Moose: Giants of the Northern Forest

This is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the magnificent and elusive moose. The lively and informative text includes: the history of the species; the rutting season, raising and defending its young and much more. Moose are an enduring icon of North America's vast forest wilderness. Weighing up to 1,800 pounds, the moose is the largest living member of the deer family. It ranges across Alaska, Vermont, Maine and the boreal forests of northern Canada. The moose also inhabits Scandinavia, Northern Russia and Siberia, where it known as elk. A pictorial celebration of a majestic animal and its place in the ecosystem of the northern forest, Moose covers: Life history Varied habitat Raising and defending its young Common predators Conservation efforts. Also featured are 80 dramatic photographs of moose in their natural habitat, such as a mother fighting off a pack of wolves attacking her calf, and the annual rut when mature bull moose spar and fight with incredible strength and violence. In rare cases, the moose hit with such force that their antlers will spread and lock -- dooming the opponents to slow, tortuous starvation. Throughout the book, the author includes his own personal experiences with moose, making this a wonderful, knowledgeable companion for campers, hikers and moose watchers. Throughout history, wolves have fascinated, inspired and terrified people around the world. Fierce, loyal, tribal and intelligent, these animals are the subject of this intimate portrait. Drawing on a wide variety of sources, the author weaves together ancient legends, up-to-date science, historical writings and personal observations. With penetrating photography by Daniel J. Cox, the result is a magnificent, passionate and powerful story of an animal worth understanding and preserving. Chapters include: Early Myths and Legends -- stories that record the earliest human-wolf encounters Part of the Pack -- how wolves work together to hunt, for protection and to take care of the young Legendary Predator -- how wolves organize the hunt and select their prey Warriors and Wolves -- how, from ancient times, wolves have been role models for warriors Shamans and Shape shifters -- how wolves have been seen as a great source of power and healing Predator Becomes Prey -- how humans have hunted wolves beyond all reason or need At the Edge Again -- what the future holds for this magnificent animal. Wolf blends natural science, history and folklore to explore the fascination with one of the most complex creatures in the world. The book reveals how humans have interacted with wolves, from the earliest creation myths to current attempts to restore near-extinct populations.