New Book Press Release:

"The Encyclopedia of Tracks & Scats" Sets New Standard for Wildlife Tracking
Guides


Probably most fans of the great out-of-doors are familiar with the books
and works of Len McDougall. From his historical confirmation that gray wolves
had returned to Michigan's Lower Peninsula in 1997 to spending 15 months alone
in a wilderness living the life of a 19th century homesteader, McDougall's
three decades of often adventurous experiences in the northwoods are known
throughout the world. His balanced view of nature and fresh philosophies
about animal behaviors have found a ready audience among professional
biologists, amateur naturalists, and recreational outdoors lovers in every
category.
McDougall's latest book, The Encyclopedia of Tracks & Scats, promises to be
the most comprehensive wildlife tracking reference yet written. Like his
earlier work, The Complete Tracker, this new book approaches the science of
tracking from a uniquely biological perspective, reflecting McDougall's field-
proven philosophy that the most successful tracker is the one who knows every
available fact about the the species under study.
To that end, The Encyclopedia of Tracks & Scats is packed with cutting edge
data about each species of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian showcased in
its pages. From taxonomic classifications to painstakingly detailed sections
about habitat, physiology, diet, mating habits, and behavioral
characteristics, the book provides a ready reference to the most intimate
facts a tracker needs to locate and observe animals in the wild.
Although specific to North America, The Encyclopedia of Tracks & Scats
approaches its subject matter from a global perspective. The author points
out which species are found internationally, as well as generic
characteristics that apply to all members of a taxonomic family. The sections
about tracking and reading sign will find application with species and
habitats around the world, from tracking cougars in Montana to studying
leopards in Africa.
For the professional biologist, The Encyclopedia of Tracks & Scats includes
an expansive section about collecting field data, explaining the nuts-and-
bolts of casting tracks in plaster, gathering hair samples, and handling
scats. Included are detailed equipment lists, tips for improvising data
collection devices in the field, and a wealth of proven techniques for getting
evidence from field to laboratory without loss of scientific integrity to the
samples.
Illustrating this wealth of information are 200 photos and line drawings
that make referencing specific information easy. Subtle differences in the
tracks of similar species are presented pictorially to take the guesswork out
of differentiating between impressions made by members of the same family.
Illustrated track patterns tell the reader how to use stride, straddle, and
gait to determine an animal's size, weight, and probable frame of mind,
Written in plain language, with definitions and glossaries to explain
advanced terminologies, this book is equally at home in a field biologist's
rucksack, a biology classroom, or on a sport hunter's reference bookshelf.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TRACKS & SCATS, by Len McDougall.
The Lyons Press, First Edition: Nov. 01, 2004
Paperback, 400 pages, 200 photos and line drawings. ISBN: 1592280706
Cover price: $24.95


Len McDougall is author of the books: The Encyclopedia of Tracks and Scats *
The Log Cabin: An Adventure * Practical Outdoor Projects * The Field & Stream
Wilderness Survival Handbook * The Snowshoe Handbook * The Outdoors Almanac *
The Complete Tracker * Practical Outdoor Survival * Made for the Outdoors