Alongside Heyday's other successful nature guide books, this one highlights the weird and the wonderful wildlife of the Bay Area, and how to observe them in their natural habitat. 40-60 full-color images by Obi Kaufmann, author/illustrator of the revered California Field Atlas series. One image accompanies each entry. Highlights the Bay Area's more charismatic animal ambassadors through stories, fun facts, conservation histories, and information on where to see the animals in various Bay Area locations. Covers all the major animal groups, including land mammals, sea mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Includes special sections profiling elusive or hard-to-find animals and introduced species. Miller's light-hearted approach is meant for adult readers but kids will find this irreverent guide entertaining and totally absorbing. "Join us here at the campfire, we're telling wild stories about wild animals, seeking deeper ecological truths." A special guidebook for approaching and actually seeing animals: each animal profile features highlights of natural history and ecology, a clear list of the best places in the Bay Area to see that particular animal, best season(s) for viewing, what to look for, the animal's conservation status, and fun facts. Each chapter has an infographic map depicting many of the likely spots around the Bay Area where you have a reasonable chance of encountering target animals. The back sections include general wildlife viewing tips, a list of wildlife festivals in the Bay Area, a list of notable Bay Area conservation groups/networks, and tips for sharing your wildlife sightings. Heyday's continued effort to show California readers that nature is closer than you think is especially relevant here, as this book focuses on one of the country's most populated areas. Miller reminds us that, while being conscious of the new age of peril for many species and habitats amid the damage human activity has done, we must maintain our connections to the wild world and our local environment. It's a critical element of being human. Co-promotion with Center for Biological Diversity.