Animals Attack: Wolves

by Elizabeth J. Scholl

Book Overview

This title in the Animals ATTACK series explores wild, captive and wolf hybrid attacks, both in North America and around the world. Though it has been said that no healthy wild wolf has ever killed a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0737715278
• ISBN13: 9780737715279
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: KidHaven Press
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 8

Customer Reviews

Good information, for a youth format

I disagree strongly with the previous review. The only reason I give the book only four stars is the lack of in depth documentation within the text (there is plenty in the back matter, but for such a disputed claim, it would have been better up front, more so than the standard youth book). For the record, I love wolves, and think they are beautiful and valuable creatures. But they are carnivores. Like most wild carnivores, wolves DO prey on many species, including our own on occasion. Contrary to popular oppinion, healthy wolves do attack and kill humans at times. This is well documented in Europe and Asia. It is also well documented in the US. Scientists have simply declared that these otherwise well documented events must be false because they belong to the 18th and 19th century for the most part. As a trained historian, I find this in this claim rather too much hubris. Attacks in the 20th century were very rare-almost non-existant. This was mainly because wolves were practically non-existant in most areas, and excessive hunting made them very afraid of humans. Areas where wolves did remain were inhabited by a very well armed population. When people are well armed and prone to shoot wolves on sight, they do not attack people, obviously. Take away that situation, and wolf behavior changes. Don't misunderstand me, attacks on humans by ALL large predators are statistically rare. That is no consulation to the family of the young Canadian miner recently killed and eaten by a pack while walking unarmed and with a false sense of security in wolf territory, among others. It is similar to the logic that resulted in preventable deaths by cougars in the 1990s. The answer to the danger posed by wolves, as with lions, tigers and leopards, is preparation and awareness of danger, not exermination of the species. However, there IS a danger. We can love and respect wolves while being aware that they are not cuddly puppies or august and noble guardians of the forest, but wild animals that do things based on their own instincts. THAT is the message our children need, and I think that this book (and series)conveys that message admirably.