The Asses of Balaam

The Asses of Balaam is a science fiction novella by Randall Garrett, written in the early 1960s. It follows Dodeth Pell, an official responsible for predator control on his alien planet, as he investigates a newly discovered species, the 'wygorex,' which threatens the ecological balance. The story humorously explores themes of ecological responsibility, intelligence, and communication between species, culminating in the arrival of an alien ship that challenges existing perceptions of intelligence and collaboration. This work blends humor with philosophical insights on evolution and survival.