An illustrated guide to the natural habitats and rich diversity of wildlife in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, though the twin cities and environs have proven a fine habitat for one particular species, the three million humans who call the area home share these 3,000 square miles with myriad animals and plants, all in a mosaic of various ecosystems. While most of the region's wildlife has lost its original habitat to agriculture and urban development, a significant patchwork of native and restored habitat remains prairies, woods and wetlands, along with pockets in the parks and open spaces throughout the cities and suburbs. This easy-to-use guide gives novice and long-time naturalists alike the tools to find and explore these natural places in the metropolitan.Twin cities, some within the city limits and all within an hour's drive of downtown Minneapolis. John J. Moriarty is a congenial expert on the remarkable diversity of plants and animals in the region's habitats, from prairies and savannas to woods and wetlands such as swamps and marshes, to fens and bogs, lakes and rivers and urban and suburban spots. Featuring Siah L. St. Clair's remarkable photographs, maps and commentary on natural history, this field guide invites readers to investigate the twin cities wildlife, familiar and obscure, sun-loving or nocturnal, shy or easily observed. Here are snapping turtles, otters and.