The 1995 reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone was controversial, and added more fuel to the blazing feud between conservationists and the ranchers and hunters who wish wolves had never returned.

Friday we're talking about wolves, and one wolf in particular. O-six was a charismatic alpha female and one of the most famous wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Adored by wolf watchers and wildlife advocates, she was also challenged on all fronts: by hunters, by cattle ranchers, and by other wolves. Nate Blakeslee's book tells O-Six's story and explores the ongoing clash of values that roils around her and her kind. It is nothing less than a battle over the very soul of the West. (Rebroadcast)
Nate Blakeslee is a journalist who works as a writer-at-large for Texas Monthly. His book is called American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West [Indie bookstores|Amazon|Audible]
American Wolf is the October pick for the PBS NewsHour-New York Times book club, "Now Read This." Join the discussion on Facebook or find discussion questions for your own group at pbs.org