Wolf Island: Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal

"No scientist has done more to shape our understanding of wolves than L. David Mech, and no ecosystem has been more influential than Isle Royale. Wolf Island is a lively, well-told story that sheds new light on the early days of ecology’s most important long-term study, the formative years of a master biologist, and the complex lives of an iconic and misunderstood predator."—Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter   "L. David Mech’s writing on wolves is foundational: every new study owes a debt to his scholarship, and any respectable stack of wolf books is anchored by The Wolf, his indispensable classic. With Wolf Island, we now have a volume to top the stack as well. Mech’s excellent and eminently readable account of the origins of his fieldwork in Isle Royale National Park is as inspirational as it is educational. Here’s hoping it sends another generation of students—and readers of all ages—into the wild."—Nate Blakeslee, author of American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West   "For many of us fascinated with wolves, Adolph Murie and L. David Mech are the two scientist/field naturalists whose books first gave these animals life and breath. Now, in this unflinching and highly readable memoir, Mech lets readers experience the inside story of how, as a young graduate student, he illuminated the murky world of America’s iconic predator. And ended up writing a classic."—Dan Flores, New York Times best-selling author of Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History   "Fans of wolves, field biology, and good natural history writing will welcome Mech’s long-overdue reminiscences."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review   "Nature lovers will enjoy Mech’s mix of reminiscence and zoological insight."—Publishers Weekly   "An important read for budding wildlife biologists and anyone interested in the survival of species."—Wilderness News   "The book is enjoyable, informative, fascinating and will convince readers Isle Royale is unique."—Michigan In Books   "Filled with details of fascinating discoveries and engaging first-person stories... The book should be in all libraries."—CHOICE   "An interesting read for anyone who enjoys science and nature."—Northern Wilds   "A highly engaging account that wolf aficionados, lovers of wilderness and national parks, and people that enjoy wildlife biology and natural history stories will appreciate."—Canadian Field Naturalist   "Essential Reading for those who are interested in wold biology and their management."—Biological Conservation   "Drawing on journals, field notes, and extensive interviews, the book recounts three sumers and winters 60 years ago that Mech spent on the island observing wolves and moose."—Minnesota Alumni   "Wolf Island will please anyone with an interest in wilderness adventure, Lake Superior, or wildlife."—Ely Winter Times