The Natural West brings together essays reflecting the natural history of the American West as written by one of its most respected environmental historians. Developing a provocative theme, Dan Flores asserts that western environmental history cannot be explained by examining place, culture, or policy alone, but should be understood within the context of a universal human nature. The Natural West entertains the notion that we all have a biological nature that helps explain some of our attitudes toward the environment. FLores also explains the ways in which various cultures--including the Comanches, New Mexico Hispanos, Mormons, Texans, and Montanans--interact with the environment of the West. Gracefully moving between the personal and the objective, Flores intersperses his writings with literature, scientific theory, and personal reflection. The topics cover a wide range--from historical human nature regarding animals and exploration, to the environmental histories of particular western bioregions, and finally to western restoration as the great environmental theme of the twenty-first century.