This course explores the natural history of mammals, starting with the Big Bang, through the demise of the dinosaurs, to the subsequent rise of North American wildlife, including predators such as bears and wolves.  It will then look at our ability to domesticate some species, but not others, for our needs.  An example of this will include the selective breeding of Iditarod sled dogs to become the world’s greatest endurance athletes. Finally, we will gain an appreciation for the daunting topic of zoonotic diseases, which are transmissible from animals to humans. Charlie will reference his experience with wild Arctic wolves, which he rescued and raised in East Thetford, Vermont.  He will also allude to his 8,560 miles of wilderness canoeing in the Arctic. 

The format will be primarily lecture with lively discussion.