American Wolf

A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West

By: Nate Blakeslee

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall, Nate Blakeslee

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times best-seller.

The enthralling true story of the rise and reign of O-Six, the celebrated Yellowstone wolf, and the people who loved or feared her.

Before men ruled the earth, there were wolves. Once abundant in North America, these majestic creatures were hunted to near extinction in the lower 48 states by the 1920s. But in recent decades, conservationists have brought wolves back to the Rockies, igniting a battle over the very soul of the West.

With novelistic detail, Nate Blakeslee tells the gripping story of one of these wolves, O-Six, a charismatic alpha female named for the year of her birth. Uncommonly powerful, with gray fur and faint black ovals around each eye, O-Six is a kind and merciful leader, a fiercely intelligent fighter, and a doting mother. She is beloved by wolf watchers, particularly renowned naturalist Rick McIntyre, and becomes something of a social media star, with followers around the world.

But as she raises her pups and protects her pack, O-Six is challenged on all fronts: by hunters, who compete with wolves for the elk they both prize; by cattle ranchers who are losing livestock and have the ears of politicians; and by other Yellowstone wolves who are vying for control of the park's stunningly beautiful Lamar Valley.

These forces collide in American Wolf, a riveting multigenerational saga of hardship and triumph that tells a larger story about the ongoing cultural clash in the West - between those fighting for a vanishing way of life and those committed to restoring one of the country's most iconic landscapes.

©2017 Nate Blakeslee (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

• A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
• Shortlisted for the 2018 J. Anthony Lukas Prize
• An Outside Magazine Best Book of 2017
• A Science Friday Best Science Book of 2017

“Blakeslee draws O-Six in novelistic... detail, using the conflicting insight and perspective of biologists, politicians, ranchers, environmentalists, lawyers, other animals, and hunters.... Seeing a wolf is exceptionally rare, and this book is as close as most readers will come.” (The New Yorker)

“A matriarch overthrown in what seems fairly described as a 'putsch,' marauding gangs running attacks into neighboring territory, an hours-long standoff with a grizzly, a discarded water bottle - a rarity in the wilderness of a national park - tossed around and protected like a prized new toy. The lives of the wolves in Yellowstone are often dramatic, but are full of touching, tender moments too, as Nate Blakeslee vividly writes in American Wolf.” (Los Angeles Times)

"The story of one wolf’s struggle to survive in the majestic Yellowstone National Park offers an ambitious look through the eyes of an endangered animal." (New York Times Book Review)

The Riveting, Captivating, Timely, Heartbreaking Story of Us

One of my favorite books this year, not just because of its grand depth, where O-Six and her family were brought alive before my eyes, and where the people who care help others know and care so much, but for its tale of two cities in a fragile eco system, cohabiting with each other while political games and increased rhetoric first put one and then the other above each other. I suppose it's possible that we Americans shall go on living with each other, come what may, never noticing all they who depend on our equilibrium, who need a good example of melting-pot cohabitation; I suppose it, but I no longer take it for granted. Yes, this book told me a beautiful story of wolf life in Yellowstone, made me think of the whole picture of the Yellowstone community, but it also made me think of America, and indeed the world, on a grand scale. Thank you, Nate Blakeslee, for doing such a damned fine job and bringing this story to me and the world. Also, thank you for helping me know that I've put off my long desire to visit the park, far far too long.

very enjoyable.

many endearing realistic stories about wolves. you get a sense of actually observing the wolves and seeing what their family life is like. seeing how they defend their territory, how they raise their young I really enjoyed the whole thing

Its a great history

I loved the passion of the watchers and determination for the author for transmitting this feeling!

Enraptured

This is story-telling at best. Blakeslee carefully balances the political controversy of the wolf project and the fascinating lives of its packs to create a cohesive and compelling story about survival, passion, people, and wolves.

excellent reading

A truly remarkable depiction of real life adventures by an official Wolf follower.
Helps one understand why it is important to protect who we share this planet with.

Wolf lovers

This documentary is a must for any who loves this amazing species. Worth listening again.

thanks for letting the world know about wolves.

I appreciate the research done to make this such a compelling story.
The viewpoint of all concerned is clear. Thank you for doing your best to create Harmony.
I will pass this on to others, it is such an important message.

Fascinating Story

A great tale of the ting and yang of the American wolf story in the west. Interestingly told. Something for everyone in learning the details.

Powerful

Phenomenal and inspiring storytelling. very emotionally charged. A must-read for all animal lovers and conservationists.

Beautiful Story

I loved this book! Touched me deeply. Thank you to the author and all the “watchers” for making it possible. Nature’s balance is always best left to Nature’s management. Humans are far too stupid and egotistical to get it right.