What To Do When The Wild Comes To You

Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest

by Russell Link

392 pp., University of Washington Press, in association with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2004

Reviewed by Ben Raker

Encounters with wildlife in one's own backyard, though not unique to the Northwest, is fairly common in this region.

Some encounters make the news, like appearances of mountain lions in semirural communities. Other events are commonplace and pesky, like the squirrel at the birdfeeder or the deer snacking on the garden greens. Whether a perk or perturbance of life in the Northwest, these close encounters with wildlife are frequent and increasing as communities edge into traditional habitats.

Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest is an easy-to-use resource guide that not only helps readers appreciate animals they share space with, but also gives practical guidance on how to avoid or deal with conflicts when they arise.

The author, an urban wildlife biologist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, writes that the book is for those interested in knowing more about animals around their homes or property. He says that he selected animals and topics after surveying wildlife agencies about the most commonly asked questions and requests for information, but also cries for help with real or perceived conflicts.

The book is organized into sections on mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. There are chapters on critters both common and uncommon, and black-and-white drawings of nearly all of them.

Within each chapter, there are notes about the animal, tips on viewing it, and a section titled "preventing conflicts." Interested in landscaping tips to make gardens less enticing to geese? Should you run, climb a tree, or stand your ground when approached by large predators? Want to encourage bird nests while keeping messes to a minimum? Answers are in this book. The appendices at the back are also informative, including notes on how domestic animals affect wildlife and a list of references and contacts for wildlife agencies. There's even an appendix on how to build a "beaver deceiver” complete with diagram.

Although some of the information is common knowledge and some of the advice common sense, there are plenty fascinating facts and many surprising suggestions on how best to live with local wildlife.

This well-organized, information-packed book is chunky, but then it was never intended as a back-pocket field guide. Keep it on the shelf at home: what makes this guide stand out are the tips it offers on what to do when the wild comes to you.