Things That Bite: Gulf States Edition: A Realistic Look at Critters That Scare People

by Tom Anderson

Be Aware, Not Afraid Spiders, snakes, sharks and gators - they're out there, but there's no reason to fear them. Things That Bite takes a matter-of-fact look at more than 30 creatures found in the states that border the Gulf of Mexico. Detailed information includes fascinating facts, environmental benefits of each species, discussion of why some might bite, bite prevention and myths about each creature.

Genres: Nature

182 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2008

Reviews

[Mark Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things That Bite: The Truth about Critters that Scare People, Great Lakes Edition, by Tom Anderson, 2008. I got a lot out of this relatively short book (140 pages). In it, author Tom Anderson does a great job in doing three things. First, he convincingly delivers a basic message – Be aware, not afraid – throughout the book. Second, he increases the reader’s awareness with very well-conceived information in 21 chapters about various animals that bite as well as two short introductory chapters. And lastly, he makes it very easy to read, with clear writing and simple, consistent formatting.

Plus, Anderson provides a lot of fun, interesting facts! Did you know that 1 in every 5 mammalian species on the planet is a bat? And how about this for biological engineering – the female mosquito’s wings beat 250-500 times per second! I didn’t even know there was an insect called a Giant Water Bug, much less this little tidbit: “If you are bitten, grit your teeth. The injected toxin causes what is reportedly the most painful of all insect bites.” The deadliest (to human) biter? It’s the honeybee (50 deaths per year caused by bees in the U.S., far more than any other creature). Did you know some Native Americans referred to raccoons as “bear’s little brother”? And finally, this shocker – coyotes run faster than roadrunners! Tell that to Wile E. Coyote!

Anderson does a good job of lifting up each unique insect, reptile, fish, and mammal in the book, building the reader’s appreciation for the animal. Each chapter begins with a personal story or a legend about the animal to be discussed. My favorite was this one, about the coyote (also sometimes known in our region as a brush wolf).
A long, long time ago, people did not yet inhabit the Earth. A monster walked upon the land,
eating all the animals – except Coyote.
Realizing that Coyote was sly and clever, the monster thought of a new plan. It would befriend
Coyote and invite him to stay in its home. Before the visit began, Coyote said that he wanted to
visit his friends and asked if he could enter the monster’s stomach to see them. The monster
allowed this, and Coyote cut out its heart and set fire to its insides. His friends were freed.
o Nez Perce Indian story called Coyote and Monster

Awareness of each animal’s habitat and behavior is provided to enable people to avoid the occasion of a bite or sting. And good information about prevention and treatment of some dangerous diseases – like lyme’s disease, rabies, and west nile – is included as well. All and all, an enjoyable and informative book about some of the critters who live in the Great Lakes region.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

fairly well-organized, peppered with personal stories, brief, informational yet not so thorough dispelling myths or natural history of each critter. Perhaps it is because I am a naturalist but I still had some unanswered (what I believed to be common) questions. For example, in the chapter about fish--I was told that fish are attracted to jewelry. It reminds them of lures so you're most likely to get bit by a fish if you're wearing jewelry while swimming. Myth or truth?
A good book for people who are curious and/or annoyed by the most common critters complained about or feared. I quite enjoyed it overall, learned some new things, and had a few chuckles and "ewws" out loud while reading it.

[Les Gehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to all the critters in the Southwest that may bite you, but probably won't. With a short chapter on each animal, this book provides a good overview of where to expect to find these animals, and the best method to avoid being bitten. (Hint: Don't harass or pick them up, and they'll probably leave you alone.) It's a interesting book, and now I have the urge to find these critters to photograph, from a safe distance, of course.

[David Milroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book filled the worlds dangerous animals. It gives fun facts, tips on how to avoid that animal, tips on how to treat a wound by that animal. and much more. I recommend you get this book today.