Hiking with the wildlife author who studies Yosemite's high peaks: These animals are equal to us'

"Pratt, a conservation leader and wildlife advocate, has spent more than a decade observing the tiny mammals and the other inhabitants of these serene granite domes and the alpine meadows they overlook, which gleamed gold on a crisp afternoon in mid-October. Their stories are woven into Pratt's new book, Yosemite Wildlife: The Wonder of Animal Life in California's Sierra Nevada the first in more than a century to focus solely on the more than 150 species who call the park home."

"Each chapter features stories, facts and intimate insights about a different animal. The book isn't necessarily meant to be read cover to cover. Rather, she was inspired by the encyclopedias she got lost in as a child. Paired with hundreds of photos from naturalist-photographer Robb Hirsch, as well as archival images, natural history and research, her storytelling transports readers into a world they don't often have access to."

"Along with a glimpse into the lives of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects who dwell in one of the country's most treasured parks, Pratt hopes to foster a deeper connection to the tenacious creatures who are surviving through the harshest conditions. We think we as humans are so exceptional, but come up here and even the smallest of critters will put you in your place very quickly, she said."

More than 150 species inhabit Yosemite, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and high-elevation specialists such as pika and alpine butterflies. The collection pairs hundreds of contemporary and archival photographs with natural-history research to illustrate seasonal behaviors, adaptations, and surprising biodiversity across granite domes and alpine meadows. Proceeds from the project support park conservation. Emphasis rests on resilience: tiny creatures survive extreme conditions, ephemeral ponds host fairy shrimp, and fragile butterflies traverse 12,000-foot peaks. The portrayal aims to deepen human appreciation and connection to tenacious wildlife enduring harsh mountain environments.

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