What are the motifs in Incident at Hawk's Hill by Allan W. Eckert?

Nature is a recurring idea in the story. The author, Allan Eckert is a natural historian. Incident at Hawk's Hill is filled with detailed information about the animal life near Winnipeg in 1870. If anything, the animal characters of the novel are more realistic and compelling than the rather stereotypical humans. Eckert carefully details the range, habits, prey and behavior of badgers.