As another reviewer noted, the sheer size and weight of this book make it heavy for field work, but it is definitely a must-have for any wildlife tracker or naturalist. It is more comprehensive than other tracking guides, and well laid out. Great reading, too, for those long,stormy winter days when you can't be out tracking. Well worth the price- don't miss this one!!


A scientifically credible look at tracking   October 12, 2003
 23 out of 25 found this review helpful

Mark Elbroch's new book is a scientifically credible look at tracking

The tracking world has once again gained a great resource in the new book by Mark Elbroch. "Mammal Tracks and Sign: A Guide to North American Species" fills a gap in the availability of good quality photographic guides to tracks and sign. This is a book for the serious tracker! At 784 pages, it is the most complete guide available today on the subject. The tracking world has long awaited a book to rival Olaus Murie's "A Field Guide to Animal Tracks," which has been the field standard for years. Elbroch's book covers some new ground, bringing together coverage of subjects that previously were found only in specialized, and not widely available, publications. These include: mammal remains, a large section of sign on vegetation, identification of kills, burrows/beds/lays/nests, and a big photographic section on scat and other secretions. The very complete section on gaits will help you identify those difficult trails. Photos, drawings, measurements, and range maps are included for each species. Throughout the text are sidebars with tips to distinguish between easily confused species. This is especially useful if you have ever found yourself struggling with an identification in the field. The appendices list other tracking resources for further study, including schools, books, web sites, tracking teachers, and more.

The book is a little heavy to tote into the field, but it offers so much information that it may be prudent to buy two; one to haul into the field and bang around, and one to keep at home for reference. Its weight is compensated for by the fact that it has information you would find in many different field guides all in one book, so you can leave the others at home and bring this one along. It sets a new standard for tracking as a science and brings it new credibility that may help increase its use as a tool for wildlife management.

The initial price may be discouraging to many trackers, but in the end, I think you will find it is money well spent. There are many books on tracking out there, quite a few with poor drawings, inaccuracies, or errors. Although those books are much less expensive, and are probably better "mass market" sellers, a tracker needs accurate information, and this book provides it. This book is destined to become one of my favorites, and one I will recommend when people ask me which book to purchase.

I think you will agree that Mark's two new books are great additions to the tracking library, and offer the serious tracker valuable resources, although these are not books that will sit on the shelf and gather dust. They are the books that will become worn and dog-eared from being hauled into the field and used. I look forward to using them in years to come as I further my own knowledge of the unlimited field of tracking.


Move Over, Olaus Murie!   October 8, 2003
 7 out of 9 found this review helpful

In the beginning, there was the Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Then came Tom Brown's Field Guide to Tracking and Nature Observation. Next Paul Rezendes broke new ground with Tracking and the Art of Seeing. Authors and publishers like Halfpenny, Audubon, Stokes and lots of regional track finders notwithstanding, there was a pause.

The field of tracking and animal studies has been waiting for this book for a long time.

Thank you Mark and Eleanor for taking field guides to a whole new level. Your photography and extensive knowledge will allow the study of tracking to take a huge step forward.

The bar is effectively raised!

In case you haven't figured it out, this is the one BOOK you should have to help you understand animals and tracking. Enjoy this treat of a book. I just wish I had had a copy in 1984 when I first started my serious study of tracking!


Mammal Tracks & Sign   September 8, 2003
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

When Darwin wrote the "Origin of Species" it was eventually refered to as the BOOK, being the undisputed standard reference on the subject. Mark Elbroch's "Mammal Tracks& Sign" will likewise become the standard referance on the subject of Animal Tracking, and likewise should be called "The BOOK"!!!! It has raised the bar to a very high, and professional, level and offers a wealth of knowledge,insight and wisdom to the tracking world. Well done likewise to Stackpole Books who have spared no efforts toward creating a most pleasing, and beautiful, layout!!!
I have been tracking for many years, and have been likewise teaching the Art & Science of Tracking to secondary school students for the past 12 years, and find this book to be the best possible tool that I could ever imagine having. In a time where education is being called upon to inculcate a new awareness of life into the curriculum, and to generate a new sense of hope and purpose in our collective vision for the future, this book is a blessing. Science, rather then the dry and detached technological view that many experience it as, can become the most wonderful tool for exploring the magic and mystery that life constantly holds for us. We need only break out of old patterns of thought, and explore new territory. Tracking, as an Art and Science, has accomplished this for me as an educator, and has been a catylist for many of the students that I am responsible for in terms of preparing them to be aware, outwardly as well as inwardly. Mark Elboch's "Mammal Tracks & Sign" is a must have for all those working in the field, and the "BOOK" for any educator (elementary through PhD) who wants to push their own art of bringing the world to life for their students. Buy this book, and head for the woods!!!