Life is a Book: How to Craft and Publish Your Memoir. Her new kid’s are Wild Orca and Lobo: A Wolf Family Returns Home.

Reviews

[Jennifer (Insert Lit Pun)]

A really great introduction to this topic. I was wary at first about the fact that Peterson is a journalist/nature writer - I wasn't sure what kind of perspective that would entail. But what it ultimately means is that she provides a ton of different perspectives, including scientists, ranchers, wolf advocates, tribal leaders, park rangers, and average US citizens. And Wolf Nation is a useful resource as well for finding other books and documentaries about wolf conservation. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommended.

[Brian Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peterson engages in the ongoing public relations war for wolf survival. She meets with ranchers in revolt against the U.S. government's modest wolf-reintroduction program, who sport bumper stickers declaring “Wolves are illegal immigrants,” or announcing that “wolves are terrorists on the order of Osama bin Laden.” She details the progress of environmental activists and Native communities in restoring wolves to the ecosystem, and examines developments in non-lethal methods for protecting livestock. It's a passionate, exciting report, but the action is slow. She cites wolf expert Douglas Smith who sees signs of hope, because back around the 1960s, “everyone hated wolves. Now half the population hates wolves. We are progressing. It’s getting better.”

[Lör K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free ARC provided by Netgalley and Perseus Books in return for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the ARC I read

Rating: 4 / 5

Publication Date: 02nd May 2017
Review Date: 29th April 2017

Wolves are terrorists on the order of Osama bin Laden

This was the first thing I saw when opening this book. I couldn’t stop laughing. This just in, folks, wolves are probably on call for ISIS now Osama bin Laden is dead.

I loved this! This was such a beautifully informative book about wolves. Peterson has obviously done her research and has come out with a book containing information I never knew before. The writing is wonderful and flows so wonderfully. It's really not hard to get into this book.

I did knock one star off because the first page is quite graphic in description and I wasn't prepared for it, which made me feel a little uncomfortable. Other than this, I have no qualms with this book at all and I think it's absolutely wonderful!

This is a definite recommendation for all wolf lovers out there for sure!

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf Nation: The Life, Death, and Return of Wild American Wolves by Brenda Peterson Wolves are my favorite animal.  So, when I saw this book, I was instantly intrigued.  Brenda Peterson does a nice job with portraying the historic and scientific aspect of saving the wild American wolves.  I am knowledgeable about wolves, yet I learned a lot through this book.   It is well documented, researched, and supported.  WOLF NATION is skillfully written and an informative read.  I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
 

[Ris]

Frankly, I'm not comfortable giving a star-rating because I didn't finish it (about 100 pages in). It's not that it was bad, but I couldn't stomach all the graphic depictions of hunting-methods. I kept getting so angry I cried, so I suppose in that way the author did her job as a wolf advocate.

But to that end, I also felt a bit manipulated. The writing is clearly biased and is leading you towards a specific conclusion, and the anecdotal evidence I encountered before putting the book down was always in support--even reformed hunters!--with a whiff of conspiracy theory. (That isn't to say I doubt all the stories have truth, but I would still want to research more of these stories before hopping on the Damn Them train.)

The writing itself was a bit disjointed. As I've seen other reviews comment, it felt a bit scattered. The information was always relevant, but in the way that a side tangent is always inspired by the original story you're telling your friends. It was often a chore to hang onto the main thread of the story, to remember what point she was trying to highlight in that chapter.

[C. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading this book about the return of Wild American Wolves I have become absolutely engrossed with the stories of individual wolves and their families and the successful reintroduction of wolves to wildernesses, such as Yellowstone, for example, which is where they deserve to be since historically the wilderness belonged to the wolves before hunters, ranchers, members of the public etc. ever thought to lay claim to any of these wild places.
This book shows the struggle that wolf advocates had to make the case for the preservation of wolves as an endangered species, against ranchers, hunters and others who viewed wolves as a species that should be completely eradicated by whatever foul and unfair means possible for the sake of their farms and cattle ranches, (supposedly). However, each chapter of this book discusses a different view or topic relating to this struggle and I must admit I learned a great deal about wolves. I understand the enthusiasm of people who regularly visit wild areas in order to become "wolf watchers" and get the latest updates about wolf families and their offspring. It is as good as, if not better than a `soap opera`, only much more interesting.!

[M. Sarki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long and drawn-out treatise on the movement to protect and reestablish our country’s wild wolf population. A political and emotional plea to save one of our most important resources and in the process learn more about ourselves. A wolf’s loyalty to its pack and family, its willingness to sacrifice itself for the sake of the whole, and its love for play and recreation offers much to the ignorant population taught to be afraid and suspect of these animals. The control of public lands by big money and the cattle industry threatens to destroy one of the most important components of our nation’s history. And this reader hopes the world is watching us.

[Kellan Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book that goes into great detail about the wolves we live amongst. I greatly enjoyed reading this book, since it was not focused solely on statistics and facts but connects you to wolf culture and behavior on an almost spiritual level. Brenda Peterson goes into great detail about wolf life history, how humans have impacted wolf populations currently and historically, and what would happen to us if we lost a keystone predator. She also elaborates the complexities of wildlife management and how this species has become a highly politicized species. If you’re interested in understanding animal behavior/culture, wildlife management, and environmental politics, I definitely recommend this book!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative yet profoundly depressing read. The first part of the book focuses on the history of wolves, that is our history of hunting them. Ever inventive and unsurpassingly cruel, we have been so effective that many wolf populations have been completely wiped out. The book helpfully also tells the reader about the many other animals killed in their thousands every year alongside the wolf. I frequently had to have a break from reading, the litany of senseless death was too awful. If you manage to make it through that, the rest of the book is fascinating and in the end offers some hope for the future.

ARC via Netgalley

[gnarlyhiker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wolves (wildlife period) are caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand are the hunters of wolves for sport or recreation, who don’t give a hoot about wiping wildlife off the face of this earth. And on the other hand there are wildlife biologists who capture and place chips in wolves (other wildlife, too) before “rewilding” them and tracking their every move. So, if you’re fortunate to spot a lone wolf, think again, you’re not alone.

Informative, but a little too all over the place.

good luck


**ARC/publisher/NetGalley

[Mazdyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that chronicles the very recent history of wolf reintroduction across the country with a particular focus on the West. It also highlights a lot about wolf behavior and family dynamics too. Peterson brings a great wealth of knowledge to this subject much to the benefit of any reader, regardless if they are familiar with wolves or not. My only gripes with this book are that I would have liked to have seen her references of her information to be presented more apparently rather than the way it was done in the book. I also wish she'd had included some pictures, especially of the individual wolves she told the stories of. These two gripes, though, are something I can live with. Other than that, the book is a delight and had me feeling a whole rollercoaster of emotions.

[Andrea Bearman · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more review: Learning Bear Podcast on YouTube.
I have read about sea turtles, bees, plants, trees, coyotes, cranes, and more. Now, I tackle the beast of beasts, possibly an even sadder, more tortured story than the coyotes: The Gray Wolf.
I read Wolf Nation by Brenda Peterson. First, the title. The title is an homage of sorts to a Native American nation that in their native tongue, called themselves Wolf Nation. Wolves have a deep, rich history with the Native people; usually in the form of deities. Unfortunately, the niceties end there. The American people, in general, have wreaked terrible havoc on wolves in the form of poisoning, helicopter shootings, and probably the most gore of all: multiple lassos around a single wolf’s neck and then pulled in half a dozen directions by men on horseback. I have mentioned in other reviews that although we see ourselves as the smartest organisms, these situations clearly demonstrate we are idiots.
My heart truly morns for the wolves in the terrible stories that the author shares. As an educator, sometimes we must take the good with the epically awful just to be well-rounded. I am saddened to the point that I must keep my review short, because reliving the tales of the wolves is almost too much to bear (or wolf, haha).
The positives are her research and her attention to detail. While upsetting, the content is honest. It does not hide or mislead the reader from the truth of what Americans, often in the name of “freedom”, have done to these predators. I appreciate the stories about Yellowstone Wolves, like Cinderella, #9 and #10. I enjoyed learning about the trophic cascades and how wolves fixed the Hoh National Forest ecosystem. I also love her connections to the people involved in wolf advocacy groups and thoughtful environmentalists of bygone eras.
Here are some examples: Diane Boyd said she thinks that it is okay to have feelings for the subjects that are studied. “I wouldn’t have devoted my life to studying wolves, if I didn’t love them”. Of the Hoh National Forest wolves, one person mentioned that wolves are the best “habitat managers”; predators can “help restore our wild lands into landscapes of hope”. Or the eastern ranchers who deal with coyotes, not wolves, but say that the westerners have a sense of entitlement that the easterners do not. Ultimately, she says, they have to take responsibility for their livestock; prevention over retaliation is the catch-phrase I have created.
Stories are meaningful for humans because we relate to the animal-based characters. We see ourselves in those creatures. Wolves are deeply complex and fascinating creatures, worth their weight in gold any day of the week. It is time that all humans realized that. I would also include any predators. Read any book, paper, teaching manual, and you will find that predators are essential to a healthy ecosystem. I won’t drone on about it here, but they are ESSENTIAL. Almost to the point that they should be included in the study of habitat: what do we need to live? Food, water, shelter, space, air, and predators.
Here’s the thing and Jacque Cousteau said it best: people protect what they love. I ask you all to pick a predator you love and protect it; share your love with someone else and pay it forward. Please.
On that note, here is my grading.
Content: 5/5 (In an attempt to remain objective, I am giving full marks, but I would love to take a point away because it rivals any horror film in popular culture, but I will remain objective.)
Structure: 5/5 (The chapters are long, but there are adequate breaks within the chapters and the book itself is broken into five sections.)
Meets Objectives: 5/5 (Through out the book, there is mention of a Native American medicine given to the author, because the universe is asking her to speak out for wolves and be their voice. I think she does that.)
Creativity: 4/5 (This is very hard to gauge in non-fiction. She definitely travels far and wide to talk to a wide number of people and experiences many different parts of a wolf pack. I don’t know if that is creative though; and I am not really sure how you can be creative with this topic. I am taking a point away because I wonder if a more creative method to honor that Native American medicine could make her message more widespread. I will also concede that the author may have done this and I am unaware of it.)
If you can handle the death and terror, this book is for you: Wolf Nation by Brenda Peterson

[toria (vikz writes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf Nation
Brenda Peterson
The publisher kindly gave me this book in exchange for an honest review. This book begins with the author giving us a glimpse of her childhood, outlining how she was brought up in a rural family and taught to respect, love, and protect all of nature. That ideal shines through this work. It’s basically about how humans and animals, in this case Wolves, interact. It’s about our relationship with nature.

It explores the various mythologies, both; negative and positive, that surround the Wolf. The author deconstructs historical, and present day stories, explaining how these narratives have shaped our relationships with the Wolf. The author explores the way that ‘western man’ has sought to domesticate and tame nature; both, in their European homeland and those countries that they went onto colonialise. She argues that modern ‘mans’ attempts to dominate and domesticate nature have affected those creatures, like the wolf, who continually oppose ‘mans’ domination. She looks at the horrendous treatment that humans have meted out to Wolves, outlining the way that Wolves have; been hunted to near extinction, poisoned, and exterminated. She explores the hostility some people feel towards wolves and their advocates.

She narrates the alternative, more positive ways to view the wolves. Peterson looks at the programs put in place, throughout America with the sole aim of bringing these animals back to the places they belong. We get a glimpse of the lives of the people and animals who are living/working to change humanities perception of wolves and their role in our world.

The author looks at the way that the reintroduction of wolves to their natural habitats has had a positive effect on those spaces and the beings that inhabit them. However, she then argues that studies have shown that it is not enough to reintroduce one, land mark, species. If you want a thriving natural world, all species, both large and small, must be allowed to play their part.

Peters makes a strong case of how engaging with, and learning from, nature can have a positive effect on our physical and psychological wellbeing, giving examples of the individuals, from school children to troubled adults, who have sought nature and the positive benefits that these encounters have brought them. She makes a strong narrative case of the interdependence of all living things, arguing how one species controls and supports others. She explains how we all play a role in protecting the world in which we live and the natural settings that surround us, arguing that no species can be eliminated without series consequences to other aspects of nature. This book makes the reader have all the feels and It’s a must

posted on my blog Vikzwrites.wordpress.com

[Presence Bissonette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It would have been 5 stars but I thought occasionally it was too political, painting conservatives a little broadly. I appreciated that very occasionally we got a closer look at people who have another viewpoint of the author, but it still was extremely biased. I am also very hopeful that non-lethal methods will be adopted as success stories increase. I really hate that public money is spent in any culling of predators, we need to live together, there is a way. Native Americans managed very successfully. We manage in Alaska to deter bears from our trash, simply by adding a level of complexity to our garbage cans.

The best part of the book was the different wolf stories and histories. Someday I will make it to Yellowstone. In the meantime, my greatest moment of this summer was our trip to Denali and following a she-wolf (at a distance) as she did her own thing. She was alone and was simply hunting very small animals. It was more than I could have hoped for. I knew it was relatively rare to spy a wolf, and she led a string of buses on the park road for a couple of miles. She seemed to be young and was probably a female seeking a mate and to start her own pack. I wonder what her story will be, and I will probably never know. I am excited too, to learn more about different wolf sanctuaries and advocacy groups, and I plan on reading and learning more.

I was surprised that the author took such a long time to mention that red wolves are more coyote than wolf. The rise of the coywolf would have been an interesting addition to this book as well.

I also recommend reading the book, Coyote America by Dan Flores. It is a fascinating look at coyote.

[Maureen Caupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a teenager visiting Yellowstone I got to watch wolves through a spotting scope. The way they romped as they ran was captivating!

In Wolf Nation Brenda Peterson explores the relationship between people and wolves in the United States throughout our history to today. From our primal fear and hatred of wolves and the belief that they should be totally exterminated. Into the present day when controversial efforts are being made to restore wolves to some of their native habitat. Peterson looks at wolves through different perspectives and warns us that we have to cooperate and compromise if we want any wild wolves.

I learned more about the conservation efforts involving wolves and "wolf politics". I enjoyed the way the author wove scientific facts with personal stories.

I found this quote interesting. "Wildlife politics mirror an increasingly polarized America. The challenge is not just about learning to coexist with wolves; it is also about figuring out how to coexist with one another."

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in wolves, but also the history of human-wolf interactions, and the different way people perceive wolves today.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wildness needs wolves." That line really grabbed me, the idea of considering what wildness might require and how wolves not only fulfill that need but embody it. We have a long & deeply disturbing relationship with large predators, both in this country and as a species, period. This book does a good job of walking you through that while also going out of itself way to provide other perspectives, including ranchers & hunters. It makes for a solid companion read to Dan Flores' Coyote America though I was fascinated by how the two animals fates differed. The story of wolves in America is brutal & depressing whereas the coyote has been remarkably resilient despite our best efforts to eradicate it. We need to learn to co-exist with these and I believe it is possible, especially after reading this book.

[Roberta Decenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well thought out book that really explains the issues facing wolf recovery in the United States today. Written in a clear and understandable way, the author not only talks about the issues facing Wolf recovery, but also their successes and offers anecdotal stories of some of the most famous wolves in the recovery efforts. The book is written from the point of view of its author and her journey studying wolves and interviewing individuals involved in recovery efforts over many years. Over all, I would say this is a must read for any lover of wolves to fully understand the struggles wolves face in successful reintroduction to their rightful place.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of the return of wolves and their survival after near extinction. I love wolves and while I'm not sure I want to encounter one outside of the zoo, I think they are amazing animals. They are intelligent and I am happy to see them being brought back. I've always thought it was wrong to blame them for killing cattle, sheep, livestock in general. Like all creatures on this planet, they serve a purpose and need to be protected. Great story! Very timely.

[S.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. Shows a bunch of different perspectives, includes well-researched information, and makes thoughtful arguments. Definitely recommend for any armchair wolf enthusiasts out there.

[Jeff Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview for newbies to “the wolf wars,” but it’s very general and lacks the profound soul-moving punch of titles like American Wolf.

[Dwain · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the very few books I have not finished. It was absolutely terrible. Firstly, the description of the book is very misleading. I was looking for a book to learn about wolves and the description say that the book is history of wolves. It isn't. It is a convoluted mixture of personal memoir, storytelling, spiritualism, politics and environmentalism, with an occasional bit about wolves thrown in here and there.

I found the spiritual content of Wolf Nation quite annoying. The book is filled with statements about the wolves' spirits, about them communicating with her, and about how the spirit of humanity is affected by our spiritual relationship with the predators around us. If this is her spiritual belief that's fine. But this book is described as a history rather than a book about environmental spiritualism.

The book is also one of the most biased things I have read in a long time. I understand that people have opinions, but a book about wolves shouldn't be chalk full of diatribes about politics. I can read a political book for that. Peterson started out ok. She calls out politicians when their policies affected wolf conservation efforts. That much was fine. But as the book went on I started noticing that every time she talks about Republicans, she is sure to let the reader know that it was a Republican that was harming wolves. Whenever a Democrat did the same, she simply said the politicians name and position. Towards the middle of the book it got much worse. There were long rants about individual politicians, political parties, and voters. Her rants were also either disingenuous or horribly ill informed. For example, she says that gun-rights advocates in America care more about their gun rights than they do their own personal safety. That is just a dumb statement. Gun-rights advocates would say that there is no dichotomy. Their gun rights create personal safety. Her statement either betrays malicious intent or else a complete lack of interest in accuracy.

All of this I could have overlooked if I felt like I was learning anything about wolves - the whole point of reading the book - but those moments were few and far between. I would listen to whole chapters without feeling like I have learned anything other than the author's biases or personality.

If you want to read a personal memoir filled with spiritual meanderings, story telling, and vitriol against Republicans and conservatives, this is your book. If you want to learn about wolves, look elsewhere.

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author blends history, science, politics and just enough stories about wolves make the book a compelling read. If you are looking for a book That is more scientific and research about wolves look elsewhere. If you are wanting a book on the struggles the wolves face as they are reintroduced junto the wild. Then this book is for you.. This book made me want fight for the wolf and also go to Yellowstone to see the wolves.

[Carol Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved wolves since I was a child. Reading about wolves coming back to their original territory in the United States is thrilling, but the cruelty of humans towards this animals is so depressing. The re-introduction of wolves into Yellowstone has shown what a positive influence this apex predator can have on an ecosystem. Humans need to learn how to live with wolves instead of just killing them.

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and easy to read book about the American Wolf. I really enjoyed the informative story about the wolves life, their journeys, reintroduction in areas of the U.S. and how society perceived them. How different states laws lead to the life and death of the wolves and the societies out to protect them. I love books about nature and really loved this one. I highly recommend it. The author's love for wolves really makes this book very entertaining.

[Deb Stransky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an animal lover and I especially love wolves. This book was really good and I recommend it to animal lovers. It tells the story about repopulating areas that had wolves and were killed off(Yellowstone, Arizona, etc.). It even covered the fight between ranchers and the people who were relocating them. Very much a eye-opener.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good new book spotlighting the often troubled relationships between wolves and humans in this country, Wolf Nation also spends some time illuminating the impact of the wolf on ecosystems like Yellowstone and, in one of the most interesting chapters, the relationship between wolves and music. Well written, clear, well researched, and informative.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a bit ideologically driven for my tastes. I am in favor of wolf reintroduction. I do not feel I ned to buy into an anti capitalist narrative, or embrace climate change hysteria to favor introducing a keystone predator adept at preventing ungulates such as elk and deer from wrecking the forests.

[Tuul Sukhbaatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read the book. A lot of times people give me books about wolves because I love wolves so much. The book contains some good details and information about wolves in America. But, it was hard to digest certain parts of her political views. It seems like she tries too hard to convince readers that only democrats save wolves and republicans kill them.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book. As a conservationist, and environmentalist, this book does the best thing a book about the effort can do...give a person hope for wolves. Informative, scientifically supported: this book is justice for an unjustly treated species.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that includes the current research, politics and state of wolf delisting and killing in the west. I agree that nonconsumptive wildlife advocates need to step up and demand their place at the decision making tables across the country!