Since 1872, visitors have flocked to Yellowstone National Park to gaze in awe at its dramatic geysers, stunning mountains, and impressive wildlife. Yet more than a century of archaeological research shows that the wild landscape has a long history of human presence. In fact, Native American people have hunted bison and bighorn sheep, fished for cutthroat trout, and gathered bitterroot and camas bulbs here for at least 11,000 years, and twenty-six tribes claim cultural association with Yellowstone today. In Before Yellowstone, Douglas MacDonald tells the story of these early people as revealed by archaeological research into nearly 2,000 sites—many of which he helped survey and excavate. He describes and explains the significance of archaeological areas such as the easy-to-visit Obsidian Cliff, where hunters obtained volcanic rock to make tools and for trade, and Yellowstone Lake, a traditional place for gathering edible plants. MacDonald helps readers understand the archaeological methods used and the limits of archaeological knowledge. From Clovis points associated with mammoth hunting to stone circles marking the sites of tipi lodges, Before Yellowstone brings to life a fascinating story of human engagement with this stunning landscape.

"Examines the effect of wolf restoration on cougar population in Yellowstone National Park. No other study has addressed theoretical and practical aspects of competition between large carnivores. A thorough examination of cougar ecology, how they interact and [are] influenced by wolves, how this knowledge informs management and conservation"--Provided by publisher.

In this new edition James A. Pritchard has added a summary of recent developments in wildlife science and management and discusses historical continuities in the role of Yellowstone Park as a wildlife refuge and conservator.

A collection of entertaining accounts of travel through Yellowstone from 1871, before it was a tourist destination, until 1916, when autos were allowed into the park. The adventurers include an intrepid mother who posted the sign "Park or Bust" on her family's covered wagon, a strong cyclist and hikers who traversed the whole park for fun, and an expert guide on skis. These travelers experience the geysers without boardwalks, bushwhack trails before maps, handle horses, and encounter bears. Featuring a color gallery of 26 watercolor paintings from 1884 by Thomas Henry Thomas, shown for the first time outside Wales.

"The beloved Yellowstone National Park underwent a management shift in 1969 that drastically altered its landscape. This book comes at a time when scientific results are sometimes withheld so that they do not challenge policy positions. The author charges that Yellowstone-supported research has produced a faulty ecological paradigm, whether consciously or not, in order to maintain status quo of the Park's "natural-regulation" policy." "Wagner's ecosystem model of the Park's northern range focuses on a low-elevation region of the Park where a large herd of Rocky Mountain elk winters. His study spans 132 years of ecological, hydrologic, archaeological, photographic, and historic evidence and synthesizes the herd's impact over time."--BOOK JACKET.

A beautifully illustrated survey of Yellowstone’s breathtaking birdlife, written by a team of renowned ornithologists and wildlife biologists Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and arguably the most famous national park in North America, attracting millions of visitors each year. While many come to the park for its recreational activities, the wildlife of Yellowstone is just as alluring. This book brings together more than 30 leading experts to provide the first comprehensive survey of the natural history, science, and conservation of birds in Yellowstone. Covering most bird species breeding within the great park as well as the many migrants that pass through, Yellowstone’s Birds is a scientific tour de force and an essential resource for visitors to Yellowstone and bird lovers everywhere. Tallies more than 200 species, including migrants Describes the natural history, status, and latest science on the birds of Yellowstone Features fact-filled, easy-to-read chapters, informative sidebar essays, maps, infographics, and photos that present current science in an easily understood way Accompanied by videos by award-winning cinematographer Bob Landis Draws on a wealth of data on Yellowstone’s birds collected over many decades With contributions by many of today’s leading bird experts, this is a long-overdue survey of Yellowstone’s breathtaking avian fauna

The world's first national park is constantly changing. How we understand and respond to recent events putting species under stress will determine the future of ecosystems millions of years in the making. Marshaling expertise from over 30 contributors, Yellowstone's Wildlife in Transition examines three primary challenges to the park's ecology.