Armstrong, D. M. 2008. Rocky Mountain Mammals: A Handbook of Mammals of Rocky Mountain National Park and Vicinity. 3rd ed. University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 263 pp. ISBN 978-0-87081-882-0, price (paper), $19.95.

D. M. Armstrong. 2008. Rocky Mountain Mammals: A Handbook of Mammals of Rocky Mountain National Park and Vicinity. 3rd ed. University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 263 pp. ISBN ISBN 978-0-87081-882-0, price (paper), $19.95. Whether or not field guides or handbooks are meant to be read from cover to cover, Armstrong’s new Rocky Mountain mammal handbook is certainly one that can be. The handbook contains 72 well-written mammalian accounts, covering 7 orders, most of which are accompanied by outstanding color photos of the described mammals. Although a nontechnical publication, the handbook is nonetheless ecologically and biologically accurate and a pleasure to read. The author ensures that each account circles back to Rocky Mountain National Park, citing local research studies. If something about the mammal is unknown, Armstrong says as much, which provides plenty of suggestions for future research projects. Each account is divided into 5 sections: Description, Field recognition, Distribution and habitat, Natural history , and Selected references . The …