New Book on Yosemite Wildlife

I am beyond excited to announce this news. I am partnering with the amazing photographer Robb Hirsch on the book I have wanted to write for most of my life: Yosemite Wildlife.

My utmost gratitude to the Yosemite Conservancy, especially Adonia, Katie and Nicole, for putting their faith in us both for this book.

“Yosemite Wildlife is intended to inspire wonder and educate, and will fill a niche that has only been occupied by field guides in the past 100 years. While Yosemite is home to more than 400 species of vertebrates across varied habitats from 1,800 to 13,000 feet elevation, the last single book showcasing park wildlife was Grinnell and Storer’s Animal Life in the Yosemite of 1924.

“This is the book of a lifetime for me,” said Pratt. “I have been wandering in Yosemite for over 30 years, observing and studying the park’s wild world. This landmark work will both celebrate the park’s wildlife and help further scientific understanding.”

Yosemite Wildlife is planned to be released in 2023 – the same year as the Conservancy’s 100th anniversary.

“We are passionate about Yosemite’s natural history,” Hirsch said, “and committed to make this information engaging and accessible for the public.”

Read the full press release on the Yosemite Conservancy’s website

Last pika visit of the year!

Sophie and Petey both came out to say hello during my weekly pika survey on November 2, and Sophie even ate her lunch with me. I am glad they were both feeling social on this trip, as Tioga Pass has now closed for the season, and I will have to wait until spring for a reunion with my pika friends.

Beautiful Backyard Bear!

A beautiful black bear took a stroll though my backyard, and posed for the camera.

Petey the Pika Meets a Long-Tailed Weasel

Before you read any further, there is a happy ending—for Petey the Pika at least. I love my pika, but a weasel has to eat as well. Yesterday, when I went to do my weekly pika survey near Tioga Pass, Petey was nowhere in sight. I could not figure out why he wasn’t being social. Well, I had the answer soon enough-suddenly a weasel bound across the pika site! What an incredible sighting!

I am happy to report we did locate Petey after the weasel had left. Long-tailed weasels are fierce hunters and will tackle prey larger than themselves. Pika don’t have much defense against them except to hide. I am glad Petey found a good hiding spot!

Baby marmots in Yosemite

While lunching at my usual pika monitoring site at Gaylor Lake In Yosemite last week, and enjoying the company of adorable pika, suddenly we hit cute overload when five baby marmots decided to join our party. Marmots usually give birth to 4-5 offspring, but litters have been observed up to eight in size. I feel fortunate these likely siblings decided to have a family playdate with me!