Detective Dogs: How Working Dogs Sniff Out Invasive Species (Books for a Better Earth)

A lively introduction to some of North America's most troublesome invasive species—and to the industrious dogs and handlers working to stop their spread!

Meet Fenton and Frost; Fagen and Dia; Hilo, Diesel, and Seuss. These intrepid environmental detectives are on the frontlines of the fight to stop the spread of invasive species—and all of them are dogs!

Pervasive and often difficult to locate, invasive species, and the economic and environmental harm they cause, have posed a continued challenge to scientists worldwide who dedicate their time to ecosystem conservation. Now, environmental scientists are harnessing the amazing olfactory abilities of working dogs to meet this challenge head-on.  

Ecologist Alison Pearce Stevens’ engaging and accessible narrative writing showcases three ongoing conservation projects that use working dogs to tackle serious invaders in the U.S. and Canada. Readers will learn more about the threats posed by these species, and about the way scientists and handlers work with dogs to locate and eliminate them.

The book features extensive full-color photographs of detective dogs in action, taken onsite by the author as she accompanied conservation groups out into the field in Manitoba, Wyoming, and the Hudson Valley. Informative backmatter includes an index and bibliography.

Named to the NSTA-CBC Best STEM Books List!
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Alison Pearce Stevens has an M.S. in zoology and Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, and behavior. She has researched and written hundreds of articles for Science News Explores, Highlights for Children, and ASK magazine, among others. Her book Rhinos in Nebraska (Henry Holt BYR) details the discovery and excavation of one of the world’s premier paleontology sites, and Animal Climate Heroes (Henry Holt BYR) showcases four incredible animals working to protect their ecosystems—and us. Both were Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. She and her husband have three dogs, one of which would make a great detective dog.