Close Encounters

It's a jungle out there in South Florida, with everything from iguanas to alligators to pythons roaming our corner of paradise.

Don't get caught unawares: Read "Look Big: And Other Tips For Surviving Animal Encounters Of All Kinds" by San Francisco-based writer Rachel Levin (who has family in Boca Raton). The new book offers practical advice for sticky situations involving reptiles, rodents, insects, birds, marine life and more. It's a delightful read, full of humor and modern illustrations that will have you chuckling – and taking notes for future reference.

In the introduction, Levin recalls some of her own experiences with ants, raccoons, skunks, lice and a giant moose.

"Clearly, we humans need a reminder of what to do when we encounter all sorts of animals; whether we're in Banff or Boulder, the Bob Marshall Wilderness or Brooklyn. It may not be fair, but it's on us - we're the humans. We've invented driverless cars and robots that cook crab bisque; it shouldn't be that hard to figure out how to peacefully coexist with coyotes."

If you're embarking on an outdoor adventure this summer, consider adding this book to your packing list. Visit amazon.com.