Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains

When does a wild animal stop being an animal—and start becoming a problem?

In Pests, science writer Bethany Brookshire invites readers to look closely at the creatures we label as nuisances and ask a deeper question: What does calling an animal a “pest” really say about us? From squirrels and pigeons to rats, coyotes, and even elephants, this book explores how humans draw boundaries between “our” spaces and the natural world—and how animals that cross those lines are often met with fear or hostility.

Blending science, history, and narrative journalism, Brookshire makes it clear that this isn’t a book about animals we hate. It’s a book about human perception. Why are some animals beloved pets while others are vilified? How do culture, power, convenience, and control shape these distinctions? And what happens when our expectations clash with the realities of living in shared ecosystems?

Engaging, thoughtful, and often surprising, Pests reveals how animals we try hardest to eliminate are often the ones most adapted to human-altered environments. In tracing their stories, Brookshire shows how deeply our own values, fears, and assumptions are woven into the way we categorize the living world.

This is a book that challenges readers to reconsider blame, rethink coexistence, and recognize that the animals we call pests may be holding up an uncomfortable—and illuminating—mirror.

Perfect for curious readers, wildlife advocates, urban naturalists, and anyone interested in the human stories behind environmental conflict.