Picture a Wyoming rancher spinning tales of guardian dogs and pronghorn antelope, where every page bursts with the wild heart of the American West—meet Cat Urbigkit! This award-winning author and photographer has crafted a unique niche in children’s literature, blending vivid storytelling with stunning wildlife photography to bring rural life to young readers. From her sheep ranch in Sublette County, Urbigkit captures the beauty and grit of nature, igniting a passion for conservation in a new generation.
Urbigkit’s work isn’t just about animals; it’s a bridge between urban and rural worlds, showing kids the realities of ranch life and the delicate balance of living alongside predators like wolves and grizzlies. Her books, celebrated by the National Science Teachers Association and the International Reading Association, are as educational as they are enchanting.
The Making of Cat Urbigkit
Born on August 12, 1965, in Madison, Indiana, Cat Urbigkit moved to Pinedale, Wyoming, as a young girl. A voracious reader by third grade, she fell in love with libraries and storytelling. Her career began in journalism, co-founding the Sublette Examiner in 2001 and reporting on agriculture and wildlife. In 2005, she traded newsrooms for full-time authorship, drawing inspiration from her family’s sheep ranch, where guardian dogs and burros protect the flock from predators.
Urbigkit’s photography, which started as a way to document Wyoming’s migratory sheep industry, became a cornerstone of her books. Her lens captures the raw beauty of ranch life—Nepalese herders, vast landscapes, and loyal dogs—shaping her distinctive visual-first approach to children’s literature.
Cat Urbigkit’s Unforgettable Stories
Urbigkit’s books are a love letter to the West, blending nonfiction narratives with breathtaking photography. Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs: How They Guard Sheep (2005) introduces young readers to livestock guardian dogs, detailing their training and loyalty with heart-tugging images. Praised by Booklist for its relaxed narrative, it earned accolades from the International Reading Association.
Cattle Kids: A Year on the Western Range (2007) follows children on cattle ranches, showcasing their role in calving and branding. Its vibrant photos and straightforward text make ranch life accessible, earning it a spot as an American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book. Path of the Pronghorn (2010), a starred School Library Journal pick, celebrates the elegant North American mammal with fast-paced prose and stunning visuals. For adults, When Man Becomes Prey (2014) explores fatal predator attacks, offering gripping narratives and practical advice.
Urbigkit’s style is immersive yet accessible, weaving factual storytelling with vivid imagery. Her themes—rural life, wildlife conservation, and human-animal coexistence—resonate with readers of all ages, making complex ecological issues relatable. Her work as a columnist for Cowboy State Daily and co-owner of The Shepherd magazine further amplifies her voice in Western conservation.
Why Cat Urbigkit Matters
Cat Urbigkit’s impact lies in her ability to make the wild accessible. Her books don’t just entertain—they educate, fostering empathy for rural communities and the animals they share the land with. By showcasing guardian dogs and migration corridors, she highlights innovative conservation methods, like non-lethal predator control, that allow wildlife and ranching to coexist. Her work has inspired countless children to care about nature, earning honors from the Junior Library Guild and state reading associations.
Beyond literature, Urbigkit’s advocacy—through her Wolf Watch blog and columns—shapes policy discussions on predators and public lands. Her photography, featured in magazines and exhibitions, preserves the fading pastoral cultures of the West, cementing her legacy as a storyteller and conservationist.
- Born: August 12, 1965, Madison, Indiana
- Key Works: Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs, Cattle Kids, Path of the Pronghorn, When Man Becomes Prey
- Awards: International Reading Association, National Science Teachers Association, Junior Library Guild
- Fun Fact: Lives on a Wyoming sheep ranch with guardian dogs and burros named Bill and Hillary
Snag Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs and dive into Cat Urbigkit’s vibrant world of wildlife and ranching! Her stories will leave you inspired to explore the wild heart of the West.