Restoring the Balance

More about the book

For over 25 years, celebrated biologist John Vucetich has studied the wolves and moose of Isle Royale National Park, witnessing the near extinction of the local wolf population due to climate change and the controversial relocation of wolves to stabilize the ecosystem. In this work, he merges environmental philosophy with field notes from his scientific experiences, exploring the fate of wolves in the wild and their implications for humanity's responsibilities to the natural world. Vucetich's engaging narrative offers a clear perspective on wolf biology and behavioral ecology while posing profound questions about our relationship with nature: Are humans the only persons on Earth, or do we share it with nonhuman persons? What constitutes a healthy relationship with the natural world? Should we intervene in nature to care for it? Through vivid accounts of wolves hunting moose and their complex social lives, along with observations of ravens, mice, and even a transformative encounter with a toad, Vucetich connects his insights to a broader history of environmental thought. This blend of natural history, memoir, and commentary highlights our connections with wolves as apex predators and reflects on how our evolving views on nature affect both their survival and our own. This book is a treasure for readers seeking to deepen their relationship with nature and learn about the wolves of Isle Royale.