Best single source reference for any wildlife enthusiast.: I purchased my copy of this book over 10 years ago. Being an amature Ethologist and ardent back packer, I have continously found this field guide very complete and easy to use. Each section gives overviews of general species charactoristics. Specific data is direct, to the point, and covers a broad spectrum of information. Excellent color plates can easily be used to quickly narrow down cassification. This handy book is far superior to any other Field Guide on the market for meeting the challenge of identification of any wildlife encountered localy or on the trail. Why carry a pack full of books and manuals when you can have everything in this great book. Our only mis-fortune is that it is currently not in print, But if you get your hands on a copy, KEEP IT! I am sure you will treasure it as much as I treasure my copy.

Excellent overview of the most commonly encountered critters in the USA. If I can bring only one field guide on a trip - this is the one I choose. It is inconvenient that the photo plates are separate from the descritions; but more critters can be included this way. Of course, more is better. ( )