Humans once relied on the calls of wild animals to understand the natural world and their place within it. In his new book, Eavesdropping on Animals: What We Can Learn from Wildlife Conversations, Yellowstone naturalist and sculptor George Bumann reveals what our ancestors knew long ago—that tuning in to the owl in the tree, the deer in the gully, can tell us important information and help us feel connected to our wild community. Bumann brings his study of wild animal communication to Elk River Books on Thursday, Oct. 24.
Eavesdropping on Animals shares the fascinating stories and insights Bumann has gained from studying wildlife around the world for more than 40 years, the last 20 of which have been spent leading popular programs on animal language and intelligence in Yellowstone National Park. He shares tips, tricks, and advice for readers living in urban, suburban and rural areas and clearly shows us that you don’t need an exotic vacation or a biology degree to have transformative wildlife encounters. Listening to and observing creatures in your own backyard, on nearby trails, and in local parks, seashores, fields, and forests can lead to extraordinary experiences and a profound sense of belonging.
Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree, describes the book as, “an enjoyable and timely reminder that there is another world we once heard and might yet hear again—if we take the time to listen.”
Bumann (rhymes with ‘human’) is an animal language expert, artist, and naturalist living with his wife, son, and black Labrador at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. With a background in wildlife ecology and field experience spanning four decades from across the globe, Bumann explores the lives of his wild neighbors and tells their stories through his teachings and bronze sculpture—often depicting individual animals he’s known for days, months, years, and even, generations.
Elk River Books is located at 122 S. 2nd St. in downtown Livingston. The free event begins at 7 p.m., and a book signing and reception will follow.
