The Great American Wolf

by Bruce Hampton

For close to four hundred years, the wolf was this continent's most reviled animal. It became the object of a passionate, brutal hatred of the type humans usually reserve for members of their own kind. "Hundreds of thousands of wolves were trapped, poisoned, shot, or dynamited in their dens," Bruce Hampton writes. Many suffered deaths that carried the marks of revenge, such as being burned alive or scalped; others had their mouths wired shut or their eyes pierced with branding irons before being released to starve to death.
Then, within the past quarter century, public and scientific opinion reversed itself, and the wolf became the emblem of wildness, tolerated and even desired in its former range.
How this respect was won and the wolf's probable future are highlights of this vivid and comprehensive account, which serves as a vital contribution to our understanding of wildlife and wilderness management at the close of the millennium.

Genres: Wolves, History, Natural History, Nonfiction, Nature

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 1997

Reviews

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book aptly portrayed how unseemly, abominable, exhausting, and downright ludicrous the "wolf wars" really were. It showed how hypocritical humans are, and how destructive we can be in our ignorance and apathy. A truly inspiring, disillusioning book.

[David Donaldson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles the history of wolves in the United States. I was under the impression I might learn some more about wolf biology, but overall a good read.

[Sparkie Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched history of wolves in North America but with disturbing detail of humans changing from respecting the wolf to destroying them. I started and stopped the book several times before finally finishing it. As an animal lover, it is intriguing and frustrating. Wolves are beautiful animals. We have invaded their territory and we cannot expect them to stay in a certain area to be controlled by wildlife mgmt. I appreciate places such as the Wolf Conservatory in NY and Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, MA amongst other programs that educate and rescue.

[LilithEmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an excellently researched history of wolves in America with tons of quotes and facts, but it is particularly impressive how well the author captures the mood of the times and the different points of view of humans regarding wolves. Wolf lovers should be warned, though, that he describes the killing of wolves in detail as well, which is the main reason I can't say that I really enjoyed reading the book sometimes. All the same, a very good book for those who want to know more about wolves and their plight in America.

[LucidStyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much historical detail in this book, which helps to place the plight of the wolf in a proper light today. Certainly wolves and other natural predators are in need of advocates, access to their prey, and adequate habitat.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and well written - not a long read got through in two days and am excited to give to a friend - the last 50 pages or so get very into names, legal cases etc - which are good things but didn't feel as interesting as the fist 200 pages ! That might just be me - def check out !

[Vern]

Though I was expecting a book on wolf ecology, behavior, etc., I read an good book on human-wolf relations. Sadly, it details human inhumanity and hysteria.

[Maddie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, but very dry. I am a wolf lover and enjoyed this book, but I think that at times it could of been spiced up a bit.