We are variegated squirrels, of different colors despite being the same species, just as humans have diverse colors, living in Costa Rica. We have adapted to modern live, using barbed wire fences as our highways, which avoids accidents. Too bad that you humans cannot do it. Del and Ardy, las Ardillas (Squirrels)

Why are humans less wise than animals? So many of us have difficulty accepting that surface colors are interesting but irrelevant. What we are in our minds, hearts and morals are what matters, not surface coloration. How we behave is who we are.

It is important that everyone help wildlife to survive and that as many as possible enjoy seeing, while not disturbing, wild creatures.

What do I know about wildlife? I have watched and photographed it since I was a small child. I have visited most Spanish-speaking countries during my vacations from teaching Spanish. My first trip to Costa Rica was in 1970. My goals in life are to entertain as well as to educate others and to promote conservation. I want everyone to be able to see and to appreciate nature and wildlife; therefore, I write photographic books. Most books describe animals and birds. I want you to see what I see while I travel so that you can understand as much as possible how creatures live, what they eat, how they move, and what they do where they are visible. I tired of studying books talking about ecology and wildlife; I want you to see what each creature looks like and how they act.

I chose Spanish-speaking countries for two reasons. First, I speak the language and have photographed everything I could for many years for my students to see as they learned the language. To communicate successfully with people of other countries, you need to understand their customs and culture as well as their language. Second, people are familiar with huge African and Asian animals. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the wealth of Latin American wildlife; I am trying to do my bit to help remedy the lack. While most of my books are written primarily for children, I hope adults too will enjoy the photographs and humor as well as learn more about the wildlife. Carol Creager