Naturalist Stephen R. Swinburne traces the development of scientific knowledge about the behavior of wolves in the wild and describes the efforts of contemporary wildlife biologists who are introducing the gray wolf back into Yellowstone National Park. This movement, begun by Aldo Leopold in the 1930s, has always faced strong opposition from area ranchers and from others who hold to the longstanding human hatred of wolves. Dramatic color photographs by Jim Brandenburg illustrate the narrative by showing the scientists at work and the wolves in their natural habitat. (Ages 7-14)

With powerful and rare photographs by Jim Brandenburg, Once a Wolf explores the long, troubled relationship between humans and wolves. The book traces the persecution of the wolf throughout history and also reveals the role scientists have played in wolf preservation. The work of scientists can often seem mysterious and intimidating to the nonscientist. No longer! Introducing an exciting perspective on the important work of scientists in all areas of research and study. Scientists in the Field show people immersed in the unpredictable and dynamic natural world, making science more accessible, relevant, and exciting to young readers. Far from the research laboratory, these books show first-hand adventures in the great outdoors - adventures with a purpose. From climbing into a snake den with thousands of slithering snakes to tracking wolves, readers experience the thrill of discovering the unknown.