Squirrel Wars: Backyard Wildlife Battles & How to Win Them [Paperback]

Addressing far more than squirrel problems, the author thoroughly understands the dilemmas of homeowners wishing to enjoy backyard wildlife without encouraging pest species. A respected nature writer also known for his public television specials on bird watching, Harrison deftly describes the mammals, birds, and insects considered common backyard pests. He entertainingly documents problems homeowners have experienced, relates their quirky methods of coping, and offers sound advice to minimize the nuisances. Harrison addresses such topics as raccoons in chimneys, rabbits in the garden, and rats around birdfeeders, but there are some surprising exclusions; bats, coyotes, and snakes aren't mentioned, though Bill Adler Jr. included them in Outwitting Critters: A Surefire Manual for Confronting Devious Animals and Winning (LJ 9/1/92). Overall, this is highly readable and informative. Recommended for all public libraries.
-Bonnie Poquette, Shorewood P.L., WI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"This is a fine book and for the price, a steal! Every gardener should have a copy." -- Richmond Times - Dispatch, May 14, 2000

George Harrison describes squirrels as public enemy #1 and backs up this criticism with incredible, often comic, human-vs-squirrel stores. -- The Times-Picayune, February 15, 2000

I found this book very interesting. I'll be putting the tips and tactics to work soon, and I'm sure you will too, if you have any backyard problems. -- Northern Virginia Daily, May 13, 2000

It's filled with ideas for those who want to rid themselves of various pests without resorting to firearms. It has good info and is well-written. -- The Virginia Gazette, May 3, 2000

Personally, I found the book informative and interesting reading. -- Tri-County Sunday, May 1, 2000

Despite our reverence for wildlife, many of our most favorite species raise havoc in lawns and gardens from city to suburbia. This book solves backyard problems with squirrels, raccoons, deer, crows, insects and a host of other "pests" who raid backyard bird feeders and garbage cans, nest in chimneys, eat shrubbery, dig holes and tunnels in lawns, and attack garden foliage. George Harrison, award-winning nature writer, photographer, book author and consultant in the field of nature and outdoors, provides a natural history of squirrels and other problem critters so that readers can better understand the enemy. Topics covered include deer raiding bird feeders, eating shrubbery and carrying Lyme disease; woodpeckers drilling holes in siding and roofs; rabbits destroying young trees, shrubs and other cultivated lawn plants; ticks, yellowjackets, wasps and ants biting, stinging and dominating sugar water feeders meant for hummingbirds; conjunctivitis in finches, and salmonella and aflatoxin in all birds; birds flying into windows; and where to get help at the federal, state and local government levels. Informative tips, devices and methods are explained that will lead to a peaceful coexistence with all animals, great and small.

George H. Harrison is an award-winning author, photographer, and Television producer. George, along with his wife Kit, has written many books on nature and the outdoors along with several videos. They produced and hosted three PBS specials on backyard birds and are writers for Sports Afield and National Wildlife magazines.