- Wild Animal Neighbors: Sharing Our Urban World by Ann Downer
Downer profiles eight species of animals that frequently come into contact with urban or suburban humans and explores the reasons why their territories overlap with humans, the problems that result, and the efforts being made to solve those problems. The animals profiled (raccoon, mountain lion, coyote) are mostly found in North America, but a look at jungle crows in Japan and gray-headed flying foxes in Australia offers some international fare as well. The content holds obvious appeal, and Downer’s presentation is clear and engaging. The story of Adrian, a coyote who wandered into a Chicago Quizno’s sub shop will intrigue rural and urban kids alike, as will the account of twenty-one alligators being caught in a ten-day span in a town in Texas after flood conditions encouraged the gators to become more active in their movements. Some of the book’s design is a bit clunky, but the illustrative photos are crisp and well chosen, while large sidebars highlight vital statistics and other valuable tidbits about each species. An epilogue and map in the back point to other significant urban wildlife situations; source and photo notes, bibliographies, and an index are also included in this useful and thought-provoking book that will be a hit with city-dwelling animal lovers and wannabe wildlife scientists. [End Page 264]