From Vancouver Island marmots to Florida manatees to the Arctic’s polar bears, Wild Science reveals what work is like for wildlife scientists.

In 10 chapters, readers get a chance to explore the lives of 10 different scientists. Each chapter includes an “action” story from the scientist’s field work, a short biography on the scientist, another on “their” animal, and some of the science behind the work. Although animals are the focus, the science is multi-disciplinary, including ingenious engineering solutions to some problems. One thing is clear, to be a wildlife scientist, you have to love the outdoors and animals. And not mind when a bat pees on you.

The book was inviting to read because of the pictures of the animals and biologists. The topic of the book intrigued me to want to learn more about the animals and scientists.

The thing I liked most about the book was the chapter on wolves. The author wrote about one wolf named Phyllis instead of a whole pack. I especially liked the picture of a wolf beside its description. I also learned things from the book, such as the fact that leatherback sea turtles can dive down 1000 metres into the sea.

The thing I liked the least was the chapter on the birds called Northern Gannets. It was more about the biologist than the actual birds.

Reading the book was fun, but mostly because of the pictures and captions. The author did a great job. My overall impression of the book was that it was interesting and factual. I would rate the book 9 out of 10. In just one word, I would describe the book as colourful.

(Originally published in the Sept/Oct 2004 issue of YES Mag.)