The Wisdom of Wolves: Lessons From the Sawtooth Pack

by Jamie Dutcher, Jim Dutcher

Overview

From the world-famous couple who lived alongside a three-generation wolf pack, this book of inspiration, drawn from the wild, will fascinate animal and nature lovers alike.

For six years Jim and Jamie Dutcher lived intimately with a pack of wolves, gaining their trust as no one has before. In this book the Dutchers reflect on the virtues they observed in wolf society and behavior. Each chapter exemplifies a principle, such as kindness, teamwork, playfulness, respect, curiosity, and compassion. Their heartfelt stories combine into a thought-provoking meditation on the values shared between the human and the animal world. Occasional photographs bring the wolves and their behaviors into absorbing focus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426218873
Publisher:	National Geographic
Publication date:	03/06/2018
Sold by:	DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE -EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	37 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

For more than 20 years, Jim and Jamie Dutcher have been documenting wolf behavior. For six years they lived in a camp near Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, intimately observing a three-generation wolf pack. Their unprecedented experiences resulted in prime-time documentaries that won three Emmys. They live in Ketchum, Idaho.

Editorial Reviews

02/19/2018
The Dutchers (The Hidden Life of Wolves) are sentimental but not saccharine as they fondly recount their time with the Sawtooth Pack, a grouping of wolves that Jim constructed in the Idaho wilderness nearly three decades ago from litters of pups in order to film their social behaviors. The authors challenge the cultural perception of wolves as ruthless with more positive stories of wolf behavior, arguing that “many of the qualities that make a wolf successful at being a wolf also represent the best in human nature” and organizing their observations into categories of virtuous behaviors such as “Lead with Kindness,” “Never Stop Playing,” and “Find Compassion.” The Dutchers revel in the wolves’ individual personalities, sharing stories as if they were doting grandparents (“it was absolutely endearing to watch the three pups try to howl”). Each author’s prose is subtly distinctive; Jim brings in a smattering of history and politics, while Jamie tends more toward gentle anthropomorphizing. This optimistic expression of faith in the everyday wisdom of wolf and humankind alike shows the wolves as a reflection of the best in humans. B&w photos. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

03/01/2018
Should wolves be allowed to return to the former lands of their ancestors? For naturalists Jim and Jamie Dutcher, life with the wolves is fascinating. Each day, for numerous years of observations and research, they have followed the Sawtooth Pack in Idaho, learning amazing family values of pack behavior. This extensive research also leads to probing questions: Can humans and wolves peaceably coexist? Ranchers now occupy these areas and live uncomfortably with the animals, which are often viewed as the nightmares of fairy tales. The lessons the authors learn are surprising in that humans still have difficulty with these values. Previously, the couple has combined their talents into books such as The Hidden Lives of Wolves and the documentary, Wolves at our Door. In alternating chapters, the authors describe the inner lives of the Sawtooth Pack, especially in regards to trust, respect, curiosity, compassion, playfulness, unity, and loyalty—cherishing each moment and each individual. VERDICT An accessible book for nature lovers that imparts wisdom for humanity. For all readers in need of a reminder to be the best that they can be.—Teri Davis, Council Bluffs, IA

Library Journal