The Predator Paradox ─ Ending the War With Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes

An expert in wildlife management tells the stories of those who are finding new ways for humans and mammalian predators to coexist.

The longest armed conflict carried out by the United States government, beginning in 1914, is our war with mammalian predators. The death toll is tremendous: federal agents kill ninety thousand wolves, bears, coyotes, and cougars every year. The paradox is that we need to safeguard ourselves and livestock from predators, while simultaneously preserving and protecting these key species—fundamental components of healthy ecosystems. Shivik argues that we can end the war. By shifting away from “death from above” and embracing nonlethal approaches to managing wildlife—practices and technologies he has helped pioneer—we can dismantle the paradox, have both people and predators on the landscape, and ensure the long-term survival of both. Blending the science of the wild with entertaining and dramatic storytelling throughout, Shivik traces the culture of “good old boy” wildlife managers and observes the difference two cows can make to a widow rancher. Shivik’s clear-eyed pragmatism allows him appeal to both sides of the debate, while arguing for the possibility of coexistence: between ranchers and environmentalists, wildlife managers and animal-welfare activists, and humans and animals.

John Shivik is a recognized leader in nonlethal techniques for predator management. As a federal and university researcher, he has investigated mammalian predators in ecological systems throughout the United States and Europe. His numerous scientific works have been published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, and BioScience, among others. He lives in Logan, Utah.