The book: Pests explores the way that humans decide which animals are worthy and which are, well, pests. Bethany Brookshire explores the way several animals have earned or been assigned the label of “pest,” including ones you may think of like rats or pigeons, but also those that may be surprising (to Americans, at least), like elephants. Some of the animals are pests because they enter our homes or yards against our will. Some are pests because we’ve encroached on their territory and they have nowhere else to go. Some are pests because we brought them, either on purpose or on accident, to new lands where they thrived far too well and are outperforming the native species. In every case, the animal labeled a “pest” isn’t really at fault–we are. Take, for example, the housecat. A creature which is, in this writer’s opinion, practically perfect as an indoor pet, is responsible for the deaths of millions of songbirds every year and has played a large role in the devastation of Australian native species, thanks to their global popularity as pets and the belief of many cat-owners that cats need to be allowed outside. Brookshire explores trap-neuter-release (TNR) vs. culling of feral cats, and speaks to experts on both sides of the issue. TNR is certainly kinder to cats, and very popular in the U.S. But it can take years to reduce a cat population with this method, and some endangered Australian species don’t have years. So what should be done?
Why I read it: My dad read it and recommended it to me. This subject is right up my alley, combining as it does nature, communicable diseases, and animals.
What I thought about it: This is a really good book. Brookshire does a great job of showing both sides of an issue–the elephant chapter is particularly well done, I thought. Pests is thought-provoking. It made me reconsider what I think of some animals, and why. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, because it’s really gross at times, but if this is a subject you have any interest in, check it out.