Two authors will speak at Mancos Public Library on Wednesday about their new version of a 1929 book about wolves in Colorado.
“The Last Stand of the Pack,” originally written by conservationist Arthur Carhart, described the killing of what were then believed to be the last wolves in the state. Andrew Gulliford and Tom Wolf are the editors of a new “critical edition” of the book, which includes essays about the pros and cons of reintroducing wolves to their historic habitat. In a free lecture starting at 7 p.m., they will talk about the book, the status of wolves in Colorado and possible sightings in the Four Corners area.
According to a news release from publisher University Press of Colorado, Carhart’s original book praised the “bravery” of the federal trappers who hunted the wolves, but also described the wolves in a personal way that made them seem like worthy adversaries.
“This is nature writing at its best, even if the world view expressed is at times jarring to the 21st century reader,” the release said. “Now, almost 100 years later, much has been learned about ecology and the role of top-tier predators within ecosystems.”
The critical edition includes an introduction that describes Carhart’s life and the history of wolf hunting in the West, as well as extra chapters written by “wildlife biologists, environmentalists, wolf reintroduction activists and ranchers.” According to the release, it seeks to provide a “balanced perspective” on wolf reintroduction, discussing the issue from multiple points of view.
Gulliford and Wolf’s lecture is part of the Mancos Library’s History and Current Affairs Series. According to programming manager Shari Dunn, the audience will be encouraged to ask questions during the presentation.
