Wild Life Near Home

by Dallas Lore Sharp

"Wild Life Near Home" by Dallas Lore Sharp is a nature writing piece written in the early 20th century. The book explores the intricacies of local wildlife, with a focus on the flora and fauna found in the author's immediate surroundings, predominantly in the New Jersey pine-barren region. Through rich and descriptive prose, it examines the behaviors and habitats of various creatures, inviting readers to appreciate the often-overlooked details of nature that coexist with human life. The opening of the book sets a vivid autumn scene during “persimmon-time,” where the author describes the seasonal changes in both flora and fauna as frosty mornings replace sunny days. Sharp notes the departure of certain birds while highlighting the resilient presence of others, like bobwhites and cardinals. He vividly captures the behavior of opossums, vividly intertwining charming anecdotes about their foraging habits with sensory details of their environment. A memorable nighttime adventure with "Uncle Jethro" reveals a humorous and nostalgic pursuit of opossums, symbolizing the blend of community and nature in the experiences shared by the author. This opening invites the reader into a world where wildlife flourishes alongside human life, portrayed through a lens of tenderness and curiosity.