by Sophia Kimmig

Natural darkness isn’t merely a time of day. For countless extraordinary species, it’s home.

“An entertaining and illuminating love letter to the mysterious and often misunderstood creatures that come alive when we go to bed—and a call to preserve our precious, shared world.”—Robin Bicknell, award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ice and Fire and Nature’s Cleanup Crew

When the sun sets, things start to get interesting among wild animals. Wherever we live, whether in the city or suburbs or country, darkness conjures a hidden world of wildlife that most of us rarely glimpse. Foxes, wolves, and bears prowl while skunks, opossums, and porcupines lurk; fireflies send flashing signals to potential mates; raccoons rummage for food; owls and bats fly overhead.

Wildlife biologist Sophia Kimmig is our guide to the startling behaviors of these and many more nocturnal creatures. Introducing us to night’s wild inhabitants, she reveals what life for them is like in this parallel world—how it looks, feels, and smells—and the ingenious ways some creatures thrive after sunset. Living Nighthelps us appreciate how essential darkness is: not just a time but a diverse habitat all to itself—one that we still know too little about, and that we must urgently protect for the benefit of the world’s flora and fauna that depend on the day–night cycle.

“An entertaining and illuminating love letter to the mysterious and often misunderstood creatures that come alive when we go to bed—and a call to preserve our precious, shared world.”—Robin Bicknell, award-winning documentary filmmaker, Ice and Fire and Nature’s Cleanup Crew