A really nice overview and anthropological examination of how and why we consider certain animals to be ‘pests’ and how that perception changes over time and by location. I really like the conclusion the author comes to as she goes through species, that mutual respect and cohabitation is what we should strive towards.

My one gripe is that her chapter on feral cats makes the claim that all animal welfare/rights groups are pro-TNR, and that just isn’t the case. Many are, certainly, but the majority often skew towards not endorsing it based on the inconclusive numbers.

(Listened to the audiobook narrated by Courtney Patterson, who did a fantastic job and really helped inject just the right amount of enthusiasm and energy Brookshire’s writing exudes)