Poop, Paw, and Hoof Prints

The title of this video sums up its content: common trailsigns left by various animals of the Alaskan wilderness are explored in detail by a friendly squinting trail guide Eric and his adorable but somewhat incoherent 4-5 year-old friend Maxwell. With the help of an animated narrator, Mambo Moose, we learn about the size, eating habits, and distinctive foot markings of various wild animals ranging from wolves to eagles to rabbits. Rather mediocre video footage of the humans is intercut with stock film footage of the wild animals in their various habitats as each animal is reviewed. Although the comparisons and identifications of each animal are well presented, the overall scatological theme overshadows the video. Although fecal matter in itself is not offensive, especially as a nature lesson, there is still a certain repulsion caused by the cavalier manner in which little Max cheerfully scoops up a handful of moose poop as Eric explains the various amazing things one can learn from animal feces. The video does have some good moments, like the creative weight comparisons of the animals, or Eric demonstrating how to make bear tracks with one's hand. However, frequent close-ups of ubiquitous brown piles and needless fecal-themed poems recited by Mambo and Max reinforce that children who are already easily impressed by bathroom-related topics will only remember the poop. Ages 3-7. (E. Gieschen)