Superb pictorial of big cats. Big cats are efficient predators that once roamed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico. Today, they are confined to scattered, remote habitats. Forest Cats of North America is an intensive look at panthers, cougars, lynxes and bobcats, describing each species in detail. Range maps identify where the cats live and fact files feature scientific and common names, number of subspecies, physical traits, diet, life span and more. Spectacular color photographs capture these cats as they stalk, hunt and raise their young. The fascinating evolution of big cats is covered including the differences between North American and African cats and how the cougar may well be the ancestor of the cheetah. Forest Cats of North America is a lively, informative introduction to the continent's most elusive predators. Cougars, bobcats, and lynx are "ghosts" rarely seen even by those who venture into the wilderness. This well-written book offers a good introduction to the lives of these three predators. In short, easily read sections, the author compares and contrasts the behavior and lifestyles of each species. Hunting methods and prey species chosen are covered, as well as courtship and cub rearing, territoriality, and interactions with humans. A nice feature is a boxed "Basics" section about each cat, giving vital statistics, such as length and weight, diet, litter size, and North American population estimates. Range maps are provided, along with a useful sidebar on the running and jumping abilities of each species--information that can be surprisingly hard to find! Illustrated with stunning photographs that not only illuminate the text but also further reveal details of behavior--one great image is of a fight between a bobcat and a lynx--this book will be a very good initiation to the world of North American cats. Nancy Bent Beautifully illustrated... hard to put down... with informative graphs, insightful commentary and even myth and legend. ( Western Sportsman Special Hunting Edition ) Jerry Kobalenko has logged 4,000 miles on foot over the course of twenty-five wildlife expeditions. His writing and photography appear around the world in such publications as Outside , National Geographic , Adventure and Condé Nast Traveler . He lives in Banff, Alberta. Wildlife photographers Thomas Kitchin and Victoria Hurst live in Nova Scotia. Their work has appeared in nature, news and general-interest publications including Field and Stream , National Wildlife , Newsweek , Reader's Digest and Time . Used Book in Good Condition