FROM THE PUBLISHER

For Millions of years, the wild animals of North America have been fitting themselves into every available nook and cranny of the landscape. About ten thousand years ago, humans became part of the equation and ever since have sometimes used, sometimes abused, but always admired the magnificent animals with which they share the continent. Wildlife of North America celebrates the diversity and durability of the nearly 500 species of mammals that, along with countless birds, reptiles, and amphibians, move continually at the edges of our civilized, urban consciousness, inviting us to ponder in fresh ways the marvels of life on Earth. Six lavishly illustrated chapters' display the rich diversity of animal life as it has adapted to the major landforms of the continent, from the harsh frozen tundra of the far north to the searing deserts of the southwest. More than 100 spectacular images, captures by the best wildlife photographers in the world, document the survival strategies used by animals ranging in size from the less-than-an-ounce deer mouse to the two-hundred-ton blue whale.