We've been waiting a century for this 'love letter' to Yosemite wildlife

"Yosemite National Park is famous for its towering granite, thundering waterfalls and world-class hiking trails. The stunning heart of the park, Yosemite Valley, is extremely popular and almost always filled with humans - and perhaps that's why the park's wildlife tends to fly under the radar. In fact, not a single book in the past 100 years has been solely dedicated to the creatures of Yosemite."

"'This is my love letter to Yosemite wildlife,' she told SFGATE. 'I wanted to honor the legacy of Grinnell and Storer's important work of 100 years ago, but also the wondrous wildlife books of my childhood that inspired me to work in conservation.'"

"The book contains the stories and images of more than 150 species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Some of the animals, like bears and deer, are well-known and commonly encountered in the park. Others, like the Sierra Nevada red fox and porcupines, are rare and almost never seen. Pratt also highlights park scientists and others who protect wildlife, and she hopes readers will take away an understanding of how crucial these roles are as the Trump administration continuously attempts to gut parks staff."

Yosemite Valley receives heavy human visitation, often overshadowing the park's diverse wildlife. More than 150 species inhabit Yosemite, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Familiar species such as bears and deer coexist with rare inhabitants like the Sierra Nevada red fox and porcupines. Photographs, natural history and current science document species accounts and highlight field researchers. Park scientists and staff play essential roles in wildlife protection. Political pressures and proposals to reduce parks staffing amplify threats, increasing the need for public awareness and support for conservation and park protection.

Read at SFGATE