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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ec823f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52390 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52390) diff --git a/old/52390-0.txt b/old/52390-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7cdf529..0000000 --- a/old/52390-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3675 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park, by -Merlin K. Potts and Russell K. Grater - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park - -Author: Merlin K. Potts - Russell K. Grater - -Release Date: June 21, 2016 [EBook #52390] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAMMALS--MT. RAINIER NAT. PARK *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - MAMMALS - of - MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK - - - MERLIN K. POTTS - _Assistant Park Naturalist_ - and - RUSSELL K. GRATER - _Park Naturalist_ - - Copyright 1949 by - Mount Rainier - Natural History Association - - Published by - THE MOUNT RAINIER - NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION - Longmire, Washington - 1949 - - - - - FOREWORD - - -There are few places remaining in this country today where one may -observe wild animals in a natural setting, free to move about, -unrestricted by bars or enclosures, and exhibiting little of the -instinctive fear of man instilled through many wildlife generations by -the advance and expansion of settlement and civilization. - -The national parks are among the greatest wildlife sanctuaries of the -world. Most wild creatures are quick to recognize the protection -afforded by such a refuge, and thus become less shy and elusive than -they are elsewhere. As a result of protection, it is not difficult to -attain an acquaintance with these wilderness folk. - -To know Nature in her various forms is to increase appreciation of the -natural scene. It is for this purpose that _Mammals of Mount Rainier -National Park_ has been written, the third of a series published by the -Mount Rainier Natural History Association. - - JOHN C. PRESTON - Superintendent - Mount Rainier National Park - United States Department of the Interior - - - - - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - - -The writers of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park are indebted to -the following individuals for their critical assistance and -encouragement in the preparation of the manuscript: - -Dr. A. Svihla, _Zoology Department, University of Washington_, - -Mr. Herbert Evison, _Chief of Information, National Park Service_, - -Mr. Victor H. Cahalane, _Biologist, National Park Service_, - -Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, _Regional Biologist, Region Four, National Park -Service_. - -Through their constructive suggestions the finished publication has been -materially strengthened. - -Photographs were obtained through the courtesy of Mount Rainier, -Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Glacier National Parks; and Mr. Joseph -M. Dixon, Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, and Mr. F. J. McGrail. - - _Merlin K. Potts_ - _Russell K. Grater_ - - - - - CONTENTS - - - _Page_ - Foreword iii - Acknowledgements iv - Introduction 1 - Wildlife Trends 2 - Wildlife Problems 3 - Life Zones of Mount Rainier 7 - The Mammals 13 - Hypothetical List 82 - Bibliography 83 - Index of Common Names 85 - Index of Scientific Names 86 - - - - - ILLUSTRATIONS - - - _Page_ - Cascade mantled ground squirrel _cover_ - Bench Lake, Hudsonian life zone _frontispiece_ - Black bear 5 - Forest scene, Humid Transition life zone 9 - Forest scene, Canadian life zone 10 - Paradise Valley, Hudsonian life zone 12 - Colonnade, Arctic-alpine life zone 14 - Black-tailed deer and fawns 15 - New-born fawn of black-tailed deer 16 - Mountain goat 22 - Black bear and cubs 24 - Cascade hoary marmot 28 - Hollister chipmunk 31 - Cascade mantled ground squirrel 33 - Douglas pine squirrel 35 - Cascade flying squirrel 37 - Beaver 39 - Yellow-haired porcupine 45 - White-footed mouse 51 - Coyote 64 - Cascade red fox, “silver” phase 67 - Marten 69 - Washington weasel 72 - - [Illustration: Bench Lake, Hudsonian life zone lakeshore-fireburn - habitat. This type of cover is extensively utilized in summer by the - coyote and black-tailed deer, and on the southern exposures by the - Hollister chipmunk and mantled ground squirrel. The lake shore is - favored by the water-loving shrews.] - - - - - THE MAMMALS OF - MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK - - - - - INTRODUCTION - - -In looking back through the years during which mammal studies have been -carried on at Mount Rainier, three periods stand out in which -considerable field research was accomplished. The first of these was in -July and August, 1897, when a party headed by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, -Vernon Bailey, Dr. A. K. Fisher and Walter K. Fisher made the first -field studies of the mammals of the park. Following this very important -piece of work there was a lull in field activities until the summer of -1919 when a party working under the auspices of the National Park -Service and the Bureau of Biological Survey conducted studies on the -local bird and mammal populations. In this party were such well known -scientists as Dr. Walter P. Taylor, in charge, George G. Cantwell, -Stanley G. Jewett, Professor J. B. Flett, Professor William T. Shaw, -Professor J. W. Hungate and Mr. and Mrs. William L. Finley. Upon the -completion of this study there was again a long period in which little -of a systematic nature was accomplished. The last period of note came -during the years 1934-1936 when Mr. E. A. Kitchin, a member of the -Wildlife Division of the National Park Service, supervised field studies -in various portions of the park. Many of these studies were concerned -with observational data rather than extensive collecting. For the next -few years only brief observations from members of the park staff were -added to the park records. Then, during the summer of 1947, special -studies were begun by the Naturalist Staff on the status of the mountain -goat and the problems arising from a foot disease that occurred in the -deer population. It is planned that other special studies shall be -carried on in future years, designed to clarify the status of other -important mammalian species in the park. - -Because of the extensive data that have slowly accumulated through the -years since the 1919 survey, the need for a publication to bring all -information up to date has become increasingly apparent. This booklet is -designed to answer that need. - -The sequence of species used brings many of the larger animals ahead of -the smaller and more obscure kinds, and thus does not in many cases -follow in systematic order. However, it is felt that the order used best -meets the needs in a publication of this type. Common names selected are -those most generally accepted for the animals in question. - - - - - WILDLIFE TRENDS - - -When the first wildlife survey was made in 1897 it is likely that the -conditions of that year came nearest to representing the original status -of the various species—a status that has changed drastically in many -instances in the years that have followed. At that time the park was -little known and the faunal relationships were relatively undisturbed. -In the years since 1900, however, the region has experienced radical -changes. Trappers have reduced the fur bearers in large numbers, logging -activities in the valleys and on the mountain slopes near the park have -entirely changed the ecology of the region. Many important predators, -such as the wolf and wolverine, either became extinct or virtually so, -while the changing forest scene due to fires and logging brought new -species into prominence, such as the porcupine and coyote. Recently elk, -released in the nearby valleys, have entered the park and are now firmly -established, promising still new changes in the mammal picture as time -goes on. In many respects Mount Rainier has become a biotic island in a -region where the original conditions no longer exist except in the park. -The smallness of this biotic island makes it impossible for even an -undeveloped area of this type to represent really primitive conditions. -Thus the park today cannot be considered as representing the original -wilderness as seen by the first white men to enter the region. It is -merely as near the original wilderness as it has been possible to keep -it in the midst of all the changes brought about by man. - -However, by the preservation of the natural environment, the National -Park Service does much to conserve the wildlife as well. In many -instances the national parks are among the last remaining refuges for -rare and vanishing species of wildlife. The wolverine, the grizzly bear, -and the wolf, now extinct over much of their range in North America, may -still be found in these sanctuaries, and, along with other species, -these creatures of the remote wilderness are fighting their battle of -survival in the only areas left to them. - -Extirpated species, those native forms which are known to have existed -in some areas, but which have since disappeared, are being restored -where possible. The muskrat, formerly present in Mount Rainier National -Park, now not known to occur, is an example of an extirpated species -which should be restored. - - - - - WILDLIFE PROBLEMS - - -Since the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916, it has -become increasingly obvious that the occupation of the national parks by -man and wildlife must inevitably result in wildlife problems. The act -creating the National Park Service is specific in its language; it says -that the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of -the areas by such means and measures necessary “to conserve the scenery -and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to -provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means -as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” - -The apparent inconsistency presents itself immediately. Natural features -must be conserved and protected, they must not be impaired, yet -provision must be made for their enjoyment by the millions of visitors -who come to the national parks each year. The course that must be -followed, then, is one of permitting modification of the natural scene -only to the degree required to provide for perpetual enjoyment of “the -scenery, the natural and historic objects and the wildlife.” - -The relations between man and the wildlife of the national parks are -complex. Both occupy the parks, with equal rights to that occupancy. It -can scarcely be argued that man is not a part of the natural scene; -certainly there is nothing essentially unnatural in the progress of our -civilization from the dawn of history to the present. In the national -parks, however, the _unimpaired_ values to be preserved are those of the -_primitive natural scene_. Man can strive to maintain these values, -unimpaired, because he has the power of reason. Through that power he -can recognize the effect of his conflict with nature, and so prevent the -destruction of the primitive natural scene by a proper regulation of his -acts. - -Specifically, the wildlife problems now readily recognized in Mount -Rainier National Park are those which have developed because of -relations between man and mammals. The deer, bear, and raccoon are -outstanding examples. In the developed areas of the park many of these -animals have become so accustomed to the proximity of man that they no -longer exhibit timidity in his presence. They are essentially “wild” -animals, yet because of close association with man for several wildlife -generations, they may be practically considered as “semi-domestic” -animals. - -This “semi-domesticity” is a problem in itself. First, it is not in -keeping with the primitive natural scene. The true wildlife picture is -not one of a deer eating from a visitor’s hand; that is scarcely more -natural than seeing the animal within the fenced enclosure of a zoo. The -artificial feeding of any form of wildlife is objectionable for several -other reasons. Such feeding encourages an unnatural concentration of the -animals in restricted localities, thus increasing the danger of the -spread of any contagious disease or infection. In the case of deer, -feeding affects, often disastrously, the normal habit of migration to -lower elevations in winter. Deer encouraged by feeding to remain at -Longmire, for example, encounter difficult times during the winter -months. Natural forage is buried beneath the snow, migratory routes to -the lowlands are blocked, and starvation is not unusual. - -In every instance, experience has shown that when animals are hand-fed, -petted, and tamed, the results have been detrimental to both the animals -and to man. The “tamed” animals are often dangerous, or may become so. -Even the harmless appearing deer may, and do, inflict severe injuries by -striking with the fore feet or hooking with the antlers, and bears often -strike or bite, once they have lost their instinctive fear of man. When -any animal becomes dangerous, the only solutions are to eliminate the -danger by killing the animal, or to live-trap and remove it to a more -isolated section of the park. The latter is often a temporary expedient -because the animal is likely to return almost at once to its original -home. - - [Illustration: “Semi-domestic” bears may become unruly. Such animals - must be live-trapped and removed to isolated sections of the park. A - wary bruin is often suspicious of the trap.] - -That many park visitors are entirely unaware of the concept of -presenting wildlife in its natural setting is exemplified by the man who -dashed excitedly into the Chief Ranger’s office and breathlessly -exclaimed, “Hey, one of your bears is loose!” Park animals are not “zoo -animals.” They have simply adapted themselves to man’s presence, and -although their habits have been materially changed in many instances, -they retain the wild instinct to fight when cornered, to strike back -against a real or fancied danger, to quarrel with anything which seeks -to rob them of food. It seems hardly necessary to emphasize the futility -of attempting to argue the right to possession of a choice morsel with a -three-hundred-pound bear. - -Bears are often condemned as nuisances because they rob the camper’s -food cache, even to the extent of forcing open locked cupboards or -entering automobiles. Raccoons may make a shambles of food stores, if -the larder is left unprotected. That these things are nuisances is true, -but had the animals not been encouraged to expect food, it is unlikely -that they would go to such lengths to obtain it. The original approach -was undoubtedly made by man, not by the animal, and man has little -reason to condemn, under the circumstances. The sad sequence, however, -is that it is all too often the unsuspecting innocent who suffers. One -party entices a bear into camp today, feeds the animal, and moves on. -Tomorrow another camper receives a rude shock when bruin moves in and -appropriates his food supply. - -It appears then, that these wildlife problems, which have developed -through man’s influence upon the animals, have been brought about by -man’s failure to employ his power of reason, his failure to recognize -the effect he may have upon the natural scene. Indeed, it would seem, in -many instances, that man is the problem, not the animals. They have -adapted themselves to a condition at variance with their nature; man has -failed to do so. - -These problems, and others which are similar, are not impossible of -solution. Of the many phases of wildlife management that are a part of -the adjustments to be made in our relations with the animals of the -parks, these of living together must be approached by our recognition of -the need for such adjustment. The late George M. Wright has well -expressed the goal to be attained: - - “These problems are of such magnitude that some observers have - concluded that only the childish idealist, pathetically blind to the - practical obstacles, would attempt to accomplish the thing. There are - others who believe the effort is warranted. Much of man’s genuine - progress is dependent upon the degree to which he is capable of this - sort of control. If we destroy nature blindly, it is a boomerang which - will be our undoing. - - “Consecration to the task of adjusting ourselves to natural - environment so that we secure the best values from nature without - destroying it is not useless idealism; it is good hygiene for - civilization. - - “In this lies the true portent of this national parks effort. Fifty - years from now we shall still be wrestling with the problems of joint - occupation of national parks by men and mammals, but it is reasonable - to predict that we shall have mastered some of the simplest - maladjustments. It is far better to pursue such a course though - success be but partial than to relax in despair and allow the - destructive forces to operate unchecked.” - - - - - LIFE ZONES OF MOUNT RAINIER - - -Life zones, as defined in relation to plant and animal life, are areas -inhabited by more or less definite groups of plants and animals. The -classification of these zones which is accepted by many biologists was -devised by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, who named six zones; the Arctic-alpine, -Hudsonian, Canadian, Transition, Upper Sonoran and Lower Sonoran. If one -travels from the Southwestern United States into the high country of the -Rockies or the Pacific Northwest, he will pass through all six of these -zones, beginning with the Lower Sonoran, or low desert zone, through the -Upper Sonoran, or high desert, and so on through the others until the -highest, or Arctic-alpine Zone is reached. The area immediately adjacent -to Puget Sound, for example, falls within the Transition Zone. Moving -inland toward Mount Rainier, one passes from the Transition into the -Canadian Zone, usually a short distance inside the park boundaries, and -the major portion of Mount Rainier National Park is within the upper -three zones. - -Temperature is the basis for the separation of these zones, and -temperature, as we know, is affected by both altitude and latitude. In -general a difference of 1,000 feet in altitude is equivalent to a -difference of 300 miles in latitude. Variation in latitude explains the -high elevation of tree line in the southern Sierra Nevada of California -in relation to the comparatively low limit of tree growth in northern -British Columbia or Alaska. Variation in temperature explains the -tremendous difference in size and variety of tree species at 2,000 feet -and at forest line, 6,500 feet, on Mount Rainier. On a very high -mountain we might find all six of the life zones represented. The -mountain presenting such a condition, however, would necessarily be -located in a more southern latitude than Mount Rainier. - -Four life zones are represented in Mount Rainier National Park: the -Transition Zone, which occupies the lower elevations of the park up to -3,000 feet; the Canadian Zone, which, with the exception of the -Transition area, extends from park boundaries to about 5,000 feet; the -Hudsonian Zone, with an altitudinal range of from approximately 5,000 to -6,500 feet; and the Arctic-alpine Zone, from 6,500 feet to the summit of -the Mountain. - -As stated previously, the zones are inhabited by more or less definite -groups of plants and animals, but there is no distinct line of -demarcation between the various zones, and there is often considerable -variation in the altitudinal distribution of plants. If temperature and -moisture were uniform at a given altitude, the zones would probably be -quite distinct. However, these conditions are obviously not uniform. On -northern exposures, for example, there is less evaporation, consequently -soil moisture is increased, and lack of sunshine results in lower -temperatures. Plants which normally occur at 5,000 feet on a sunny -southern exposure may be found at a lower elevation on northern slopes, -and the reverse is true, of course, with a reversal of exposures. - -Such variation is even more marked in the distribution of mammals and -birds. Many species are characteristic of one or more life zones, -depending upon the season of the year, the scarcity or abundance of -food, and other factors. - -For example, deer occupy the Transition or the extreme lower limits of -the Canadian Zone in winter, but in summer range up to and occasionally -beyond the limits of the Hudsonian Zone. Goats normally range within the -upper limits of the Hudsonian and upward into the Arctic-alpine Zone in -summer, but are most commonly found in the lower Hudsonian Zone in -winter. - -The general characteristics of the zones are as follows: - -_Transition Zone_: This zone occupies that portion of the park which -lies below 3,000 feet. For the most part it may be more adequately -designated the Humid Transition Zone, although a limited area (roughly 4 -to 6 square miles) on Stevens Creek and the Muddy Fork of Cowlitz River -is characterized by a modified plant and animal population due to -repeated fires in old Indian days. This burning favored the upward -advance of low zone elements, the destruction of the original forest -cover by fire opened the forest stand, accomplished a marked change in -conditions of temperature and moisture, thus creating a drier, warmer -site. - -The Humid Transition Zone proper is one of dense, sombre forest; -magnificent trees rising from a mass of shade-loving plants with a great -number of fallen trees of huge size. Even on bright, mid-summer days the -evergreen canopy of interlaced branches permits only a little sunlight -to penetrate to the forest floor, and semi-twilight conditions exist in -the peaceful solitude of this cathedral-like serenity. - - [Illustration: The Humid Transition life zone is one of magnificent - trees.] - - [Illustration: The forests of the Canadian life zone afford - excellent cover for many mammals throughout the year. In summer such - retreats are favored habitats for bear families.] - -Characteristic plants of this zone, though not confined to such -association, include the Douglas fir, western red cedar, western -hemlock, salal, Oregon grape, black cottonwood, bigleaf maple, and -swordfern. - -Here are found the raccoon, little spotted skunk, Oregon and Olympic -meadow mice, and the mink. In this zone are seen in late spring the -new-born fawns of the black-tailed deer. - -_Canadian Zone:_ This zone does not become well defined until above the -3,000-foot level. There is a considerable mixture of both Transition and -Canadian elements at the approximate area of separation. While still -heavily forested, the trees of the Canadian Zone are noticeably smaller -than those at lower elevations and the forest is more open in character. -Although common tree species include the Douglas fir and western hemlock -of the Transition Zone, the most typical trees are the silver fir, -Alaska yellow cedar, noble fir, and western white pine. Other typical -plants are the Canadian dogwood, pipsissewa, and Cascades azalea. - -There are no mammals which may be considered as characteristic -exclusively of the Canadian Zone, since those occupying this zone also -range into the Hudsonian. - -_Hudsonian Zone:_ At an elevation of from 4,500 to 5,000 feet the -character of the forest cover begins to change. The trees are smaller, -and the alpine fir and mountain hemlock become dominant tree species. -Ascending to higher levels the forest becomes broken, with the number -and extent of grassy parks and subalpine meadows increasing until -finally all tree growth vanishes at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. -This is the zone of beautiful summer wildflower gardens, a region of -extensive panoramas and rugged mountain scenes. The avalanche lily, -glacier lily, the heathers, paintbrushes, and the mountain phlox are -common, as well as the white-barked pine. - - [Illustration: Snow blankets the Hudsonian life zone throughout most - of the year. Paradise Valley lies within this zone, the towering - bulk of the Mountain above 6,500 feet is in the Arctic-alpine zone.] - -Snow blankets these highlands throughout most of the year, and the -larger mammals are usually at the lower elevations during the winter -months. Many of the permanent wildlife inhabitants are those which -hibernate or are active beneath the snow, as the Hollister chipmunk, -marmot, pika, Rainier meadow mouse, and Rainier pocket gopher. - -_Arctic-alpine Zone:_ Above the forest line all plant life diminishes -rapidly in extent. This is a region of barren, rocky soils; perpetual -snow fields; and glacial ice; a bleak and forbidding expanse of -awe-inspiring grandeur where the storm king yields supremacy for only a -few brief weeks in mid-summer. - -Characteristic plants, found in the lower portions of this zone, include -the Lyall’s lupine, Tolmie’s saxifrage, mountain buckwheat, and golden -aster. - -Only one mammal, the mountain goat, may be considered as characteristic -of this zone. - - - - - THE MAMMALS - - - COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER, BLACK-TAILED DEER - _Odocoileus hemionus columbianus_ (Richardson) - -The Columbian black-tailed deer is a typical member of the deer family, -about the size of its eastern relative, the white-tailed deer. The -antlers of the males are forked, rather than having the tines rise from -a single main beam as do those of the white-tail. The upper surface of -the tail is conspicuously dark brown or black over its entire length. -The color of the pelage varies with the season, but is the same in both -sexes. In summer the back and flanks are reddish to reddish yellow; in -winter gray, intermixed with black, with a dark line along the back, -black on the top of the head, and conspicuous white on the chin and -upper throat. The underparts are sooty, with white on the inner sides of -the legs. The young, at birth, are a dark, rich brown, profusely spotted -with creamy yellow. The dark coloration very shortly fades to a lighter -brown, or reddish, similar to the summer coat of the adult, and the -spots disappear in the early fall when the change to winter pelage -begins. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-14 and RNP-113; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters. - -The range of the Columbian black-tailed deer is the Pacific Northwest -from northern California to British Columbia and from the Sierra Nevada -and Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Coast. - - [Illustration: The bleak and awe-inspiring grandeur of the - Arctic-alpine life zone is the summer habitat of the mountain goat.] - -It is the most common large animal in the park, distributed in summer -throughout the forested areas and occasionally wandering above tree -line, the males generally ranging higher than the females and young, -preferring the sub-alpine parks and meadows. Deer in general exhibit a -preference for burned-over brush lands and other less densely forested -areas. - -In winter they are found at lower elevations, usually below snow line, -generally outside park boundaries, although common along the Nisqually -River from Longmire Meadows downstream, along lower Tahoma Creek, and in -the vicinity of the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs and lower Carbon River. - -Nearly all visitors to Mount Rainier National Park soon become familiar -with this graceful animal so commonly seen along the trails and -roadsides. Indeed, it is a rare occasion when one or more deer are not -seen in a short drive or hike in any section of the park. It is only -with the arrival of the snows that they are less frequently observed, -and even during the winter months they are quite abundant at the lower -elevations. - - [Illustration: Columbian black-tailed deer and fawns. The young were - less than an hour old when this photograph was made.] - -The seasonal migration is a noteworthy characteristic. With the coming -of spring, deer move upward from the lowlands, closely following the -retreating snow. The young are born in late May or June, usually after -the does have reached their summer range, although they may move higher -to find relief from flies. There is practically no banding together of -the deer at this time. Each mother and her offspring, usually twins, -sometimes one and rarely three, comprise a family group, and tend to -keep to themselves. The fawns are hidden at birth, and remain in some -secluded spot until they are several days old. The mother visits them at -intervals during the day so that they may be fed, and stays near their -place of concealment. Almost every season “abandoned” fawns are -discovered and brought in to one or another of the park’s ranger -stations by well-meaning but ill-informed park visitors. In -exceptionally rare instances the mother may have been killed by some -predator or a passing automobile, but under no known circumstances has a -fawn ever been deliberately abandoned. _Fawns, if found, should be left -unmolested._ - -At the time of the spring migration to the uplands, the older bucks -habitually move to higher levels than do the young bucks and does. They -prefer the subalpine parks and meadows, and often range in pairs or in -groups of from three to five or six individuals. - - [Illustration: New-born fawns, if found, should be left unmolested.] - -The first heavy snow starts the deer on their annual trek to the -lowlands, and the journey is ordinarily a consistent one, once begun it -is completed over a period of from several hours to a day or two, -depending upon the distance to be covered. Study has revealed that deer -follow regularly established routes during migration, returning year -after year to the same general winter and summer ranges. Well-worn game -trails along prominent ridges and watercourses are testimony to this -concentrated movement, the intersecting minor paths are but tributaries -to the major current of travel. - -It is prior to the fall migration that the deer herds assemble, the -does, fawns, and yearling bucks banding together, the older bucks -breaking away from their summer associations and joining the does for -the mating season, which occurs in November and December. - -Vicious battles are frequent at this season. Determined to assert -supremacy, the bucks are merciless antagonists, and at times the -struggle is fatal to the loser. In rare instances both may perish, with -antlers so tightly locked that escape for either is impossible, -exhaustion and starvation the inevitable result. At the conclusion of -the mating season the two sexes go their separate ways again, the bucks -often assuming again the easy companionship of the summer months. - -The abundance or lack of forage is an important factor, perhaps the most -important, in determining local abundance of deer. Densely forested -sections are not capable of supporting large deer populations because of -the lack of sufficient brush, shrubbery, and succulent plants which make -up the bulk of the deer’s diet. Primarily a browser, only in spring does -this animal show a preference for grass, and then only for a short -period. - -Deer have many natural enemies. It is fortunate that nature has provided -for an abundant reproduction in this species. Snow is perhaps most -serious of all, since a heavy snowfall may cover the food supply, and -certainly hampers the movement of the animals when they must escape -predatory coyotes or cougars. Late spring snows, in particular, come at -a critical time. At best forage diminishes steadily during the winter -months, and when this period is followed by even a short space when food -is unavailable, starvation and death strikes the weaker and aged -animals. - -Of the predatory animals, the coyote and cougar are most effective. The -fox, wildcat, and bear undoubtedly take an occasional fawn, but cannot -be considered dangerous to an adult deer. In view of the powers of rapid -reproduction shown by deer, it is well that they have numerous natural -enemies; otherwise wholesale destruction of brush lands and forest -reproduction would occur as the animals reached a peak of -overpopulation, followed by mass starvation. This frequently happens in -many parts of the West where the natural enemies of the deer have been -exterminated. Predators follow, in most instances, the line of least -resistance. As a consequence, it is the weaker, the diseased, or the -otherwise unfit animals that tend to be struck down first, and so the -fittest survive. - -A reasonable balance seems to have been attained in the numbers of deer -in the park. For the past several years there has been no apparent -change, an estimated 600 range within park boundaries during the summer -months. - - - ROCKY MOUNTAIN MULE DEER, MULE DEER - _Odocoileus hemionus hemionus_ (Rafinesque) - -The mule deer is similar to the preceding subspecies in general -character. Perhaps the most noticeable field difference is the tail, -which in the mule deer is narrow and black-tipped, above _and below_, -rather than wider and dark brown or black over the entire upper surface -and entirely white below as in the black-tailed. The large ears, from -which this species derives its common name, are distinctive, the -black-tailed deer is the smaller and darker of the two subspecies. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The mule deer ranges over most of the Rocky Mountain region and the -western United States, from the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma -westward to eastern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. - -The range of this species in the park is at present restricted to the -extreme northeastern section, where it is observed on rare occasions -during the summer months. - -The mule deer is very similar to the black-tailed deer in habits as well -as in appearance. Seasonal migrations, food preferences, natural -enemies, and other characteristics are much alike in both species, -although the mule deer habitually favors a more sparsely timbered, less -rugged terrain. - -The typical habitat is an open forest, with many parks, meadows, and -brush-covered hillsides. As a general rule the mule deer prefers the -Ponderosa pine and sagebrush region, and avoids densely wooded areas. -The occasional records of this species in the park are of those rare -stragglers which drift in from east of the Cascade crest. - -Taylor and Shaw (_Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, -1927) state that mule deer “May occur in small numbers in the White -River region, on the east side of the park.” Although their parties did -not observe mule deer while in the field in 1919, they believed that -observations made by others familiar with the region were reliable. - -A report submitted by the chief ranger of the park in 1932 states: -“While mule deer are rarely seen they do range along the east side.” It -was not until 1941, however, that this species was included in the -park’s annual wildlife census, when it was listed as, “Uncommon, only a -few have been seen. Tipsoo Lake, Deadwood Lake, and Yakima Park.” - -The 1948 wildlife census estimates 10 to 20 mule deer observed -occasionally on the east side during the summer months in previous -years. While no reports were recorded in 1948, it is believed that the -status of the species is unchanged. - - - AMERICAN ELK, WAPITI - _Cervus canadensis nelsoni_ Bailey - -The elk is the largest animal found in the park, and the largest member -of the deer family found in North America, except the moose. The adult -males have tremendous, wide-branching antlers, which are shed annually. -The sexes are slightly different in coloration, with females lighter -than the males. The head and neck are dark brown, flanks and back a -tawny to brownish gray, large yellowish rump patch, legs dark brown. The -young are light brown, spotted with white. An adult male in good -condition will weigh from 800 to 1,000 pounds; females are somewhat -smaller. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -Elk are found in western North America, mostly in the Rocky Mountain -area and the far west. They formerly ranged over most of the United -States and southern Canada. - -During summer elk occur in the park along the eastern boundary, north -and west to the Deadwood Lakes and Goat Island Mountain, up the Cowlitz -River and Stevens drainages to The Bench on the north side of the -Tatoosh Range. They are reported very rarely from the northern and -western slopes of the Mountain. In winter a few elk range along the -Ohanapecosh drainage in the southeastern part of the park. - -The early settlers of this country gave the name “elk” to this -magnificent member of the deer family. This is an unfortunate -designation, since the animal in no way resembles the Old World elk, -which is actually a moose. However, elk it has been since early American -history, and elk it is likely to remain, although the Indian name -“wapiti” seems preferable and more appropriate. - -The history of the elk in Mount Rainier National Park is an interesting -study. There can be little doubt that the Roosevelt or Olympic elk, -_Cervus canadensis roosevelti_, formerly ranged over much of the Cascade -Range in the State of Washington, and so must be considered the native -species of Mount Rainier, although no longer found in this region. - -An attempt was made to reestablish the Roosevelt elk in the park in -June, 1934, when two young animals, obtained from the Washington State -Department of Game, were liberated at Longmire Springs. Two more were -released in October, 1934; all had been captured on the Olympic -Peninsula, and the four were to form a nucleus for the park herd. - -However, to the keen disappointment of park officials, the transplanted -elk were unfavorably affected by their proximity to civilization, as is -often the case with wild creatures. So unafraid did they become that -soon they were regarded as a nuisance, a dangerous nuisance because of -their size, pugnacity, and their total lack of timidity, and recapture -and deportation to a nearby zoo was the final step in this attempted -repatriation. - -The elk now ranging into the park have been introduced on lands outside -park boundaries by the Washington State Department of Game and the -Pierce County Game Commission. These animals belong to the species -called American elk, _Cervus canadensis nelsoni_, and were imported from -the Yellowstone region. They do not differ greatly from the native -species, though somewhat smaller and lighter in general coloration. - -The seasonal migration of elk is well defined. Early in spring, with the -retreat of the snow from the uplands, they move to higher pastures, -where they remain until driven down by the approach of winter. During -recent years a gradual increase in numbers and an extension of range -within the park has been observed. The wildlife census for 1948 -estimated the summer herd to number some 40 to 50 individuals, with -several animals wintering along the Ohanapecosh drainage in the -southeastern section of the park. - -Bull elk are the most polygamous of all deer. During the mating season, -which occurs late in the fall, a single bull will gather together a -“harem” of from three or four to as many as two dozen cows with the -current year’s calves, and defiantly assert his mastery over the group, -driving away younger bulls of lesser strength. Should another bull -challenge his dominance, the ensuing battle is rarely fatal, although it -may result in a new master. It is not unusual to see the loser, reduced -to the status of a “bachelor bull,” ranging alone. - -The “bugling” of the bulls, a shrill, high-pitched invitation to combat, -is a thrilling call, an unusual record of the music of nature. - -The young are born in late May or June, usually one to a mother, -sometimes two, and rarely three. Like all deer, they are spotted, -somewhat lighter in color than the fawns of the black-tailed deer. The -spots are retained until replaced by the winter coat. - - - CASCADE MOUNTAIN GOAT, WHITE GOAT, MOUNTAIN GOAT - _Oreamnos americanus americanus_ (Blainville) - -The goat is completely unlike any other park animal, and is easily -identified by its resemblance to a large white or yellowish-white -domestic goat. Both sexes have short, black, sharp-pointed horns, and -are otherwise alike, except that the males are generally somewhat -larger, and have a distinct beard. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The Cascade mountain goat is found in the Cascade Mountains of -Washington. Records indicate that it probably ranged into the Oregon -Cascades some decades ago, but there are no recent authentic reports -from that area. Sub-species similar to the Cascades goat are found in -the northern Rocky Mountains, northward through Canada and into Alaska, -as well as on the Olympic Peninsula. - - [Illustration: The mountain goat is an indomitable mountaineer.] - -In the park in summer this denizen of the rocky crags is rather -frequently seen in the high country on all slopes of the Mountain. The -principal bands may be found in the region of Van Trump Park, Cowlitz -Rocks, Cowlitz Chimneys, Steamboat Prow, Burroughs Mountain, the -Colonnade, the Puyallup Cleaver, and Emerald Ridge, where they normally -range at elevations of from 6,000 to 10,000 feet. - -In winter it is not uncommon to observe small bands on Cougar Rock, the -southern slopes of Tum-Tum Peak, Mount Wow, lower Emerald Ridge, Mother -Mountain, and the western slope of Chenuis Mountain. - -Here we have another example of an animal that has been misnamed. -Although it is called a mountain goat it is not a true goat, but is more -of a rock antelope. Its nearest living relatives are the Alpine chamois -of south central Europe and the Himalayan serow of Asia. At one time -near relatives of our present goats were spread over much of the western -part of North America and fossils have been found in caves in lower -Grand Canyon and as far south as Nuevo Leon, Mexico. While it is not -known what happened to cause their extinction over much of their -original range, it appears likely that early man had an important part -in it. It is known that the Indians of the Mount Rainier country hunted -the goats extensively at one time, and undoubtedly this awkward -appearing dweller of the remote and inaccessible sections is an animal -most park visitors hope to encounter. - -Chief feeding grounds during the summer are on the heavily vegetated -slopes near forest line. In the early morning hours the goats move out -of their nighttime resting places and begin feeding as they climb to -higher elevations. They travel in a very leisurely fashion, seldom -running, and they select their course with considerable care. An old -billy usually takes the lead, the other following along behind in single -file. Young goats are “sandwiched” between the adults. In moving across -any slope area where the footing is treacherous or where rocks might -roll, it is customary for only one goat to cross at a time, the others -staying back until it is safe to cross. - -Without doubt the characteristic of the mountain goats that excites the -most interest and admiration is their ability to travel across steep -cliffs and narrow ledges with no apparent difficulty or hesitation. Nor -does this trail lead only over perilous rock ridges. The goats may -venture out upon the ice fields of some of the glaciers. Even glare ice -does not present an impasse, it only serves to slow the progress of -these indomitable mountaineers. - -The female usually has one or two kids born in late spring. By September -they are about half grown, and quite capable of keeping up with their -parents in even the most difficult going. They remain with their mother -through the first winter. Like most young animals, kids are quite -playful. - -Apparently the goat population of this area is fairly stable, perhaps -increasing slightly under the complete sanctuary afforded by the park. -As long ago as 1894, John Muir reckoned that there were over 200 goats -on Mount Rainier. Ernest Thompson Seton, in his _Lives of Game Animals_ -states that “There are certainly 300 now (1929).” The wildlife census -for the park lists from 250-300 goats in 1931, and census reports in -recent years indicate from 350-400. - - [Illustration: Bears are a feature attraction of the park.] - - - OLYMPIC BLACK BEAR - _Ursus americanus altifrontalis_ Elliot - -There are two color forms of the black bear in the park—the black and -the brown. The all black or mostly black is the phase most commonly -observed, but brown individuals may often be seen. The black phase -sometimes has a brown patch covering the muzzle and a white spot on the -chest. The color ratio is usually about five black to one brown. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The black bear was formerly found over most of wooded North America, but -has now become extinct over much of the original range. The Olympic -black bear occurs in western Washington, western Oregon, and -northwestern California. - -In the park it is likely to be encountered anywhere in the timbered -regions, with an occasional record coming from above forest line. One -record of an unusual nature was obtained several years ago by Mr. Harry -Meyers of the Mountaineers Club and Major E. S. Ingraham of Seattle. -They reported that while blizzard bound in the crater on the summit of -Mount Rainier they saw a black bear walk up to the rocks on the rim of -the crater and then disappear in the storm. They suggested that the bear -possibly was lost in the storm while on a glacier and instinctively -climbed higher and higher until it reached the top of the peak. In -October, 1948, a record was obtained of a bear well up on the Paradise -Glacier, 6,500 feet. This animal was climbing steadily higher, and -disappeared over the crest west of Cowlitz Rocks. - -There can be no doubt that the bear is one of the feature attractions of -the park. The appearance of one of these animals is a signal for -visitors of all ages to come running to get a look. Unfortunately the -attention paid to the bear doesn’t always stop at this point, and -someone is almost sure to pull out a piece of candy or some other tidbit -to see if bruin will eat it. Thus a bear problem is soon in the making. -Loving sweets, bacon and grease as he does, the bear cannot be blamed -too much if he eats quantities of these items offered him and then makes -a shambles of tents and food stores looking for more. - -Contrary to popular belief the black bear is not a vicious animal, and -in the normal wild state is timid and takes to his heels whenever -anything of an unusual nature happens. Sudden loud noises will send him -off in a wild stampede. This can certainly be attested to by one visitor -whose car was invaded by a bear. Unwittingly the bear sat heavily upon -the car’s horn—and simply took out glass, door and all in his mad -scramble to get out! - -The bear is an expert climber and handles himself with great skill. When -frightened the cub will almost always shinny up the nearest tree before -looking to see what caused the alarm. The mother bear will often send -her youngsters up a tree when she is afraid they may be in danger or -when she wants them to “stay put” for a time. Bear cubs in a tree are a -fair warning to stay away because the mother is bound to be somewhere -close by. - -The baby bears are usually two in number and are born in January or -February while the mother is in her winter quarters. They are small and -helpless at birth, weighing only a few ounces. By the middle of June, -when most folks see them, they are about the size of raccoons, and by -the time fall comes around they are large enough to take pretty good -care of themselves, although they still remain with their mother. There -is nothing more humorous and clown-like in the forests than a young bear -cub. Filled with an endless desire to learn something new, he is forever -getting into difficulties. The cub loves to wrestle and box, and a play -session with a husky brother or sister is usually somewhat of a rough -and tumble affair. - -Falltime is the time of year to see bears, because the abundance of -huckleberries on the many slopes and ridges above 5,000 feet brings them -out in large numbers. It is nothing uncommon to see as many as six of -these animals at one time in a berry patch, industriously stripping the -bushes of the luscious fruit. The bear is also in his best physical -condition at this time, as he prepares to go into hibernation and his -coat is rich-toned and glossy. The hibernation period varies with the -individual, some animals going into their winter sleep rather early -while others may prowl around for some time after the first snows have -fallen. Bears have been observed out of hibernation as early as February -26, near Longmire. - -The kind of food available is really no great problem for a bear; his -main worry is getting enough of it. He seems to like almost anything, -with the list including such varied items as bumblebees, clover, -skunk-cabbage roots and many other succulent plants, frogs, toads, field -mice, ants, berries of all types and a wide assortment of meats. - - - PACIFIC RACCOON - _Procyon lotor psora_ Gray - -The raccoon has a stocky body about the size of a small dog, with -relatively short legs and a sharp-pointed muzzle. The coloration is -grizzled gray-brown with black-tipped hairs sometimes giving a dark -appearance. The top of the head is blackish, and a broad, “mask-like” -black band extends across the face and eyes, bordered above and below -with white. The tail is brownish, encircled by six or seven blackish -rings. The underparts are light brown, silvered here and there with -whitish hairs. The soles of the feet are black. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Raccoons are widely distributed through the forested regions of North -America. The Pacific raccoon is found from southern British Columbia -south to northern California, in and west of the Cascade Mountains. In -the park it normally ranges up to around 3,000 feet, although some -individuals have taken up residence in the buildings around Paradise -Valley, 5,500 feet. - -Cunning, clever, and inquisitive, with a truly remarkable ability for -adaptation to human influences, the raccoon has firmly established -residence in a few locations of the park during recent years. Formerly -uncommon, these animals are now abundant at Longmire, and are frequently -seen in other developed areas as well. - -A comparison of the habits of the ’coons thus subjected to close contact -with man, and the traits of the true wilderness animals is amazing. The -semi-domestic raccoons are no longer strictly nocturnal in their -wanderings, but are often abroad at all times of the day. A whole family -may parade leisurely across the lawn or parking plaza at mid-day, -pausing to peer curiously through slitted eyes at an assemblage of -camera-laden visitors. Competition for food is keen, and so avid in -their pursuit of forage do the animals become that no time is wasted in -“washing” any morsel, it is bolted immediately. - -Quarrels, squabbles, and vicious battles are waged vociferously. The -raccoon is a surly, short-tempered creature at best, and when two or -more get together, especially members of different families, a “gang -fight” may be expected to develop, with half a dozen clawing, biting, -snarling ’coons entangled in one furry mass. For some reason the ringed -tail appears to be a particularly vulnerable point of attack, as several -“bob-tailed” animals at Longmire attest. - -In some regions this animal is reported as hibernating during the winter -months, but the local raccoons do not do so. They remain as active with -three feet of snow on the ground as during the summer, although not seen -in their normal abundance during periods of extremely inclement weather. - - [Illustration: The marmot is abundant in rock slides above 5,000 - feet.] - -The raccoon seems to eat practically anything, with meat of any type -freely accepted. Under normal conditions the diet is largely made up of -frogs, fish, small animals, birds, eggs, insects, and fruits. - - - CASCADE HOARY MARMOT, WHISTLING MARMOT, WHISTLER - _Marmota caligata cascadensis_ Howell - -The Cascade hoary marmot is one of the largest North American rodents, a -close relative of the woodchuck of the East, with the head and body -about twenty inches in length, tail about nine inches. The body is stout -and clumsy in appearance; the legs are short and stout; the head is -short and broad with a blunt nose, small, broad, rounded ears, and small -eyes. Adults have a black face; the nape, shoulders, and upper back -gray; the remaining portion of the back and rump is black grizzled with -gray; the tail is brown. The young are darker in color than the adults. -In midsummer the pelage is in poor condition, with the darker portions -more brown than black. The large size, gray shoulders, and shrill, -whistling call are distinguishing characters which permit easy -identification of this animal. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-40, RNP-41, RNP-112; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The woodchucks (genus Marmota) are found over most of the United States, -well into Canada, and in the west north into Alaska. The Cascade hoary -marmot occurs in the northern Cascade Mountains from Mount Rainier -northward into southern British Columbia. - -On Mount Rainier the whistler is abundant in the rock slides from about -5,000 feet to forest line and above. Occasionally the alpine parks and -meadows are chosen habitats; the animals are common in the Paradise -Valley and on the open slopes above Alta Vista. - -A piercing, far-carrying whistle is often the park visitor’s -introduction to the marmot or rockchuck of Mount Rainier. A careful -scrutiny of the nearby terrain will often be rewarded by the sight of -one or several of these animals, old and young, perched on a rock above -the entrance to the burrow, or galloping clumsily but swiftly toward -home and safety. - -It is usually possible to continue the acquaintance at closer range, -particularly if the observer approaches slowly and the animals are in -areas where they have become accustomed to having human visitors in -their neighborhood. - -The whistler is almost strictly vegetarian in his food habits, feeding -upon green succulent vegetation in the near vicinity of the burrow. It -is common to find well-beaten paths from the animal’s “front door” to -the forage areas. Moving about on a grassy slope the fat, lazy rodent -seems anything but alert, as he crawls from one spot to another. But the -observer soon becomes aware that the chuck’s pauses to survey the -landscape are frequent; his head is raised, if no danger threatens his -tail flips and feeding is resumed. If frightened, swift retreat is -generally preceded by the shrill whistle, and the sluggish, crawling fat -one becomes a scurrying bundle of fur following a well-worn and familiar -route to the sanctuary of his den. - -The marmot is a sun-worshiper. After an early morning feeding period, it -is his custom to sprawl, rug-like, on a favorite rock slab, sometimes -for hours, resting and obviously enjoying his sun-bath. Chucks are -rarely abroad for any extended length of time on cloudy, drizzly days. -They may appear if driven out by hunger, but seem to prefer the warmth -and comfort of the den during inclement weather. - -The hibernating period of the marmot begins in September and lasts well -into spring, the time of emergence is usually late in April. There is no -evidence that any food is stored, and for some time after coming out of -hibernation the animals may travel a considerable distance over the -snowfields in search of open ground and green vegetation. - -The famous naturalist, Ernest Thompson Seton, has well expressed the -marmot’s way of life: - - “Convincing evidence there is that, during lethargy—the little death - of the winter sleep—the vital functions are suspended—the sleeper - neither grows, suffers, wastes, nor ages. He did not lay up stores of - food; yet, in the spring, he comes out just as fat as he went in the - fall before. - - “If then, the Powers-that-Be have allotted to the Marmot five full - years of life, and he elects to live that life in ten bright summer - times, then must he spend the six dark months each year in deathlike - sleep. And this he does, in calm, deliberate choice. - - “Oh, happy Whistler of the Peaks! How many of us would do the very - same, were we but given choice.” - -Not many natural enemies threaten the marmot. Perhaps the most to be -feared is the golden eagle, which may drop from the blue to seize him in -the midst of his luxurious sun-bath. Because of his size the smaller -predators are harmless to him, but the coyotes and foxes are relentless -hunters and ever-present dangers. - - - THE CHIPMUNKS - -Two kinds of chipmunks, the Cooper and Hollister, are known to occur -within the park. Although their altitudinal ranges overlap, the two -species may be quite readily distinguished by their variation in size -and other characteristics. A brief discussion of each follows: - - [Illustration: The Hollister chipmunk is a lively and audacious - little animal.] - -The Cooper chipmunk, _Tamias townsendii cooperi_ Baird, is the larger of -the two species mentioned above. It is predominantly dark brown in -color; the light colored stripes above and below the eye are indistinct; -the black head stripes are not conspicuous; the nine alternating black -and grayish white lengthwise stripes on the back are somewhat obscured -by the dark color; the tail is black above, grizzled with white, silvery -margined, reddish brown below. The total length of a typical specimen is -ten inches; head and body, five and one-half inches, tail four and -one-half inches. - -This chipmunk is found in the higher eastern Cascade Mountains and -Olympic Mountains of Washington. In Mount Rainier National Park it -occurs from park boundaries to 6,000 feet, almost to forest line. - -The Hollister chipmunk, _Tamias amoenus ludibundus_ (Hollister), also -called the little chipmunk or Alpine chipmunk, is about a third smaller -in size than the Cooper chipmunk. It is predominantly gray brown in -color. The light colored stripes above and below the eye are distinct; -the black head stripes are more conspicuous than those of the Cooper, -the back stripes are sharply defined; the tail is brown mixed with black -above, margined with yellowish brown, yellowish brown below. The total -length is about eight and three-fourths inches; head and body four and -three-fourths inches, tail four inches. - -The Hollister chipmunk is found in the higher Cascade Mountains of -Washington. In Mount Rainier National Park it occurs generally in the -Hudsonian Zone between 4,500 and 6,500 feet, rarely lower or above -forest line, but it is one of the few park animals recorded on the -summit of Mount Rainier. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Cooper chipmunk, RNP-7, RNP-8, RNP-9, -RNP-16, RNP-18, RNP-74, RNP-110; Hollister chipmunk, RNP-28, RNP-29, -RNP-30, RNP-95; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The lively, audacious, and beautifully marked chipmunks are the most -popular of all the animals of the park. Locally abundant as they are in -the neighborhood of the campgrounds and lodges, easily observed because -of their diurnal habits and lack of fear, they are a source of -entertainment and amusement to many park visitors. - -Like the mantled ground squirrels, the chipmunks adapt themselves -rapidly to man’s presence, forage about camps and lodges in search of -various delicacies, invade camp stores without hesitation, but are such -engaging company that it is difficult to regard them as anything other -than friendly guests. - -Many varieties of seeds and berries furnish the food supply of this -animal, and quantities are stored in their burrows for use during the -spring and early summer. Although the chipmunks hibernate during most of -the winter, they sometimes venture out on warm, spring-like days, -returning to their winter nests when the weather again becomes -inclement. - -Predaceous birds and mammals active during the daylight hours are all -enemies of the chipmunks. These natural enemies work to keep the -chipmunk populations free of contagious diseases such as relapsing -fever, which is transmissible to human beings, by removing sick and -sluggish chipmunks before they can infect their companions. - - [Illustration: Mantled ground squirrels are popular with park - visitors.] - - - CASCADE MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL, BIG CHIPMUNK - _Citellus saturatus_ (Rhoads) - -As the name implies, the mantled ground squirrels are ground dwellers. -In general external appearance they resemble the eastern chipmunks, but -are considerably larger, and much bigger than their environmental -associates, the western chipmunks. They may be further distinguished -from the latter species by the more robust body, the conspicuous white -eye-ring, and the absence of stripes on the head. The Cascade species of -mantled ground squirrel is about twelve inches in length overall, with a -flattened, somewhat bushy, narrow tail some four inches long. The sexes -are colored alike, the mantle over the head, sides of the neck, -shoulders, and forearms is reddish-brown, mixed with black, which is in -distinct contrast to the rest of the upper parts. The back is grizzled -black, merging into grizzled red-brown over the rump, with a narrow -yellowish-white stripe, edged with black, on each flank from shoulder to -thigh. The underparts and the upper surfaces of the feet are -yellowish-white. The tail is well-clothed with dark, yellow-tipped hair -above, yellowish-brown below. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-33, RNP-34, RNP-36; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters. - -The mantled ground squirrels are found only in western North America, on -the forested mountain slopes from California, Arizona, and New Mexico -north into British Columbia. - -The species common to Mount Rainier National Park is found in the -Cascade Mountains of Washington, and on the Mountain it is confined -principally to the Hudsonian zone, between 4,500 and 6,500 feet. It is -most abundant on the east side, but is very common locally in the -Paradise Valley vicinity. - -This animal inhabits by preference the rather open, rocky hillsides, and -is seldom seen in the heavily forested sections. Burned over brush lands -are favored localities, particularly on those slopes exposed to the sun. - -The big chipmunks are less graceful than their livelier, smaller -cousins; they are unsuspicious and easily observed, and are very popular -with park visitors because of their obvious lack of timidity. They are -quick to adapt themselves to the proximity of humans, and sometimes -become nuisances about campsites and dwellings because of their -audacious thefts of various foodstuffs. - -The capacious cheek pouches are used in collecting seeds, nuts, roots, -berries, and the bulbs of various plants, which are stored in -underground caches. Although these ground squirrels hibernate from early -fall until late spring, forage is meager during the first few weeks -after emergence from their long winter nap, and without provision for -these lean times, the animals would surely starve. They often appear -when the snow is still deep over their burrows, digging several feet -upward through this white blanket to emerge on the surface. - -The most dreaded enemy is the weasel, but the ground squirrels are -preyed upon by coyotes, foxes, and hawks as well, since they are a -staple item in the diet of most predators. - - - DOUGLAS PINE SQUIRREL, CHICKAREE - _Tamiasciurus douglasii douglasii_ (Bachman) - -A dark grayish brown squirrel about twelve inches in length overall; -with prominent ears; moderately slender in form; tail almost as long as -the body, somewhat flattened, well clothed with hair but not bushy, more -gray than the body. The underparts vary from a pale yellow brown to -reddish brown. The sexes are colored alike; the pelage is fairly long, -soft, but not silky. The characteristic appearance is one of extreme -alertness. - - [Illustration: Common throughout forested sections, the Douglas pine - squirrel is a vociferous bundle of energy.] - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-10, RNP-11, RNP-15, RNP-47, RNP-100, -RNP-107; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The Douglas squirrel is classified as one of the red squirrels, or -chickarees, which are distributed over most of forested North America. - -In Mount Rainier National Park these squirrels are common, and are found -throughout the area from the park boundaries to forest line, and -occasionally even higher. - -This vociferous, restless bundle of energy is seen and heard by almost -every park visitor, bounding across the highway or trail, or scampering -madly up a nearby tree, to peer around the trunk or perch upon limb just -out of reach where it scolds and chatters vehemently at all intruders. - -Unlike the flying squirrel, the chickaree is abroad throughout the -daylight hours, busy, inquisitive, obviously and usually noisily, -resentful of interference with what it considers its own affairs. Only -in the spring is this squirrel somewhat subdued, probably because of the -youngsters tucked away in a nearby nest in some tree hollow. The young -do not venture into the world until more than half grown, when they take -their places in the regular routine of family activities. - -Because the Douglas squirrel does not hibernate, it gathers the cones of -most of the coniferous trees, as well as the winged seeds of the vine -maple and even mushrooms to furnish food over the lean winter months. -The late summer and early fall is a busy time for this industrious -fellow. The swish and thump of falling cones is a common sound through -the woods when the harvest is in progress. A number of cones are neatly -clipped from the tree tops, then the worker descends the tree to gather -and store them in a hollow stump, beneath a log or the roots of a tree, -or even in a hastily excavated hole in the forest floor. Interrupt this -activity by secreting a few of the fallen cones, and the imprecations -called down upon your head would scorch the printed page if they could -be translated into human speech. - -Although preyed upon by winged and four-footed predators alike, the -chickaree holds its own very well, probably because this fellow is -seldom caught napping, certainly not because of shy and retiring habits, -since the “chatterer” is one of the most conspicuous and interesting of -our woodland creatures. - - - CASCADE FLYING SQUIRREL - _Glaucomys sabrinus fuliginosus_ (Rhoads) - -A medium-sized, arboreal squirrel; dark-brown above, light brown on the -under parts, light gray or sometimes light brown on the sides of the -face, the sexes colored alike, the young darker than the adults. The -eyes are large and dark, the pelage is soft and silky. The flat, furry -tail and the fold of loose skin between the fore and hind legs on either -side distinguish this animal from any other. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -Flying squirrels inhabit a large part of forested North America. The -Cascade sub-species is found from southern British Columbia southward -along the Cascade Range to the Siskiyou Mountains of Northern -California. - - [Illustration: Park visitors rarely see the beautiful little flying - squirrel.] - -Although seldom seen because of its nocturnal habits, the flying -squirrel is locally abundant in some sections of the park, particularly -at Ohanapecosh Hot Springs. - -The most interesting characteristic of this little tree-dweller is its -unique habit of gliding from tree to tree through the air. In launching -its “flight” the squirrel leaps into space from its perch on a dead snag -or tree, extends the fore and hind legs, spreading the loose fold of -skin along its sides, and with the flat tail fluttering behind, sails -obliquely downward, alighting on the ground or the lower trunk of -another tree. This aerial maneuver cannot truly be called flight, but -has resulted in the name “flying squirrel.” - -Little is known of the life history of this beautiful little animal, -because of the difficulty of observation. Old woodpecker holes or -natural cavities in trees are favorite nesting places, and the flying -squirrel is almost never found away from the nest except at night or -when disturbed. It is a shy and retiring creature, preyed upon by owls, -martens, weasels, and other small carnivorous animals on the rare -occasions when it comes to the ground. Flying squirrels are omnivorous, -nuts and other vegetable foods are apparently preferred, although meat -is sometimes taken when available. - - - CASCADE PIKA, CONY - _Ochotona princeps brunnescens_ Howell - -This small, rodent-like animal is robust, short-legged, with a tail so -short that it is not noticeable in field observation. The sexes are -colored alike; gray-brown above, whitish below, ears darker, feet light. -The pelage is soft and quite dense. In general appearance the pikas -closely resemble the rabbits, except for their small size, short legs, -and short, rounded ears. The peculiar “bleating” call is unmistakable. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-12, RNP-13, and one mounted -specimen; Headquarters Museum, Longmire. - -The many sub-species of the pika are widely distributed at the higher -elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Coast Ranges. The -typical habitat is the rock-slides and talus slopes near forest line. - -In the park one may expect to find the pika on any rocky slope from -3,000 (rarely lower) to 8,000 feet. They are infrequently seen in -winter, due to the depth of snow over most sites which they inhabit, but -during clear, sunny days they occasionally venture out in exposed -locations. - -The common name “hay-maker” has often been applied to the pika, because -it is one of those provident creatures which literally “makes hay” -during the summer months, curing and drying a wide variety of grasses -and other plants which are stored for winter food. The hay-barn of the -pika is in a sheltered crevice or beneath an overhanging boulder in the -masses of rock where it makes its home. These hay-piles are much in -evidence where pikas are abundant. - -The protective coloring of the animal makes it difficult to distinguish -among the rocks, and it is commonly heard before it is seen. The sharp, -short bleat, almost a chirp or squeak, often repeated at rapid intervals -when the pika is alarmed, is distinctive. If the observer remains -motionless, and carefully searches nearby with his eyes, he is almost -certain to see a tiny “rock-rabbit” scamper quickly and with silent, -sure feet across the rocks, to disappear in a crevice or to perch on an -exposed boulder. Should the watcher remain quiet, the pika will resume -its interrupted activities until again disturbed. - - [Illustration: The busy beaver is an industrious engineer.] - -The well-chosen shelter of the pika, deep down beneath the rocks, -affords adequate protection from most predators. Only the weasels, and -their relatives, the martens, are capable of following these elusive -creatures through the talus. Undoubtedly the hawks and eagles may strike -suddenly from the air and be successful in capturing a pika less alert -than his fellows, but such occasions must be rare. - - - PACIFIC BEAVER - _Castor canadensis leucodonta_ Gray - -The beaver is the largest North American rodent, and the species found -in Mount Rainier National Park is the largest of any of the recognized -geographical range. An adult will weigh thirty pounds or more, up to a -maximum of sixty pounds. The form is robust; the tail is broad, flat, -and scaly; the ears are short; the hind feet webbed. The pelage is -composed of short, soft underfur, with long guard hairs. The sexes are -alike in size and color, a dark, glossy, reddish brown above, lighter -brown below. The beaver is aquatic in habit. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The geographical range of the beaver extends over most of North America -from the Rio Grande northward. - -Beaver are not now abundant in the park, and it is doubtful that they -were ever numerous. Observations have been made in many sections, -notably Fish Creek, Tahoma Creek, along the Nisqually River from the -park entrance to the mouth of the Paradise River, Longmire Meadows, the -Ohanapecosh River, and Reflection and Tipsoo Lakes. Records indicate -that Fish Creek and Tahoma Creek are the sites most extensively used by -beavers during recent years, although intermittent activities have been -noted in the vicinity of Longmire Meadows. A colony on Kautz Creek was -undoubtedly destroyed by the flood of October, 1947. - -No other animal played as important a role in the early history and -exploration of this country as did the beaver. This is particularly true -of the Rocky Mountain west, and to a lesser extent of the Northwest. The -fur trade made the beaver pelt a standard of exchange, and to get beaver -the trappers moved westward, seeking out this valuable animal in the -most inaccessible and remote regions. These early explorations, which -had as their incentive fur rather than the expansion of territory, paved -the way for later settlement by those seeking new lands and a better -livelihood in the West. So great was the demand for fur that the -beavers, in the beginning abundant, were reduced in numbers to a point -where returns did not compensate trappers for the risk and hardship -involved. - -The first mention of beaver in the park is found in _Mammals and Birds -of Mount Rainier_, Taylor and Shaw, which states: - - “Dr. A. K. Fisher records that several beavers lived at Longmire - Springs until 1896, when a trapper killed them all.” - -By 1905, according to the _Annual Report of the Secretary of the -Interior_, beaver had been exterminated within the boundaries of the -park. - -However, by 1919, beaver were again active on Fish Creek, along the -eastern base of Mount Wow, and in December, Mr. Roger W. Toll, park -superintendent, reported two dams, each 100 to 200 feet in length. Mr. -Toll’s observations were set forth thus in a letter: - - “The beavers are now living in these lakes, and fresh signs are - abundant. There are numerous tracks in the snow leading from the lakes - to the thickets of alder, elder, and willow which they are eating. - There is no typical beaver house in the lakes, but the under-water - entrance to their house can be seen leading under the roots of a fir - tree about four feet in diameter that stands on the edge of the upper - lake.” - -It is in this immediate vicinity that fairly extensive beaver workings -were observed in November, 1947, including newly repaired small dams and -fresh cuttings. - -The house or burrow in the stream bank studied by Mr. Toll appears -typical of the beaver in this area. In other sections, notably Rocky -Mountain National Park, Colorado, where beavers are abundant, an -extensive system of dams and canals is frequently developed on the -smaller streams, with a large house completely surrounded by the -impounded water a central feature of the colony. No such elaborate -workings have been found here. Since the beavers habitually reside in -burrows along the margins of streams they are referred to as -“bank-beavers.” A plausible explanation for this habit is the constant -and ample flow of water, which eliminates the necessity for large dams, -and is adequate to cover at all times the underwater entrances to the -burrows. - -A small stream, bordered by cottonwood, alder, and willow, tracing its -course through swampy places or meadow lands at intervals, is the -preferred habitat of the beaver. The bulk of its food is made up of the -bark of the tree species mentioned above, although coniferous trees are -sometimes used, perhaps as an appetizer. The roots of aquatic plants are -eaten also, as well as the smaller roots of tree species. In an active -beaver colony, freshly peeled twigs and branches will be found lodged -against the upstream side of the dam, as well as along the stream and -pond margins. - -Much has been written concerning the sagacity, engineering ability, and -industry of the beaver. Certainly “busy as a beaver” is an apt -comparison for the industrious. The amount of tree-felling, food -harvesting, and construction and repair which a colony of beavers will -accomplish overnight is remarkable. - -Other characteristics, while impressive, are not the unerring instincts -that were often attributed to the animal by early writers. While the -dams are in most instances sturdily constructed of brush, small stones, -mud, and, at times, sizeable short lengths of trees, a sudden spring -freshet may completely destroy a poorly located structure. That the -beaver exhibits what might be considered good judgment in taking -advantage of natural stream barriers in dam construction is commonly -demonstrated, however. It is not unusual to find trees that have fallen -across water courses, or boulders in or on the margins of streams, used -to provide a portion of a dam, apparently by design rather than by -accident. - -The felling of trees is approached in a haphazard fashion, without -regard to the direction of fall. It appears that the beaver, or beavers, -set to work to gnaw the trunk through at a comfortable working height -above the ground, a point they can reach from a sitting position. Where -the tree falls is left entirely to chance. There may be a half circle of -open space in one direction, yet it is quite possible that the tree will -topple in the opposite direction and so lodge before it reaches the -ground. Under such circumstances the beavers may cut another section or -several sections from the butt of the tree, without eventually -accomplishing their purpose. - -Nevertheless, to give credit where credit is due, it must be admitted -that the beaver is unique in the animal kingdom by virtue of its feats, -even though these are largely the result of instinct. - -Among the natural enemies of the beaver clan are listed most of the -predators; fox, coyote, cougar, bear, wildcat, and where their habitats -coincide, the otter. It seems that all of these exhibit a liking for the -flesh of this largest of rodents, although a painstaking stalk, -consummated by a swift rush or leap is necessary for success, lest the -beaver escape to his natural refuge, the water. The otter, of course, -may enter the burrow or house and kill the young, but it is not likely -that it has the strength required to deal with a full grown animal. - - - MOUNT RAINIER APLODONTIA, MOUNT RAINIER MOUNTAIN BEAVER - _Aplodontia rufa rainieri_ Merriam - -A stout-bodied rodent, about the size of a muskrat, with a tail so short -that it is concealed in the fur. Sexes are alike in size and color; -upper parts light brown with a darker overcast, under parts a dull -brown, sometimes showing white patches. Eyes and ears small. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-80, RNP-104, and a mounted specimen, -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The various subspecies of aplodontia are found only along the western -coast of North America, from the mountain ranges westward to the -Pacific. It is not known to occur elsewhere in the world. - -The Mount Rainier mountain beaver is found only on and in the immediate -vicinity of Mount Rainier, where it is abundant in some localities from -park boundaries to 6,000 feet. It has been reported from the Paradise -River (5,200 feet), Longmire, Reflection Lake, Ohanapecosh, Comet Falls, -the Rampart Ridge Trail, the Nisqually Entrance, in the Nickel Creek -burn, and on the Wonderland Trail on the north side of Stevens Canyon -(3,000 feet). - -The common name of this animal is not particularly appropriate, since it -resembles the muskrat and pocket gophers in appearance and habits more -closely than it does the beaver to which it is not closely related. It -prefers a wet habitat, but is not aquatic. It occasionally gnaws through -the small stems of willow, alder, and other shrubs, felling them to the -ground, but it makes no attempt to construct dams or canals. Tiny -rivulets are often diverted to flow through the mountain beaver’s -burrows, perhaps by accident, possibly because the animal intended such -diversion. - -The food of the aplodontia includes almost every succulent plant found -in the park, as well as many shrubs and the bark of some trees. Bracken -appears to be on the preferred list. During the summer months the -presence of the animal in a locality is often indicated by bundles of -plants cut and piled in exposed places to cure. The mountain beaver is -more particular in this respect than the pika, the bundles are often -rather neatly arranged on a log or stump, the base of the stems at one -end of the pile, nicely evened up, and the entire bundle intact. After -curing, the bundles are stored in the burrows, to serve as food and -nesting material. - -A rather extensive system of burrows from a few inches to a foot or two -beneath the surface, and piles of freshly excavated earth are also -evidence of the workings of this animal. The typical site chosen for -development is ordinarily moist, probably not because the aplodontia is -a lover of water, but because it is in such locations that suitable food -plants abound. The burrows are constructed as exploratory routes in -foraging, with what appears to be a main gallery intersected by a number -of branches. These burrows emerge in thick cover or under logs, with the -openings often connected by well-beaten runways where the overhanging -plants and shrubs afford concealment. - -Such extensive workings were found along the Wonderland Trail in Stevens -Canyon in 1947 and 1948. The first indication of the activity of -mountain beavers was the undermined condition of the trail in several -places, where burrows crossed under the path and caved beneath the feet. -Upon investigation many freshly cut stems of bracken were discovered, -and several piles of recently excavated earth, in some instances -sufficient to fill a bushel basket. This site was typical: excellent -cover; several small streams; and deep, very moist soil with few rocks -and an abundance of food plants. - -Natural enemies of aplodontia undoubtedly include nearly all of the -predatory animals, particularly the skunks and weasels, which can invade -the dens without difficulty. - - - YELLOW-HAIRED PORCUPINE - _Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum_ Brandt - -The porcupine is a large, short-legged rodent (total length about 30 -inches), clumsy and awkward appearing, slow-moving, bearing long, sharp -quills or spines over most of the body and on the short, club-like tail. -The pelage is composed of soft, brownish-black or black hair. Intermixed -with the pelage, and extending beyond it are the quills and long, stiff, -shiny, yellowish-tipped hairs, which give a yellow tinge to the -underlying dark color. It is impossible to confuse this unique animal -with any other found in the park. - - [Illustration: The almost impregnable armor of the porcupine is - adequate protection against most predators.] - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-42, RNP-47, and a mounted specimen, -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The several species of porcupine are widely distributed, ranging in the -timbered regions of the northeastern states, the Rocky Mountains from -near the Mexican boundary northward, and from northern California into -Canada and Alaska. - -Formerly rare, the first actual record was of a single individual in -Paradise Valley in 1933, porcupines are increasing throughout the -forested areas of the park, although the animal is still considered -uncommon. - -An apparent lack of interest or concern in events is probably the -outstanding characteristic of the porcupine. Protected as it is with an -almost impregnable defense of quills, it has no need for speed and shows -little fear of any other creature, even man. If pursued when -encountered, it will waddle away at top speed, which is about equal to a -man’s brisk walk. If crowded closely, the animal will take to the -nearest tree if given the opportunity, or may thrust its head beneath a -convenient root, log, or rock, then thrash the muscular tail about -vigorously in an effort to discourage attack. The tail is indeed a -formidable weapon. The quills are loosely attached to the skin, and are -readily detached when they strike any object. They may even be loosened -by the swinging of the tail, and fly through the air for a short -distance. It is conceivable that quills thus detached might actually -penetrate the skin at short range, but a porcupine can not “shoot” its -quills. - -During the winter months “Porky” feeds upon the bark of various trees, -with an apparent preference for the conifers and coniferous foliage. At -times a single tree may furnish food for several days. The porcupine is -not a traveler, and rarely moves far, since food is ordinarily readily -available. In summer bark is eaten at times, but the diet is -predominantly the leaves and new twigs of shrubs, grasses, and succulent -plants. - -The inordinate liking for salt exhibited by the porcupine is well known. -Tool handles which bear a trace of dried perspiration are eagerly -devoured; it is common to find table-tops and other articles of -furniture in abandoned camps almost destroyed if they retain any -evidence of bacon, salt pork, or other salty foods. This habit has -created a hearty dislike among campers and woodsmen for the -“quill-pigs,” and they are notorious as camp nuisances. - -Because of its nocturnal habits, the porcupine is not often seen. It -prefers to remain concealed in the uppermost branches of a -thick-foliaged tree, or perhaps in a hollow stump or log during the day, -venturing out at dusk to forage. - -Natural enemies of this animal include many of the predators, although -the protection afforded by the quills is sufficient to discourage attack -in most instances. Perhaps extremities of hunger result in desperate -attempts upon occasion, but it is difficult to imagine any flesh-eater -coming out better than second-best in an encounter, with one exception. -Observations and records of naturalists, trappers, and other competent -observers throughout the north woods country indicate that the fisher is -an implacable and deadly enemy of the porcupine, which is the fisher’s -favorite prey and which it kills by tearing open the unprotected belly. -Observers have found trapped fishers to contain porcupine quills in the -intestines and in other parts of the body, with no apparent harmful -effects. Since the fisher has been almost exterminated over most of its -range within the United States, however, it cannot be regarded as an -effective check upon the increase in the porcupine population. In rare -instances, coyotes and cougars have been recorded as preying upon the -porcupine, and forest fires have been important in reducing their -numbers in the past. - - - THE VARYING HARES - -Two kinds of varying hares, or snowshoe rabbits, are known to occur -within the park. A brief discussion of each follows: - -The Washington varying hare, _Lepus americanus washingtonii_ Baird, is a -medium-sized hare, larger than the common cottontail rabbit. -Mammalogists differ in their discussions of the coloration of this -species. The variations of opinion are of interest. H. E. Anthony, in -his _Field Book of North American Mammals_, thus describes the -Washington Varying Hare: - - “Summer and winter pelages both dull, dark reddish brown (no white - winter pelage); tops of feet more intense reddish; soles of hind feet - sooty.” - -Taylor and Shaw, in _Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, -are in general agreement with Anthony’s description of summer pelage, -but describe the winter coat as follows: - - “In winter in the lowlands the pelage merely puts on a slightly paler - or more vinaceous cinnamon tinge; but in Mount Rainier National Park a - white coat is assumed.” - -Still another observation was made by Mr. Walter W. Dalquest of the -Department of Zoology, University of Washington. After examining study -skins of the varying hares collected in the park, Mr. Dalquest made the -following comments in a letter addressed to the park naturalist (April, -1939). - - “The snowshoe hares of the entire Western Cascade region are a very - interesting but mixed up group. I should refer all three of your - specimens to _Lepus americanus washingtonii_ plus _cascadensis_. - - “The summer specimen from Longmire seems to be typical _washingtonii_ - in color and skull. The white winter specimen seems to be typical - _cascadensis_ while the very dark specimen (still in winter coat) - represents an interesting condition found only in the Western - Cascades, in which the specimens are darker than any other forms of - _Lepus americanus_ I have ever seen. This character is well - represented in a large series from Skykomish, Washington, in which the - winter coat varies from pure white to almost black.” - -From these observations it would appear that there is a marked variation -in the winter coloration of _Lepus americanus washingtonii_, and further -that another subspecies of varying hare, _Lepus americanus cascadensis_, -is found in the park. - -The Washington varying hare is not abundant in the park, having been -recorded only from the southwestern section, from the park boundary to -an elevation of about 3,000 feet, rarely higher. - -It occurs on the western slope of the Cascades to the coast in -Washington, and northward into British Columbia. - -The Cascade varying hare, _Lepus americanus cascadensis_ Nelson, is -about the same size as the Washington varying hare. In summer it is a -dark, rusty brown, reddish along the back, darker on the rump; white in -winter. - -This hare apparently occurs most frequently in the southwestern part of -the park also, although tracks observed in winter at Yakima Park may -have been those of this species. Its range undoubtedly overlaps that of -the Washington varying hare, but it seems probable that in general it is -found at the higher elevations, 3,000 to 5,000 feet. - -The distribution of this species, within its altitudinal range, is about -the same as that of the Washington varying hare. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Washington varying hare, RNP-57, RNP-99, -and a mounted specimen; Cascade varying hare, RNP-98; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters. - -From the foregoing data, it is apparent that positive field -identification of either species is impossible in most instances. If a -brown hare is observed in winter (mid-October to mid-April) it may be -identified with reasonable accuracy as the Washington varying hare. -However, if the hare is white, it may be either species, particularly if -its habitat is near the elevation of overlapping distribution, 3,000 -feet. Since the summer pelage of both species is similar, it is not -possible to differentiate during that season. In general the observer -may expect to find the Washington varying hare at 3,000 feet or lower, -the Cascade varying hare at 3,000 feet or higher. That such -identification can not be considered infallible, however, is -demonstrated by a brown specimen collected near Reflection Lake, -elevation 4,800 feet, in February, and identified as the Washington -varying hare. - -The aptness of the common name, varying hare, is easily understood, -since it applies to the seasonal change of color, brought about by the -shedding of the coat during the moult. The term “snowshoe rabbit” is -derived from the long, broad hind feet of the animal, Nature’s wise -provision which permits rapid and efficient progress over deep, soft -snow. - -The food preferences and habitats of the snowshoe rabbits are similar. -Both species prefer the dense cover of swamps and thickets, which -provide excellent protection from hawks and owls above as well as -avenues of escape from coyotes, foxes, and other predators on the -ground. Every large predator is the enemy of the snowshoe. - -Green plants, grasses, and clover make up the bulk of the food in -summer. The winter diet consists chiefly of the bark, buds and twigs of -various trees and shrubs. Coniferous foliage is often eaten. - - - WESTERN BUSHY-TAILED WOOD RAT - _Neotoma cinerea occidentalis_ Baird - -This large, gray-brown rat (head and body nine inches, tail eight -inches), can not be mistaken for any other park animal. It closely -resembles a several times magnified white-footed mouse, except that the -tail is so well-haired as to be almost like that of a squirrel. The ears -are conspicuous, the eyes large and lustrous, the feet, underparts, and -underside of the tail are dull white. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-19 and RNP-20, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The wood rats are found over the western United States, northward into -western Canada, and in some of the southeastern and mid-western states. - -The Mount Rainier species inhabits southern British Columbia, all of -Washington and Oregon, northern California and Nevada, and most of -Idaho. In the park it is found from park boundaries to forest line, -rarely higher, and is not common, although Taylor and Shaw (1919) found -it “unusually abundant in the timber along Tahoma Creek,” and recorded -one individual at Camp Muir (10,000 feet). - -Every woodsman has a fund of “pack rat” stories, nearly all of them -emphasizing the thieving propensities of the animal, and every story has -a basis, at least, in fact, because the wood rat will usually pick up -and carry away anything about the camp that strikes his fancy, if such -articles are not beyond his physical powers. At times these treasures -may be found cached away in a bulky pile of dead twigs, leaves and other -debris in some rock crevice, but the wood rats seem to place little -dependence upon these “nests” as a place of refuge, preferring to -retreat into a more adequately protected spot in the rock mass itself. - -These animals are ordinarily nocturnal in habit, but may occasionally be -seen by day. They are not excessively shy, and oftentimes create quite a -disturbance with their nightly prowlings when they are found about -campsites or dwellings. Their presence is frequently made known by a -soft “thump-thump-thump” made at regular intervals of about one second -by tapping a hind foot on the ground, rock, or some object. - -The wood rat has a distinct musky odor, and a cave, crevice, or cabin in -which they have established residence can be recognized at once, even by -man’s inferior sense of smell, by the atmosphere. - -It is readily apparent from the preceding discussion that the reputation -the wood rat has made among woodsmen and campers as a nuisance is not -ill-founded. They are interesting and active creatures, however, not -nearly so unsavory as the name “rat” implies, and in many instances the -entertainment they provide outweighs their less engaging habits. - - [Illustration: The inquisitive and abundant white-footed mice are - immaculately clean animals.] - - - WASHINGTON WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE, DEER MOUSE - _Peromyscus maniculatus oreas_ Bangs - -The white-footed mouse is about the size of a house mouse, with the head -and body about three and one-half inches in length, the tail about four -and one-half inches. The ears and eyes are large; the tail is -comparatively long, blackish-brown above, white below. The general -coloration over the head and back is a rather dark tawny-brown, -intermixed with black hairs, with a preponderance of black toward the -base of the tail. The underparts are white, with the lead-gray hair -bases showing through; the feet are white. In examining this mouse, the -impression is one of an immaculately clean little animal, definitely at -variance with the usual conception of mice. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-3, RNP-4, RNP-22, RNP-23, RNP-35, -RNP-36, RNP-37, RNP-38, RNP-39, RNP-77, RNP-84, and RNP-91, together -with a mounted specimen; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The white-footed mice are distributed over nearly all of North America -south of the Arctic Circle. - -The Washington species is found in the western part of the state and -northward into southern British Columbia. On Mount Rainier it occurs -throughout the park to elevations well above forest line, and has been -recorded on the summit of the Mountain. - -The inquisitive, active, and abundant white-footed mice are attractive -and familiar inhabitants of the woods about the Mountain. They are -readily adaptable to a variety of conditions, and are quick to invade -camps and dwellings in search of shelter and food. They are particularly -fond of cereal grains, and will often damage clothing left within their -reach, since these materials are evidently highly prized for the nest. -Campers will do well to protect food-stuffs and garments from their -foraging instincts. - -These animals are nocturnal in habit, it is rare to see them abroad by -day. They feed upon a wide variety of plant seeds and vegetable -material, and are preyed upon by all of the four-footed carnivores, as -well as the owls. - - - RAINIER POCKET GOPHER - _Thomomys talpoides shawi_ Taylor - -The sturdily built pocket gopher, with its long, sharp, fore claws, tiny -eyes and ears, external cheek pouches, robust body, and short legs, can -hardly be confused with any of the other rodents. The head and body are -about six inches in length, the thinly haired, whitish tail about two -and one-half inches. The color is light brown above, with the -lead-colored hair bases showing through in places; paler brown on the -sides; gray-white below, with white on the throat and a small, irregular -white patch on the nose. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-101, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The pocket gophers are widely distributed over western North America, -and are abundant in many regions. - -In Mount Rainier National Park the local species is found on the east -side of the park in the Hudsonian Zone above 4,500 feet, usually on the -grassy hillsides and in the open meadows. - -These animals are burrowers in the true sense of the word, rarely -venturing above ground, but constructing elaborate systems of connecting -tunnels a few inches beneath the surface. Because of this subterranean -habit they are seldom seen, although the evidences of their presence may -be conspicuous. Mounds of freshly turned earth scattered about over a -meadow indicate that active excavations by pocket gophers are in -progress. - -The fore claws are well adapted for the purpose of digging, and as the -burrow progresses, the earth is disposed of by thrusting it out through -a surface opening. Careful observation may be rewarded by a glimpse of -the head, shoulders and forelegs as the gopher accomplishes this -disposal, thus forming the mound of earth, which eventually closes the -emergence-hole. When not in use, these openings are closed by earthen -plugs. - -Pocket gophers feed almost exclusively upon the roots and bulbs exposed -by their burrowing activities, although at rare intervals they may move -a short distance from the burrow to gather surface food. - -Earth excavated during the winter months is firmly packed in tunnels -which the gopher makes on the surface of the ground beneath the snow. -These winding ridges of earth are revealed by the melting snow as -further evidences of pocket gopher activity. - - - THE MEADOW MICE - -Three species of meadow mice are known to inhabit the park, and of -these, two are so similar that the positive field identification of each -is difficult in most instances. Only the Cascade meadow mouse, or water -vole, shows sufficiently distinctive characteristics to permit easy -recognition. Of the two similar species, the Oregon meadow mouse is -probably most likely to be encountered. - -The Oregon meadow mouse, _Microtus oregoni oregoni_ (Bachman), is -similar in general coloration to the Olympic meadow mouse, but has -conspicuous ears, is distinctly smaller, and has been found from park -boundaries to 5,000 feet and higher. - -The Olympic meadow mouse, _Microtus longicaudus macrurus_ Merriam, is -dark brown above, with slightly paler sides, and with under parts a dull -buff or whitish. The tail is distinctly bicolor, black or brown above, -white below. The ears are inconspicuous. The head and body measure about -five and one-quarter inches, the tail about three and one-half inches. -This mouse is rarely found above the 3,000 foot elevation. - -The Cascade meadow mouse, _Microtus richardsonii arvicoloides_ (Rhoads), -is much larger than any of the other species found in the park. The head -and body measure about six inches, the tail a little over three inches -in a typical specimen. In general this species prefers a moister habitat -than the other meadow mice, and is usually found from 4,000 feet to -forest line (6,500 feet). It is the most abundant of the park mammals -found at high elevations, and has been recorded at Camp Muir, 10,000 -feet. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Oregon meadow mouse, RNP-27, RNP-32, -RNP-51, RNP-71; Olympic meadow mouse, RNP-31; Cascade meadow mouse, -RNP-5, RNP-26, RNP-48, RNP-49, RNP-50, RNP-59, RNP-60, RNP-75, RNP-81, -RNP-109; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -As the name implies, the general habitats of these rodents are the open -parks and meadows, from park boundaries to above the forest line. They -are locally abundant in many places, and are active throughout the year, -feeding upon the various green and succulent plants, burrowing along the -surface of the ground beneath the snow to find food in winter. Only the -Cascade meadow mouse shows any marked deviation in its habits, being -semi-aquatic, at least in summer, with a marked preference for marshy or -boggy meadows, taking to the water readily to escape danger, and -burrowing along the banks of small streams. In winter this mouse often -seeks the hillsides and normally dryer sites, probably in search of a -more abundant food supply, the change in habitat being encouraged by -abundant winter moisture. These hillside habitats often reveal earthen -tunnels on the ground surface as the snow melts, similar to those made -by the pocket gopher. Mounds of earth thrown up around the burrows of -the Cascade meadow mouse are also similar to the gopher mounds, but may -be distinguished from the latter by the open burrows, often left so, -rather than being closed by earthen plugs. - -It is well that the meadow mice are so abundant and prolific, since they -constitute a large portion of the food supply of coyotes, foxes, and -other predators. - - - MOUNTAIN LEMMING MOUSE, OLYMPIC PHENACOMYS, HEATHER VOLE - _Phenacomys intermedius oramontis_ Rhoads - -The lemming mouse is similar in appearance and habits to the meadow -mice; the head and body are four and one-half inches to five inches -long; the tail from one to one and one-half inches. The back is a -grizzled gray-brown, showing a yellowish tinge; the belly is gray-white; -the fur is sprinkled with black hairs. The dull color and short tail -distinguish this mouse from all others except the Oregon meadow mouse. -The latter is slightly smaller, the hair is less woolly, but field -distinction is difficult or impossible. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The genus _Phenacomys_ is found in the western United States and most of -Canada, inhabiting the mountain summits and colder zones. - -The Olympic phenacomys of Mount Rainier occurs only at the higher -elevations, 4,500 to 8,500 feet in the park, and its range extends into -the Olympic Mountains, as well as southward along the Cascade crest into -central Oregon. - -The alpine parks and windswept slopes well above forest line are the -home of the hardy little lemming mice. One of the common names for the -animal, heather vole, is suggestive of the locality where they may be -found, finding shelter in the protection afforded by the low-growing -masses of the heather. Their range is not entirely confined to the -alpine country, however, since records have been established in the -upper forested areas, down to a low elevation of 4,000 feet. - -The only conspicuous evidences of the presence of the heather vole are -the tidy, compact winter nests of dried grass, lichen, and other plant -fibers. These nests, constructed on the ground under the snow, are -apparently abandoned when the snow melts, and it is difficult to -discover other signs of the animal’s activities. - -Like the meadow mice, the mountain lemming mouse is a staple item in the -diet of the predators. - - - CASCADE RED-BACKED MOUSE - _Clethrionomys gapperi cascadensis_ Booth - -The red-backed mouse is slightly larger than a house mouse; in a typical -specimen the head and body are about four inches long, the tail slightly -less than two inches. The distinguishing characters which separate this -animal from the other mice are the broad, reddish-brown stripe over the -back from the forehead to the base of the tail (this stripe -distinguishes it from the held mice), and the inconspicuous ears and -short tail which are so different from the large ears and long tail of -the white-footed mouse. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-17, RNP-62, RNP-63, RNP-65, RNP-66, -RNP-67, RNP-68, RNP-69; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The many species of red-backed mice occur generally over the wooded -sections of North America. - -The Cascade red-backed mouse is found in the Cascade Mountains from -British Columbia southward into Washington, east into northern Idaho and -northeastern Oregon. In Mount Rainier National Park it occurs generally -from park boundaries to forest line. - -The heavily wooded areas of the park are the preferred habitats of the -red-backs. They are usually common in such localities, but are not -locally abundant in colonies, as are the field mice. - -The activities of these mice are not confined to nocturnal excursions. -They may be seen at any time of day, and the quiet observer in the deep -woods is almost certain to glimpse them if he is patient enough to watch -for a few moments. - - - NORTHWESTERN JUMPING MOUSE - _Zapus princeps trinotatus_ Rhoads - -The Northwestern jumping mouse is a little larger than a house mouse, -head and body about four inches, tail about six inches. The back is -dark, sprinkled with buff; a broad band of buff, sprinkled with blackish -hairs, extends along the sides; the underparts are pure white. The long -tail is dull gray above, white below, and almost naked except for a tiny -tuft of dark hair at the tip. This mouse may be easily distinguished -from any other park animal by the long hind legs and tail. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-6, RNP-24, RNP-25, RNP-52, RNP-53, -RNP-54, RNP-58, RNP-73, RNP-76, RNP-92; Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The jumping mice are found throughout most of the United States from -northern California and North Carolina, northward into Canada to the -Arctic Circle. The Northwestern jumping mouse occurs from northern -California through the Cascades to the coastal region of southern -British Columbia. - -In Mount Rainier National Park this animal is found irregularly from -park boundaries to 6,000 feet. It is not common and is rarely seen. - -The usual habitats of the jumping mice are the subalpine parks and -meadows, where they may sometimes be abundant in a restricted locality. -They hibernate from early fall until late spring, and during their -period of summer activity they rarely leave the nest during daylight -hours. The nests are on the ground, small and dome-shaped, made of dried -grasses. - - - THE MOLES - -Within the park are found three different kinds of moles, two of which -are very closely related and similar in general appearance. The third is -distinct in size and coloration. - -The Townsend mole, _Scapanus townsendii_ (Bachman), is considered to be -the largest of its kind on the continent, with a total length of about -eight inches. The body is stout, with tiny eyes, short legs and tail. -The fur is dense and velvety, blackish-brown in color, usually with a -purplish tone. - -It is found in “extreme northwestern California, Oregon and Washington -west of the Cascade Mountains” (Jackson). Little is known about its -status within the park. Workings were observed and a specimen collected -at Spray Park (5,500 feet) in 1919. - -The coast mole, _Scapanus orarius orarius_ True, is smaller than the -Townsend mole, attaining a length of about six and one-half inches. Its -coloration is black or blackish-brown above, with the underparts more -grayish in tone. - -This species is found in the humid coast region of northern California, -Oregon and Washington. It is apparently not common in any part of the -park, but has been collected at Longmire and the Owyhigh Lakes. - -The Gibbs shrew-mole, _Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii_ (Baird), is a very -small mole, about the size of a house mouse, around four inches in total -length. The entire coloration is dark grey, with the longer hairs -frequently tipped with whitish. - -This mole is found in extreme southwestern British Columbia, western -Washington and Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains, and south into -California in the coast region and interior west of the Sierra Nevada -Mountains. It occurs rather commonly throughout the park below 4,000 -feet, although an occasional record has been obtained at elevations in -excess of 5,000 feet. Its habitat is around grassy swamps and near -streams. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Townsend mole, none; coast mole, -RNP-105; Gibbs shrew-mole, RNP-21, RNP-106, RNP-112, RNP-114; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The mole is often confused with other small mammals, especially the -rodents. However, it does not belong with the rodent group and can -readily be distinguished by its short, very stout front legs which end -in broad, handlike feet with the palms turned outward; and by its -pointed nose; short tail; elongated body with fine, plush-like fur; and -the apparent absence of external eyes and ears. - -The mole is one of Nature’s strangest creations. From birth it is -destined to live underground, working diligently in total darkness to -obtain the food necessary for its existence. Its appetite seems never to -be satisfied and captive specimens have been known to eat more than -their own weight in a single day. Earthworms and grubs make up the major -portion of the food eaten, although beetles, spiders, various insects -and occasionally plants are of importance. The mole has the dubious -distinction of being of great value to the farmer because of the worm -pests he destroys, yet is regarded in return as one of the farmer’s -worst pests. A large part of this bad reputation arises from the damage -done growing plants by rodents that use the mole burrow to reach the -tender flower bulbs and growing roots found underground. - -While hawks, owls and small mammal predators take a limited number of -moles as food, high water in areas containing their homes constitutes an -important factor in controlling their abundance. The heavy rains and -snow runoff in the park probably has much to do with the local mole -population. - - - THE SHREWS - -The smallest of our North American mammals, the shrew, is represented in -the park by six different forms, all closely related and similar in -general appearance. - -The wandering shrew, _Sorex vagrans vagrans_ Baird, is a small shrew -with dark brown upperparts and ashy gray underparts. The tail tends to -be bicolor with a dusky color above and paler below. - -This species is found from southern British Columbia through western -Washington and Oregon into northern California. Only two records have -been obtained from the park. These came from a specimen trapped at Bear -Prairie (2,000 feet) about three miles south of Longmire and from one -taken in Stevens Canyon (no elevation given). The wandering shrew lives -in areas where there is considerable moisture and a damp, heavy forest -cover. - -The Olympic dusky shrew, _Sorex obscurus setosus_ Elliot, is a fairly -large shrew with upperparts brown with a few light-tipped hairs, the -lower parts ashy washed with buff. The tail is brown above and -yellowish-white below. - -This shrew is found from the Cascades westward and south as far as the -Columbia River. In the park it has been recorded in a number of -localities ranging from 2,000 to 6,800 feet in elevation. It is normally -found in moist situations where the undergrowth is heavy and is one of -our common shrews. - -The cinereous shrew, _Sorex cinereus cinereus_ Kerr, is of medium size -and difficult to separate from the dusky and wandering shrews. It is -distinguished by its small size and pale color. - -This species “ranges over most of Alaska, Canada and the northern half -of the United States” (Dalquest). Within the park it has been recorded -only along the Paradise River, and data are lacking regarding its range. - -The Trowbridge shrew, _Sorex trowbridgii trowbridgii_ Baird, is a large -shrew, about three-fourths the size of a common house mouse. In -coloration it is black or grayish above, lighter below. The tail is -sharply contrasting blackish above and whitish below. - -This shrew is found west of the crest of the Cascade Range in Washington -and Oregon, and has been collected in the park at Ohanapecosh (2,000 -feet), Tahoma Creek (2,500 feet), and Longmire (2,700 feet). It prefers -dark woods and moist situations. - -The navigator water shrew, _Sorex palustris navigator_ (Baird), is a -large shrew about the size of a house mouse, with small fore feet and -broad hind feet. Its coloration above is dark brown or blackish with -some of the hairs whitish tipped, the underparts are whitish-gray. The -tail is brown above and pale gray below. - -This species is found from the Rocky Mountains and the outlying ranges -of British Columbia to southern Colorado, and in California as far south -as Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. It is commonly encountered from -the lowest elevations in the park up to around 8,000 feet, and is -usually found along stream banks and at lake outlets. - -The Bendire water shrew, _Sorex bendirii bendirii_ (Merriam) is about -the size of a house mouse, a sooty-gray color above and slightly paler -below. - -It is found in the Klamath section of Oregon, a narrow strip along the -coast of California, and in the Cascades from Washington to British -Columbia. It has been recorded at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 -feet on the west and south sides of the park. Like all water shrews it -prefers moist areas and is usually found around wet meadows or in the -forest cover near lowland creeks. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Wandering shrew, RNP-89; Olympic dusky -shrew, RNP-55, RNP-88; cinereous shrew, none; Trowbridge shrew, RNP-61; -navigator water shrew, RNP-64, RNP-83, RNP-90; Bendire water shrew, -RNP-1, RNP-56, RNP-72; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -Because of their secretiveness and tiny size the shrews are seldom -observed, although they are relatively abundant in the park. By -stationing oneself in an elevated spot near a grassy stream bank or in a -damp, shady, forested area it is sometimes possible to observe the -actions of these small creatures. While their diet is largely composed -of insects, they do eat such things as worms, as well as small birds and -mammals that they can kill. They are very nervous animals and extremely -courageous hunters, and will attack and kill other mammals much larger -in size. They require an abundance of food to live and will die if -deprived of food for even a few hours. This might lead one to suppose -that they are somewhat weak, but such is not the case. They are active -throughout the year, being seen abroad under even the most rigorous -climatic conditions. - - - THE BATS - -Of the four types of bats known to occur in the park, only two are -closely related. These two are very small as compared to their larger -cousins. - -The Miller bat, _Myotis yumanensis saturatus_ Miller, is a small bat -with the upperparts dark glossy yellowish brown and the underparts -golden. The sides, chin and throat are somewhat darker than the -underparts. The fur over the entire body is slaty black at the base. The -membranes of the wings are blackish. - -This bat is found in the transition zone of British Columbia, -Washington, Oregon and northern California, along the coast. - -It has been taken at Longmire, Paradise Valley and Sunset Park. It stays -in the forests of the park, only occasionally being seen above the open -meadows. - -The coloration of the Northwestern long-legged bat, _Myotis volans -longicrus_ (True), above is dark brownish, sometimes blackish; the -underparts are dusky brown. The ears and wings are blackish. This bat -cannot be distinguished in flight from the Miller bat. - -It is found in the humid coast and mountain region from Admiralty -Island, Alaska, to Monterey County, California. - -While it is apparently fairly common at the lower elevations, very few -collections have been made. It has been taken at St. Andrews Park (5,500 -feet) and at Longmire. - -The silver-haired bat, _Lasconycteris noctivagans_ (Le Conte), is a -medium sized bat with dark brown or blackish coloration above and below. -Many hairs on the back and underparts are tipped with white, with the -white tips most numerous on the middle of the back. The wings are dark -brown. - -This bat occurs on the North American Continent north of Mexico, ranging -from the Pacific to the Atlantic. - -There is as yet no evidence that this bat actually stays within the park -for any length of time. It is believed that it only moves through during -migration. Records thus far obtained are during September, at elevations -around 5,000 feet. - -The Townsend lump-nosed bat, _Corynorhinus rafinesque townsendii_ -(Cooper), is of medium size, with long thin ears and two prominent lumps -on either side of the nose. The coloration is dark brown above, somewhat -lighter below, the base of the fur is dark slaty. The ears, feet and -wings are dark brown. - -The Townsend lump-nosed bat occurs from southern British Columbia -southward through most of Washington and Oregon, and along the coast -into California as far south as San Francisco. - -Only one record has been obtained from the park, a specimen collected at -Longmire in September, 1937. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Miller bat, RNP-85; Northwestern -long-legged bat, none; silver-haired bat, none; Townsend lump-nosed bat, -RNP-93; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The bats are among the most feared and least known of any of our -mammals. Many people are afraid to have anything to do with them, and -everyone is familiar with the old belief that, given the opportunity, a -bat will fly into one’s hair. Yet the bats that are so common in North -America are weak and entirely harmless. Far from being harmful to man, -they serve a most useful function in destroying various insects. The -worst problem the bat presents is the habit some species have of using -buildings as a place to sleep. - -Although possessing a wing-like structure, the bat does not have a wing -in the sense that a bird has. The “wing” consists of a much modified -hand with very long fingers. This is covered with a thin, but very tough -membrane, that enables the animal to fly. The bat’s flight is seemingly -aimless, but is actually purposeful. It is during these “drunken -flights” that it catches the insects upon which it lives. - -By far the most astonishing and marvelous feature about the bat’s -anatomy is the delicate mechanism that guides it in flight. This animal -has operated on the principle used by radar thousands of years before -man discovered the device. The hearing is extremely acute and bats are -able to receive sound impulses at a vibration frequency too high for the -human ear. During flight it sends out shrill cries of high vibration -frequency. As these sounds travel out through space they are reflected -back by any object, large or small, that they strike. Through sensitive -ears the bat receives these rebounding sounds and thus is aware at all -times of the nearness of any object. This explains the bat’s uncanny -ability to fly through a room in total darkness without striking even -such small objects as wire or lamp cords. This ingenious device fails -around water, however. Experiments have shown that a small wire -stretched just above the surface of a pond is not “seen” by the bat when -it swoops down to get a drink. - -Some bats rest in leafy treetops where they cling to small branches. -Most species stay in hollow trees or caves during the daytime, and “bat -caves” are common in many parts of the country, the most famous one is -at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. While resting or sleeping the bat -hangs head downward, always in a position to drop and fly at any moment. -It is helpless on the ground, and must obtain sufficient elevation to -allow for a few inches of drop before it can fly. - - [Illustration: One of the most elusive animals in the park is the - coyote.] - - - MOUNTAIN COYOTE - _Canis latrans lestes_ Merriam - -The mountain coyote resembles a small collie dog in size, with a slender -body, erect, pointed ears, and bushy tail. The upper parts of its body -are light brownish gray, with numerous long, coarse, black hairs. The -under parts are whitish, with the long hairs of the throat tipped with -black. The tail is heavily tipped with black above and light beneath. -The muzzle and crown of the head is a bright yellowish brown. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-98, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The geographical distribution of the coyote includes all of western -North America. The mountain coyote is found from British Columbia -southward through Washington, Oregon, and the highlands of the Great -Basin, Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains to the plateau region of -northern Arizona and down the Continental Divide in New Mexico to the -Mexican border. - -It is found locally throughout the park, at all elevations from the -extreme lower portions to forest line, although usually more abundant in -the vicinity of the old fire burns near the south and west boundaries. - -The shrill, wild, evening song of the coyote rising from an open slope -or brushy burn never fails to bring the listener to a rapt and keen -attention. There is a spine-tingling, eerie quality in the call that -seems symbolic of a wilderness land. It is descriptive also, in that it -may sound like one animal or a pack. Usually it is heard at sunset or on -moonlight nights in the fall or winter, as the pack gathers for the -night’s foraging. - -The park is not especially well suited to the coyote, as it lacks the -open sagebrush flats and rolling hills that are such important parts of -the animal’s natural environment. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals, -however, and seem to fit themselves into almost any habitat. Having -respect but little fear of man, they are often found even in the farming -districts and near the smaller towns. Wherever there is sufficient food -there seem to be coyotes, even though they are mercilessly hunted in -many such localities. - -Food consists mainly of small animals, such as ground squirrels, mice, -chipmunks and marmots, although an occasional deer falls prey to this -wily hunter. Fruits and berries are eaten in large quantities when -available. During the late summer it has been observed catching -grasshoppers in the open meadows, such insects are staple articles of -diet. The wild antics of a coyote as it dives and twists trying to -capture an agile grasshopper, sometimes apparently as a game rather than -in a serious quest for food, afford an amusing picture. As a mouser the -coyote is hard to equal, and it may frequently be seen in the early -evening catching meadow mice. Destruction of deer is not overly -extensive, with the old animals and an occasional unwary fawn being the -principal victims. Once in a while a deer is found that refuses to -become an easy prey and a merry chase often follows—this time with the -coyote beating a hasty retreat with the enraged, wouldbe victim close -behind. There are numerous instances of such chases on record, and -authentic observations of coyotes being knocked down and trampled by -deer. - -Coyote pups, normally about five to seven in a litter, are usually born -in April or May and have all the playful characteristics of a puppy dog. -Just as soon as they are able to walk, they may be seen around the -entrance to the den where they tug and pull at each other in mock -ferocity. As they grow older their interest in the outside world keeps -pace with their growth, and by fall they are out learning the serious -business of obtaining food under the direction of the father or mother, -or both. It is during this time that they range in family groups of five -or six animals. - - - TIMBER WOLF - _Canis lupus fuscus_ Richardson - -The wolf is a large, dog-like animal, with dull yellowish-brown fur, -heavily clouded over the back and tail with black-tipped hairs. -Occasionally it is almost entirely black or grayish. The young are black -at birth, changing later to the adult coloration. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -These animals were formerly found over most of the United States, -Canada, and Alaska, but they have been exterminated over much of the -original range. A few wolves are still found in the timbered regions -west of the Cascades from Oregon northward through Washington, British -Columbia and into Alaska. - -At one time they were reported from several localities in the park, but -gradually they were killed off throughout central Washington until they -were apparently exterminated in the park prior to 1930. Since that time -single animals have been reported in 1933, 1937, 1941, 1943 and 1947. -These records appear to be those of stragglers that wander into and out -of the park. The wolf can thus be considered as rare in the area today. - -The heavily forested ridges and slopes near old fire burns appear to be -the type of habitat preferred, and most of the local records are from -such areas. The wolf seems to prefer the heavy timber for its home, but -uses the more open areas for hunting, as it is in these old burns that -deer, elk, rabbits and other important food sources are found. Being -extremely shy and silent, the animal is seldom seen even when known to -be present. - - [Illustration: The “silver” color phase of the red fox transforms an - alert and attractive animal into a creature of rare beauty.] - -Little is known regarding the family life of the wolf, although the -adults are devoted parents. Apparently the pups number from five to ten, -and are born in March or April. They usually stay pretty close to the -den, which is a large hole in a bank, or a protected nook in a log jam, -rock slide, or similar situation. Here they spend their puppyhood, an -always hungry family even though their parents may bring in large -quantities of food. In the late summer and early fall they are taken out -in a group or pack and taught the essentials of successful hunting. - -Powerful and intelligent, the wolf stands out as one of Nature’s finest -predator creations. It is unfortunate that man’s economic interests and -the food habits of the wolf clash, and the continuous campaign of -extermination being waged can have but one inevitable result unless -public appreciation of this now rare wilderness animal increases. Like -other magnificent predators before him, the wolf appears doomed over -most, if not eventually all, of the United States. - - - CASCADE RED FOX - _Vulpes fulva cascadensis_ Merriam - -The Cascade red fox is about the size of a small dog, with a very -slender body, bushy tail, erect ears and pointed muzzle. It may have -several color “phases” of which the red is the one most often seen. In -the “red” phase the head and upper parts are a straw yellow; ears -blackish and underparts white. The tail is yellowish mixed with black, -with a prominent white tip. The “cross” phase is of the same general -coloration as the red, but has a dark band running across the shoulders -and a dark band down the back, another dark band runs from the chin down -the throat onto the belly. The “black” or “silver” fox is all black with -silver-tipped hairs, excepting the white tip of the tail. A litter of -pups may contain all of the various color phases. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The red foxes occur over most of the United States and Canada. The -Cascade red fox ranges from the northern Sierra Nevadas through the -Cascades of Oregon and Washington. - -It is found in the park at all elevations up to forest line. - -Shy and cunning, this beautiful animal is seldom seen, yet is relatively -common, especially around the alpine meadows, where its short, sharp -bark is sometimes heard in the late evening. One pair of foxes has -raised families for several seasons within a short distance of the busy -highway to Paradise Valley near Marmot Point, while residents of -Longmire have had the thrill of seeing more than one of the shimmering -“silver” foxes around their yards. - -Few animals are so graceful and agile, and to watch a fox stalking a -mouse is to see a gifted expert in the art of hunting. Soundless, alert, -poised, it is a wary mouse that successfully escapes the lightning-like -pounce. Food is largely made up of such things as mice, ground -squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, wood rats, and other small game such as -birds and insects. Berries and fruit are eaten in season. - - [Illustration: A resident of the dense forest, the marten is a - member of the weasel family.] - - - NORTHWESTERN PINE MARTEN - _Martes caurina caurina_ (Merriam) - -This animal is slightly smaller than a house cat, with soft, heavy fur -and a bushy tail. The coloration above is rich, dark brown, darker along -the back and tail; face grayish; a large patch of buff or orange on the -throat and breast. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-44, RNP-108; Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Martens inhabit the forested regions of northern North America. The -Northwestern pine marten is found from southern British Columbia south -to northern California, in and west of the Cascade Mountains. - -It is fairly common from the park boundaries to forest line, especially -around the Paradise and White River valleys. - -This beautiful and graceful member of the weasel family is chiefly seen -after nightfall, but is also occasionally encountered along the trails -during the day. At Paradise Valley a pair lived in the old Community -House for several years, and were the source of a keen thrill to the -visitors who saw them playing around the building. For the most part the -marten is a resident of the dense forest. It is an expert climber, -travels through the trees almost as well as a squirrel, and is equally -at home among the talus slopes where it searches for conies. - -The marten eats a wide variety of foods, with small game such as mice -most commonly taken. Chipmunks, wood rats, squirrels, rabbits, pikas, -birds and occasionally insects and berries are other important food -items. Young martens are usually born from April to June and normally -number around four to six in a family. The home is located in hollow -trees or logs, or among the rocks. - - - FISHER - _Martes pennanti_ (Erxleben) - -The fisher is considerably larger than the marten, although resembling -this near relative in general characteristics. The coloration above -ranges from buffy gray to brownish black, with the under parts black or -blackish. The hair over the head, neck and shoulders has a grayish -appearance. Spots of white may occur on the throat and breast. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The fishers are now confined almost entirely to the northeastern United -States and Canada, west to British Columbia, although rather common in -the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. - -Its occurrence within the park is open to question as no records have -been obtained for several years. Investigation in the more remote -sectors may disclose its presence. It was once known to range from the -park boundaries to forest line. - -The name “fisher” is somewhat of a misnomer, as the animal is not known -to catch fish or even to live close to streams. It will eat fish if the -opportunity arises, however. It has a wide variety of common names, -including that of pennant marten, pekan, and black cat. - -Like the marten, the fisher is a lover of the deep woods and is -reportedly very agile in the trees. It feeds principally upon rabbits, -squirrels, mice, small birds, and frogs. It is not adverse to killing -and eating the marten. One of its most interesting sources of food is -the porcupine, which the fisher manages to kill without serious injury -from the sharp quills. A litter of from two to four young, which are -born in a nest in a hollow log or tree, are raised annually. - - - MINK - _Mustela vison energumenos_ (Bangs) - -The body of the mink is somewhat like that of a weasel, but heavier and -considerably larger. The legs and ears are short; the tail is bushy. The -coloration is brown, darkening along the back and becoming almost black -on the tail. Sometimes irregular white streaks or spots occur on the -throat, chest or belly. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The mink occurs over nearly all of North America, from the Gulf of -Mexico north to the Arctic Circle. - -Records from the park are few in number and show that it ranges mostly -at the lower elevations, although it has been seen at lakes around 5,000 -feet. Most records have been obtained along the Nisqually and -Ohanapecosh Rivers and around Lake Louise. - - [Illustration: The weasel is a tireless and efficient hunter.] - -The mink seems to be equally at home in the forests or in the open -meadows—all it requires is a watercourse or lake that will supply food -of some type. Minks are great travelers, often following a stream for a -considerable distance as they hunt. The hunting pattern is erratic and -every little thing that attracts attention apparently bears -investigating. This animal is an expert swimmer and can go long -distances under the water in pursuit of fish. Other foods include almost -any type of small mammal, birds, eggs, frogs and crustaceans. - -There seems to be no sense of fear in a mink and in a fight it is an -extremely dangerous adversary. Woe be unto the dog that attempts to -corner it, as even the largest dogs usually are sent home with badly -slashed faces. Like several other members of the weasel family, a mink -gives off a strong odor if disturbed. - - - WASHINGTON WEASEL, LONG-TAILED WEASEL - _Mustela frenata washingtoni_ (Merriam) - -The Washington weasel is the largest weasel known to occur in the park, -measuring around fifteen inches in total length. During the summer it is -dark brown above, darker on the head, with the under parts a dull -yellow, lighter on the chin and throat. About two inches of the tip of -the tail is black. In the winter its coloration may range from a dull -brown, with white underparts, to almost pure white except for a -yellowish tinge on the belly, rump and tail. The black tip of the tail -remains unchanged. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-45, RNP-79, RNP-82, and RNP-94; -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -Weasels inhabit practically all of North America. The Washington weasel -is found in the Cascade Mountains of Washington and Oregon, at least as -far south as Fort Klamath, Oregon. One specimen is reported from the -Chicago Field Museum as having been taken from Happy Lake in the Olympic -Mountains. - -In the park it is found from the lower elevations to forest line and -above, being especially common around the open valleys between 4,000 and -5,000 feet. - -Around Paradise Valley this weasel has found excellent hunting near the -Lodge and Inn. Here visitors spend considerable time feeding chipmunks -and ground squirrels, and attract large numbers with the quantities of -food offered. With the slopes literally swarming with choice tid-bits, -weasels have taken over each summer and created havoc among the -chipmunks and ground squirrels, not to mention arousing the ire of all -visitors concerned. Yet some check is necessary on these rodents, which -might otherwise multiply beyond the ability of the habitat to support -them. In spite of the efforts of the angry onlookers, mother weasel will -dodge her way out among the fleeing animals and capture one to take home -for her young. Records show that families of weasels have lived beneath -the Lodge and Guide House for several years, reaping a rich harvest of -food each summer from the rodent population. - - - LEAST WEASEL, ERMINE - _Mustela ermina gulosa_ Hall - -The least weasel is small, with a total length of around ten inches. In -the summer it is dark brown above, darkest on the head, with the -underparts whitish, usually tinged with pale yellow. The tip of the tail -is black. In the winter the coat may range in color from a light brown -among animals at lower elevations to a pure white at higher altitudes. -The tip of the tail remains black, however. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-70, RNP-87, and RNP-111; Longmire -Museum Park Headquarters. - -This weasel ranges through the Cascade Mountains from southwestern -British Columbia to Southern Oregon. - -It is found in the park throughout the forested regions, and up as high -as forest line, but is most abundant in the lower elevations. - -The weasel never fails to impress one with its utter fearlessness and -bewildering agility. It is very inquisitive and will probe around -buildings as readily as the rocky slopes in its seemingly never-ending -search for food. Its victims are limited only by their size, as the -weasel shows no hesitation in attacking anything that it can possibly -kill. For the most part its food consists of small rodents, such as -chipmunks, ground squirrels and mice. Its lust for killing, and the -occasional damage it does around poultry, combine to give it an -exceedingly bad reputation which completely overshadows the economic -good it does. As a natural control of rodent pests in agricultural and -grazing regions it has no equal. - - - WOLVERINE - _Gulo luscus luteus_ Elliot - -The wolverine has a stocky body, with a powerful head, neck and legs. -The legs and tail are short, the coloration is blackish or dark brown, a -broad, yellowish band beginning at the shoulders runs along either side -and reunites on the animal’s rump. The lower parts are generally -blackish, except for the throat and chest, which are usually mottled -with white or salmon color. Large males may measure as much as three -feet in length, including the tail, which is about ten inches long, and -weigh up to fifty pounds. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The wolverine formerly ranged from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, -through the extreme northeastern states, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, -North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon northward to the Arctic Ocean. -It is believed to be extinct or nearly so over much of its original -range in the United States, although it is reported to occur in fair -numbers in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. - -From 1897 to 1918 wolverines were occasionally reported from the park -area, but there have been none recorded since 1933, when one was -observed near the White River Ranger Station. - -Known by a variety of common names ranging from glutton, carcajou, -mountain devil, skunk bear, to maneater, the wolverine lives up to any -or all of them. A member of the weasel family, it has somewhat the -general build and habits of a small bear. Fierce and ready to fight -anything that walks, it is a terrifying animal to face. Even such a huge -animal as an elk is attacked without hesitation. Its cunning and -boldness is greatly respected by the Indians, who believe it to be -inhabited by an evil spirit. For the most part it hunts by night and -wanders great distances in search of food. - -It will eat any kind of game it can kill, a list which is extensive. Not -being able to entirely satisfy an enormous appetite by killing, the -wolverine also consumes all the dead carcasses that can be located. It -is famous for destruction along trap lines, methodically following the -line and eating anything that has been caught. Suspicious and canny, it -is difficult to lure into a trap, and often if caught will gain its -freedom by smashing even a heavy trap to pieces. - - - PACIFIC OTTER - _Lutra canadensis pacifica_ Rhoads - -The otter is one of the largest members of the weasel family, somewhat -minklike in general appearance, with a small head and rather short legs. -The feet are webbed and the tail is thick and tapering toward the tip. -The general coloration above is dark chestnut-brown, becoming somewhat -paler on the underparts, throat and cheeks. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Otters are geographically distributed over most of North America. The -Pacific Otter is found from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia -northward as far as the coast of Alaska. - -Recent years have failed to produce any records from the park, and there -is some doubt that the otter still exists in the area. However, it was -reported by Dr. C. Hart Merriam as fairly common along the Nisqually -Valley in 1897, while there were reports from the park in later years. -Thus it may be that this animal is still present in some more remote -sectors. - -Although adapted for living either on land or in the water, the otter -seems to prefer the water. It is a graceful, powerful swimmer, and -delights in frolicking in pools deep enough to allow lots of freedom of -action. Playful by nature, it often amuses itself by sliding down banks -into the water, repeating the performance time and again until a well -defined slide is made. Its food is made up of a wide variety of animal -life, ranging from fish, crayfish, frogs, snakes and birds to small -mammals. - -In one way it is unfortunate that the otter has such a valuable pelt, -because it has been relentlessly trapped wherever found; so much so, in -fact, that only in areas protected against trapping is it likely to -continue to hold its own or multiply. - - - LITTLE SPOTTED SKUNK - _Spilogale gracilis latifrons_ Merriam - -This animal has a slender body about a foot in length, with short legs -and a plumelike tail. The general coloration is black with a prominent -white spot on the forehead, four white stripes running from the head -onto the back, white patches and stripes along the sides, the rump -spotted white, and the tail broadly white-tipped. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The spotted skunks, often erroneously called “civet cats,” are found -over most of the United States. - -The little spotted skunk occurs on the west side of the Cascade -Mountains of Washington, and through the Olympic Peninsula to the -westward. The northern limits of range are not clearly defined. - -In Mount Rainier National Park it has been reported from near Longmire, -Tahoma Creek and Carbon River. In 1897 records show that it was fairly -common in the Nisqually River Valley, but in recent years observations -have become extremely limited. Its present status must be considered as -uncommon to rare. - -This is without doubt the most interesting as well as the handsomest -skunk in the Northwest. Unlike its larger cousin, the Puget Sound -striped skunk, this little animal is graceful and rather agile. Seldom -is it seen during the day time, preferring to roam about in search of -food during the night. Its travels take it over a wide area, and it -shows a fondness for man-made buildings. It has been known to occupy -attics in dwellings, and one disconcerted wife of a National Park -Service employee found one casually strolling through the hallway of her -house one night! It is rather playful and even tempered, and seldom -resorts to the strong perfume it carries. - -Its food is varied, and may include almost anything from insects and -reptiles to small rodents. As a mouser it rivals a cat in effectiveness. -Sometimes referred to as the “hydrophobia skunk” or “phoby-cat” it has -had a bad reputation in the past as a carrier of hydrophobia. However, -the belief so prevalent among many people that its bite will always -produce this dread malady has no foundation in fact. Many animals may -carry hydrophobia, and there are few authentic records of the skunks as -carriers. - - - PUGET SOUND STRIPED SKUNK - _Mephitis mephitis spissigrada_ Bangs - -Larger and stockier than the little spotted skunk, the Puget Sound -striped skunk is black, with a narrow white stripe through the forehead, -a broad white stripe starting on the head and dividing at the shoulders -into two broad stripes that run back along the sides of the body. There -are long white hairs on the tail; the tip of the tail is black. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-43, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The Puget Sound striped skunk is found from northwestern Oregon through -the lowlands of western Washington and into the Puget Sound section of -southern British Columbia. - -In the park it has been recorded only once. This lone record was from -near the Nisqually Entrance where one was killed on the highway by an -automobile. - -This type of skunk is well known throughout the United States. Its -cousins through the Middle West, East and South are familiar to every -farm boy. Its struggle for existence has been seriously threatened in -many localities because of the value of its fur. Because it prefers open -country to dense forests and mountains, it occupies the same regions as -man. - -The skunk is by nature a timid and gentle animal, and by moving slowly -it is possible to approach one with no fear of disastrous results. -However, practically anyone will agree that it is a safer course to -simply let the skunk go its way unmolested. The powers of persuasion it -possesses are not to be taken lightly! - - - NORTHWESTERN COUGAR - _Felis concolor oregonensis_ Rafinesque - -The cougar is the largest of the cats found in the region, measuring up -to more than eight feet in total length and weighing 150 pounds or more. -The body is slender, with a small head and long tail. Its coloration -above may range from reddish brown to gray brown, darkest along the -back. The underparts are whitish with the light areas extending forward -as far as the chin. The tail is brown with a prominent black tip. Young -cougars are somewhat lighter in color, with large dark spots along the -back and sides. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen at the Forest House at -Ohanapecosh. - -Cougars, or mountain lions, were formerly found over practically all of -the United States, but are now extinct over most of their original -range. - -The Northwestern cougar ranges from northern California through Oregon -and Washington into British Columbia. It is fairly common in some parts -of its range. - -In the park it may be found from the lower elevations up to forest line. -Most records have come from around the Nisqually River drainage and from -the west side of the park. However, it is apparently well distributed -throughout the region. - -Probably no animal found within the park affects the visitor as does the -cougar. To many people it is regarded as a highly dangerous, -blood-thirsty creature awaiting only a chance to pounce upon some -unsuspecting hiker. On the contrary, there are few animals in the woods -that are as shy or that run faster from humans than does the cougar. The -chances of actually observing one in the wilds are very remote, as the -lion usually sees without being seen, and beats a hasty retreat. - -Much has been said pro and con about the ability of the cougar to emit a -“scream.” Much depends upon the person’s conception of what makes up a -“scream.” For the most part the cougar is silent, but contrary to what -is often claimed, it does have the ability to express itself vocally. At -times it may utter a loud cry that reminds one somewhat of the caterwaul -of a domesticated tomcat. One female lion in a zoo gave a long series of -such squalls when her kitten was taken from her. The so-called “woman in -agony” scream, so often attributed to the cougar, is more likely that of -the grown young of the great horned owl. - -The cougar is also well known because of its great liking for venison, -and without doubt it accounts for several deer a year. To say that a -lion kills large numbers of deer each year (some persons claim as high -as 100 per year) is something that needs clarification. There is little -doubt that when deer are abundant a lion will get a considerable number; -conversely when deer are not common the number taken will be low. Under -natural conditions the lion serves as an important “control” upon the -numbers of deer in any given region, for the most part killing old -animals that have passed their prime or young deer that aren’t -sufficiently alert, so offering no real threat to the deer population as -a whole, but definitely helping to preserve forest reproduction from -destruction by preventing an excessive multiplication of deer. - - - BOBCAT, NORTHWESTERN WILDCAT - _Lynx rufus fasciatus_ Rafinesque - -The bobcat is a typical member of the cat tribe, and resembles the -common domestic cat in many respects. It differs in size, being perhaps -twice as large, has longer legs, a very short tail, and big feet. The -Northwestern Wildcat is a rich rufous brown over the back, grizzled with -black; paler on the sides; with white underparts splotched with black. -The legs are barred with dark brown and black. The tail is dark brown -above with black bars, the extreme tip and underside is white. The ears -are slightly tufted, the side whiskers or throat ruff are conspicuous. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Bobcats are found in all of the United States, and northward into -western Canada. - -The Northwestern wildcat occurs in northwestern California, Oregon, -Washington, and southwestern British Columbia. The cats are uncommon in -Mount Rainier National Park, where their range is apparently confined -mostly to the lower elevations near the southern and western boundaries. - -Of all the wild creatures of the woods, the bobcat is perhaps the -shyest. Many woodsmen of several years experience can count upon the -fingers of one hand the cats they have seen, with the exception of those -caught in traps or treed by dogs. Often it is only by observation of -their tracks or sign that their presence is revealed. This is all the -more remarkable when it is understood that like domestic cats, they hunt -by day as well as by night. - -Their habits are typically cat-like. They prey upon rodents and birds, -and may occasionally kill deer, particularly fawns. - - - CANADA LYNX - _Lynx canadensis canadensis_ Kerr - -The lynx is like the bobcat in size and build, but is lighter in color, -and may further be distinguished by the black tipped tail, longer ear -tufts, more conspicuous side whiskers, and broad spreading feet. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The range of the lynx is principally in Canada, although it extends into -northern Oregon in the Northwest, southward in the Rocky Mountains into -Colorado, and as far south as Pennsylvania in the northeast. - -Taylor and Shaw, in _Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, -1927, observe that, “The shy and secretive habits of the members of the -cat tribe make their study unusually difficult. At the outset one finds -himself practically restricted to an examination of tracks and sign. -These indicate the abundance of cats of the genus _Lynx_ (either lynx or -bobcat) in suitable locations throughout the park. The Canada lynx is -confined to higher portions of the park, the bobcat to lower altitudes. -J. B. Flett reports the capture of a Canada lynx some years ago by C. A. -Stoner in the Sawtooth Range just south of the park. - - “Tracks and sign ... were most in evidence on the backbone ridges at - or just above timberline.” - -For the past several years there have been no authentic records of the -Canada lynx in the park, and it is extremely doubtful that the animal -now occurs within park boundaries. - - - - - HYPOTHETICAL LIST - - -Although not known to occur in Mount Rainier National Park prior to the -date of this publication, the following mammals may be recorded: - - - Alaska Brown Bat, _Myotis lucifugus alascensis_ Miller - Longeared Bat, _Myotis evotis pacificus_ Dalquest - Northwest Coast Bat, _Myotis californicus caurinus_ Miller - Big Brown Bat, _Eptesicus fuscus bernardinus_ Rhoads - Puget Sound Weasel, _Mustela ermina streatori_ (Merriam) - Townsend Chipmunk, _Tamias townsendii townsendii_ Bachman - Yellow Pine Chipmunk, _Tamias amoenus affinis_ Allen - Oregon Flying Squirrel, _Glaucomys sabrinus oregonensis_ (Bachman) - - -The occurrence of the following mammals was listed by Taylor and Shaw, -_Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, 1927, as follows: - - - Muskrat, _Ondatra zibethicus osoyoosensis_ (Lord). “In lower portions - of the park; apparently now trapped out within its - boundaries.” - Norway Rat, _Rattus norvegicus norvegicus_ (Erxleben). “Here included - on the authority of J. B. Flett, who has observed it at - Longmire.” - House Mouse, _Mus musculus_ Linnaeus subsp? “At Longmire; at present - scarce, perhaps extirpated.” - - -It is believed that the three species above are not now found within the -park. - - - - - BIBLIOGRAPHY - - - ANTHONY, H. E. - 1928 _Field Book of North American Mammals. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New - York._ - - - BAILEY, V. - 1936 _The Mammals and Life Zones of Oregon, North American Fauna, - Number 55, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of - Biological Survey, Washington, D. C._ - - - BROCKMAN, C. FRANK - 1947 _Flora of Mount Rainier National Park. U. S. Department of - Interior, National Park Service, U. S. Government Printing - Office, Washington, D. C._ - - - DALQUEST, WALTER W. - 1948 _Mammals of Washington. University of Kansas Publications, - Museum of Natural History, Volume 2._ - - - HAMILTON, W. J. JR. - 1939 _American Mammals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York._ - - - SETON, ERNEST THOMPSON - 1929 _Lives of Game Animals, Volumes 1-4. Doubleday, Doran and - Company, Inc., Garden City, New York._ - - - TAYLOR, W. P., and SHAW, W. T. - 1927 _Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park. U. S. - Department of Interior, National Park Service, U. S. - Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C._ - 1929 _Provisional List of the Land Mammals of the State of - Washington. Occasional Papers of the Charles R. Conner Museum, - Number 2._ - - - WRIGHT, GEORGE M., and THOMPSON, BEN H. - 1935 _Fauna of the National Parks of the United States, Fauna Series - Number 2. U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C._ - - - 1905 _Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior, U. S. - Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C._ - - - 1923-1938 _Mount Rainier National Park Nature Notes, Volumes 1-13._ - - - 1931-1948 _Annual Wildlife Census, Mount Rainier National Park._ - - - - - INDEX OF COMMON NAMES - - - BAT - Alaska Brown, 82 - Big Brown, 82 - Long-Eared, 82 - Miller, 61 - Northwest Coast, 82 - Northwestern Long-Legged, 61 - Silver-Haired, 62 - Townsend Lump-Nosed, 62 - BEAVER - Mount Rainier Mountain, 43 - Pacific, 39 - BEAR, Olympic Black, 24 - BOBCAT, 79 - CHIPMUNK - Cooper, 31 - Hollister, 31 - Townsend, 82 - Yellow Pine, 82 - COUGAR, Northwestern, 78 - COYOTE, Mountain, 64 - DEER - Columbian Black-tailed, 13 - Rocky Mountain Mule, 18 - ELK - American, 19 - Roosevelt, 20 - FISHER, 70 - FOX, Cascade Red, 67 - GOAT, Cascade Mountain, 21 - GOPHER, Rainier Pocket, 52 - HARE - Cascade Varying, 48 - Washington Varying, 47 - LYNX, Canada, 80 - MARMOT, Cascade Hoary, 28 - MARTEN, Northwestern Pine, 68 - MINK, 71 - MOLE - Coast, 58 - Townsend, 57 - Gibbs Shrew-Mole, 58 - MOUSE - Cascade Meadow, 54 - Cascade Red-Backed, 56 - House, 82 - Mountain Lemming, 55 - Northwestern Jumping, 56 - Olympic Meadow, 54 - Oregon Meadow, 53 - Washington White-Footed, 51 - MUSKRAT, 82 - OTTER, Pacific, 75 - PIKA, Cascade, 38 - PORCUPINE, Yellow-Haired, 44 - RACCOON, Pacific, 26 - RAT - Norway, 82 - Western Bushy-Tailed Wood, 49 - SHREW - Bendire Water, 60 - Cinereous, 60 - Navigator Water, 60 - Olympic Dusky, 59 - Trowbridge, 60 - Wandering, 59 - SKUNK - Little Spotted, 76 - Puget Sound Striped, 77 - SQUIRREL - Cascade Flying, 36 - Douglas Pine, 34 - Oregon Flying, 82 - Washington Mantled Ground, 33 - WEASEL - Least, 73 - Puget Sound, 82 - Washington, 72 - WOLF, 66 - WOLVERINE, 74 - - - - - INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES - - - Aplodontia rufa rainieri, 43 - Canis latrans lestes, 64 - lupus fuscus, 66 - Castor canadensis leucodonta, 39 - Cervus canadensis nelsoni, 19 - canadensis roosevelti, 20 - Citellus saturatus, 33 - Clethrionomys gapperi cascadensis, 56 - Corynorhinus rafinesque townsendii, 62 - Eptesicus fuscus bernardinus, 82 - Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum, 44 - Felis concolor oregonensis, 78 - Glaucomys sabrinus fuliginosus, 36 - sabrinus oregonensis, 82 - Gulo luscus luteus, 74 - Lasconycteris noctivagans, 62 - Lepus americanus cascadensis, 48 - americanus washingtonii, 47 - Lutra canadensis pacifica, 75 - Lynx canadensis canadensis, 80 - rufus fasciatus, 79 - Marmota caligata cascadensis, 28 - Martes caurina caurina, 68 - pennanti, 70 - Mephitis mephitis spissigrada, 77 - Microtus longicaudus macrurus, 54 - oregoni oregoni, 53 - richardsonii arvicoloides, 54 - Mus musculus, 82 - Mustela ermina gulosa, 73 - ermina streatori, 82 - frenata washingtoni, 72 - vison energumenos, 71 - Myotis californicus caurinus, 82 - epotis pacificus, 82 - lucifugus alascensis, 82 - volans longicrus, 61 - yumanensis saturatus, 61 - Neotoma cinerea occidentalis, 49 - Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii, 58 - Ochotona princeps brunnescens, 38 - Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, 13 - hemionus hemionus, 18 - Ondatra zibethicus osoyoosensis, 82 - Oreamnos americanus americanus, 21 - Peromyscus maniculatus oreas, 51 - Phenacomys intermedius oramontis, 55 - Procyon lotor psora, 26 - Rattus norvegicus norvegicus, 82 - Scapanus orarius orarius, 58 - townsendii, 57 - Sorex bendirii bendirii, 60 - cinereus cinereus, 60 - obscurus setosus, 59 - palustris navigator, 60 - trowbridgii trowbridgii, 60 - vagrans vagrans, 59 - Spilogale gracilis latifrons, 76 - Tamias amoenus affinis, 82 - amoenus ludibundus, 31 - townsendii cooperi, 31 - townsendii townsendii, 82 - Tamiasciurus douglasii douglasii, 34 - Thomomys talpoides shawi, 52 - Ursus americanus altifrontalis, 24 - Vulpes fulva cascadensis, 67 - Zapus princeps trinotatus, 56 - - - - - _Notes_ - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - -—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - -—Corrected a few palpable typographical errors. - -—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park, by -Merlin K. 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} -dl dt.lr a { text-align:left; clear:left; float:left; } - -.fnblock { margin-top:2em; } -.fndef { text-align:justify; margin-top:1.5em; margin-left:1.5em; text-indent:-1.5em; } -.fndef p.fncont, .fndef dl { margin-left:0em; text-indent:0em; } -dl.catalog dd { font-style:italic; } -dl.catalog dt { margin-top:1em; } -.author { text-align:right; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:0em; display:block; } - -dl.biblio dt { margin-top:.6em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:justify; clear:both; } -dl.biblio dt div { display:block; float:left; margin-left:-6em; width:6em; clear:both; } -dl.biblio dt.center { margin-left:0em; text-align:center; } -dl.biblio dd { margin-top:.3em; margin-left:3em; text-align:justify; font-size:90%; } -.clear { clear:both; } -p.book { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } -p.review { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; font-size:80%; } -p.pcap { margin-left:0em; text-indent:-0em; text-align:justify; margin-top:0; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:36em; font-style:italic; font-weight:bold; } -p.pcapc { margin-left:4.7em; text-indent:0em; text-align:justify; } -span.pn { display:inline-block; width:4.7em; text-align:left; margin-left:0; text-indent:0; }</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park, by -Merlin K. Potts and Russell K. Grater - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park - -Author: Merlin K. Potts - Russell K. Grater - -Release Date: June 21, 2016 [EBook #52390] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAMMALS--MT. RAINIER NAT. PARK *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div id="fig1" class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park" width="500" height="785" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>MAMMALS -<br /><span class="smaller">of</span> -<br />MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK</h1> -<p class="center">MERLIN K. POTTS -<br /><i>Assistant Park Naturalist</i> -<br />and -<br />RUSSELL K. GRATER -<br /><i>Park Naturalist</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_ii">ii</div> -<p class="center small">Copyright 1949 by -<br />Mount Rainier -<br />Natural History Association</p> -<p class="center"><span class="small">Published by</span> -<br />THE MOUNT RAINIER -<br />NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION -<br /><span class="small"><span class="sc">Longmire, Washington</span> -<br />1949</span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_iii">iii</div> -<h2 id="c1">FOREWORD</h2> -<p>There are few places remaining in this country today -where one may observe wild animals in a natural setting, -free to move about, unrestricted by bars or enclosures, and -exhibiting little of the instinctive fear of man instilled -through many wildlife generations by the advance and -expansion of settlement and civilization.</p> -<p>The national parks are among the greatest wildlife -sanctuaries of the world. Most wild creatures are quick -to recognize the protection afforded by such a refuge, and -thus become less shy and elusive than they are elsewhere. -As a result of protection, it is not difficult to attain an -acquaintance with these wilderness folk.</p> -<p>To know Nature in her various forms is to increase -appreciation of the natural scene. It is for this purpose -that <i>Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park</i> has been -written, the third of a series published by the Mount -Rainier Natural History Association.</p> -<p class="center">JOHN C. PRESTON -<br />Superintendent -<br />Mount Rainier National Park -<br />United States Department of the Interior</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_iv">iv</div> -<h2 id="c2">ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS</h2> -<p>The writers of Mammals of Mount Rainier National -Park are indebted to the following individuals for their -critical assistance and encouragement in the preparation -of the manuscript:</p> -<p>Dr. A. Svihla, <i>Zoology Department, University of -Washington</i>,</p> -<p>Mr. Herbert Evison, <i>Chief of Information, National -Park Service</i>,</p> -<p>Mr. Victor H. Cahalane, <i>Biologist, National Park Service</i>,</p> -<p>Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, <i>Regional Biologist, Region -Four, National Park Service</i>.</p> -<p>Through their constructive suggestions the finished -publication has been materially strengthened.</p> -<p>Photographs were obtained through the courtesy of -Mount Rainier, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Glacier -National Parks; and Mr. Joseph M. Dixon, Mr. E. Lowell -Sumner, and Mr. F. J. McGrail.</p> -<p><span class="lr"><i>Merlin K. Potts</i></span> -<span class="lr"><i>Russell K. Grater</i></span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_v">v</div> -<h2 class="center">CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="small"><i>Page</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#c1">Foreword</a> iii</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2">Acknowledgements</a> iv</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3">Introduction</a> 1</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4">Wildlife Trends</a> 2</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5">Wildlife Problems</a> 3</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6">Life Zones of Mount Rainier</a> 7</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7">The Mammals</a> 13</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8">Hypothetical List</a> 82</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9">Bibliography</a> 83</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10">Index of Common Names</a> 85</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11">Index of Scientific Names</a> 86</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_vi">vi</div> -<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt><i>Page</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#fig1">Cascade mantled ground squirrel</a> <i>cover</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#fig2">Bench Lake, Hudsonian life zone</a> <i>frontispiece</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#fig3">Black bear</a> 5</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig4">Forest scene, Humid Transition life zone</a> 9</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig5">Forest scene, Canadian life zone</a> 10</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig6">Paradise Valley, Hudsonian life zone</a> 12</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig7">Colonnade, Arctic-alpine life zone</a> 14</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig8">Black-tailed deer and fawns</a> 15</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig9">New-born fawn of black-tailed deer</a> 16</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig10">Mountain goat</a> 22</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig11">Black bear and cubs</a> 24</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig12">Cascade hoary marmot</a> 28</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig13">Hollister chipmunk</a> 31</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig14">Cascade mantled ground squirrel</a> 33</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig15">Douglas pine squirrel</a> 35</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig16">Cascade flying squirrel</a> 37</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig17">Beaver</a> 39</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig18">Yellow-haired porcupine</a> 45</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig19">White-footed mouse</a> 51</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig20">Coyote</a> 64</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig21">Cascade red fox, “silver” phase</a> 67</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig22">Marten</a> 69</dt> -<dt><a href="#fig23">Washington weasel</a> 72</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_viii">viii</div> -<div class="img" id="fig2"> -<img src="images/pmg001.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="738" /> -<p class="pcap">Bench Lake, Hudsonian life zone lakeshore-fireburn -habitat. This type of cover is extensively utilized in -summer by the coyote and black-tailed deer, and on -the southern exposures by the Hollister chipmunk -and mantled ground squirrel. The lake shore is favored -by the water-loving shrews.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_1">1</div> -<h1 title="">THE MAMMALS OF -<br />MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK</h1> -<h2 id="c3">INTRODUCTION</h2> -<p>In looking back through the years during which mammal -studies have been carried on at Mount Rainier, three periods -stand out in which considerable field research was accomplished. -The first of these was in July and August, 1897, when a party -headed by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Vernon Bailey, Dr. A. K. Fisher -and Walter K. Fisher made the first field studies of the mammals -of the park. Following this very important piece of work there -was a lull in field activities until the summer of 1919 when a -party working under the auspices of the National Park Service -and the Bureau of Biological Survey conducted studies on the -local bird and mammal populations. In this party were such -well known scientists as Dr. Walter P. Taylor, in charge, George -G. Cantwell, Stanley G. Jewett, Professor J. B. Flett, Professor -William T. Shaw, Professor J. W. Hungate and Mr. and Mrs. -William L. Finley. Upon the completion of this study there was -again a long period in which little of a systematic nature was -accomplished. The last period of note came during the years -1934-1936 when Mr. E. A. Kitchin, a member of the Wildlife -Division of the National Park Service, supervised field studies -in various portions of the park. Many of these studies were concerned -with observational data rather than extensive collecting. -For the next few years only brief observations from members of -the park staff were added to the park records. Then, during the -summer of 1947, special studies were begun by the Naturalist -Staff on the status of the mountain goat and the problems arising -from a foot disease that occurred in the deer population. It is -planned that other special studies shall be carried on in future -years, designed to clarify the status of other important mammalian -species in the park.</p> -<p>Because of the extensive data that have slowly accumulated -through the years since the 1919 survey, the need for a publication -to bring all information up to date has become increasingly -apparent. This booklet is designed to answer that need.</p> -<p>The sequence of species used brings many of the larger animals -ahead of the smaller and more obscure kinds, and thus -<span class="pb" id="Page_2">2</span> -does not in many cases follow in systematic order. However, it -is felt that the order used best meets the needs in a publication -of this type. Common names selected are those most generally -accepted for the animals in question.</p> -<h2 id="c4">WILDLIFE TRENDS</h2> -<p>When the first wildlife survey was made in 1897 it is likely -that the conditions of that year came nearest to representing the -original status of the various species—a status that has changed -drastically in many instances in the years that have followed. -At that time the park was little known and the faunal relationships -were relatively undisturbed. In the years since 1900, however, -the region has experienced radical changes. Trappers have -reduced the fur bearers in large numbers, logging activities in -the valleys and on the mountain slopes near the park have entirely -changed the ecology of the region. Many important predators, -such as the wolf and wolverine, either became extinct or -virtually so, while the changing forest scene due to fires and logging -brought new species into prominence, such as the porcupine -and coyote. Recently elk, released in the nearby valleys, have -entered the park and are now firmly established, promising still -new changes in the mammal picture as time goes on. In many -respects Mount Rainier has become a biotic island in a region -where the original conditions no longer exist except in the park. -The smallness of this biotic island makes it impossible for even -an undeveloped area of this type to represent really primitive -conditions. Thus the park today cannot be considered as representing -the original wilderness as seen by the first white men to -enter the region. It is merely as near the original wilderness as -it has been possible to keep it in the midst of all the changes -brought about by man.</p> -<p>However, by the preservation of the natural environment, -the National Park Service does much to conserve the wildlife as -well. In many instances the national parks are among the last -remaining refuges for rare and vanishing species of wildlife. The -wolverine, the grizzly bear, and the wolf, now extinct over much -of their range in North America, may still be found in these -sanctuaries, and, along with other species, these creatures of the -remote wilderness are fighting their battle of survival in the only -areas left to them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div> -<p>Extirpated species, those native forms which are known to -have existed in some areas, but which have since disappeared, -are being restored where possible. The muskrat, formerly present -in Mount Rainier National Park, now not known to occur, is an -example of an extirpated species which should be restored.</p> -<h2 id="c5">WILDLIFE PROBLEMS</h2> -<p>Since the establishment of the National Park Service in -1916, it has become increasingly obvious that the occupation of -the national parks by man and wildlife must inevitably result in -wildlife problems. The act creating the National Park Service is -specific in its language; it says that the Service thus established -shall promote and regulate the use of the areas by such means -and measures necessary “to conserve the scenery and the natural -and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for -the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as -will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”</p> -<p>The apparent inconsistency presents itself immediately. -Natural features must be conserved and protected, they must not -be impaired, yet provision must be made for their enjoyment by -the millions of visitors who come to the national parks each year. -The course that must be followed, then, is one of permitting -modification of the natural scene only to the degree required to -provide for perpetual enjoyment of “the scenery, the natural -and historic objects and the wildlife.”</p> -<p>The relations between man and the wildlife of the national -parks are complex. Both occupy the parks, with equal rights to -that occupancy. It can scarcely be argued that man is not a part -of the natural scene; certainly there is nothing essentially unnatural -in the progress of our civilization from the dawn of history -to the present. In the national parks, however, the <i>unimpaired</i> -values to be preserved are those of the <i>primitive natural -scene</i>. Man can strive to maintain these values, unimpaired, because -he has the power of reason. Through that power he can -recognize the effect of his conflict with nature, and so prevent -the destruction of the primitive natural scene by a proper regulation -of his acts.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_4">4</div> -<p>Specifically, the wildlife problems now readily recognized -in Mount Rainier National Park are those which have developed -because of relations between man and mammals. The deer, bear, -and raccoon are outstanding examples. In the developed areas -of the park many of these animals have become so accustomed to -the proximity of man that they no longer exhibit timidity in his -presence. They are essentially “wild” animals, yet because of -close association with man for several wildlife generations, they -may be practically considered as “semi-domestic” animals.</p> -<p>This “semi-domesticity” is a problem in itself. First, it is -not in keeping with the primitive natural scene. The true wildlife -picture is not one of a deer eating from a visitor’s hand; -that is scarcely more natural than seeing the animal within the -fenced enclosure of a zoo. The artificial feeding of any form of -wildlife is objectionable for several other reasons. Such feeding -encourages an unnatural concentration of the animals in restricted -localities, thus increasing the danger of the spread of -any contagious disease or infection. In the case of deer, feeding -affects, often disastrously, the normal habit of migration to lower -elevations in winter. Deer encouraged by feeding to remain at -Longmire, for example, encounter difficult times during the -winter months. Natural forage is buried beneath the snow, migratory -routes to the lowlands are blocked, and starvation is not -unusual.</p> -<p>In every instance, experience has shown that when animals -are hand-fed, petted, and tamed, the results have been detrimental -to both the animals and to man. The “tamed” animals -are often dangerous, or may become so. Even the harmless appearing -deer may, and do, inflict severe injuries by striking with -the fore feet or hooking with the antlers, and bears often strike -or bite, once they have lost their instinctive fear of man. When -any animal becomes dangerous, the only solutions are to eliminate -the danger by killing the animal, or to live-trap and remove -it to a more isolated section of the park. The latter is often a -temporary expedient because the animal is likely to return almost -at once to its original home.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_5">5</div> -<div class="img" id="fig3"> -<img src="images/pmg002.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="450" /> -<p class="pcap">“Semi-domestic” bears may become unruly. Such -animals must be live-trapped and removed -to isolated sections of the park. A wary -bruin is often suspicious of the trap.</p> -</div> -<p>That many park visitors are entirely unaware of the concept -of presenting wildlife in its natural setting is exemplified by the -man who dashed excitedly into the Chief Ranger’s office and -breathlessly exclaimed, “Hey, one of your bears is loose!” Park -animals are not “zoo animals.” They have simply adapted themselves -to man’s presence, and although their habits have been -materially changed in many instances, they retain the wild -instinct to fight when cornered, to strike back against a real or -fancied danger, to quarrel with anything which seeks to rob -them of food. It seems hardly necessary to emphasize the futility -of attempting to argue the right to possession of a choice morsel -with a three-hundred-pound bear.</p> -<p>Bears are often condemned as nuisances because they rob -the camper’s food cache, even to the extent of forcing open -locked cupboards or entering automobiles. Raccoons may make -a shambles of food stores, if the larder is left unprotected. That -these things are nuisances is true, but had the animals not been -encouraged to expect food, it is unlikely that they would go to -such lengths to obtain it. The original approach was undoubtedly -made by man, not by the animal, and man has little reason -<span class="pb" id="Page_6">6</span> -to condemn, under the circumstances. The sad sequence, however, -is that it is all too often the unsuspecting innocent who -suffers. One party entices a bear into camp today, feeds the -animal, and moves on. Tomorrow another camper receives a -rude shock when bruin moves in and appropriates his food -supply.</p> -<p>It appears then, that these wildlife problems, which have -developed through man’s influence upon the animals, have been -brought about by man’s failure to employ his power of reason, -his failure to recognize the effect he may have upon the natural -scene. Indeed, it would seem, in many instances, that man is the -problem, not the animals. They have adapted themselves to a -condition at variance with their nature; man has failed to do so.</p> -<p>These problems, and others which are similar, are not impossible -of solution. Of the many phases of wildlife management -that are a part of the adjustments to be made in our relations -with the animals of the parks, these of living together must -be approached by our recognition of the need for such adjustment. -The late George M. Wright has well expressed the goal to -be attained:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“These problems are of such magnitude that some observers -have concluded that only the childish idealist, pathetically -blind to the practical obstacles, would attempt to -accomplish the thing. There are others who believe the -effort is warranted. Much of man’s genuine progress is dependent -upon the degree to which he is capable of this sort -of control. If we destroy nature blindly, it is a boomerang -which will be our undoing.</p> -<p>“Consecration to the task of adjusting ourselves to -natural environment so that we secure the best values from -nature without destroying it is not useless idealism; it is -good hygiene for civilization.</p> -<p>“In this lies the true portent of this national parks -effort. Fifty years from now we shall still be wrestling with -the problems of joint occupation of national parks by men -and mammals, but it is reasonable to predict that we shall -have mastered some of the simplest maladjustments. It is -far better to pursue such a course though success be but partial -than to relax in despair and allow the destructive forces -to operate unchecked.”</p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div> -<h2 id="c6">LIFE ZONES OF MOUNT RAINIER</h2> -<p>Life zones, as defined in relation to plant and animal life, -are areas inhabited by more or less definite groups of plants and -animals. The classification of these zones which is accepted by -many biologists was devised by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, who named -six zones; the Arctic-alpine, Hudsonian, Canadian, Transition, -Upper Sonoran and Lower Sonoran. If one travels from the -Southwestern United States into the high country of the Rockies -or the Pacific Northwest, he will pass through all six of these -zones, beginning with the Lower Sonoran, or low desert zone, -through the Upper Sonoran, or high desert, and so on through -the others until the highest, or Arctic-alpine Zone is reached. -The area immediately adjacent to Puget Sound, for example, -falls within the Transition Zone. Moving inland toward Mount -Rainier, one passes from the Transition into the Canadian Zone, -usually a short distance inside the park boundaries, and the -major portion of Mount Rainier National Park is within the -upper three zones.</p> -<p>Temperature is the basis for the separation of these zones, -and temperature, as we know, is affected by both altitude and -latitude. In general a difference of 1,000 feet in altitude is -equivalent to a difference of 300 miles in latitude. Variation in -latitude explains the high elevation of tree line in the southern -Sierra Nevada of California in relation to the comparatively low -limit of tree growth in northern British Columbia or Alaska. -Variation in temperature explains the tremendous difference in -size and variety of tree species at 2,000 feet and at forest line, -6,500 feet, on Mount Rainier. On a very high mountain we might -find all six of the life zones represented. The mountain presenting -such a condition, however, would necessarily be located in a -more southern latitude than Mount Rainier.</p> -<p>Four life zones are represented in Mount Rainier National -Park: the Transition Zone, which occupies the lower elevations -of the park up to 3,000 feet; the Canadian Zone, which, with the -exception of the Transition area, extends from park boundaries -to about 5,000 feet; the Hudsonian Zone, with an altitudinal -range of from approximately 5,000 to 6,500 feet; and the Arctic-alpine -Zone, from 6,500 feet to the summit of the Mountain.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div> -<p>As stated previously, the zones are inhabited by more or less -definite groups of plants and animals, but there is no distinct line -of demarcation between the various zones, and there is often -considerable variation in the altitudinal distribution of plants. -If temperature and moisture were uniform at a given altitude, -the zones would probably be quite distinct. However, these conditions -are obviously not uniform. On northern exposures, for -example, there is less evaporation, consequently soil moisture is -increased, and lack of sunshine results in lower temperatures. -Plants which normally occur at 5,000 feet on a sunny southern -exposure may be found at a lower elevation on northern slopes, -and the reverse is true, of course, with a reversal of exposures.</p> -<p>Such variation is even more marked in the distribution of -mammals and birds. Many species are characteristic of one or -more life zones, depending upon the season of the year, the -scarcity or abundance of food, and other factors.</p> -<p>For example, deer occupy the Transition or the extreme -lower limits of the Canadian Zone in winter, but in summer -range up to and occasionally beyond the limits of the Hudsonian -Zone. Goats normally range within the upper limits of the Hudsonian -and upward into the Arctic-alpine Zone in summer, but -are most commonly found in the lower Hudsonian Zone in -winter.</p> -<p>The general characteristics of the zones are as follows:</p> -<p><i>Transition Zone</i>: This zone occupies that portion of the park -which lies below 3,000 feet. For the most part it may be more -adequately designated the Humid Transition Zone, although a -limited area (roughly 4 to 6 square miles) on Stevens Creek and -the Muddy Fork of Cowlitz River is characterized by a modified -plant and animal population due to repeated fires in old Indian -days. This burning favored the upward advance of low zone -elements, the destruction of the original forest cover by fire -opened the forest stand, accomplished a marked change in conditions -of temperature and moisture, thus creating a drier, -warmer site.</p> -<p>The Humid Transition Zone proper is one of dense, sombre -forest; magnificent trees rising from a mass of shade-loving -plants with a great number of fallen trees of huge size. Even on -bright, mid-summer days the evergreen canopy of interlaced -branches permits only a little sunlight to penetrate to the forest -floor, and semi-twilight conditions exist in the peaceful solitude -of this cathedral-like serenity.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<div class="img" id="fig4"> -<img src="images/pmg003.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="766" /> -<p class="pcap">The Humid Transition life zone is one of -magnificent trees.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<div class="img" id="fig5"> -<img src="images/pmg004.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="759" /> -<p class="pcap">The forests of the Canadian life zone afford excellent -cover for many mammals throughout the year. -In summer such retreats are favored -habitats for bear families.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>Characteristic plants of this zone, though not confined to -such association, include the Douglas fir, western red cedar, western -hemlock, salal, Oregon grape, black cottonwood, bigleaf -maple, and swordfern.</p> -<p>Here are found the raccoon, little spotted skunk, Oregon and -Olympic meadow mice, and the mink. In this zone are seen in -late spring the new-born fawns of the black-tailed deer.</p> -<p><i>Canadian Zone:</i> This zone does not become well defined until -above the 3,000-foot level. There is a considerable mixture of -both Transition and Canadian elements at the approximate area -of separation. While still heavily forested, the trees of the Canadian -Zone are noticeably smaller than those at lower elevations -and the forest is more open in character. Although common tree -species include the Douglas fir and western hemlock of the Transition -Zone, the most typical trees are the silver fir, Alaska yellow -cedar, noble fir, and western white pine. Other typical plants -are the Canadian dogwood, pipsissewa, and Cascades azalea.</p> -<p>There are no mammals which may be considered as characteristic -exclusively of the Canadian Zone, since those occupying -this zone also range into the Hudsonian.</p> -<p><i>Hudsonian Zone:</i> At an elevation of from 4,500 to 5,000 feet the -character of the forest cover begins to change. The trees are -smaller, and the alpine fir and mountain hemlock become dominant -tree species. Ascending to higher levels the forest becomes -broken, with the number and extent of grassy parks and subalpine -meadows increasing until finally all tree growth vanishes -at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. This is the zone of beautiful -summer wildflower gardens, a region of extensive panoramas and -rugged mountain scenes. The avalanche lily, glacier lily, the -heathers, paintbrushes, and the mountain phlox are common, as -well as the white-barked pine.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<div class="img" id="fig6"> -<img src="images/pmg005.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="770" /> -<p class="pcap">Snow blankets the Hudsonian life zone throughout -most of the year. Paradise Valley lies within this -zone, the towering bulk of the Mountain above 6,500 -feet is in the Arctic-alpine zone.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<p>Snow blankets these highlands throughout most of the year, -and the larger mammals are usually at the lower elevations during -the winter months. Many of the permanent wildlife inhabitants -are those which hibernate or are active beneath the snow, -as the Hollister chipmunk, marmot, pika, Rainier meadow -mouse, and Rainier pocket gopher.</p> -<p><i>Arctic-alpine Zone:</i> Above the forest line all plant life diminishes -rapidly in extent. This is a region of barren, rocky soils; -perpetual snow fields; and glacial ice; a bleak and forbidding -expanse of awe-inspiring grandeur where the storm king yields -supremacy for only a few brief weeks in mid-summer.</p> -<p>Characteristic plants, found in the lower portions of this -zone, include the Lyall’s lupine, Tolmie’s saxifrage, mountain -buckwheat, and golden aster.</p> -<p>Only one mammal, the mountain goat, may be considered as -characteristic of this zone.</p> -<h2 id="c7">THE MAMMALS</h2> -<h3><span class="ss">COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER, BLACK-TAILED DEER</span> -<br /><i>Odocoileus hemionus columbianus</i> (Richardson)</h3> -<p>The Columbian black-tailed deer is a typical member of the -deer family, about the size of its eastern relative, the white-tailed -deer. The antlers of the males are forked, rather than having -the tines rise from a single main beam as do those of the white-tail. -The upper surface of the tail is conspicuously dark brown or -black over its entire length. The color of the pelage varies with -the season, but is the same in both sexes. In summer the back -and flanks are reddish to reddish yellow; in winter gray, intermixed -with black, with a dark line along the back, black on the -top of the head, and conspicuous white on the chin and upper -throat. The underparts are sooty, with white on the inner sides -of the legs. The young, at birth, are a dark, rich brown, profusely -spotted with creamy yellow. The dark coloration very shortly -fades to a lighter brown, or reddish, similar to the summer coat -of the adult, and the spots disappear in the early fall when the -change to winter pelage begins.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-14 and RNP-113; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The range of the Columbian black-tailed deer is the Pacific -Northwest from northern California to British Columbia and -from the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains to the Pacific -Coast.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<div class="img" id="fig7"> -<img src="images/pmg006.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="447" /> -<p class="pcap">The bleak and awe-inspiring grandeur of the -Arctic-alpine life zone is the summer -habitat of the mountain goat.</p> -</div> -<p>It is the most common large animal in the park, distributed -in summer throughout the forested areas and occasionally wandering -above tree line, the males generally ranging higher than -the females and young, preferring the sub-alpine parks and -meadows. Deer in general exhibit a preference for burned-over -brush lands and other less densely forested areas.</p> -<p>In winter they are found at lower elevations, usually below -snow line, generally outside park boundaries, although common -along the Nisqually River from Longmire Meadows downstream, -along lower Tahoma Creek, and in the vicinity of the Ohanapecosh -Hot Springs and lower Carbon River.</p> -<p>Nearly all visitors to Mount Rainier National Park soon -become familiar with this graceful animal so commonly seen -along the trails and roadsides. Indeed, it is a rare occasion when -one or more deer are not seen in a short drive or hike in any -section of the park. It is only with the arrival of the snows that -they are less frequently observed, and even during the winter -months they are quite abundant at the lower elevations.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<div class="img" id="fig8"> -<img src="images/pmg006a.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="448" /> -<p class="pcap">Columbian black-tailed deer and fawns. The young -were less than an hour old when this -photograph was made.</p> -</div> -<p>The seasonal migration is a noteworthy characteristic. With -the coming of spring, deer move upward from the lowlands, -closely following the retreating snow. The young are born in late -May or June, usually after the does have reached their summer -range, although they may move higher to find relief from flies. -There is practically no banding together of the deer at this time. -Each mother and her offspring, usually twins, sometimes one and -rarely three, comprise a family group, and tend to keep to themselves. -The fawns are hidden at birth, and remain in some secluded -spot until they are several days old. The mother visits -them at intervals during the day so that they may be fed, and -stays near their place of concealment. Almost every season -“abandoned” fawns are discovered and brought in to one or -another of the park’s ranger stations by well-meaning but ill-informed -park visitors. In exceptionally rare instances the mother -may have been killed by some predator or a passing automobile, -but under no known circumstances has a fawn ever been deliberately -abandoned. <i>Fawns, if found, should be left unmolested.</i></p> -<p>At the time of the spring migration to the uplands, the older -bucks habitually move to higher levels than do the young bucks -and does. They prefer the subalpine parks and meadows, and -often range in pairs or in groups of from three to five or six -individuals.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<div class="img" id="fig9"> -<img src="images/pmg007.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="435" /> -<p class="pcap">New-born fawns, if found, should be left unmolested.</p> -</div> -<p>The first heavy snow starts the deer on their annual trek to -the lowlands, and the journey is ordinarily a consistent one, once -begun it is completed over a period of from several hours to a -day or two, depending upon the distance to be covered. Study -has revealed that deer follow regularly established routes during -migration, returning year after year to the same general winter -and summer ranges. Well-worn game trails along prominent -ridges and watercourses are testimony to this concentrated movement, -the intersecting minor paths are but tributaries to the -major current of travel.</p> -<p>It is prior to the fall migration that the deer herds assemble, -the does, fawns, and yearling bucks banding together, the older -bucks breaking away from their summer associations and joining -the does for the mating season, which occurs in November and -December.</p> -<p>Vicious battles are frequent at this season. Determined to -assert supremacy, the bucks are merciless antagonists, and at -times the struggle is fatal to the loser. In rare instances both may -<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span> -perish, with antlers so tightly locked that escape for either is -impossible, exhaustion and starvation the inevitable result. At -the conclusion of the mating season the two sexes go their separate -ways again, the bucks often assuming again the easy companionship -of the summer months.</p> -<p>The abundance or lack of forage is an important factor, -perhaps the most important, in determining local abundance of -deer. Densely forested sections are not capable of supporting -large deer populations because of the lack of sufficient brush, -shrubbery, and succulent plants which make up the bulk of the -deer’s diet. Primarily a browser, only in spring does this animal -show a preference for grass, and then only for a short period.</p> -<p>Deer have many natural enemies. It is fortunate that nature -has provided for an abundant reproduction in this species. Snow -is perhaps most serious of all, since a heavy snowfall may cover -the food supply, and certainly hampers the movement of the -animals when they must escape predatory coyotes or cougars. -Late spring snows, in particular, come at a critical time. At best -forage diminishes steadily during the winter months, and when -this period is followed by even a short space when food is unavailable, -starvation and death strikes the weaker and aged -animals.</p> -<p>Of the predatory animals, the coyote and cougar are most -effective. The fox, wildcat, and bear undoubtedly take an occasional -fawn, but cannot be considered dangerous to an adult deer. -In view of the powers of rapid reproduction shown by deer, it is -well that they have numerous natural enemies; otherwise wholesale -destruction of brush lands and forest reproduction would -occur as the animals reached a peak of overpopulation, followed -by mass starvation. This frequently happens in many parts of -the West where the natural enemies of the deer have been exterminated. -Predators follow, in most instances, the line of least -resistance. As a consequence, it is the weaker, the diseased, or -the otherwise unfit animals that tend to be struck down first, and -so the fittest survive.</p> -<p>A reasonable balance seems to have been attained in the -numbers of deer in the park. For the past several years there has -been no apparent change, an estimated 600 range within park -boundaries during the summer months.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<h3><span class="ss">ROCKY MOUNTAIN MULE DEER, MULE DEER</span> -<br /><i>Odocoileus hemionus hemionus</i> (Rafinesque)</h3> -<p>The mule deer is similar to the preceding subspecies in general -character. Perhaps the most noticeable field difference is -the tail, which in the mule deer is narrow and black-tipped, -above <i>and below</i>, rather than wider and dark brown or black over -the entire upper surface and entirely white below as in the -black-tailed. The large ears, from which this species derives its -common name, are distinctive, the black-tailed deer is the smaller -and darker of the two subspecies.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The mule deer ranges over most of the Rocky Mountain -region and the western United States, from the Dakotas, Nebraska, -Kansas and Oklahoma westward to eastern British Columbia, -Washington, Oregon and California.</p> -<p>The range of this species in the park is at present restricted -to the extreme northeastern section, where it is observed on rare -occasions during the summer months.</p> -<p>The mule deer is very similar to the black-tailed deer in -habits as well as in appearance. Seasonal migrations, food preferences, -natural enemies, and other characteristics are much alike -in both species, although the mule deer habitually favors a more -sparsely timbered, less rugged terrain.</p> -<p>The typical habitat is an open forest, with many parks, -meadows, and brush-covered hillsides. As a general rule the -mule deer prefers the Ponderosa pine and sagebrush region, and -avoids densely wooded areas. The occasional records of this -species in the park are of those rare stragglers which drift in -from east of the Cascade crest.</p> -<p>Taylor and Shaw (<i>Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier -National Park</i>, 1927) state that mule deer “May occur in small -numbers in the White River region, on the east side of the park.” -Although their parties did not observe mule deer while in the -field in 1919, they believed that observations made by others familiar -with the region were reliable.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>A report submitted by the chief ranger of the park in 1932 -states: “While mule deer are rarely seen they do range along the -east side.” It was not until 1941, however, that this species was -included in the park’s annual wildlife census, when it was listed -as, “Uncommon, only a few have been seen. Tipsoo Lake, Deadwood -Lake, and Yakima Park.”</p> -<p>The 1948 wildlife census estimates 10 to 20 mule deer observed -occasionally on the east side during the summer months -in previous years. While no reports were recorded in 1948, it is -believed that the status of the species is unchanged.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">AMERICAN ELK, WAPITI</span> -<br /><i>Cervus canadensis nelsoni</i> Bailey</h3> -<p>The elk is the largest animal found in the park, and the -largest member of the deer family found in North America, -except the moose. The adult males have tremendous, wide-branching -antlers, which are shed annually. The sexes are slightly -different in coloration, with females lighter than the males. The -head and neck are dark brown, flanks and back a tawny to brownish -gray, large yellowish rump patch, legs dark brown. The -young are light brown, spotted with white. An adult male in -good condition will weigh from 800 to 1,000 pounds; females are -somewhat smaller.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>Elk are found in western North America, mostly in the -Rocky Mountain area and the far west. They formerly ranged -over most of the United States and southern Canada.</p> -<p>During summer elk occur in the park along the eastern -boundary, north and west to the Deadwood Lakes and Goat -Island Mountain, up the Cowlitz River and Stevens drainages to -The Bench on the north side of the Tatoosh Range. They are -reported very rarely from the northern and western slopes of -the Mountain. In winter a few elk range along the Ohanapecosh -drainage in the southeastern part of the park.</p> -<p>The early settlers of this country gave the name “elk” to -this magnificent member of the deer family. This is an unfortunate -designation, since the animal in no way resembles the Old -<span class="pb" id="Page_20">20</span> -World elk, which is actually a moose. However, elk it has been -since early American history, and elk it is likely to remain, although -the Indian name “wapiti” seems preferable and more -appropriate.</p> -<p>The history of the elk in Mount Rainier National Park is an -interesting study. There can be little doubt that the Roosevelt -or Olympic elk, <i>Cervus canadensis roosevelti</i>, formerly ranged -over much of the Cascade Range in the State of Washington, and -so must be considered the native species of Mount Rainier, although -no longer found in this region.</p> -<p>An attempt was made to reestablish the Roosevelt elk in the -park in June, 1934, when two young animals, obtained from the -Washington State Department of Game, were liberated at Longmire -Springs. Two more were released in October, 1934; all had -been captured on the Olympic Peninsula, and the four were to -form a nucleus for the park herd.</p> -<p>However, to the keen disappointment of park officials, the -transplanted elk were unfavorably affected by their proximity -to civilization, as is often the case with wild creatures. So unafraid -did they become that soon they were regarded as a nuisance, -a dangerous nuisance because of their size, pugnacity, and -their total lack of timidity, and recapture and deportation to a -nearby zoo was the final step in this attempted repatriation.</p> -<p>The elk now ranging into the park have been introduced on -lands outside park boundaries by the Washington State Department -of Game and the Pierce County Game Commission. These -animals belong to the species called American elk, <i>Cervus canadensis -nelsoni</i>, and were imported from the Yellowstone region. -They do not differ greatly from the native species, though somewhat -smaller and lighter in general coloration.</p> -<p>The seasonal migration of elk is well defined. Early in -spring, with the retreat of the snow from the uplands, they move -to higher pastures, where they remain until driven down by the -approach of winter. During recent years a gradual increase in -numbers and an extension of range within the park has been observed. -The wildlife census for 1948 estimated the summer herd -to number some 40 to 50 individuals, with several animals wintering -<span class="pb" id="Page_21">21</span> -along the Ohanapecosh drainage in the southeastern section -of the park.</p> -<p>Bull elk are the most polygamous of all deer. During the -mating season, which occurs late in the fall, a single bull will -gather together a “harem” of from three or four to as many as -two dozen cows with the current year’s calves, and defiantly -assert his mastery over the group, driving away younger bulls -of lesser strength. Should another bull challenge his dominance, -the ensuing battle is rarely fatal, although it may result in a new -master. It is not unusual to see the loser, reduced to the status -of a “bachelor bull,” ranging alone.</p> -<p>The “bugling” of the bulls, a shrill, high-pitched invitation -to combat, is a thrilling call, an unusual record of the music of -nature.</p> -<p>The young are born in late May or June, usually one to a -mother, sometimes two, and rarely three. Like all deer, they are -spotted, somewhat lighter in color than the fawns of the black-tailed -deer. The spots are retained until replaced by the winter -coat.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE MOUNTAIN GOAT, WHITE GOAT, MOUNTAIN GOAT</span> -<br /><i>Oreamnos americanus americanus</i> (Blainville)</h3> -<p>The goat is completely unlike any other park animal, and is -easily identified by its resemblance to a large white or yellowish-white -domestic goat. Both sexes have short, black, sharp-pointed -horns, and are otherwise alike, except that the males are generally -somewhat larger, and have a distinct beard.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The Cascade mountain goat is found in the Cascade Mountains -of Washington. Records indicate that it probably ranged -into the Oregon Cascades some decades ago, but there are no -recent authentic reports from that area. Sub-species similar to -the Cascades goat are found in the northern Rocky Mountains, -northward through Canada and into Alaska, as well as on the -Olympic Peninsula.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<div class="img" id="fig10"> -<img src="images/pmg008.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="445" /> -<p class="pcap">The mountain goat is an indomitable mountaineer.</p> -</div> -<p>In the park in summer this denizen of the rocky crags is -rather frequently seen in the high country on all slopes of the -Mountain. The principal bands may be found in the region of -Van Trump Park, Cowlitz Rocks, Cowlitz Chimneys, Steamboat -Prow, Burroughs Mountain, the Colonnade, the Puyallup -Cleaver, and Emerald Ridge, where they normally range at elevations -of from 6,000 to 10,000 feet.</p> -<p>In winter it is not uncommon to observe small bands on -Cougar Rock, the southern slopes of Tum-Tum Peak, Mount -Wow, lower Emerald Ridge, Mother Mountain, and the western -slope of Chenuis Mountain.</p> -<p>Here we have another example of an animal that has been -misnamed. Although it is called a mountain goat it is not a true -goat, but is more of a rock antelope. Its nearest living relatives -are the Alpine chamois of south central Europe and the Himalayan -serow of Asia. At one time near relatives of our present -goats were spread over much of the western part of North America -and fossils have been found in caves in lower Grand Canyon -and as far south as Nuevo Leon, Mexico. While it is not known -what happened to cause their extinction over much of their original -<span class="pb" id="Page_23">23</span> -range, it appears likely that early man had an important -part in it. It is known that the Indians of the Mount Rainier -country hunted the goats extensively at one time, and undoubtedly -this awkward appearing dweller of the remote and inaccessible -sections is an animal most park visitors hope to encounter.</p> -<p>Chief feeding grounds during the summer are on the heavily -vegetated slopes near forest line. In the early morning hours the -goats move out of their nighttime resting places and begin feeding -as they climb to higher elevations. They travel in a very -leisurely fashion, seldom running, and they select their course -with considerable care. An old billy usually takes the lead, the -other following along behind in single file. Young goats are -“sandwiched” between the adults. In moving across any slope -area where the footing is treacherous or where rocks might roll, -it is customary for only one goat to cross at a time, the others -staying back until it is safe to cross.</p> -<p>Without doubt the characteristic of the mountain goats that -excites the most interest and admiration is their ability to travel -across steep cliffs and narrow ledges with no apparent difficulty -or hesitation. Nor does this trail lead only over perilous rock -ridges. The goats may venture out upon the ice fields of some of -the glaciers. Even glare ice does not present an impasse, it only -serves to slow the progress of these indomitable mountaineers.</p> -<p>The female usually has one or two kids born in late spring. -By September they are about half grown, and quite capable of -keeping up with their parents in even the most difficult going. -They remain with their mother through the first winter. Like -most young animals, kids are quite playful.</p> -<p>Apparently the goat population of this area is fairly stable, -perhaps increasing slightly under the complete sanctuary afforded -by the park. As long ago as 1894, John Muir reckoned -that there were over 200 goats on Mount Rainier. Ernest Thompson -Seton, in his <i>Lives of Game Animals</i> states that “There are -certainly 300 now (1929).” The wildlife census for the park -lists from 250-300 goats in 1931, and census reports in recent -years indicate from 350-400.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<div class="img" id="fig11"> -<img src="images/pmg009.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="466" /> -<p class="pcap">Bears are a feature attraction of the park.</p> -</div> -<h3><span class="ss">OLYMPIC BLACK BEAR</span> -<br /><i>Ursus americanus altifrontalis</i> Elliot</h3> -<p>There are two color forms of the black bear in the park—the -black and the brown. The all black or mostly black is the -phase most commonly observed, but brown individuals may -often be seen. The black phase sometimes has a brown patch -covering the muzzle and a white spot on the chest. The color -ratio is usually about five black to one brown.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The black bear was formerly found over most of wooded -North America, but has now become extinct over much of the -original range. The Olympic black bear occurs in western Washington, -western Oregon, and northwestern California.</p> -<p>In the park it is likely to be encountered anywhere in the -timbered regions, with an occasional record coming from above -forest line. One record of an unusual nature was obtained several -years ago by Mr. Harry Meyers of the Mountaineers Club and -<span class="pb" id="Page_25">25</span> -Major E. S. Ingraham of Seattle. They reported that while blizzard -bound in the crater on the summit of Mount Rainier they -saw a black bear walk up to the rocks on the rim of the crater -and then disappear in the storm. They suggested that the bear -possibly was lost in the storm while on a glacier and instinctively -climbed higher and higher until it reached the top of the peak. -In October, 1948, a record was obtained of a bear well up on the -Paradise Glacier, 6,500 feet. This animal was climbing steadily -higher, and disappeared over the crest west of Cowlitz Rocks.</p> -<p>There can be no doubt that the bear is one of the feature -attractions of the park. The appearance of one of these animals -is a signal for visitors of all ages to come running to get a look. -Unfortunately the attention paid to the bear doesn’t always stop -at this point, and someone is almost sure to pull out a piece of -candy or some other tidbit to see if bruin will eat it. Thus a -bear problem is soon in the making. Loving sweets, bacon and -grease as he does, the bear cannot be blamed too much if he eats -quantities of these items offered him and then makes a shambles -of tents and food stores looking for more.</p> -<p>Contrary to popular belief the black bear is not a vicious -animal, and in the normal wild state is timid and takes to his -heels whenever anything of an unusual nature happens. Sudden -loud noises will send him off in a wild stampede. This can certainly -be attested to by one visitor whose car was invaded by a -bear. Unwittingly the bear sat heavily upon the car’s horn—and -simply took out glass, door and all in his mad scramble to get -out!</p> -<p>The bear is an expert climber and handles himself with -great skill. When frightened the cub will almost always shinny -up the nearest tree before looking to see what caused the alarm. -The mother bear will often send her youngsters up a tree when -she is afraid they may be in danger or when she wants them to -“stay put” for a time. Bear cubs in a tree are a fair warning to -stay away because the mother is bound to be somewhere close by.</p> -<p>The baby bears are usually two in number and are born in -January or February while the mother is in her winter quarters. -They are small and helpless at birth, weighing only a few ounces. -By the middle of June, when most folks see them, they are about -<span class="pb" id="Page_26">26</span> -the size of raccoons, and by the time fall comes around they are -large enough to take pretty good care of themselves, although -they still remain with their mother. There is nothing more -humorous and clown-like in the forests than a young bear cub. -Filled with an endless desire to learn something new, he is forever -getting into difficulties. The cub loves to wrestle and box, -and a play session with a husky brother or sister is usually somewhat -of a rough and tumble affair.</p> -<p>Falltime is the time of year to see bears, because the abundance -of huckleberries on the many slopes and ridges above 5,000 -feet brings them out in large numbers. It is nothing uncommon -to see as many as six of these animals at one time in a berry -patch, industriously stripping the bushes of the luscious fruit. -The bear is also in his best physical condition at this time, as he -prepares to go into hibernation and his coat is rich-toned and -glossy. The hibernation period varies with the individual, some -animals going into their winter sleep rather early while others -may prowl around for some time after the first snows have fallen. -Bears have been observed out of hibernation as early as February -26, near Longmire.</p> -<p>The kind of food available is really no great problem for a -bear; his main worry is getting enough of it. He seems to like -almost anything, with the list including such varied items as -bumblebees, clover, skunk-cabbage roots and many other succulent -plants, frogs, toads, field mice, ants, berries of all types and -a wide assortment of meats.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">PACIFIC RACCOON</span> -<br /><i>Procyon lotor psora</i> Gray</h3> -<p>The raccoon has a stocky body about the size of a small dog, -with relatively short legs and a sharp-pointed muzzle. The coloration -is grizzled gray-brown with black-tipped hairs sometimes -giving a dark appearance. The top of the head is blackish, and -a broad, “mask-like” black band extends across the face and eyes, -bordered above and below with white. The tail is brownish, encircled -by six or seven blackish rings. The underparts are light -brown, silvered here and there with whitish hairs. The soles of -the feet are black.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>Raccoons are widely distributed through the forested regions -of North America. The Pacific raccoon is found from southern -British Columbia south to northern California, in and west of -the Cascade Mountains. In the park it normally ranges up to -around 3,000 feet, although some individuals have taken up -residence in the buildings around Paradise Valley, 5,500 feet.</p> -<p>Cunning, clever, and inquisitive, with a truly remarkable -ability for adaptation to human influences, the raccoon has firmly -established residence in a few locations of the park during recent -years. Formerly uncommon, these animals are now abundant at -Longmire, and are frequently seen in other developed areas as -well.</p> -<p>A comparison of the habits of the ’coons thus subjected to -close contact with man, and the traits of the true wilderness animals -is amazing. The semi-domestic raccoons are no longer -strictly nocturnal in their wanderings, but are often abroad at all -times of the day. A whole family may parade leisurely across -the lawn or parking plaza at mid-day, pausing to peer curiously -through slitted eyes at an assemblage of camera-laden visitors. -Competition for food is keen, and so avid in their pursuit of forage -do the animals become that no time is wasted in “washing” -any morsel, it is bolted immediately.</p> -<p>Quarrels, squabbles, and vicious battles are waged vociferously. -The raccoon is a surly, short-tempered creature at best, -and when two or more get together, especially members of different -families, a “gang fight” may be expected to develop, with -half a dozen clawing, biting, snarling ’coons entangled in one -furry mass. For some reason the ringed tail appears to be a particularly -vulnerable point of attack, as several “bob-tailed” animals -at Longmire attest.</p> -<p>In some regions this animal is reported as hibernating during -the winter months, but the local raccoons do not do so. They -remain as active with three feet of snow on the ground as during -the summer, although not seen in their normal abundance during -periods of extremely inclement weather.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<div class="img" id="fig12"> -<img src="images/pmg010.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="459" /> -<p class="pcap">The marmot is abundant in rock slides above -5,000 feet.</p> -</div> -<p>The raccoon seems to eat practically anything, with meat of -any type freely accepted. Under normal conditions the diet is -largely made up of frogs, fish, small animals, birds, eggs, insects, -and fruits.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE HOARY MARMOT, WHISTLING MARMOT, WHISTLER</span> -<br /><i>Marmota caligata cascadensis</i> Howell</h3> -<p>The Cascade hoary marmot is one of the largest North American -rodents, a close relative of the woodchuck of the East, with -the head and body about twenty inches in length, tail about nine -inches. The body is stout and clumsy in appearance; the legs -are short and stout; the head is short and broad with a blunt -nose, small, broad, rounded ears, and small eyes. Adults have a -black face; the nape, shoulders, and upper back gray; the remaining -portion of the back and rump is black grizzled with -gray; the tail is brown. The young are darker in color than the -adults. In midsummer the pelage is in poor condition, with the -<span class="pb" id="Page_29">29</span> -darker portions more brown than black. The large size, gray -shoulders, and shrill, whistling call are distinguishing characters -which permit easy identification of this animal.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-40, RNP-41, RNP-112; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The woodchucks (genus Marmota) are found over most of -the United States, well into Canada, and in the west north into -Alaska. The Cascade hoary marmot occurs in the northern Cascade -Mountains from Mount Rainier northward into southern -British Columbia.</p> -<p>On Mount Rainier the whistler is abundant in the rock -slides from about 5,000 feet to forest line and above. Occasionally -the alpine parks and meadows are chosen habitats; the animals -are common in the Paradise Valley and on the open slopes above -Alta Vista.</p> -<p>A piercing, far-carrying whistle is often the park visitor’s -introduction to the marmot or rockchuck of Mount Rainier. A -careful scrutiny of the nearby terrain will often be rewarded by -the sight of one or several of these animals, old and young, -perched on a rock above the entrance to the burrow, or galloping -clumsily but swiftly toward home and safety.</p> -<p>It is usually possible to continue the acquaintance at closer -range, particularly if the observer approaches slowly and the -animals are in areas where they have become accustomed to having -human visitors in their neighborhood.</p> -<p>The whistler is almost strictly vegetarian in his food habits, -feeding upon green succulent vegetation in the near vicinity -of the burrow. It is common to find well-beaten paths from the -animal’s “front door” to the forage areas. Moving about on a -grassy slope the fat, lazy rodent seems anything but alert, as he -crawls from one spot to another. But the observer soon becomes -aware that the chuck’s pauses to survey the landscape are frequent; -his head is raised, if no danger threatens his tail flips and -feeding is resumed. If frightened, swift retreat is generally preceded -by the shrill whistle, and the sluggish, crawling fat one becomes -a scurrying bundle of fur following a well-worn and familiar -route to the sanctuary of his den.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<p>The marmot is a sun-worshiper. After an early morning -feeding period, it is his custom to sprawl, rug-like, on a favorite -rock slab, sometimes for hours, resting and obviously enjoying -his sun-bath. Chucks are rarely abroad for any extended length -of time on cloudy, drizzly days. They may appear if driven out -by hunger, but seem to prefer the warmth and comfort of the -den during inclement weather.</p> -<p>The hibernating period of the marmot begins in September -and lasts well into spring, the time of emergence is usually late -in April. There is no evidence that any food is stored, and for -some time after coming out of hibernation the animals may -travel a considerable distance over the snowfields in search of -open ground and green vegetation.</p> -<p>The famous naturalist, Ernest Thompson Seton, has well -expressed the marmot’s way of life:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“Convincing evidence there is that, during lethargy—the -little death of the winter sleep—the vital functions are -suspended—the sleeper neither grows, suffers, wastes, nor -ages. He did not lay up stores of food; yet, in the spring, he -comes out just as fat as he went in the fall before.</p> -<p>“If then, the Powers-that-Be have allotted to the Marmot -five full years of life, and he elects to live that life in ten -bright summer times, then must he spend the six dark -months each year in deathlike sleep. And this he does, in -calm, deliberate choice.</p> -<p>“Oh, happy Whistler of the Peaks! How many of us -would do the very same, were we but given choice.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Not many natural enemies threaten the marmot. Perhaps -the most to be feared is the golden eagle, which may drop from -the blue to seize him in the midst of his luxurious sun-bath. Because -of his size the smaller predators are harmless to him, but -the coyotes and foxes are relentless hunters and ever-present -dangers.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">THE CHIPMUNKS</span></h3> -<p>Two kinds of chipmunks, the Cooper and Hollister, are -known to occur within the park. Although their altitudinal -ranges overlap, the two species may be quite readily distinguished -by their variation in size and other characteristics. A -brief discussion of each follows:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<div class="img" id="fig13"> -<img src="images/pmg011.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="457" /> -<p class="pcap">The Hollister chipmunk is a lively and audacious -little animal.</p> -</div> -<p>The Cooper chipmunk, <i>Tamias townsendii cooperi</i> Baird, is -the larger of the two species mentioned above. It is predominantly -dark brown in color; the light colored stripes above and -below the eye are indistinct; the black head stripes are not conspicuous; -the nine alternating black and grayish white lengthwise -stripes on the back are somewhat obscured by the dark -color; the tail is black above, grizzled with white, silvery margined, -reddish brown below. The total length of a typical specimen -is ten inches; head and body, five and one-half inches, tail -four and one-half inches.</p> -<p>This chipmunk is found in the higher eastern Cascade -Mountains and Olympic Mountains of Washington. In Mount -Rainier National Park it occurs from park boundaries to 6,000 -feet, almost to forest line.</p> -<p>The Hollister chipmunk, <i>Tamias amoenus ludibundus</i> (Hollister), -also called the little chipmunk or Alpine chipmunk, is -about a third smaller in size than the Cooper chipmunk. It is -predominantly gray brown in color. The light colored stripes -above and below the eye are distinct; the black head stripes are -more conspicuous than those of the Cooper, the back stripes are -<span class="pb" id="Page_32">32</span> -sharply defined; the tail is brown mixed with black above, margined -with yellowish brown, yellowish brown below. The total -length is about eight and three-fourths inches; head and body -four and three-fourths inches, tail four inches.</p> -<p>The Hollister chipmunk is found in the higher Cascade -Mountains of Washington. In Mount Rainier National Park it -occurs generally in the Hudsonian Zone between 4,500 and 6,500 -feet, rarely lower or above forest line, but it is one of the few -park animals recorded on the summit of Mount Rainier.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Cooper chipmunk, RNP-7, RNP-8, -RNP-9, RNP-16, RNP-18, RNP-74, RNP-110; Hollister chipmunk, -RNP-28, RNP-29, RNP-30, RNP-95; Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters.</p> -<p>The lively, audacious, and beautifully marked chipmunks -are the most popular of all the animals of the park. Locally -abundant as they are in the neighborhood of the campgrounds -and lodges, easily observed because of their diurnal habits and -lack of fear, they are a source of entertainment and amusement -to many park visitors.</p> -<p>Like the mantled ground squirrels, the chipmunks adapt -themselves rapidly to man’s presence, forage about camps and -lodges in search of various delicacies, invade camp stores without -hesitation, but are such engaging company that it is difficult to -regard them as anything other than friendly guests.</p> -<p>Many varieties of seeds and berries furnish the food supply -of this animal, and quantities are stored in their burrows for use -during the spring and early summer. Although the chipmunks -hibernate during most of the winter, they sometimes venture out -on warm, spring-like days, returning to their winter nests when -the weather again becomes inclement.</p> -<p>Predaceous birds and mammals active during the daylight -hours are all enemies of the chipmunks. These natural enemies -work to keep the chipmunk populations free of contagious diseases -such as relapsing fever, which is transmissible to human beings, -by removing sick and sluggish chipmunks before they can -infect their companions.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<div class="img" id="fig14"> -<img src="images/pmg012.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="442" /> -<p class="pcap">Mantled ground squirrels are popular with -park visitors.</p> -</div> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL, BIG CHIPMUNK</span> -<br /><i>Citellus saturatus</i> (Rhoads)</h3> -<p>As the name implies, the mantled ground squirrels are -ground dwellers. In general external appearance they resemble -the eastern chipmunks, but are considerably larger, and much -bigger than their environmental associates, the western chipmunks. -They may be further distinguished from the latter species -by the more robust body, the conspicuous white eye-ring, -and the absence of stripes on the head. The Cascade species of -mantled ground squirrel is about twelve inches in length overall, -with a flattened, somewhat bushy, narrow tail some four inches -long. The sexes are colored alike, the mantle over the head, -sides of the neck, shoulders, and forearms is reddish-brown, -mixed with black, which is in distinct contrast to the rest of the -upper parts. The back is grizzled black, merging into grizzled -red-brown over the rump, with a narrow yellowish-white stripe, -edged with black, on each flank from shoulder to thigh. The -underparts and the upper surfaces of the feet are yellowish-white. -The tail is well-clothed with dark, yellow-tipped hair above, -yellowish-brown below.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-33, RNP-34, RNP-36; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The mantled ground squirrels are found only in western -North America, on the forested mountain slopes from California, -Arizona, and New Mexico north into British Columbia.</p> -<p>The species common to Mount Rainier National Park is -found in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, and on the -Mountain it is confined principally to the Hudsonian zone, between -4,500 and 6,500 feet. It is most abundant on the east side, -but is very common locally in the Paradise Valley vicinity.</p> -<p>This animal inhabits by preference the rather open, rocky -hillsides, and is seldom seen in the heavily forested sections. -Burned over brush lands are favored localities, particularly on -those slopes exposed to the sun.</p> -<p>The big chipmunks are less graceful than their livelier, -smaller cousins; they are unsuspicious and easily observed, and -are very popular with park visitors because of their obvious lack -of timidity. They are quick to adapt themselves to the proximity -of humans, and sometimes become nuisances about campsites -and dwellings because of their audacious thefts of various foodstuffs.</p> -<p>The capacious cheek pouches are used in collecting seeds, -nuts, roots, berries, and the bulbs of various plants, which are -stored in underground caches. Although these ground squirrels -hibernate from early fall until late spring, forage is meager during -the first few weeks after emergence from their long winter -nap, and without provision for these lean times, the animals -would surely starve. They often appear when the snow is still -deep over their burrows, digging several feet upward through -this white blanket to emerge on the surface.</p> -<p>The most dreaded enemy is the weasel, but the ground squirrels -are preyed upon by coyotes, foxes, and hawks as well, since -they are a staple item in the diet of most predators.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">DOUGLAS PINE SQUIRREL, CHICKAREE</span> -<br /><i>Tamiasciurus douglasii douglasii</i> (Bachman)</h3> -<p>A dark grayish brown squirrel about twelve inches in length -overall; with prominent ears; moderately slender in form; tail -<span class="pb" id="Page_35">35</span> -almost as long as the body, somewhat flattened, well clothed with -hair but not bushy, more gray than the body. The underparts -vary from a pale yellow brown to reddish brown. The sexes are -colored alike; the pelage is fairly long, soft, but not silky. The -characteristic appearance is one of extreme alertness.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig15"> -<img src="images/pmg013.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="455" /> -<p class="pcap">Common throughout forested sections, the Douglas -pine squirrel is a vociferous bundle of energy.</p> -</div> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-10, RNP-11, RNP-15, RNP-47, -RNP-100, RNP-107; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The Douglas squirrel is classified as one of the red squirrels, -or chickarees, which are distributed over most of forested North -America.</p> -<p>In Mount Rainier National Park these squirrels are common, -and are found throughout the area from the park boundaries to -forest line, and occasionally even higher.</p> -<p>This vociferous, restless bundle of energy is seen and heard -by almost every park visitor, bounding across the highway or -trail, or scampering madly up a nearby tree, to peer around the -trunk or perch upon limb just out of reach where it scolds and -chatters vehemently at all intruders.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<p>Unlike the flying squirrel, the chickaree is abroad throughout -the daylight hours, busy, inquisitive, obviously and usually -noisily, resentful of interference with what it considers its own -affairs. Only in the spring is this squirrel somewhat subdued, -probably because of the youngsters tucked away in a nearby nest -in some tree hollow. The young do not venture into the world -until more than half grown, when they take their places in the -regular routine of family activities.</p> -<p>Because the Douglas squirrel does not hibernate, it gathers -the cones of most of the coniferous trees, as well as the winged -seeds of the vine maple and even mushrooms to furnish food -over the lean winter months. The late summer and early fall is a -busy time for this industrious fellow. The swish and thump of -falling cones is a common sound through the woods when the -harvest is in progress. A number of cones are neatly clipped from -the tree tops, then the worker descends the tree to gather and -store them in a hollow stump, beneath a log or the roots of a -tree, or even in a hastily excavated hole in the forest floor. Interrupt -this activity by secreting a few of the fallen cones, and the -imprecations called down upon your head would scorch the -printed page if they could be translated into human speech.</p> -<p>Although preyed upon by winged and four-footed predators -alike, the chickaree holds its own very well, probably because -this fellow is seldom caught napping, certainly not because of -shy and retiring habits, since the “chatterer” is one of the most -conspicuous and interesting of our woodland creatures.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE FLYING SQUIRREL</span> -<br /><i>Glaucomys sabrinus fuliginosus</i> (Rhoads)</h3> -<p>A medium-sized, arboreal squirrel; dark-brown above, light -brown on the under parts, light gray or sometimes light brown -on the sides of the face, the sexes colored alike, the young darker -than the adults. The eyes are large and dark, the pelage is soft -and silky. The flat, furry tail and the fold of loose skin between -the fore and hind legs on either side distinguish this animal from -any other.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>Flying squirrels inhabit a large part of forested North America. -The Cascade sub-species is found from southern British Columbia -<span class="pb" id="Page_37">37</span> -southward along the Cascade Range to the Siskiyou -Mountains of Northern California.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig16"> -<img src="images/pmg014.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="450" /> -<p class="pcap">Park visitors rarely see the beautiful little -flying squirrel.</p> -</div> -<p>Although seldom seen because of its nocturnal habits, the -flying squirrel is locally abundant in some sections of the park, -particularly at Ohanapecosh Hot Springs.</p> -<p>The most interesting characteristic of this little tree-dweller -is its unique habit of gliding from tree to tree through the air. -In launching its “flight” the squirrel leaps into space from its -perch on a dead snag or tree, extends the fore and hind legs, -spreading the loose fold of skin along its sides, and with the flat -tail fluttering behind, sails obliquely downward, alighting on the -ground or the lower trunk of another tree. This aerial maneuver -cannot truly be called flight, but has resulted in the name “flying -squirrel.”</p> -<p>Little is known of the life history of this beautiful little animal, -because of the difficulty of observation. Old woodpecker -holes or natural cavities in trees are favorite nesting places, and -the flying squirrel is almost never found away from the nest -<span class="pb" id="Page_38">38</span> -except at night or when disturbed. It is a shy and retiring creature, -preyed upon by owls, martens, weasels, and other small carnivorous -animals on the rare occasions when it comes to the -ground. Flying squirrels are omnivorous, nuts and other vegetable -foods are apparently preferred, although meat is sometimes -taken when available.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE PIKA, CONY</span> -<br /><i>Ochotona princeps brunnescens</i> Howell</h3> -<p>This small, rodent-like animal is robust, short-legged, with a -tail so short that it is not noticeable in field observation. The -sexes are colored alike; gray-brown above, whitish below, ears -darker, feet light. The pelage is soft and quite dense. In general -appearance the pikas closely resemble the rabbits, except for -their small size, short legs, and short, rounded ears. The peculiar -“bleating” call is unmistakable.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-12, RNP-13, and one mounted -specimen; Headquarters Museum, Longmire.</p> -<p>The many sub-species of the pika are widely distributed at -the higher elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains and the -Coast Ranges. The typical habitat is the rock-slides and talus -slopes near forest line.</p> -<p>In the park one may expect to find the pika on any rocky -slope from 3,000 (rarely lower) to 8,000 feet. They are infrequently -seen in winter, due to the depth of snow over most sites -which they inhabit, but during clear, sunny days they occasionally -venture out in exposed locations.</p> -<p>The common name “hay-maker” has often been applied to -the pika, because it is one of those provident creatures which literally -“makes hay” during the summer months, curing and drying -a wide variety of grasses and other plants which are stored -for winter food. The hay-barn of the pika is in a sheltered crevice -or beneath an overhanging boulder in the masses of rock -where it makes its home. These hay-piles are much in evidence -where pikas are abundant.</p> -<p>The protective coloring of the animal makes it difficult to -distinguish among the rocks, and it is commonly heard before it -is seen. The sharp, short bleat, almost a chirp or squeak, often -<span class="pb" id="Page_39">39</span> -repeated at rapid intervals when the pika is alarmed, is distinctive. -If the observer remains motionless, and carefully searches -nearby with his eyes, he is almost certain to see a tiny “rock-rabbit” -scamper quickly and with silent, sure feet across the -rocks, to disappear in a crevice or to perch on an exposed boulder. -Should the watcher remain quiet, the pika will resume its -interrupted activities until again disturbed.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig17"> -<img src="images/pmg015.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="449" /> -<p class="pcap">The busy beaver is an industrious engineer.</p> -</div> -<p>The well-chosen shelter of the pika, deep down beneath the -rocks, affords adequate protection from most predators. Only -the weasels, and their relatives, the martens, are capable of following -these elusive creatures through the talus. Undoubtedly -the hawks and eagles may strike suddenly from the air and be -successful in capturing a pika less alert than his fellows, but such -occasions must be rare.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">PACIFIC BEAVER</span> -<br /><i>Castor canadensis leucodonta</i> Gray</h3> -<p>The beaver is the largest North American rodent, and the -species found in Mount Rainier National Park is the largest of -any of the recognized geographical range. An adult will weigh -<span class="pb" id="Page_40">40</span> -thirty pounds or more, up to a maximum of sixty pounds. The -form is robust; the tail is broad, flat, and scaly; the ears are -short; the hind feet webbed. The pelage is composed of short, -soft underfur, with long guard hairs. The sexes are alike in size -and color, a dark, glossy, reddish brown above, lighter brown -below. The beaver is aquatic in habit.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The geographical range of the beaver extends over most of -North America from the Rio Grande northward.</p> -<p>Beaver are not now abundant in the park, and it is doubtful -that they were ever numerous. Observations have been made in -many sections, notably Fish Creek, Tahoma Creek, along the -Nisqually River from the park entrance to the mouth of the -Paradise River, Longmire Meadows, the Ohanapecosh River, and -Reflection and Tipsoo Lakes. Records indicate that Fish Creek -and Tahoma Creek are the sites most extensively used by beavers -during recent years, although intermittent activities have been -noted in the vicinity of Longmire Meadows. A colony on Kautz -Creek was undoubtedly destroyed by the flood of October, 1947.</p> -<p>No other animal played as important a role in the early -history and exploration of this country as did the beaver. This -is particularly true of the Rocky Mountain west, and to a lesser -extent of the Northwest. The fur trade made the beaver pelt a -standard of exchange, and to get beaver the trappers moved westward, -seeking out this valuable animal in the most inaccessible -and remote regions. These early explorations, which had as their -incentive fur rather than the expansion of territory, paved the -way for later settlement by those seeking new lands and a better -livelihood in the West. So great was the demand for fur that the -beavers, in the beginning abundant, were reduced in numbers to -a point where returns did not compensate trappers for the risk -and hardship involved.</p> -<p>The first mention of beaver in the park is found in <i>Mammals -and Birds of Mount Rainier</i>, Taylor and Shaw, which states:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“Dr. A. K. Fisher records that several beavers lived at -Longmire Springs until 1896, when a trapper killed them -all.”</p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>By 1905, according to the <i>Annual Report of the Secretary of -the Interior</i>, beaver had been exterminated within the boundaries -of the park.</p> -<p>However, by 1919, beaver were again active on Fish Creek, -along the eastern base of Mount Wow, and in December, Mr. -Roger W. Toll, park superintendent, reported two dams, each -100 to 200 feet in length. Mr. Toll’s observations were set forth -thus in a letter:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“The beavers are now living in these lakes, and fresh -signs are abundant. There are numerous tracks in the snow -leading from the lakes to the thickets of alder, elder, and -willow which they are eating. There is no typical beaver -house in the lakes, but the under-water entrance to their -house can be seen leading under the roots of a fir tree about -four feet in diameter that stands on the edge of the upper -lake.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>It is in this immediate vicinity that fairly extensive beaver -workings were observed in November, 1947, including newly repaired -small dams and fresh cuttings.</p> -<p>The house or burrow in the stream bank studied by Mr. -Toll appears typical of the beaver in this area. In other sections, -notably Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, where beavers -are abundant, an extensive system of dams and canals is frequently -developed on the smaller streams, with a large house -completely surrounded by the impounded water a central feature -of the colony. No such elaborate workings have been found here. -Since the beavers habitually reside in burrows along the margins -of streams they are referred to as “bank-beavers.” A plausible -explanation for this habit is the constant and ample flow of -water, which eliminates the necessity for large dams, and is adequate -to cover at all times the underwater entrances to the burrows.</p> -<p>A small stream, bordered by cottonwood, alder, and willow, -tracing its course through swampy places or meadow lands at -intervals, is the preferred habitat of the beaver. The bulk of its -food is made up of the bark of the tree species mentioned above, -although coniferous trees are sometimes used, perhaps as an -appetizer. The roots of aquatic plants are eaten also, as well as -the smaller roots of tree species. In an active beaver colony, -freshly peeled twigs and branches will be found lodged against -<span class="pb" id="Page_42">42</span> -the upstream side of the dam, as well as along the stream and -pond margins.</p> -<p>Much has been written concerning the sagacity, engineering -ability, and industry of the beaver. Certainly “busy as a beaver” -is an apt comparison for the industrious. The amount of tree-felling, -food harvesting, and construction and repair which a colony -of beavers will accomplish overnight is remarkable.</p> -<p>Other characteristics, while impressive, are not the unerring -instincts that were often attributed to the animal by early writers. -While the dams are in most instances sturdily constructed of -brush, small stones, mud, and, at times, sizeable short lengths of -trees, a sudden spring freshet may completely destroy a poorly -located structure. That the beaver exhibits what might be considered -good judgment in taking advantage of natural stream -barriers in dam construction is commonly demonstrated, however. -It is not unusual to find trees that have fallen across water -courses, or boulders in or on the margins of streams, used to provide -a portion of a dam, apparently by design rather than by -accident.</p> -<p>The felling of trees is approached in a haphazard fashion, -without regard to the direction of fall. It appears that the -beaver, or beavers, set to work to gnaw the trunk through at a -comfortable working height above the ground, a point they can -reach from a sitting position. Where the tree falls is left entirely -to chance. There may be a half circle of open space in one direction, -yet it is quite possible that the tree will topple in the opposite -direction and so lodge before it reaches the ground. Under -such circumstances the beavers may cut another section or several -sections from the butt of the tree, without eventually accomplishing -their purpose.</p> -<p>Nevertheless, to give credit where credit is due, it must be -admitted that the beaver is unique in the animal kingdom by -virtue of its feats, even though these are largely the result of -instinct.</p> -<p>Among the natural enemies of the beaver clan are listed -most of the predators; fox, coyote, cougar, bear, wildcat, and -where their habitats coincide, the otter. It seems that all of -these exhibit a liking for the flesh of this largest of rodents, although -<span class="pb" id="Page_43">43</span> -a painstaking stalk, consummated by a swift rush or leap -is necessary for success, lest the beaver escape to his natural -refuge, the water. The otter, of course, may enter the burrow -or house and kill the young, but it is not likely that it has the -strength required to deal with a full grown animal.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">MOUNT RAINIER APLODONTIA, MOUNT RAINIER MOUNTAIN BEAVER</span> -<br /><i>Aplodontia rufa rainieri</i> Merriam</h3> -<p>A stout-bodied rodent, about the size of a muskrat, with a -tail so short that it is concealed in the fur. Sexes are alike in size -and color; upper parts light brown with a darker overcast, under -parts a dull brown, sometimes showing white patches. Eyes and -ears small.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-80, RNP-104, and a mounted -specimen, Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The various subspecies of aplodontia are found only along -the western coast of North America, from the mountain ranges -westward to the Pacific. It is not known to occur elsewhere in the -world.</p> -<p>The Mount Rainier mountain beaver is found only on and -in the immediate vicinity of Mount Rainier, where it is abundant -in some localities from park boundaries to 6,000 feet. It has -been reported from the Paradise River (5,200 feet), Longmire, -Reflection Lake, Ohanapecosh, Comet Falls, the Rampart Ridge -Trail, the Nisqually Entrance, in the Nickel Creek burn, and on -the Wonderland Trail on the north side of Stevens Canyon (3,000 -feet).</p> -<p>The common name of this animal is not particularly appropriate, -since it resembles the muskrat and pocket gophers in appearance -and habits more closely than it does the beaver to -which it is not closely related. It prefers a wet habitat, but is not -aquatic. It occasionally gnaws through the small stems of willow, -alder, and other shrubs, felling them to the ground, but it makes -no attempt to construct dams or canals. Tiny rivulets are often -diverted to flow through the mountain beaver’s burrows, perhaps -by accident, possibly because the animal intended such diversion.</p> -<p>The food of the aplodontia includes almost every succulent -plant found in the park, as well as many shrubs and the bark of -<span class="pb" id="Page_44">44</span> -some trees. Bracken appears to be on the preferred list. During -the summer months the presence of the animal in a locality is -often indicated by bundles of plants cut and piled in exposed -places to cure. The mountain beaver is more particular in this -respect than the pika, the bundles are often rather neatly arranged -on a log or stump, the base of the stems at one end of the -pile, nicely evened up, and the entire bundle intact. After curing, -the bundles are stored in the burrows, to serve as food and -nesting material.</p> -<p>A rather extensive system of burrows from a few inches to -a foot or two beneath the surface, and piles of freshly excavated -earth are also evidence of the workings of this animal. The -typical site chosen for development is ordinarily moist, probably -not because the aplodontia is a lover of water, but because it is -in such locations that suitable food plants abound. The burrows -are constructed as exploratory routes in foraging, with what -appears to be a main gallery intersected by a number of -branches. These burrows emerge in thick cover or under logs, -with the openings often connected by well-beaten runways where -the overhanging plants and shrubs afford concealment.</p> -<p>Such extensive workings were found along the Wonderland -Trail in Stevens Canyon in 1947 and 1948. The first indication -of the activity of mountain beavers was the undermined condition -of the trail in several places, where burrows crossed under -the path and caved beneath the feet. Upon investigation many -freshly cut stems of bracken were discovered, and several piles -of recently excavated earth, in some instances sufficient to fill a -bushel basket. This site was typical: excellent cover; several -small streams; and deep, very moist soil with few rocks and an -abundance of food plants.</p> -<p>Natural enemies of aplodontia undoubtedly include nearly -all of the predatory animals, particularly the skunks and weasels, -which can invade the dens without difficulty.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">YELLOW-HAIRED PORCUPINE</span> -<br /><i>Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum</i> Brandt</h3> -<p>The porcupine is a large, short-legged rodent (total length -about 30 inches), clumsy and awkward appearing, slow-moving, -bearing long, sharp quills or spines over most of the body and -<span class="pb" id="Page_45">45</span> -on the short, club-like tail. The pelage is composed of soft, -brownish-black or black hair. Intermixed with the pelage, and -extending beyond it are the quills and long, stiff, shiny, yellowish-tipped -hairs, which give a yellow tinge to the underlying -dark color. It is impossible to confuse this unique animal with -any other found in the park.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig18"> -<img src="images/pmg016.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="465" /> -<p class="pcap">The almost impregnable armor of the porcupine is -adequate protection against most predators.</p> -</div> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-42, RNP-47, and a mounted -specimen, Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The several species of porcupine are widely distributed, -ranging in the timbered regions of the northeastern states, the -Rocky Mountains from near the Mexican boundary northward, -and from northern California into Canada and Alaska.</p> -<p>Formerly rare, the first actual record was of a single individual -in Paradise Valley in 1933, porcupines are increasing -throughout the forested areas of the park, although the animal is -still considered uncommon.</p> -<p>An apparent lack of interest or concern in events is probably -the outstanding characteristic of the porcupine. Protected as it -is with an almost impregnable defense of quills, it has no need -<span class="pb" id="Page_46">46</span> -for speed and shows little fear of any other creature, even man. -If pursued when encountered, it will waddle away at top speed, -which is about equal to a man’s brisk walk. If crowded closely, -the animal will take to the nearest tree if given the opportunity, -or may thrust its head beneath a convenient root, log, or rock, -then thrash the muscular tail about vigorously in an effort to discourage -attack. The tail is indeed a formidable weapon. The -quills are loosely attached to the skin, and are readily detached -when they strike any object. They may even be loosened by the -swinging of the tail, and fly through the air for a short distance. -It is conceivable that quills thus detached might actually penetrate -the skin at short range, but a porcupine can not “shoot” its -quills.</p> -<p>During the winter months “Porky” feeds upon the bark of -various trees, with an apparent preference for the conifers and -coniferous foliage. At times a single tree may furnish food for -several days. The porcupine is not a traveler, and rarely moves -far, since food is ordinarily readily available. In summer bark -is eaten at times, but the diet is predominantly the leaves and -new twigs of shrubs, grasses, and succulent plants.</p> -<p>The inordinate liking for salt exhibited by the porcupine -is well known. Tool handles which bear a trace of dried perspiration -are eagerly devoured; it is common to find table-tops -and other articles of furniture in abandoned camps almost destroyed -if they retain any evidence of bacon, salt pork, or other -salty foods. This habit has created a hearty dislike among campers -and woodsmen for the “quill-pigs,” and they are notorious as -camp nuisances.</p> -<p>Because of its nocturnal habits, the porcupine is not often -seen. It prefers to remain concealed in the uppermost branches -of a thick-foliaged tree, or perhaps in a hollow stump or log -during the day, venturing out at dusk to forage.</p> -<p>Natural enemies of this animal include many of the predators, -although the protection afforded by the quills is sufficient -to discourage attack in most instances. Perhaps extremities of -hunger result in desperate attempts upon occasion, but it is difficult -to imagine any flesh-eater coming out better than second-best -in an encounter, with one exception. Observations and records -<span class="pb" id="Page_47">47</span> -of naturalists, trappers, and other competent observers throughout -the north woods country indicate that the fisher is an implacable -and deadly enemy of the porcupine, which is the fisher’s -favorite prey and which it kills by tearing open the unprotected -belly. Observers have found trapped fishers to contain porcupine -quills in the intestines and in other parts of the body, with no -apparent harmful effects. Since the fisher has been almost exterminated -over most of its range within the United States, however, -it cannot be regarded as an effective check upon the increase in -the porcupine population. In rare instances, coyotes and cougars -have been recorded as preying upon the porcupine, and forest -fires have been important in reducing their numbers in the past.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">THE VARYING HARES</span></h3> -<p>Two kinds of varying hares, or snowshoe rabbits, are known -to occur within the park. A brief discussion of each follows:</p> -<p>The Washington varying hare, <i>Lepus americanus washingtonii</i> -Baird, is a medium-sized hare, larger than the common cottontail -rabbit. Mammalogists differ in their discussions of the -coloration of this species. The variations of opinion are of interest. -H. E. Anthony, in his <i>Field Book of North American -Mammals</i>, thus describes the Washington Varying Hare:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“Summer and winter pelages both dull, dark reddish -brown (no white winter pelage); tops of feet more intense -reddish; soles of hind feet sooty.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Taylor and Shaw, in <i>Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier -National Park</i>, are in general agreement with Anthony’s description -of summer pelage, but describe the winter coat as follows:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“In winter in the lowlands the pelage merely puts on a -slightly paler or more vinaceous cinnamon tinge; but in -Mount Rainier National Park a white coat is assumed.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Still another observation was made by Mr. Walter W. Dalquest -of the Department of Zoology, University of Washington. -After examining study skins of the varying hares collected in the -park, Mr. Dalquest made the following comments in a letter -addressed to the park naturalist (April, 1939).</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“The snowshoe hares of the entire Western Cascade -region are a very interesting but mixed up group. I should -<span class="pb" id="Page_48">48</span> -refer all three of your specimens to <i>Lepus americanus washingtonii</i> -plus <i>cascadensis</i>.</p> -<p>“The summer specimen from Longmire seems to be -typical <i>washingtonii</i> in color and skull. The white winter -specimen seems to be typical <i>cascadensis</i> while the very dark -specimen (still in winter coat) represents an interesting -condition found only in the Western Cascades, in which the -specimens are darker than any other forms of <i>Lepus americanus</i> -I have ever seen. This character is well represented in -a large series from Skykomish, Washington, in which the -winter coat varies from pure white to almost black.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>From these observations it would appear that there is a -marked variation in the winter coloration of <i>Lepus americanus -washingtonii</i>, and further that another subspecies of varying -hare, <i>Lepus americanus cascadensis</i>, is found in the park.</p> -<p>The Washington varying hare is not abundant in the park, -having been recorded only from the southwestern section, from -the park boundary to an elevation of about 3,000 feet, rarely -higher.</p> -<p>It occurs on the western slope of the Cascades to the coast -in Washington, and northward into British Columbia.</p> -<p>The Cascade varying hare, <i>Lepus americanus cascadensis</i> -Nelson, is about the same size as the Washington varying hare. -In summer it is a dark, rusty brown, reddish along the back, -darker on the rump; white in winter.</p> -<p>This hare apparently occurs most frequently in the southwestern -part of the park also, although tracks observed in winter -at Yakima Park may have been those of this species. Its range -undoubtedly overlaps that of the Washington varying hare, but -it seems probable that in general it is found at the higher elevations, -3,000 to 5,000 feet.</p> -<p>The distribution of this species, within its altitudinal range, -is about the same as that of the Washington varying hare.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Washington varying hare, RNP-57, -RNP-99, and a mounted specimen; Cascade varying hare, -RNP-98; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>From the foregoing data, it is apparent that positive field -identification of either species is impossible in most instances. -<span class="pb" id="Page_49">49</span> -If a brown hare is observed in winter (mid-October to mid-April) -it may be identified with reasonable accuracy as the -Washington varying hare. However, if the hare is white, it may -be either species, particularly if its habitat is near the elevation -of overlapping distribution, 3,000 feet. Since the summer pelage -of both species is similar, it is not possible to differentiate during -that season. In general the observer may expect to find the Washington -varying hare at 3,000 feet or lower, the Cascade varying -hare at 3,000 feet or higher. That such identification can not be -considered infallible, however, is demonstrated by a brown specimen -collected near Reflection Lake, elevation 4,800 feet, in February, -and identified as the Washington varying hare.</p> -<p>The aptness of the common name, varying hare, is easily -understood, since it applies to the seasonal change of color, -brought about by the shedding of the coat during the moult. The -term “snowshoe rabbit” is derived from the long, broad hind feet -of the animal, Nature’s wise provision which permits rapid and -efficient progress over deep, soft snow.</p> -<p>The food preferences and habitats of the snowshoe rabbits -are similar. Both species prefer the dense cover of swamps and -thickets, which provide excellent protection from hawks and -owls above as well as avenues of escape from coyotes, foxes, and -other predators on the ground. Every large predator is the -enemy of the snowshoe.</p> -<p>Green plants, grasses, and clover make up the bulk of the -food in summer. The winter diet consists chiefly of the bark, -buds and twigs of various trees and shrubs. Coniferous foliage -is often eaten.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">WESTERN BUSHY-TAILED WOOD RAT</span> -<br /><i>Neotoma cinerea occidentalis</i> Baird</h3> -<p>This large, gray-brown rat (head and body nine inches, tail -eight inches), can not be mistaken for any other park animal. -It closely resembles a several times magnified white-footed mouse, -except that the tail is so well-haired as to be almost like that of a -squirrel. The ears are conspicuous, the eyes large and lustrous, -the feet, underparts, and underside of the tail are dull white.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-19 and RNP-20, Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<p>The wood rats are found over the western United States, -northward into western Canada, and in some of the southeastern -and mid-western states.</p> -<p>The Mount Rainier species inhabits southern British Columbia, -all of Washington and Oregon, northern California and -Nevada, and most of Idaho. In the park it is found from park -boundaries to forest line, rarely higher, and is not common, although -Taylor and Shaw (1919) found it “unusually abundant -in the timber along Tahoma Creek,” and recorded one individual -at Camp Muir (10,000 feet).</p> -<p>Every woodsman has a fund of “pack rat” stories, nearly all -of them emphasizing the thieving propensities of the animal, and -every story has a basis, at least, in fact, because the wood rat will -usually pick up and carry away anything about the camp that -strikes his fancy, if such articles are not beyond his physical -powers. At times these treasures may be found cached away in a -bulky pile of dead twigs, leaves and other debris in some rock -crevice, but the wood rats seem to place little dependence upon -these “nests” as a place of refuge, preferring to retreat into a -more adequately protected spot in the rock mass itself.</p> -<p>These animals are ordinarily nocturnal in habit, but may -occasionally be seen by day. They are not excessively shy, and -oftentimes create quite a disturbance with their nightly prowlings -when they are found about campsites or dwellings. Their -presence is frequently made known by a soft “thump-thump-thump” -made at regular intervals of about one second by tapping -a hind foot on the ground, rock, or some object.</p> -<p>The wood rat has a distinct musky odor, and a cave, crevice, -or cabin in which they have established residence can be recognized -at once, even by man’s inferior sense of smell, by the atmosphere.</p> -<p>It is readily apparent from the preceding discussion that -the reputation the wood rat has made among woodsmen and -campers as a nuisance is not ill-founded. They are interesting and -active creatures, however, not nearly so unsavory as the name -“rat” implies, and in many instances the entertainment they -provide outweighs their less engaging habits.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<div class="img" id="fig19"> -<img src="images/pmg017.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="453" /> -<p class="pcap">The inquisitive and abundant white-footed mice are -immaculately clean animals.</p> -</div> -<h3><span class="ss">WASHINGTON WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE, DEER MOUSE</span> -<br /><i>Peromyscus maniculatus oreas</i> Bangs</h3> -<p>The white-footed mouse is about the size of a house mouse, -with the head and body about three and one-half inches in -length, the tail about four and one-half inches. The ears and eyes -are large; the tail is comparatively long, blackish-brown above, -white below. The general coloration over the head and back is -a rather dark tawny-brown, intermixed with black hairs, with a -preponderance of black toward the base of the tail. The underparts -are white, with the lead-gray hair bases showing through; -the feet are white. In examining this mouse, the impression is -one of an immaculately clean little animal, definitely at variance -with the usual conception of mice.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-3, RNP-4, RNP-22, RNP-23, -RNP-35, RNP-36, RNP-37, RNP-38, RNP-39, RNP-77, RNP-84, -and RNP-91, together with a mounted specimen; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The white-footed mice are distributed over nearly all of -North America south of the Arctic Circle.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>The Washington species is found in the western part of the -state and northward into southern British Columbia. On Mount -Rainier it occurs throughout the park to elevations well above -forest line, and has been recorded on the summit of the Mountain.</p> -<p>The inquisitive, active, and abundant white-footed mice are -attractive and familiar inhabitants of the woods about the -Mountain. They are readily adaptable to a variety of conditions, -and are quick to invade camps and dwellings in search of shelter -and food. They are particularly fond of cereal grains, and will -often damage clothing left within their reach, since these materials -are evidently highly prized for the nest. Campers will do -well to protect food-stuffs and garments from their foraging -instincts.</p> -<p>These animals are nocturnal in habit, it is rare to see them -abroad by day. They feed upon a wide variety of plant seeds and -vegetable material, and are preyed upon by all of the four-footed -carnivores, as well as the owls.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">RAINIER POCKET GOPHER</span> -<br /><i>Thomomys talpoides shawi</i> Taylor</h3> -<p>The sturdily built pocket gopher, with its long, sharp, fore -claws, tiny eyes and ears, external cheek pouches, robust body, -and short legs, can hardly be confused with any of the other -rodents. The head and body are about six inches in length, the -thinly haired, whitish tail about two and one-half inches. The -color is light brown above, with the lead-colored hair bases -showing through in places; paler brown on the sides; gray-white -below, with white on the throat and a small, irregular white -patch on the nose.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-101, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters.</p> -<p>The pocket gophers are widely distributed over western -North America, and are abundant in many regions.</p> -<p>In Mount Rainier National Park the local species is found -on the east side of the park in the Hudsonian Zone above 4,500 -feet, usually on the grassy hillsides and in the open meadows.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>These animals are burrowers in the true sense of the word, -rarely venturing above ground, but constructing elaborate systems -of connecting tunnels a few inches beneath the surface. -Because of this subterranean habit they are seldom seen, although -the evidences of their presence may be conspicuous. -Mounds of freshly turned earth scattered about over a meadow -indicate that active excavations by pocket gophers are in progress.</p> -<p>The fore claws are well adapted for the purpose of digging, -and as the burrow progresses, the earth is disposed of by thrusting -it out through a surface opening. Careful observation may be -rewarded by a glimpse of the head, shoulders and forelegs as the -gopher accomplishes this disposal, thus forming the mound of -earth, which eventually closes the emergence-hole. When not in -use, these openings are closed by earthen plugs.</p> -<p>Pocket gophers feed almost exclusively upon the roots and -bulbs exposed by their burrowing activities, although at rare -intervals they may move a short distance from the burrow to -gather surface food.</p> -<p>Earth excavated during the winter months is firmly packed -in tunnels which the gopher makes on the surface of the ground -beneath the snow. These winding ridges of earth are revealed by -the melting snow as further evidences of pocket gopher activity.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">THE MEADOW MICE</span></h3> -<p>Three species of meadow mice are known to inhabit the -park, and of these, two are so similar that the positive field identification -of each is difficult in most instances. Only the Cascade -meadow mouse, or water vole, shows sufficiently distinctive characteristics -to permit easy recognition. Of the two similar species, -the Oregon meadow mouse is probably most likely to be encountered.</p> -<p>The Oregon meadow mouse, <i>Microtus oregoni oregoni</i> -(Bachman), is similar in general coloration to the Olympic -meadow mouse, but has conspicuous ears, is distinctly smaller, -and has been found from park boundaries to 5,000 feet and -higher.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>The Olympic meadow mouse, <i>Microtus longicaudus macrurus</i> -Merriam, is dark brown above, with slightly paler sides, and -with under parts a dull buff or whitish. The tail is distinctly -bicolor, black or brown above, white below. The ears are inconspicuous. -The head and body measure about five and one-quarter -inches, the tail about three and one-half inches. This mouse -is rarely found above the 3,000 foot elevation.</p> -<p>The Cascade meadow mouse, <i>Microtus richardsonii arvicoloides</i> -(Rhoads), is much larger than any of the other species -found in the park. The head and body measure about six inches, -the tail a little over three inches in a typical specimen. In general -this species prefers a moister habitat than the other meadow -mice, and is usually found from 4,000 feet to forest line (6,500 -feet). It is the most abundant of the park mammals found at -high elevations, and has been recorded at Camp Muir, 10,000 -feet.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Oregon meadow mouse, RNP-27, -RNP-32, RNP-51, RNP-71; Olympic meadow mouse, RNP-31; -Cascade meadow mouse, RNP-5, RNP-26, RNP-48, RNP-49, -RNP-50, RNP-59, RNP-60, RNP-75, RNP-81, RNP-109; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>As the name implies, the general habitats of these rodents -are the open parks and meadows, from park boundaries to above -the forest line. They are locally abundant in many places, and -are active throughout the year, feeding upon the various green -and succulent plants, burrowing along the surface of the ground -beneath the snow to find food in winter. Only the Cascade -meadow mouse shows any marked deviation in its habits, being -semi-aquatic, at least in summer, with a marked preference for -marshy or boggy meadows, taking to the water readily to escape -danger, and burrowing along the banks of small streams. In -winter this mouse often seeks the hillsides and normally dryer -sites, probably in search of a more abundant food supply, the -change in habitat being encouraged by abundant winter moisture. -These hillside habitats often reveal earthen tunnels on the -ground surface as the snow melts, similar to those made by the -pocket gopher. Mounds of earth thrown up around the burrows -of the Cascade meadow mouse are also similar to the gopher -mounds, but may be distinguished from the latter by the open -burrows, often left so, rather than being closed by earthen plugs.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>It is well that the meadow mice are so abundant and prolific, -since they constitute a large portion of the food supply of -coyotes, foxes, and other predators.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">MOUNTAIN LEMMING MOUSE, OLYMPIC PHENACOMYS, HEATHER VOLE</span> -<br /><i>Phenacomys intermedius oramontis</i> Rhoads</h3> -<p>The lemming mouse is similar in appearance and habits to -the meadow mice; the head and body are four and one-half -inches to five inches long; the tail from one to one and one-half -inches. The back is a grizzled gray-brown, showing a yellowish -tinge; the belly is gray-white; the fur is sprinkled with black -hairs. The dull color and short tail distinguish this mouse from -all others except the Oregon meadow mouse. The latter is slightly -smaller, the hair is less woolly, but field distinction is difficult -or impossible.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The genus <i>Phenacomys</i> is found in the western United States -and most of Canada, inhabiting the mountain summits and colder -zones.</p> -<p>The Olympic phenacomys of Mount Rainier occurs only at -the higher elevations, 4,500 to 8,500 feet in the park, and its -range extends into the Olympic Mountains, as well as southward -along the Cascade crest into central Oregon.</p> -<p>The alpine parks and windswept slopes well above forest line -are the home of the hardy little lemming mice. One of the common -names for the animal, heather vole, is suggestive of the -locality where they may be found, finding shelter in the protection -afforded by the low-growing masses of the heather. Their -range is not entirely confined to the alpine country, however, -since records have been established in the upper forested areas, -down to a low elevation of 4,000 feet.</p> -<p>The only conspicuous evidences of the presence of the -heather vole are the tidy, compact winter nests of dried grass, -lichen, and other plant fibers. These nests, constructed on the -ground under the snow, are apparently abandoned when the snow -<span class="pb" id="Page_56">56</span> -melts, and it is difficult to discover other signs of the animal’s -activities.</p> -<p>Like the meadow mice, the mountain lemming mouse is a -staple item in the diet of the predators.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE RED-BACKED MOUSE</span> -<br /><i>Clethrionomys gapperi cascadensis</i> Booth</h3> -<p>The red-backed mouse is slightly larger than a house mouse; -in a typical specimen the head and body are about four inches -long, the tail slightly less than two inches. The distinguishing -characters which separate this animal from the other mice are -the broad, reddish-brown stripe over the back from the forehead -to the base of the tail (this stripe distinguishes it from the held -mice), and the inconspicuous ears and short tail which are so -different from the large ears and long tail of the white-footed -mouse.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-17, RNP-62, RNP-63, RNP-65, -RNP-66, RNP-67, RNP-68, RNP-69; Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters.</p> -<p>The many species of red-backed mice occur generally over -the wooded sections of North America.</p> -<p>The Cascade red-backed mouse is found in the Cascade -Mountains from British Columbia southward into Washington, -east into northern Idaho and northeastern Oregon. In Mount -Rainier National Park it occurs generally from park boundaries -to forest line.</p> -<p>The heavily wooded areas of the park are the preferred habitats -of the red-backs. They are usually common in such localities, -but are not locally abundant in colonies, as are the field mice.</p> -<p>The activities of these mice are not confined to nocturnal -excursions. They may be seen at any time of day, and the quiet -observer in the deep woods is almost certain to glimpse them if -he is patient enough to watch for a few moments.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">NORTHWESTERN JUMPING MOUSE</span> -<br /><i>Zapus princeps trinotatus</i> Rhoads</h3> -<p>The Northwestern jumping mouse is a little larger than a -<span class="pb" id="Page_57">57</span> -house mouse, head and body about four inches, tail about six -inches. The back is dark, sprinkled with buff; a broad band of -buff, sprinkled with blackish hairs, extends along the sides; the -underparts are pure white. The long tail is dull gray above, -white below, and almost naked except for a tiny tuft of dark hair -at the tip. This mouse may be easily distinguished from any -other park animal by the long hind legs and tail.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-6, RNP-24, RNP-25, RNP-52, -RNP-53, RNP-54, RNP-58, RNP-73, RNP-76, RNP-92; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The jumping mice are found throughout most of the United -States from northern California and North Carolina, northward -into Canada to the Arctic Circle. The Northwestern jumping -mouse occurs from northern California through the Cascades to -the coastal region of southern British Columbia.</p> -<p>In Mount Rainier National Park this animal is found irregularly -from park boundaries to 6,000 feet. It is not common and -is rarely seen.</p> -<p>The usual habitats of the jumping mice are the subalpine -parks and meadows, where they may sometimes be abundant in -a restricted locality. They hibernate from early fall until late -spring, and during their period of summer activity they rarely -leave the nest during daylight hours. The nests are on the ground, -small and dome-shaped, made of dried grasses.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">THE MOLES</span></h3> -<p>Within the park are found three different kinds of moles, -two of which are very closely related and similar in general -appearance. The third is distinct in size and coloration.</p> -<p>The Townsend mole, <i>Scapanus townsendii</i> (Bachman), is -considered to be the largest of its kind on the continent, with a -total length of about eight inches. The body is stout, with tiny -eyes, short legs and tail. The fur is dense and velvety, blackish-brown -in color, usually with a purplish tone.</p> -<p>It is found in “extreme northwestern California, Oregon and -Washington west of the Cascade Mountains” (Jackson). Little -is known about its status within the park. Workings were observed -<span class="pb" id="Page_58">58</span> -and a specimen collected at Spray Park (5,500 feet) in -1919.</p> -<p>The coast mole, <i>Scapanus orarius orarius</i> True, is smaller -than the Townsend mole, attaining a length of about six and one-half -inches. Its coloration is black or blackish-brown above, with -the underparts more grayish in tone.</p> -<p>This species is found in the humid coast region of northern -California, Oregon and Washington. It is apparently not common -in any part of the park, but has been collected at Longmire -and the Owyhigh Lakes.</p> -<p>The Gibbs shrew-mole, <i>Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii</i> (Baird), -is a very small mole, about the size of a house mouse, around -four inches in total length. The entire coloration is dark grey, -with the longer hairs frequently tipped with whitish.</p> -<p>This mole is found in extreme southwestern British Columbia, -western Washington and Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains, -and south into California in the coast region and interior -west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It occurs rather commonly -throughout the park below 4,000 feet, although an occasional -record has been obtained at elevations in excess of 5,000 feet. -Its habitat is around grassy swamps and near streams.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Townsend mole, none; coast mole, -RNP-105; Gibbs shrew-mole, RNP-21, RNP-106, RNP-112, RNP-114; -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The mole is often confused with other small mammals, especially -the rodents. However, it does not belong with the rodent -group and can readily be distinguished by its short, very stout -front legs which end in broad, handlike feet with the palms -turned outward; and by its pointed nose; short tail; elongated -body with fine, plush-like fur; and the apparent absence of external -eyes and ears.</p> -<p>The mole is one of Nature’s strangest creations. From birth -it is destined to live underground, working diligently in total -darkness to obtain the food necessary for its existence. Its appetite -seems never to be satisfied and captive specimens have been -known to eat more than their own weight in a single day. Earthworms -and grubs make up the major portion of the food eaten, -<span class="pb" id="Page_59">59</span> -although beetles, spiders, various insects and occasionally plants -are of importance. The mole has the dubious distinction of being -of great value to the farmer because of the worm pests he destroys, -yet is regarded in return as one of the farmer’s worst pests. A -large part of this bad reputation arises from the damage done -growing plants by rodents that use the mole burrow to reach the -tender flower bulbs and growing roots found underground.</p> -<p>While hawks, owls and small mammal predators take a limited -number of moles as food, high water in areas containing their -homes constitutes an important factor in controlling their abundance. -The heavy rains and snow runoff in the park probably -has much to do with the local mole population.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">THE SHREWS</span></h3> -<p>The smallest of our North American mammals, the shrew, -is represented in the park by six different forms, all closely -related and similar in general appearance.</p> -<p>The wandering shrew, <i>Sorex vagrans vagrans</i> Baird, is a -small shrew with dark brown upperparts and ashy gray underparts. -The tail tends to be bicolor with a dusky color above and -paler below.</p> -<p>This species is found from southern British Columbia -through western Washington and Oregon into northern California. -Only two records have been obtained from the park. -These came from a specimen trapped at Bear Prairie (2,000 feet) -about three miles south of Longmire and from one taken in Stevens -Canyon (no elevation given). The wandering shrew lives in -areas where there is considerable moisture and a damp, heavy -forest cover.</p> -<p>The Olympic dusky shrew, <i>Sorex obscurus setosus</i> Elliot, is -a fairly large shrew with upperparts brown with a few light-tipped -hairs, the lower parts ashy washed with buff. The tail is -brown above and yellowish-white below.</p> -<p>This shrew is found from the Cascades westward and south -as far as the Columbia River. In the park it has been recorded -in a number of localities ranging from 2,000 to 6,800 feet in elevation. -It is normally found in moist situations where the undergrowth -is heavy and is one of our common shrews.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>The cinereous shrew, <i>Sorex cinereus cinereus</i> Kerr, is of -medium size and difficult to separate from the dusky and wandering -shrews. It is distinguished by its small size and pale color.</p> -<p>This species “ranges over most of Alaska, Canada and the -northern half of the United States” (Dalquest). Within the park -it has been recorded only along the Paradise River, and data are -lacking regarding its range.</p> -<p>The Trowbridge shrew, <i>Sorex trowbridgii trowbridgii</i> Baird, -is a large shrew, about three-fourths the size of a common house -mouse. In coloration it is black or grayish above, lighter below. -The tail is sharply contrasting blackish above and whitish below.</p> -<p>This shrew is found west of the crest of the Cascade Range -in Washington and Oregon, and has been collected in the park -at Ohanapecosh (2,000 feet), Tahoma Creek (2,500 feet), and -Longmire (2,700 feet). It prefers dark woods and moist situations.</p> -<p>The navigator water shrew, <i>Sorex palustris navigator</i> -(Baird), is a large shrew about the size of a house mouse, with -small fore feet and broad hind feet. Its coloration above is dark -brown or blackish with some of the hairs whitish tipped, the -underparts are whitish-gray. The tail is brown above and pale -gray below.</p> -<p>This species is found from the Rocky Mountains and the -outlying ranges of British Columbia to southern Colorado, and -in California as far south as Sequoia-Kings Canyon National -Park. It is commonly encountered from the lowest elevations -in the park up to around 8,000 feet, and is usually found along -stream banks and at lake outlets.</p> -<p>The Bendire water shrew, <i>Sorex bendirii bendirii</i> (Merriam) -is about the size of a house mouse, a sooty-gray color above and -slightly paler below.</p> -<p>It is found in the Klamath section of Oregon, a narrow -strip along the coast of California, and in the Cascades from -Washington to British Columbia. It has been recorded at elevations -ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet on the west and south sides -of the park. Like all water shrews it prefers moist areas and is -<span class="pb" id="Page_61">61</span> -usually found around wet meadows or in the forest cover near -lowland creeks.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Wandering shrew, RNP-89; Olympic -dusky shrew, RNP-55, RNP-88; cinereous shrew, none; Trowbridge -shrew, RNP-61; navigator water shrew, RNP-64, RNP-83, -RNP-90; Bendire water shrew, RNP-1, RNP-56, RNP-72; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>Because of their secretiveness and tiny size the shrews are -seldom observed, although they are relatively abundant in the -park. By stationing oneself in an elevated spot near a grassy -stream bank or in a damp, shady, forested area it is sometimes -possible to observe the actions of these small creatures. While -their diet is largely composed of insects, they do eat such things -as worms, as well as small birds and mammals that they can kill. -They are very nervous animals and extremely courageous hunters, -and will attack and kill other mammals much larger in size. -They require an abundance of food to live and will die if deprived -of food for even a few hours. This might lead one to suppose -that they are somewhat weak, but such is not the case. They -are active throughout the year, being seen abroad under even the -most rigorous climatic conditions.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">THE BATS</span></h3> -<p>Of the four types of bats known to occur in the park, only -two are closely related. These two are very small as compared -to their larger cousins.</p> -<p>The Miller bat, <i>Myotis yumanensis saturatus</i> Miller, is a -small bat with the upperparts dark glossy yellowish brown and -the underparts golden. The sides, chin and throat are somewhat -darker than the underparts. The fur over the entire body is -slaty black at the base. The membranes of the wings are blackish.</p> -<p>This bat is found in the transition zone of British Columbia, -Washington, Oregon and northern California, along the coast.</p> -<p>It has been taken at Longmire, Paradise Valley and Sunset -Park. It stays in the forests of the park, only occasionally being -seen above the open meadows.</p> -<p>The coloration of the Northwestern long-legged bat, <i>Myotis -volans longicrus</i> (True), above is dark brownish, sometimes -<span class="pb" id="Page_62">62</span> -blackish; the underparts are dusky brown. The ears and wings -are blackish. This bat cannot be distinguished in flight from -the Miller bat.</p> -<p>It is found in the humid coast and mountain region from -Admiralty Island, Alaska, to Monterey County, California.</p> -<p>While it is apparently fairly common at the lower elevations, -very few collections have been made. It has been taken at -St. Andrews Park (5,500 feet) and at Longmire.</p> -<p>The silver-haired bat, <i>Lasconycteris noctivagans</i> (Le Conte), -is a medium sized bat with dark brown or blackish coloration -above and below. Many hairs on the back and underparts are -tipped with white, with the white tips most numerous on the -middle of the back. The wings are dark brown.</p> -<p>This bat occurs on the North American Continent north of -Mexico, ranging from the Pacific to the Atlantic.</p> -<p>There is as yet no evidence that this bat actually stays within -the park for any length of time. It is believed that it only moves -through during migration. Records thus far obtained are during -September, at elevations around 5,000 feet.</p> -<p>The Townsend lump-nosed bat, <i>Corynorhinus rafinesque -townsendii</i> (Cooper), is of medium size, with long thin ears and -two prominent lumps on either side of the nose. The coloration -is dark brown above, somewhat lighter below, the base of the fur -is dark slaty. The ears, feet and wings are dark brown.</p> -<p>The Townsend lump-nosed bat occurs from southern British -Columbia southward through most of Washington and Oregon, -and along the coast into California as far south as San Francisco.</p> -<p>Only one record has been obtained from the park, a specimen -collected at Longmire in September, 1937.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Miller bat, RNP-85; Northwestern -long-legged bat, none; silver-haired bat, none; Townsend lump-nosed -bat, RNP-93; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>The bats are among the most feared and least known of any -of our mammals. Many people are afraid to have anything to do -with them, and everyone is familiar with the old belief that, -<span class="pb" id="Page_63">63</span> -given the opportunity, a bat will fly into one’s hair. Yet the bats -that are so common in North America are weak and entirely -harmless. Far from being harmful to man, they serve a most -useful function in destroying various insects. The worst problem -the bat presents is the habit some species have of using buildings -as a place to sleep.</p> -<p>Although possessing a wing-like structure, the bat does not -have a wing in the sense that a bird has. The “wing” consists of -a much modified hand with very long fingers. This is covered -with a thin, but very tough membrane, that enables the animal to -fly. The bat’s flight is seemingly aimless, but is actually purposeful. -It is during these “drunken flights” that it catches the insects -upon which it lives.</p> -<p>By far the most astonishing and marvelous feature about the -bat’s anatomy is the delicate mechanism that guides it in flight. -This animal has operated on the principle used by radar thousands -of years before man discovered the device. The hearing is -extremely acute and bats are able to receive sound impulses at a -vibration frequency too high for the human ear. During flight it -sends out shrill cries of high vibration frequency. As these sounds -travel out through space they are reflected back by any object, -large or small, that they strike. Through sensitive ears the bat -receives these rebounding sounds and thus is aware at all times -of the nearness of any object. This explains the bat’s uncanny -ability to fly through a room in total darkness without striking -even such small objects as wire or lamp cords. This ingenious -device fails around water, however. Experiments have shown -that a small wire stretched just above the surface of a pond is not -“seen” by the bat when it swoops down to get a drink.</p> -<p>Some bats rest in leafy treetops where they cling to small -branches. Most species stay in hollow trees or caves during the -daytime, and “bat caves” are common in many parts of the country, -the most famous one is at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. -While resting or sleeping the bat hangs head downward, always -in a position to drop and fly at any moment. It is helpless on the -ground, and must obtain sufficient elevation to allow for a few -inches of drop before it can fly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<div class="img" id="fig20"> -<img src="images/pmg018.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="460" /> -<p class="pcap">One of the most elusive animals in the park is -the coyote.</p> -</div> -<h3><span class="ss">MOUNTAIN COYOTE</span> -<br /><i>Canis latrans lestes</i> Merriam</h3> -<p>The mountain coyote resembles a small collie dog in size, -with a slender body, erect, pointed ears, and bushy tail. The -upper parts of its body are light brownish gray, with numerous -long, coarse, black hairs. The under parts are whitish, with the -long hairs of the throat tipped with black. The tail is heavily -tipped with black above and light beneath. The muzzle and -crown of the head is a bright yellowish brown.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-98, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters.</p> -<p>The geographical distribution of the coyote includes all of -western North America. The mountain coyote is found from -British Columbia southward through Washington, Oregon, and -the highlands of the Great Basin, Sierra Nevada and Rocky -Mountains to the plateau region of northern Arizona and down -the Continental Divide in New Mexico to the Mexican border.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<p>It is found locally throughout the park, at all elevations -from the extreme lower portions to forest line, although usually -more abundant in the vicinity of the old fire burns near the -south and west boundaries.</p> -<p>The shrill, wild, evening song of the coyote rising from an -open slope or brushy burn never fails to bring the listener to a -rapt and keen attention. There is a spine-tingling, eerie quality -in the call that seems symbolic of a wilderness land. It is descriptive -also, in that it may sound like one animal or a pack. -Usually it is heard at sunset or on moonlight nights in the fall or -winter, as the pack gathers for the night’s foraging.</p> -<p>The park is not especially well suited to the coyote, as it -lacks the open sagebrush flats and rolling hills that are such important -parts of the animal’s natural environment. Coyotes are -highly adaptable animals, however, and seem to fit themselves -into almost any habitat. Having respect but little fear of man, -they are often found even in the farming districts and near the -smaller towns. Wherever there is sufficient food there seem to -be coyotes, even though they are mercilessly hunted in many -such localities.</p> -<p>Food consists mainly of small animals, such as ground squirrels, -mice, chipmunks and marmots, although an occasional deer -falls prey to this wily hunter. Fruits and berries are eaten in large -quantities when available. During the late summer it has been -observed catching grasshoppers in the open meadows, such insects -are staple articles of diet. The wild antics of a coyote as it -dives and twists trying to capture an agile grasshopper, sometimes -apparently as a game rather than in a serious quest for -food, afford an amusing picture. As a mouser the coyote is hard -to equal, and it may frequently be seen in the early evening -catching meadow mice. Destruction of deer is not overly extensive, -with the old animals and an occasional unwary fawn being -the principal victims. Once in a while a deer is found that refuses -to become an easy prey and a merry chase often follows—this -time with the coyote beating a hasty retreat with the enraged, -wouldbe victim close behind. There are numerous instances -of such chases on record, and authentic observations of -coyotes being knocked down and trampled by deer.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>Coyote pups, normally about five to seven in a litter, are -usually born in April or May and have all the playful characteristics -of a puppy dog. Just as soon as they are able to walk, they -may be seen around the entrance to the den where they tug and -pull at each other in mock ferocity. As they grow older their -interest in the outside world keeps pace with their growth, and -by fall they are out learning the serious business of obtaining -food under the direction of the father or mother, or both. It is -during this time that they range in family groups of five or six -animals.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">TIMBER WOLF</span> -<br /><i>Canis lupus fuscus</i> Richardson</h3> -<p>The wolf is a large, dog-like animal, with dull yellowish-brown -fur, heavily clouded over the back and tail with black-tipped -hairs. Occasionally it is almost entirely black or grayish. -The young are black at birth, changing later to the adult coloration.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>These animals were formerly found over most of the United -States, Canada, and Alaska, but they have been exterminated -over much of the original range. A few wolves are still found in -the timbered regions west of the Cascades from Oregon northward -through Washington, British Columbia and into Alaska.</p> -<p>At one time they were reported from several localities in the -park, but gradually they were killed off throughout central -Washington until they were apparently exterminated in the park -prior to 1930. Since that time single animals have been reported -in 1933, 1937, 1941, 1943 and 1947. These records appear to be -those of stragglers that wander into and out of the park. The -wolf can thus be considered as rare in the area today.</p> -<p>The heavily forested ridges and slopes near old fire burns -appear to be the type of habitat preferred, and most of the local -records are from such areas. The wolf seems to prefer the heavy -timber for its home, but uses the more open areas for hunting, -as it is in these old burns that deer, elk, rabbits and other important -food sources are found. Being extremely shy and silent, -the animal is seldom seen even when known to be present.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<div class="img" id="fig21"> -<img src="images/pmg019.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="456" /> -<p class="pcap">The “silver” color phase of the red fox transforms an -alert and attractive animal into a -creature of rare beauty.</p> -</div> -<p>Little is known regarding the family life of the wolf, although -the adults are devoted parents. Apparently the pups -number from five to ten, and are born in March or April. They -usually stay pretty close to the den, which is a large hole in a -bank, or a protected nook in a log jam, rock slide, or similar -situation. Here they spend their puppyhood, an always hungry -family even though their parents may bring in large quantities of -food. In the late summer and early fall they are taken out in a -group or pack and taught the essentials of successful hunting.</p> -<p>Powerful and intelligent, the wolf stands out as one of Nature’s -finest predator creations. It is unfortunate that man’s economic -interests and the food habits of the wolf clash, and the -continuous campaign of extermination being waged can have but -one inevitable result unless public appreciation of this now rare -wilderness animal increases. Like other magnificent predators -before him, the wolf appears doomed over most, if not eventually -all, of the United States.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<h3><span class="ss">CASCADE RED FOX</span> -<br /><i>Vulpes fulva cascadensis</i> Merriam</h3> -<p>The Cascade red fox is about the size of a small dog, with a -very slender body, bushy tail, erect ears and pointed muzzle. It -may have several color “phases” of which the red is the one most -often seen. In the “red” phase the head and upper parts are a -straw yellow; ears blackish and underparts white. The tail is -yellowish mixed with black, with a prominent white tip. The -“cross” phase is of the same general coloration as the red, but has -a dark band running across the shoulders and a dark band down -the back, another dark band runs from the chin down the throat -onto the belly. The “black” or “silver” fox is all black with silver-tipped -hairs, excepting the white tip of the tail. A litter of -pups may contain all of the various color phases.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The red foxes occur over most of the United States and Canada. -The Cascade red fox ranges from the northern Sierra Nevadas -through the Cascades of Oregon and Washington.</p> -<p>It is found in the park at all elevations up to forest line.</p> -<p>Shy and cunning, this beautiful animal is seldom seen, yet -is relatively common, especially around the alpine meadows, -where its short, sharp bark is sometimes heard in the late evening. -One pair of foxes has raised families for several seasons -within a short distance of the busy highway to Paradise Valley -near Marmot Point, while residents of Longmire have had the -thrill of seeing more than one of the shimmering “silver” foxes -around their yards.</p> -<p>Few animals are so graceful and agile, and to watch a fox -stalking a mouse is to see a gifted expert in the art of hunting. -Soundless, alert, poised, it is a wary mouse that successfully -escapes the lightning-like pounce. Food is largely made up of -such things as mice, ground squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, wood -rats, and other small game such as birds and insects. Berries and -fruit are eaten in season.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<div class="img" id="fig22"> -<img src="images/pmg020.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="764" /> -<p class="pcap">A resident of the dense forest, the marten is a -member of the weasel family.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<h3><span class="ss">NORTHWESTERN PINE MARTEN</span> -<br /><i>Martes caurina caurina</i> (Merriam)</h3> -<p>This animal is slightly smaller than a house cat, with soft, -heavy fur and a bushy tail. The coloration above is rich, dark -brown, darker along the back and tail; face grayish; a large -patch of buff or orange on the throat and breast.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-44, RNP-108; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>Martens inhabit the forested regions of northern North -America. The Northwestern pine marten is found from southern -British Columbia south to northern California, in and west of -the Cascade Mountains.</p> -<p>It is fairly common from the park boundaries to forest line, -especially around the Paradise and White River valleys.</p> -<p>This beautiful and graceful member of the weasel family is -chiefly seen after nightfall, but is also occasionally encountered -along the trails during the day. At Paradise Valley a pair lived -in the old Community House for several years, and were the -source of a keen thrill to the visitors who saw them playing -around the building. For the most part the marten is a resident -of the dense forest. It is an expert climber, travels through the -trees almost as well as a squirrel, and is equally at home among -the talus slopes where it searches for conies.</p> -<p>The marten eats a wide variety of foods, with small game -such as mice most commonly taken. Chipmunks, wood rats, -squirrels, rabbits, pikas, birds and occasionally insects and berries -are other important food items. Young martens are usually -born from April to June and normally number around four to -six in a family. The home is located in hollow trees or logs, or -among the rocks.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">FISHER</span> -<br /><i>Martes pennanti</i> (Erxleben)</h3> -<p>The fisher is considerably larger than the marten, although -resembling this near relative in general characteristics. The -coloration above ranges from buffy gray to brownish black, with -the under parts black or blackish. The hair over the head, neck -<span class="pb" id="Page_71">71</span> -and shoulders has a grayish appearance. Spots of white may -occur on the throat and breast.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The fishers are now confined almost entirely to the northeastern -United States and Canada, west to British Columbia, although -rather common in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National -Park.</p> -<p>Its occurrence within the park is open to question as no -records have been obtained for several years. Investigation in -the more remote sectors may disclose its presence. It was once -known to range from the park boundaries to forest line.</p> -<p>The name “fisher” is somewhat of a misnomer, as the animal -is not known to catch fish or even to live close to streams. It will -eat fish if the opportunity arises, however. It has a wide variety -of common names, including that of pennant marten, pekan, and -black cat.</p> -<p>Like the marten, the fisher is a lover of the deep woods and -is reportedly very agile in the trees. It feeds principally upon -rabbits, squirrels, mice, small birds, and frogs. It is not adverse -to killing and eating the marten. One of its most interesting -sources of food is the porcupine, which the fisher manages to kill -without serious injury from the sharp quills. A litter of from -two to four young, which are born in a nest in a hollow log or -tree, are raised annually.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">MINK</span> -<br /><i>Mustela vison energumenos</i> (Bangs)</h3> -<p>The body of the mink is somewhat like that of a weasel, but -heavier and considerably larger. The legs and ears are short; the -tail is bushy. The coloration is brown, darkening along the back -and becoming almost black on the tail. Sometimes irregular -white streaks or spots occur on the throat, chest or belly.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The mink occurs over nearly all of North America, from the -Gulf of Mexico north to the Arctic Circle.</p> -<p>Records from the park are few in number and show that it -ranges mostly at the lower elevations, although it has been seen -<span class="pb" id="Page_72">72</span> -at lakes around 5,000 feet. Most records have been obtained along -the Nisqually and Ohanapecosh Rivers and around Lake Louise.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig23"> -<img src="images/pmg021.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="453" /> -<p class="pcap">The weasel is a tireless and efficient hunter.</p> -</div> -<p>The mink seems to be equally at home in the forests or in -the open meadows—all it requires is a watercourse or lake that -will supply food of some type. Minks are great travelers, often -following a stream for a considerable distance as they hunt. The -hunting pattern is erratic and every little thing that attracts -attention apparently bears investigating. This animal is an expert -swimmer and can go long distances under the water in pursuit -of fish. Other foods include almost any type of small mammal, -birds, eggs, frogs and crustaceans.</p> -<p>There seems to be no sense of fear in a mink and in a fight -it is an extremely dangerous adversary. Woe be unto the dog -that attempts to corner it, as even the largest dogs usually are -sent home with badly slashed faces. Like several other members -of the weasel family, a mink gives off a strong odor if disturbed.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">WASHINGTON WEASEL, LONG-TAILED WEASEL</span> -<br /><i>Mustela frenata washingtoni</i> (Merriam)</h3> -<p>The Washington weasel is the largest weasel known to occur -<span class="pb" id="Page_73">73</span> -in the park, measuring around fifteen inches in total length. During -the summer it is dark brown above, darker on the head, with -the under parts a dull yellow, lighter on the chin and throat. -About two inches of the tip of the tail is black. In the winter its -coloration may range from a dull brown, with white underparts, -to almost pure white except for a yellowish tinge on the belly, -rump and tail. The black tip of the tail remains unchanged.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-45, RNP-79, RNP-82, and -RNP-94; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>Weasels inhabit practically all of North America. The -Washington weasel is found in the Cascade Mountains of Washington -and Oregon, at least as far south as Fort Klamath, Oregon. -One specimen is reported from the Chicago Field Museum as -having been taken from Happy Lake in the Olympic Mountains.</p> -<p>In the park it is found from the lower elevations to forest -line and above, being especially common around the open valleys -between 4,000 and 5,000 feet.</p> -<p>Around Paradise Valley this weasel has found excellent -hunting near the Lodge and Inn. Here visitors spend considerable -time feeding chipmunks and ground squirrels, and attract -large numbers with the quantities of food offered. With the -slopes literally swarming with choice tid-bits, weasels have taken -over each summer and created havoc among the chipmunks and -ground squirrels, not to mention arousing the ire of all visitors -concerned. Yet some check is necessary on these rodents, which -might otherwise multiply beyond the ability of the habitat to -support them. In spite of the efforts of the angry onlookers, -mother weasel will dodge her way out among the fleeing animals -and capture one to take home for her young. Records show that -families of weasels have lived beneath the Lodge and Guide -House for several years, reaping a rich harvest of food each summer -from the rodent population.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">LEAST WEASEL, ERMINE</span> -<br /><i>Mustela ermina gulosa</i> Hall</h3> -<p>The least weasel is small, with a total length of around ten -inches. In the summer it is dark brown above, darkest on the -head, with the underparts whitish, usually tinged with pale yellow. -<span class="pb" id="Page_74">74</span> -The tip of the tail is black. In the winter the coat may -range in color from a light brown among animals at lower elevations -to a pure white at higher altitudes. The tip of the tail -remains black, however.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-70, RNP-87, and RNP-111; -Longmire Museum Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>This weasel ranges through the Cascade Mountains from -southwestern British Columbia to Southern Oregon.</p> -<p>It is found in the park throughout the forested regions, and -up as high as forest line, but is most abundant in the lower elevations.</p> -<p>The weasel never fails to impress one with its utter fearlessness -and bewildering agility. It is very inquisitive and will probe -around buildings as readily as the rocky slopes in its seemingly -never-ending search for food. Its victims are limited only by -their size, as the weasel shows no hesitation in attacking anything -that it can possibly kill. For the most part its food consists of -small rodents, such as chipmunks, ground squirrels and mice. -Its lust for killing, and the occasional damage it does around -poultry, combine to give it an exceedingly bad reputation which -completely overshadows the economic good it does. As a natural -control of rodent pests in agricultural and grazing regions it has -no equal.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">WOLVERINE</span> -<br /><i>Gulo luscus luteus</i> Elliot</h3> -<p>The wolverine has a stocky body, with a powerful head, -neck and legs. The legs and tail are short, the coloration is -blackish or dark brown, a broad, yellowish band beginning at -the shoulders runs along either side and reunites on the animal’s -rump. The lower parts are generally blackish, except for the -throat and chest, which are usually mottled with white or salmon -color. Large males may measure as much as three feet in length, -including the tail, which is about ten inches long, and weigh up -to fifty pounds.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The wolverine formerly ranged from the Atlantic to the -Pacific Ocean, through the extreme northeastern states, Wisconsin, -<span class="pb" id="Page_75">75</span> -Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and -Oregon northward to the Arctic Ocean. It is believed to be extinct -or nearly so over much of its original range in the United -States, although it is reported to occur in fair numbers in -Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.</p> -<p>From 1897 to 1918 wolverines were occasionally reported -from the park area, but there have been none recorded since -1933, when one was observed near the White River Ranger Station.</p> -<p>Known by a variety of common names ranging from glutton, -carcajou, mountain devil, skunk bear, to maneater, the wolverine -lives up to any or all of them. A member of the weasel family, -it has somewhat the general build and habits of a small bear. -Fierce and ready to fight anything that walks, it is a terrifying -animal to face. Even such a huge animal as an elk is attacked -without hesitation. Its cunning and boldness is greatly respected -by the Indians, who believe it to be inhabited by an evil spirit. -For the most part it hunts by night and wanders great distances -in search of food.</p> -<p>It will eat any kind of game it can kill, a list which is extensive. -Not being able to entirely satisfy an enormous appetite -by killing, the wolverine also consumes all the dead carcasses -that can be located. It is famous for destruction along trap lines, -methodically following the line and eating anything that has -been caught. Suspicious and canny, it is difficult to lure into a -trap, and often if caught will gain its freedom by smashing even -a heavy trap to pieces.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">PACIFIC OTTER</span> -<br /><i>Lutra canadensis pacifica</i> Rhoads</h3> -<p>The otter is one of the largest members of the weasel family, -somewhat minklike in general appearance, with a small head and -rather short legs. The feet are webbed and the tail is thick and -tapering toward the tip. The general coloration above is dark -chestnut-brown, becoming somewhat paler on the underparts, -throat and cheeks.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<p>Otters are geographically distributed over most of North -America. The Pacific Otter is found from Oregon, Washington -and British Columbia northward as far as the coast of Alaska.</p> -<p>Recent years have failed to produce any records from the -park, and there is some doubt that the otter still exists in the -area. However, it was reported by Dr. C. Hart Merriam as fairly -common along the Nisqually Valley in 1897, while there were reports -from the park in later years. Thus it may be that this -animal is still present in some more remote sectors.</p> -<p>Although adapted for living either on land or in the water, -the otter seems to prefer the water. It is a graceful, powerful -swimmer, and delights in frolicking in pools deep enough to -allow lots of freedom of action. Playful by nature, it often -amuses itself by sliding down banks into the water, repeating the -performance time and again until a well defined slide is made. -Its food is made up of a wide variety of animal life, ranging from -fish, crayfish, frogs, snakes and birds to small mammals.</p> -<p>In one way it is unfortunate that the otter has such a valuable -pelt, because it has been relentlessly trapped wherever -found; so much so, in fact, that only in areas protected against -trapping is it likely to continue to hold its own or multiply.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">LITTLE SPOTTED SKUNK</span> -<br /><i>Spilogale gracilis latifrons</i> Merriam</h3> -<p>This animal has a slender body about a foot in length, with -short legs and a plumelike tail. The general coloration is black -with a prominent white spot on the forehead, four white stripes -running from the head onto the back, white patches and stripes -along the sides, the rump spotted white, and the tail broadly -white-tipped.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The spotted skunks, often erroneously called “civet cats,” -are found over most of the United States.</p> -<p>The little spotted skunk occurs on the west side of the Cascade -Mountains of Washington, and through the Olympic Peninsula -to the westward. The northern limits of range are not clearly -defined.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<p>In Mount Rainier National Park it has been reported from -near Longmire, Tahoma Creek and Carbon River. In 1897 records -show that it was fairly common in the Nisqually River Valley, -but in recent years observations have become extremely limited. -Its present status must be considered as uncommon to rare.</p> -<p>This is without doubt the most interesting as well as the -handsomest skunk in the Northwest. Unlike its larger cousin, -the Puget Sound striped skunk, this little animal is graceful and -rather agile. Seldom is it seen during the day time, preferring to -roam about in search of food during the night. Its travels take -it over a wide area, and it shows a fondness for man-made buildings. -It has been known to occupy attics in dwellings, and one -disconcerted wife of a National Park Service employee found -one casually strolling through the hallway of her house one -night! It is rather playful and even tempered, and seldom resorts -to the strong perfume it carries.</p> -<p>Its food is varied, and may include almost anything from -insects and reptiles to small rodents. As a mouser it rivals a cat -in effectiveness. Sometimes referred to as the “hydrophobia -skunk” or “phoby-cat” it has had a bad reputation in the past as -a carrier of hydrophobia. However, the belief so prevalent -among many people that its bite will always produce this dread -malady has no foundation in fact. Many animals may carry -hydrophobia, and there are few authentic records of the skunks -as carriers.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">PUGET SOUND STRIPED SKUNK</span> -<br /><i>Mephitis mephitis spissigrada</i> Bangs</h3> -<p>Larger and stockier than the little spotted skunk, the Puget -Sound striped skunk is black, with a narrow white stripe through -the forehead, a broad white stripe starting on the head and dividing -at the shoulders into two broad stripes that run back -along the sides of the body. There are long white hairs on the -tail; the tip of the tail is black.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> RNP-43, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters.</p> -<p>The Puget Sound striped skunk is found from northwestern -Oregon through the lowlands of western Washington and into -the Puget Sound section of southern British Columbia.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>In the park it has been recorded only once. This lone record -was from near the Nisqually Entrance where one was killed on -the highway by an automobile.</p> -<p>This type of skunk is well known throughout the United -States. Its cousins through the Middle West, East and South are -familiar to every farm boy. Its struggle for existence has been -seriously threatened in many localities because of the value of -its fur. Because it prefers open country to dense forests and -mountains, it occupies the same regions as man.</p> -<p>The skunk is by nature a timid and gentle animal, and by -moving slowly it is possible to approach one with no fear of disastrous -results. However, practically anyone will agree that it is -a safer course to simply let the skunk go its way unmolested. -The powers of persuasion it possesses are not to be taken lightly!</p> -<h3><span class="ss">NORTHWESTERN COUGAR</span> -<br /><i>Felis concolor oregonensis</i> Rafinesque</h3> -<p>The cougar is the largest of the cats found in the region, -measuring up to more than eight feet in total length and weighing -150 pounds or more. The body is slender, with a small head -and long tail. Its coloration above may range from reddish -brown to gray brown, darkest along the back. The underparts -are whitish with the light areas extending forward as far as the -chin. The tail is brown with a prominent black tip. Young -cougars are somewhat lighter in color, with large dark spots -along the back and sides.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Mounted specimen at the Forest -House at Ohanapecosh.</p> -<p>Cougars, or mountain lions, were formerly found over practically -all of the United States, but are now extinct over most of -their original range.</p> -<p>The Northwestern cougar ranges from northern California -through Oregon and Washington into British Columbia. It is -fairly common in some parts of its range.</p> -<p>In the park it may be found from the lower elevations up to -forest line. Most records have come from around the Nisqually -<span class="pb" id="Page_79">79</span> -River drainage and from the west side of the park. However, it -is apparently well distributed throughout the region.</p> -<p>Probably no animal found within the park affects the visitor -as does the cougar. To many people it is regarded as a highly -dangerous, blood-thirsty creature awaiting only a chance to -pounce upon some unsuspecting hiker. On the contrary, there -are few animals in the woods that are as shy or that run faster -from humans than does the cougar. The chances of actually observing -one in the wilds are very remote, as the lion usually sees -without being seen, and beats a hasty retreat.</p> -<p>Much has been said pro and con about the ability of the -cougar to emit a “scream.” Much depends upon the person’s -conception of what makes up a “scream.” For the most part the -cougar is silent, but contrary to what is often claimed, it does -have the ability to express itself vocally. At times it may utter a -loud cry that reminds one somewhat of the caterwaul of a domesticated -tomcat. One female lion in a zoo gave a long series of -such squalls when her kitten was taken from her. The so-called -“woman in agony” scream, so often attributed to the cougar, is -more likely that of the grown young of the great horned owl.</p> -<p>The cougar is also well known because of its great liking for -venison, and without doubt it accounts for several deer a year. -To say that a lion kills large numbers of deer each year (some -persons claim as high as 100 per year) is something that needs -clarification. There is little doubt that when deer are abundant -a lion will get a considerable number; conversely when deer are -not common the number taken will be low. Under natural conditions -the lion serves as an important “control” upon the numbers -of deer in any given region, for the most part killing old -animals that have passed their prime or young deer that aren’t -sufficiently alert, so offering no real threat to the deer population -as a whole, but definitely helping to preserve forest reproduction -from destruction by preventing an excessive multiplication of -deer.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">BOBCAT, NORTHWESTERN WILDCAT</span> -<br /><i>Lynx rufus fasciatus</i> Rafinesque</h3> -<p>The bobcat is a typical member of the cat tribe, and resembles -the common domestic cat in many respects. It differs in -<span class="pb" id="Page_80">80</span> -size, being perhaps twice as large, has longer legs, a very short -tail, and big feet. The Northwestern Wildcat is a rich rufous -brown over the back, grizzled with black; paler on the sides; -with white underparts splotched with black. The legs are barred -with dark brown and black. The tail is dark brown above with -black bars, the extreme tip and underside is white. The ears are -slightly tufted, the side whiskers or throat ruff are conspicuous.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters.</p> -<p>Bobcats are found in all of the United States, and northward -into western Canada.</p> -<p>The Northwestern wildcat occurs in northwestern California, -Oregon, Washington, and southwestern British Columbia. The -cats are uncommon in Mount Rainier National Park, where their -range is apparently confined mostly to the lower elevations near -the southern and western boundaries.</p> -<p>Of all the wild creatures of the woods, the bobcat is perhaps -the shyest. Many woodsmen of several years experience can count -upon the fingers of one hand the cats they have seen, with the -exception of those caught in traps or treed by dogs. Often it is -only by observation of their tracks or sign that their presence is -revealed. This is all the more remarkable when it is understood -that like domestic cats, they hunt by day as well as by night.</p> -<p>Their habits are typically cat-like. They prey upon rodents -and birds, and may occasionally kill deer, particularly fawns.</p> -<h3><span class="ss">CANADA LYNX</span> -<br /><i>Lynx canadensis canadensis</i> Kerr</h3> -<p>The lynx is like the bobcat in size and build, but is lighter in -color, and may further be distinguished by the black tipped tail, -longer ear tufts, more conspicuous side whiskers, and broad -spreading feet.</p> -<p><i>Specimens in park collection:</i> None.</p> -<p>The range of the lynx is principally in Canada, although it -extends into northern Oregon in the Northwest, southward in -the Rocky Mountains into Colorado, and as far south as Pennsylvania -in the northeast.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>Taylor and Shaw, in <i>Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier -National Park</i>, 1927, observe that, “The shy and secretive habits -of the members of the cat tribe make their study unusually difficult. -At the outset one finds himself practically restricted to an -examination of tracks and sign. These indicate the abundance of -cats of the genus <i>Lynx</i> (either lynx or bobcat) in suitable locations -throughout the park. The Canada lynx is confined to higher -portions of the park, the bobcat to lower altitudes. J. B. Flett -reports the capture of a Canada lynx some years ago by C. A. -Stoner in the Sawtooth Range just south of the park.</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“Tracks and sign ... were most in evidence on the backbone -ridges at or just above timberline.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>For the past several years there have been no authentic records -of the Canada lynx in the park, and it is extremely doubtful -that the animal now occurs within park boundaries.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<h2 id="c8">HYPOTHETICAL LIST</h2> -<p>Although not known to occur in Mount Rainier National -Park prior to the date of this publication, the following mammals -may be recorded:</p> -<dl class="undent"><dt>Alaska Brown Bat, <i>Myotis lucifugus alascensis</i> Miller</dt> -<dt>Longeared Bat, <i>Myotis evotis pacificus</i> Dalquest</dt> -<dt>Northwest Coast Bat, <i>Myotis californicus caurinus</i> Miller</dt> -<dt>Big Brown Bat, <i>Eptesicus fuscus bernardinus</i> Rhoads</dt> -<dt>Puget Sound Weasel, <i>Mustela ermina streatori</i> (Merriam)</dt> -<dt>Townsend Chipmunk, <i>Tamias townsendii townsendii</i> Bachman</dt> -<dt>Yellow Pine Chipmunk, <i>Tamias amoenus affinis</i> Allen</dt> -<dt>Oregon Flying Squirrel, <i>Glaucomys sabrinus oregonensis</i> (Bachman)</dt></dl> -<p>The occurrence of the following mammals was listed by Taylor -and Shaw, <i>Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National -Park</i>, 1927, as follows:</p> -<dl class="undent"><dt>Muskrat, <i>Ondatra zibethicus osoyoosensis</i> (Lord). “In lower portions of the park; apparently now trapped out within its boundaries.”</dt> -<dt>Norway Rat, <i>Rattus norvegicus norvegicus</i> (Erxleben). “Here included on the authority of J. B. Flett, who has observed it at Longmire.”</dt> -<dt>House Mouse, <i>Mus musculus</i> Linnaeus subsp? “At Longmire; at present scarce, perhaps extirpated.”</dt></dl> -<p>It is believed that the three species above are not now found -within the park.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<h2 id="c9">BIBLIOGRAPHY</h2> -<dl class="undent"><dt>ANTHONY, H. E.</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1928 </span><i>Field Book of North American Mammals. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dt>BAILEY, V.</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1936 </span><i>The Mammals and Life Zones of Oregon, North American Fauna, Number 55, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dt>BROCKMAN, C. FRANK</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1947 </span><i>Flora of Mount Rainier National Park. U. S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dt>DALQUEST, WALTER W.</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1948 </span><i>Mammals of Washington. University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, Volume 2.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dt>HAMILTON, W. J. JR.</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1939 </span><i>American Mammals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dt>SETON, ERNEST THOMPSON</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1929 </span><i>Lives of Game Animals, Volumes 1-4. Doubleday, Doran and Company, Inc., Garden City, New York.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dt>TAYLOR, W. P., and SHAW, W. T.</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1927 </span><i>Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park. U. S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.</i></dd> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1929 </span><i>Provisional List of the Land Mammals of the State of Washington. Occasional Papers of the Charles R. Conner Museum, Number 2.</i></dd></dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<dl class="undent"><dt>WRIGHT, GEORGE M., and THOMPSON, BEN H.</dt> -<dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1935 </span><i>Fauna of the National Parks of the United States, Fauna Series Number 2. U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1905 </span><i>Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1923-1938 </span><i>Mount Rainier National Park Nature Notes, Volumes 1-13.</i></dd></dl> -<dl class="undent"><dd class="ri"><span class="cn">1931-1948 </span><i>Annual Wildlife Census, Mount Rainier National Park.</i></dd></dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<h2 id="c10">INDEX OF COMMON NAMES</h2> -<dl class="index"> -<dt>BAT</dt> -<dd>Alaska Brown, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Big Brown, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Long-Eared, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Miller, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></dd> -<dd>Northwest Coast, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Northwestern Long-Legged, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></dd> -<dd>Silver-Haired, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></dd> -<dd>Townsend Lump-Nosed, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></dd> -<dt>BEAVER</dt> -<dd>Mount Rainier Mountain, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></dd> -<dd>Pacific, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></dd> -<dt>BEAR, Olympic Black, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></dt> -<dt>BOBCAT, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></dt> -<dt>CHIPMUNK</dt> -<dd>Cooper, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></dd> -<dd>Hollister, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></dd> -<dd>Townsend, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Yellow Pine, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dt>COUGAR, Northwestern, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></dt> -<dt>COYOTE, Mountain, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></dt> -<dt>DEER</dt> -<dd>Columbian Black-tailed, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></dd> -<dd>Rocky Mountain Mule, <a href="#Page_18">18</a></dd> -<dt>ELK</dt> -<dd>American, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></dd> -<dd>Roosevelt, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></dd> -<dt>FISHER, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></dt> -<dt>FOX, Cascade Red, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></dt> -<dt>GOAT, Cascade Mountain, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></dt> -<dt>GOPHER, Rainier Pocket, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></dt> -<dt>HARE</dt> -<dd>Cascade Varying, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></dd> -<dd>Washington Varying, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></dd> -<dt>LYNX, Canada, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></dt> -<dt>MARMOT, Cascade Hoary, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></dt> -<dt>MARTEN, Northwestern Pine, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></dt> -<dt>MINK, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></dt> -<dt>MOLE</dt> -<dd>Coast, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></dd> -<dd>Townsend, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></dd> -<dd>Gibbs Shrew-Mole, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></dd> -<dt>MOUSE</dt> -<dd>Cascade Meadow, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></dd> -<dd>Cascade Red-Backed, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></dd> -<dd>House, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Mountain Lemming, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></dd> -<dd>Northwestern Jumping, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></dd> -<dd>Olympic Meadow, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></dd> -<dd>Oregon Meadow, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></dd> -<dd>Washington White-Footed, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></dd> -<dt>MUSKRAT, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dt>OTTER, Pacific, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></dt> -<dt>PIKA, Cascade, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></dt> -<dt>PORCUPINE, Yellow-Haired, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></dt> -<dt>RACCOON, Pacific, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></dt> -<dt>RAT</dt> -<dd>Norway, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Western Bushy-Tailed Wood, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></dd> -<dt>SHREW</dt> -<dd>Bendire Water, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>Cinereous, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>Navigator Water, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>Olympic Dusky, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></dd> -<dd>Trowbridge, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>Wandering, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></dd> -<dt>SKUNK</dt> -<dd>Little Spotted, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></dd> -<dd>Puget Sound Striped, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></dd> -<dt>SQUIRREL</dt> -<dd>Cascade Flying, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></dd> -<dd>Douglas Pine, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></dd> -<dd>Oregon Flying, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Washington Mantled Ground, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></dd> -<dt>WEASEL</dt> -<dd>Least, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></dd> -<dd>Puget Sound, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>Washington, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></dd> -<dt>WOLF, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></dt> -<dt>WOLVERINE, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<h2 id="c11">INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES</h2> -<dl class="index"> -<dt>Aplodontia rufa rainieri, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></dt> -<dt>Canis latrans lestes, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></dt> -<dd>lupus fuscus, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></dd> -<dt>Castor canadensis leucodonta, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></dt> -<dt>Cervus canadensis nelsoni, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></dt> -<dd>canadensis roosevelti, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></dd> -<dt>Citellus saturatus, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></dt> -<dt>Clethrionomys gapperi cascadensis, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></dt> -<dt>Corynorhinus rafinesque townsendii, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></dt> -<dt>Eptesicus fuscus bernardinus, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dt>Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></dt> -<dt>Felis concolor oregonensis, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></dt> -<dt>Glaucomys sabrinus fuliginosus, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></dt> -<dd>sabrinus oregonensis, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dt>Gulo luscus luteus, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></dt> -<dt>Lasconycteris noctivagans, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></dt> -<dt>Lepus americanus cascadensis, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></dt> -<dd>americanus washingtonii, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></dd> -<dt>Lutra canadensis pacifica, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></dt> -<dt>Lynx canadensis canadensis, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></dt> -<dd>rufus fasciatus, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></dd> -<dt>Marmota caligata cascadensis, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></dt> -<dt>Martes caurina caurina, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></dt> -<dd>pennanti, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></dd> -<dt>Mephitis mephitis spissigrada, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></dt> -<dt>Microtus longicaudus macrurus, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></dt> -<dd>oregoni oregoni, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></dd> -<dd>richardsonii arvicoloides, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></dd> -<dt>Mus musculus, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dt>Mustela ermina gulosa, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></dt> -<dd>ermina streatori, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>frenata washingtoni, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></dd> -<dd>vison energumenos, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></dd> -<dt>Myotis californicus caurinus, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dd>epotis pacificus, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>lucifugus alascensis, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dd>volans longicrus, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></dd> -<dd>yumanensis saturatus, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></dd> -<dt>Neotoma cinerea occidentalis, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></dt> -<dt>Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></dt> -<dt>Ochotona princeps brunnescens, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></dt> -<dt>Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></dt> -<dd>hemionus hemionus, <a href="#Page_18">18</a></dd> -<dt>Ondatra zibethicus osoyoosensis, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dt>Oreamnos americanus americanus, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></dt> -<dt>Peromyscus maniculatus oreas, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></dt> -<dt>Phenacomys intermedius oramontis, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></dt> -<dt>Procyon lotor psora, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></dt> -<dt>Rattus norvegicus norvegicus, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dt>Scapanus orarius orarius, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></dt> -<dd>townsendii, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></dd> -<dt>Sorex bendirii bendirii, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dt> -<dd>cinereus cinereus, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>obscurus setosus, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></dd> -<dd>palustris navigator, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>trowbridgii trowbridgii, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></dd> -<dd>vagrans vagrans, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></dd> -<dt>Spilogale gracilis latifrons, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></dt> -<dt>Tamias amoenus affinis, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dt> -<dd>amoenus ludibundus, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></dd> -<dd>townsendii cooperi, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></dd> -<dd>townsendii townsendii, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></dd> -<dt>Tamiasciurus douglasii douglasii, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></dt> -<dt>Thomomys talpoides shawi, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></dt> -<dt>Ursus americanus altifrontalis, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></dt> -<dt>Vulpes fulva cascadensis, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></dt> -<dt>Zapus princeps trinotatus, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<h2 id="c12"><i>Notes</i></h2> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul><li>Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Corrected a few palpable typographical errors.</li> -<li>In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.</li></ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park, by -Merlin K. 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file mode 100644 index 164c81f..0000000 --- a/old/52390.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3675 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park, by -Merlin K. Potts and Russell K. Grater - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park - -Author: Merlin K. Potts - Russell K. Grater - -Release Date: June 21, 2016 [EBook #52390] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAMMALS--MT RAINIER NAT PARK *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Dave Morgan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - MAMMALS - of - MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK - - - MERLIN K. POTTS - _Assistant Park Naturalist_ - and - RUSSELL K. GRATER - _Park Naturalist_ - - Copyright 1949 by - Mount Rainier - Natural History Association - - Published by - THE MOUNT RAINIER - NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION - Longmire, Washington - 1949 - - - - - FOREWORD - - -There are few places remaining in this country today where one may -observe wild animals in a natural setting, free to move about, -unrestricted by bars or enclosures, and exhibiting little of the -instinctive fear of man instilled through many wildlife generations by -the advance and expansion of settlement and civilization. - -The national parks are among the greatest wildlife sanctuaries of the -world. Most wild creatures are quick to recognize the protection -afforded by such a refuge, and thus become less shy and elusive than -they are elsewhere. As a result of protection, it is not difficult to -attain an acquaintance with these wilderness folk. - -To know Nature in her various forms is to increase appreciation of the -natural scene. It is for this purpose that _Mammals of Mount Rainier -National Park_ has been written, the third of a series published by the -Mount Rainier Natural History Association. - - JOHN C. PRESTON - Superintendent - Mount Rainier National Park - United States Department of the Interior - - - - - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - - -The writers of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park are indebted to -the following individuals for their critical assistance and -encouragement in the preparation of the manuscript: - -Dr. A. Svihla, _Zoology Department, University of Washington_, - -Mr. Herbert Evison, _Chief of Information, National Park Service_, - -Mr. Victor H. Cahalane, _Biologist, National Park Service_, - -Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, _Regional Biologist, Region Four, National Park -Service_. - -Through their constructive suggestions the finished publication has been -materially strengthened. - -Photographs were obtained through the courtesy of Mount Rainier, -Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Glacier National Parks; and Mr. Joseph -M. Dixon, Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, and Mr. F. J. McGrail. - - _Merlin K. Potts_ - _Russell K. Grater_ - - - - - CONTENTS - - - _Page_ - Foreword iii - Acknowledgements iv - Introduction 1 - Wildlife Trends 2 - Wildlife Problems 3 - Life Zones of Mount Rainier 7 - The Mammals 13 - Hypothetical List 82 - Bibliography 83 - Index of Common Names 85 - Index of Scientific Names 86 - - - - - ILLUSTRATIONS - - - _Page_ - Cascade mantled ground squirrel _cover_ - Bench Lake, Hudsonian life zone _frontispiece_ - Black bear 5 - Forest scene, Humid Transition life zone 9 - Forest scene, Canadian life zone 10 - Paradise Valley, Hudsonian life zone 12 - Colonnade, Arctic-alpine life zone 14 - Black-tailed deer and fawns 15 - New-born fawn of black-tailed deer 16 - Mountain goat 22 - Black bear and cubs 24 - Cascade hoary marmot 28 - Hollister chipmunk 31 - Cascade mantled ground squirrel 33 - Douglas pine squirrel 35 - Cascade flying squirrel 37 - Beaver 39 - Yellow-haired porcupine 45 - White-footed mouse 51 - Coyote 64 - Cascade red fox, "silver" phase 67 - Marten 69 - Washington weasel 72 - - [Illustration: Bench Lake, Hudsonian life zone lakeshore-fireburn - habitat. This type of cover is extensively utilized in summer by the - coyote and black-tailed deer, and on the southern exposures by the - Hollister chipmunk and mantled ground squirrel. The lake shore is - favored by the water-loving shrews.] - - - - - THE MAMMALS OF - MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK - - - - - INTRODUCTION - - -In looking back through the years during which mammal studies have been -carried on at Mount Rainier, three periods stand out in which -considerable field research was accomplished. The first of these was in -July and August, 1897, when a party headed by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, -Vernon Bailey, Dr. A. K. Fisher and Walter K. Fisher made the first -field studies of the mammals of the park. Following this very important -piece of work there was a lull in field activities until the summer of -1919 when a party working under the auspices of the National Park -Service and the Bureau of Biological Survey conducted studies on the -local bird and mammal populations. In this party were such well known -scientists as Dr. Walter P. Taylor, in charge, George G. Cantwell, -Stanley G. Jewett, Professor J. B. Flett, Professor William T. Shaw, -Professor J. W. Hungate and Mr. and Mrs. William L. Finley. Upon the -completion of this study there was again a long period in which little -of a systematic nature was accomplished. The last period of note came -during the years 1934-1936 when Mr. E. A. Kitchin, a member of the -Wildlife Division of the National Park Service, supervised field studies -in various portions of the park. Many of these studies were concerned -with observational data rather than extensive collecting. For the next -few years only brief observations from members of the park staff were -added to the park records. Then, during the summer of 1947, special -studies were begun by the Naturalist Staff on the status of the mountain -goat and the problems arising from a foot disease that occurred in the -deer population. It is planned that other special studies shall be -carried on in future years, designed to clarify the status of other -important mammalian species in the park. - -Because of the extensive data that have slowly accumulated through the -years since the 1919 survey, the need for a publication to bring all -information up to date has become increasingly apparent. This booklet is -designed to answer that need. - -The sequence of species used brings many of the larger animals ahead of -the smaller and more obscure kinds, and thus does not in many cases -follow in systematic order. However, it is felt that the order used best -meets the needs in a publication of this type. Common names selected are -those most generally accepted for the animals in question. - - - - - WILDLIFE TRENDS - - -When the first wildlife survey was made in 1897 it is likely that the -conditions of that year came nearest to representing the original status -of the various species--a status that has changed drastically in many -instances in the years that have followed. At that time the park was -little known and the faunal relationships were relatively undisturbed. -In the years since 1900, however, the region has experienced radical -changes. Trappers have reduced the fur bearers in large numbers, logging -activities in the valleys and on the mountain slopes near the park have -entirely changed the ecology of the region. Many important predators, -such as the wolf and wolverine, either became extinct or virtually so, -while the changing forest scene due to fires and logging brought new -species into prominence, such as the porcupine and coyote. Recently elk, -released in the nearby valleys, have entered the park and are now firmly -established, promising still new changes in the mammal picture as time -goes on. In many respects Mount Rainier has become a biotic island in a -region where the original conditions no longer exist except in the park. -The smallness of this biotic island makes it impossible for even an -undeveloped area of this type to represent really primitive conditions. -Thus the park today cannot be considered as representing the original -wilderness as seen by the first white men to enter the region. It is -merely as near the original wilderness as it has been possible to keep -it in the midst of all the changes brought about by man. - -However, by the preservation of the natural environment, the National -Park Service does much to conserve the wildlife as well. In many -instances the national parks are among the last remaining refuges for -rare and vanishing species of wildlife. The wolverine, the grizzly bear, -and the wolf, now extinct over much of their range in North America, may -still be found in these sanctuaries, and, along with other species, -these creatures of the remote wilderness are fighting their battle of -survival in the only areas left to them. - -Extirpated species, those native forms which are known to have existed -in some areas, but which have since disappeared, are being restored -where possible. The muskrat, formerly present in Mount Rainier National -Park, now not known to occur, is an example of an extirpated species -which should be restored. - - - - - WILDLIFE PROBLEMS - - -Since the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916, it has -become increasingly obvious that the occupation of the national parks by -man and wildlife must inevitably result in wildlife problems. The act -creating the National Park Service is specific in its language; it says -that the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of -the areas by such means and measures necessary "to conserve the scenery -and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to -provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means -as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." - -The apparent inconsistency presents itself immediately. Natural features -must be conserved and protected, they must not be impaired, yet -provision must be made for their enjoyment by the millions of visitors -who come to the national parks each year. The course that must be -followed, then, is one of permitting modification of the natural scene -only to the degree required to provide for perpetual enjoyment of "the -scenery, the natural and historic objects and the wildlife." - -The relations between man and the wildlife of the national parks are -complex. Both occupy the parks, with equal rights to that occupancy. It -can scarcely be argued that man is not a part of the natural scene; -certainly there is nothing essentially unnatural in the progress of our -civilization from the dawn of history to the present. In the national -parks, however, the _unimpaired_ values to be preserved are those of the -_primitive natural scene_. Man can strive to maintain these values, -unimpaired, because he has the power of reason. Through that power he -can recognize the effect of his conflict with nature, and so prevent the -destruction of the primitive natural scene by a proper regulation of his -acts. - -Specifically, the wildlife problems now readily recognized in Mount -Rainier National Park are those which have developed because of -relations between man and mammals. The deer, bear, and raccoon are -outstanding examples. In the developed areas of the park many of these -animals have become so accustomed to the proximity of man that they no -longer exhibit timidity in his presence. They are essentially "wild" -animals, yet because of close association with man for several wildlife -generations, they may be practically considered as "semi-domestic" -animals. - -This "semi-domesticity" is a problem in itself. First, it is not in -keeping with the primitive natural scene. The true wildlife picture is -not one of a deer eating from a visitor's hand; that is scarcely more -natural than seeing the animal within the fenced enclosure of a zoo. The -artificial feeding of any form of wildlife is objectionable for several -other reasons. Such feeding encourages an unnatural concentration of the -animals in restricted localities, thus increasing the danger of the -spread of any contagious disease or infection. In the case of deer, -feeding affects, often disastrously, the normal habit of migration to -lower elevations in winter. Deer encouraged by feeding to remain at -Longmire, for example, encounter difficult times during the winter -months. Natural forage is buried beneath the snow, migratory routes to -the lowlands are blocked, and starvation is not unusual. - -In every instance, experience has shown that when animals are hand-fed, -petted, and tamed, the results have been detrimental to both the animals -and to man. The "tamed" animals are often dangerous, or may become so. -Even the harmless appearing deer may, and do, inflict severe injuries by -striking with the fore feet or hooking with the antlers, and bears often -strike or bite, once they have lost their instinctive fear of man. When -any animal becomes dangerous, the only solutions are to eliminate the -danger by killing the animal, or to live-trap and remove it to a more -isolated section of the park. The latter is often a temporary expedient -because the animal is likely to return almost at once to its original -home. - - [Illustration: "Semi-domestic" bears may become unruly. Such animals - must be live-trapped and removed to isolated sections of the park. A - wary bruin is often suspicious of the trap.] - -That many park visitors are entirely unaware of the concept of -presenting wildlife in its natural setting is exemplified by the man who -dashed excitedly into the Chief Ranger's office and breathlessly -exclaimed, "Hey, one of your bears is loose!" Park animals are not "zoo -animals." They have simply adapted themselves to man's presence, and -although their habits have been materially changed in many instances, -they retain the wild instinct to fight when cornered, to strike back -against a real or fancied danger, to quarrel with anything which seeks -to rob them of food. It seems hardly necessary to emphasize the futility -of attempting to argue the right to possession of a choice morsel with a -three-hundred-pound bear. - -Bears are often condemned as nuisances because they rob the camper's -food cache, even to the extent of forcing open locked cupboards or -entering automobiles. Raccoons may make a shambles of food stores, if -the larder is left unprotected. That these things are nuisances is true, -but had the animals not been encouraged to expect food, it is unlikely -that they would go to such lengths to obtain it. The original approach -was undoubtedly made by man, not by the animal, and man has little -reason to condemn, under the circumstances. The sad sequence, however, -is that it is all too often the unsuspecting innocent who suffers. One -party entices a bear into camp today, feeds the animal, and moves on. -Tomorrow another camper receives a rude shock when bruin moves in and -appropriates his food supply. - -It appears then, that these wildlife problems, which have developed -through man's influence upon the animals, have been brought about by -man's failure to employ his power of reason, his failure to recognize -the effect he may have upon the natural scene. Indeed, it would seem, in -many instances, that man is the problem, not the animals. They have -adapted themselves to a condition at variance with their nature; man has -failed to do so. - -These problems, and others which are similar, are not impossible of -solution. Of the many phases of wildlife management that are a part of -the adjustments to be made in our relations with the animals of the -parks, these of living together must be approached by our recognition of -the need for such adjustment. The late George M. Wright has well -expressed the goal to be attained: - - "These problems are of such magnitude that some observers have - concluded that only the childish idealist, pathetically blind to the - practical obstacles, would attempt to accomplish the thing. There are - others who believe the effort is warranted. Much of man's genuine - progress is dependent upon the degree to which he is capable of this - sort of control. If we destroy nature blindly, it is a boomerang which - will be our undoing. - - "Consecration to the task of adjusting ourselves to natural - environment so that we secure the best values from nature without - destroying it is not useless idealism; it is good hygiene for - civilization. - - "In this lies the true portent of this national parks effort. Fifty - years from now we shall still be wrestling with the problems of joint - occupation of national parks by men and mammals, but it is reasonable - to predict that we shall have mastered some of the simplest - maladjustments. It is far better to pursue such a course though - success be but partial than to relax in despair and allow the - destructive forces to operate unchecked." - - - - - LIFE ZONES OF MOUNT RAINIER - - -Life zones, as defined in relation to plant and animal life, are areas -inhabited by more or less definite groups of plants and animals. The -classification of these zones which is accepted by many biologists was -devised by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, who named six zones; the Arctic-alpine, -Hudsonian, Canadian, Transition, Upper Sonoran and Lower Sonoran. If one -travels from the Southwestern United States into the high country of the -Rockies or the Pacific Northwest, he will pass through all six of these -zones, beginning with the Lower Sonoran, or low desert zone, through the -Upper Sonoran, or high desert, and so on through the others until the -highest, or Arctic-alpine Zone is reached. The area immediately adjacent -to Puget Sound, for example, falls within the Transition Zone. Moving -inland toward Mount Rainier, one passes from the Transition into the -Canadian Zone, usually a short distance inside the park boundaries, and -the major portion of Mount Rainier National Park is within the upper -three zones. - -Temperature is the basis for the separation of these zones, and -temperature, as we know, is affected by both altitude and latitude. In -general a difference of 1,000 feet in altitude is equivalent to a -difference of 300 miles in latitude. Variation in latitude explains the -high elevation of tree line in the southern Sierra Nevada of California -in relation to the comparatively low limit of tree growth in northern -British Columbia or Alaska. Variation in temperature explains the -tremendous difference in size and variety of tree species at 2,000 feet -and at forest line, 6,500 feet, on Mount Rainier. On a very high -mountain we might find all six of the life zones represented. The -mountain presenting such a condition, however, would necessarily be -located in a more southern latitude than Mount Rainier. - -Four life zones are represented in Mount Rainier National Park: the -Transition Zone, which occupies the lower elevations of the park up to -3,000 feet; the Canadian Zone, which, with the exception of the -Transition area, extends from park boundaries to about 5,000 feet; the -Hudsonian Zone, with an altitudinal range of from approximately 5,000 to -6,500 feet; and the Arctic-alpine Zone, from 6,500 feet to the summit of -the Mountain. - -As stated previously, the zones are inhabited by more or less definite -groups of plants and animals, but there is no distinct line of -demarcation between the various zones, and there is often considerable -variation in the altitudinal distribution of plants. If temperature and -moisture were uniform at a given altitude, the zones would probably be -quite distinct. However, these conditions are obviously not uniform. On -northern exposures, for example, there is less evaporation, consequently -soil moisture is increased, and lack of sunshine results in lower -temperatures. Plants which normally occur at 5,000 feet on a sunny -southern exposure may be found at a lower elevation on northern slopes, -and the reverse is true, of course, with a reversal of exposures. - -Such variation is even more marked in the distribution of mammals and -birds. Many species are characteristic of one or more life zones, -depending upon the season of the year, the scarcity or abundance of -food, and other factors. - -For example, deer occupy the Transition or the extreme lower limits of -the Canadian Zone in winter, but in summer range up to and occasionally -beyond the limits of the Hudsonian Zone. Goats normally range within the -upper limits of the Hudsonian and upward into the Arctic-alpine Zone in -summer, but are most commonly found in the lower Hudsonian Zone in -winter. - -The general characteristics of the zones are as follows: - -_Transition Zone_: This zone occupies that portion of the park which -lies below 3,000 feet. For the most part it may be more adequately -designated the Humid Transition Zone, although a limited area (roughly 4 -to 6 square miles) on Stevens Creek and the Muddy Fork of Cowlitz River -is characterized by a modified plant and animal population due to -repeated fires in old Indian days. This burning favored the upward -advance of low zone elements, the destruction of the original forest -cover by fire opened the forest stand, accomplished a marked change in -conditions of temperature and moisture, thus creating a drier, warmer -site. - -The Humid Transition Zone proper is one of dense, sombre forest; -magnificent trees rising from a mass of shade-loving plants with a great -number of fallen trees of huge size. Even on bright, mid-summer days the -evergreen canopy of interlaced branches permits only a little sunlight -to penetrate to the forest floor, and semi-twilight conditions exist in -the peaceful solitude of this cathedral-like serenity. - - [Illustration: The Humid Transition life zone is one of magnificent - trees.] - - [Illustration: The forests of the Canadian life zone afford - excellent cover for many mammals throughout the year. In summer such - retreats are favored habitats for bear families.] - -Characteristic plants of this zone, though not confined to such -association, include the Douglas fir, western red cedar, western -hemlock, salal, Oregon grape, black cottonwood, bigleaf maple, and -swordfern. - -Here are found the raccoon, little spotted skunk, Oregon and Olympic -meadow mice, and the mink. In this zone are seen in late spring the -new-born fawns of the black-tailed deer. - -_Canadian Zone:_ This zone does not become well defined until above the -3,000-foot level. There is a considerable mixture of both Transition and -Canadian elements at the approximate area of separation. While still -heavily forested, the trees of the Canadian Zone are noticeably smaller -than those at lower elevations and the forest is more open in character. -Although common tree species include the Douglas fir and western hemlock -of the Transition Zone, the most typical trees are the silver fir, -Alaska yellow cedar, noble fir, and western white pine. Other typical -plants are the Canadian dogwood, pipsissewa, and Cascades azalea. - -There are no mammals which may be considered as characteristic -exclusively of the Canadian Zone, since those occupying this zone also -range into the Hudsonian. - -_Hudsonian Zone:_ At an elevation of from 4,500 to 5,000 feet the -character of the forest cover begins to change. The trees are smaller, -and the alpine fir and mountain hemlock become dominant tree species. -Ascending to higher levels the forest becomes broken, with the number -and extent of grassy parks and subalpine meadows increasing until -finally all tree growth vanishes at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. -This is the zone of beautiful summer wildflower gardens, a region of -extensive panoramas and rugged mountain scenes. The avalanche lily, -glacier lily, the heathers, paintbrushes, and the mountain phlox are -common, as well as the white-barked pine. - - [Illustration: Snow blankets the Hudsonian life zone throughout most - of the year. Paradise Valley lies within this zone, the towering - bulk of the Mountain above 6,500 feet is in the Arctic-alpine zone.] - -Snow blankets these highlands throughout most of the year, and the -larger mammals are usually at the lower elevations during the winter -months. Many of the permanent wildlife inhabitants are those which -hibernate or are active beneath the snow, as the Hollister chipmunk, -marmot, pika, Rainier meadow mouse, and Rainier pocket gopher. - -_Arctic-alpine Zone:_ Above the forest line all plant life diminishes -rapidly in extent. This is a region of barren, rocky soils; perpetual -snow fields; and glacial ice; a bleak and forbidding expanse of -awe-inspiring grandeur where the storm king yields supremacy for only a -few brief weeks in mid-summer. - -Characteristic plants, found in the lower portions of this zone, include -the Lyall's lupine, Tolmie's saxifrage, mountain buckwheat, and golden -aster. - -Only one mammal, the mountain goat, may be considered as characteristic -of this zone. - - - - - THE MAMMALS - - - COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER, BLACK-TAILED DEER - _Odocoileus hemionus columbianus_ (Richardson) - -The Columbian black-tailed deer is a typical member of the deer family, -about the size of its eastern relative, the white-tailed deer. The -antlers of the males are forked, rather than having the tines rise from -a single main beam as do those of the white-tail. The upper surface of -the tail is conspicuously dark brown or black over its entire length. -The color of the pelage varies with the season, but is the same in both -sexes. In summer the back and flanks are reddish to reddish yellow; in -winter gray, intermixed with black, with a dark line along the back, -black on the top of the head, and conspicuous white on the chin and -upper throat. The underparts are sooty, with white on the inner sides of -the legs. The young, at birth, are a dark, rich brown, profusely spotted -with creamy yellow. The dark coloration very shortly fades to a lighter -brown, or reddish, similar to the summer coat of the adult, and the -spots disappear in the early fall when the change to winter pelage -begins. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-14 and RNP-113; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters. - -The range of the Columbian black-tailed deer is the Pacific Northwest -from northern California to British Columbia and from the Sierra Nevada -and Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Coast. - - [Illustration: The bleak and awe-inspiring grandeur of the - Arctic-alpine life zone is the summer habitat of the mountain goat.] - -It is the most common large animal in the park, distributed in summer -throughout the forested areas and occasionally wandering above tree -line, the males generally ranging higher than the females and young, -preferring the sub-alpine parks and meadows. Deer in general exhibit a -preference for burned-over brush lands and other less densely forested -areas. - -In winter they are found at lower elevations, usually below snow line, -generally outside park boundaries, although common along the Nisqually -River from Longmire Meadows downstream, along lower Tahoma Creek, and in -the vicinity of the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs and lower Carbon River. - -Nearly all visitors to Mount Rainier National Park soon become familiar -with this graceful animal so commonly seen along the trails and -roadsides. Indeed, it is a rare occasion when one or more deer are not -seen in a short drive or hike in any section of the park. It is only -with the arrival of the snows that they are less frequently observed, -and even during the winter months they are quite abundant at the lower -elevations. - - [Illustration: Columbian black-tailed deer and fawns. The young were - less than an hour old when this photograph was made.] - -The seasonal migration is a noteworthy characteristic. With the coming -of spring, deer move upward from the lowlands, closely following the -retreating snow. The young are born in late May or June, usually after -the does have reached their summer range, although they may move higher -to find relief from flies. There is practically no banding together of -the deer at this time. Each mother and her offspring, usually twins, -sometimes one and rarely three, comprise a family group, and tend to -keep to themselves. The fawns are hidden at birth, and remain in some -secluded spot until they are several days old. The mother visits them at -intervals during the day so that they may be fed, and stays near their -place of concealment. Almost every season "abandoned" fawns are -discovered and brought in to one or another of the park's ranger -stations by well-meaning but ill-informed park visitors. In -exceptionally rare instances the mother may have been killed by some -predator or a passing automobile, but under no known circumstances has a -fawn ever been deliberately abandoned. _Fawns, if found, should be left -unmolested._ - -At the time of the spring migration to the uplands, the older bucks -habitually move to higher levels than do the young bucks and does. They -prefer the subalpine parks and meadows, and often range in pairs or in -groups of from three to five or six individuals. - - [Illustration: New-born fawns, if found, should be left unmolested.] - -The first heavy snow starts the deer on their annual trek to the -lowlands, and the journey is ordinarily a consistent one, once begun it -is completed over a period of from several hours to a day or two, -depending upon the distance to be covered. Study has revealed that deer -follow regularly established routes during migration, returning year -after year to the same general winter and summer ranges. Well-worn game -trails along prominent ridges and watercourses are testimony to this -concentrated movement, the intersecting minor paths are but tributaries -to the major current of travel. - -It is prior to the fall migration that the deer herds assemble, the -does, fawns, and yearling bucks banding together, the older bucks -breaking away from their summer associations and joining the does for -the mating season, which occurs in November and December. - -Vicious battles are frequent at this season. Determined to assert -supremacy, the bucks are merciless antagonists, and at times the -struggle is fatal to the loser. In rare instances both may perish, with -antlers so tightly locked that escape for either is impossible, -exhaustion and starvation the inevitable result. At the conclusion of -the mating season the two sexes go their separate ways again, the bucks -often assuming again the easy companionship of the summer months. - -The abundance or lack of forage is an important factor, perhaps the most -important, in determining local abundance of deer. Densely forested -sections are not capable of supporting large deer populations because of -the lack of sufficient brush, shrubbery, and succulent plants which make -up the bulk of the deer's diet. Primarily a browser, only in spring does -this animal show a preference for grass, and then only for a short -period. - -Deer have many natural enemies. It is fortunate that nature has provided -for an abundant reproduction in this species. Snow is perhaps most -serious of all, since a heavy snowfall may cover the food supply, and -certainly hampers the movement of the animals when they must escape -predatory coyotes or cougars. Late spring snows, in particular, come at -a critical time. At best forage diminishes steadily during the winter -months, and when this period is followed by even a short space when food -is unavailable, starvation and death strikes the weaker and aged -animals. - -Of the predatory animals, the coyote and cougar are most effective. The -fox, wildcat, and bear undoubtedly take an occasional fawn, but cannot -be considered dangerous to an adult deer. In view of the powers of rapid -reproduction shown by deer, it is well that they have numerous natural -enemies; otherwise wholesale destruction of brush lands and forest -reproduction would occur as the animals reached a peak of -overpopulation, followed by mass starvation. This frequently happens in -many parts of the West where the natural enemies of the deer have been -exterminated. Predators follow, in most instances, the line of least -resistance. As a consequence, it is the weaker, the diseased, or the -otherwise unfit animals that tend to be struck down first, and so the -fittest survive. - -A reasonable balance seems to have been attained in the numbers of deer -in the park. For the past several years there has been no apparent -change, an estimated 600 range within park boundaries during the summer -months. - - - ROCKY MOUNTAIN MULE DEER, MULE DEER - _Odocoileus hemionus hemionus_ (Rafinesque) - -The mule deer is similar to the preceding subspecies in general -character. Perhaps the most noticeable field difference is the tail, -which in the mule deer is narrow and black-tipped, above _and below_, -rather than wider and dark brown or black over the entire upper surface -and entirely white below as in the black-tailed. The large ears, from -which this species derives its common name, are distinctive, the -black-tailed deer is the smaller and darker of the two subspecies. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The mule deer ranges over most of the Rocky Mountain region and the -western United States, from the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma -westward to eastern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. - -The range of this species in the park is at present restricted to the -extreme northeastern section, where it is observed on rare occasions -during the summer months. - -The mule deer is very similar to the black-tailed deer in habits as well -as in appearance. Seasonal migrations, food preferences, natural -enemies, and other characteristics are much alike in both species, -although the mule deer habitually favors a more sparsely timbered, less -rugged terrain. - -The typical habitat is an open forest, with many parks, meadows, and -brush-covered hillsides. As a general rule the mule deer prefers the -Ponderosa pine and sagebrush region, and avoids densely wooded areas. -The occasional records of this species in the park are of those rare -stragglers which drift in from east of the Cascade crest. - -Taylor and Shaw (_Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, -1927) state that mule deer "May occur in small numbers in the White -River region, on the east side of the park." Although their parties did -not observe mule deer while in the field in 1919, they believed that -observations made by others familiar with the region were reliable. - -A report submitted by the chief ranger of the park in 1932 states: -"While mule deer are rarely seen they do range along the east side." It -was not until 1941, however, that this species was included in the -park's annual wildlife census, when it was listed as, "Uncommon, only a -few have been seen. Tipsoo Lake, Deadwood Lake, and Yakima Park." - -The 1948 wildlife census estimates 10 to 20 mule deer observed -occasionally on the east side during the summer months in previous -years. While no reports were recorded in 1948, it is believed that the -status of the species is unchanged. - - - AMERICAN ELK, WAPITI - _Cervus canadensis nelsoni_ Bailey - -The elk is the largest animal found in the park, and the largest member -of the deer family found in North America, except the moose. The adult -males have tremendous, wide-branching antlers, which are shed annually. -The sexes are slightly different in coloration, with females lighter -than the males. The head and neck are dark brown, flanks and back a -tawny to brownish gray, large yellowish rump patch, legs dark brown. The -young are light brown, spotted with white. An adult male in good -condition will weigh from 800 to 1,000 pounds; females are somewhat -smaller. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -Elk are found in western North America, mostly in the Rocky Mountain -area and the far west. They formerly ranged over most of the United -States and southern Canada. - -During summer elk occur in the park along the eastern boundary, north -and west to the Deadwood Lakes and Goat Island Mountain, up the Cowlitz -River and Stevens drainages to The Bench on the north side of the -Tatoosh Range. They are reported very rarely from the northern and -western slopes of the Mountain. In winter a few elk range along the -Ohanapecosh drainage in the southeastern part of the park. - -The early settlers of this country gave the name "elk" to this -magnificent member of the deer family. This is an unfortunate -designation, since the animal in no way resembles the Old World elk, -which is actually a moose. However, elk it has been since early American -history, and elk it is likely to remain, although the Indian name -"wapiti" seems preferable and more appropriate. - -The history of the elk in Mount Rainier National Park is an interesting -study. There can be little doubt that the Roosevelt or Olympic elk, -_Cervus canadensis roosevelti_, formerly ranged over much of the Cascade -Range in the State of Washington, and so must be considered the native -species of Mount Rainier, although no longer found in this region. - -An attempt was made to reestablish the Roosevelt elk in the park in -June, 1934, when two young animals, obtained from the Washington State -Department of Game, were liberated at Longmire Springs. Two more were -released in October, 1934; all had been captured on the Olympic -Peninsula, and the four were to form a nucleus for the park herd. - -However, to the keen disappointment of park officials, the transplanted -elk were unfavorably affected by their proximity to civilization, as is -often the case with wild creatures. So unafraid did they become that -soon they were regarded as a nuisance, a dangerous nuisance because of -their size, pugnacity, and their total lack of timidity, and recapture -and deportation to a nearby zoo was the final step in this attempted -repatriation. - -The elk now ranging into the park have been introduced on lands outside -park boundaries by the Washington State Department of Game and the -Pierce County Game Commission. These animals belong to the species -called American elk, _Cervus canadensis nelsoni_, and were imported from -the Yellowstone region. They do not differ greatly from the native -species, though somewhat smaller and lighter in general coloration. - -The seasonal migration of elk is well defined. Early in spring, with the -retreat of the snow from the uplands, they move to higher pastures, -where they remain until driven down by the approach of winter. During -recent years a gradual increase in numbers and an extension of range -within the park has been observed. The wildlife census for 1948 -estimated the summer herd to number some 40 to 50 individuals, with -several animals wintering along the Ohanapecosh drainage in the -southeastern section of the park. - -Bull elk are the most polygamous of all deer. During the mating season, -which occurs late in the fall, a single bull will gather together a -"harem" of from three or four to as many as two dozen cows with the -current year's calves, and defiantly assert his mastery over the group, -driving away younger bulls of lesser strength. Should another bull -challenge his dominance, the ensuing battle is rarely fatal, although it -may result in a new master. It is not unusual to see the loser, reduced -to the status of a "bachelor bull," ranging alone. - -The "bugling" of the bulls, a shrill, high-pitched invitation to combat, -is a thrilling call, an unusual record of the music of nature. - -The young are born in late May or June, usually one to a mother, -sometimes two, and rarely three. Like all deer, they are spotted, -somewhat lighter in color than the fawns of the black-tailed deer. The -spots are retained until replaced by the winter coat. - - - CASCADE MOUNTAIN GOAT, WHITE GOAT, MOUNTAIN GOAT - _Oreamnos americanus americanus_ (Blainville) - -The goat is completely unlike any other park animal, and is easily -identified by its resemblance to a large white or yellowish-white -domestic goat. Both sexes have short, black, sharp-pointed horns, and -are otherwise alike, except that the males are generally somewhat -larger, and have a distinct beard. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The Cascade mountain goat is found in the Cascade Mountains of -Washington. Records indicate that it probably ranged into the Oregon -Cascades some decades ago, but there are no recent authentic reports -from that area. Sub-species similar to the Cascades goat are found in -the northern Rocky Mountains, northward through Canada and into Alaska, -as well as on the Olympic Peninsula. - - [Illustration: The mountain goat is an indomitable mountaineer.] - -In the park in summer this denizen of the rocky crags is rather -frequently seen in the high country on all slopes of the Mountain. The -principal bands may be found in the region of Van Trump Park, Cowlitz -Rocks, Cowlitz Chimneys, Steamboat Prow, Burroughs Mountain, the -Colonnade, the Puyallup Cleaver, and Emerald Ridge, where they normally -range at elevations of from 6,000 to 10,000 feet. - -In winter it is not uncommon to observe small bands on Cougar Rock, the -southern slopes of Tum-Tum Peak, Mount Wow, lower Emerald Ridge, Mother -Mountain, and the western slope of Chenuis Mountain. - -Here we have another example of an animal that has been misnamed. -Although it is called a mountain goat it is not a true goat, but is more -of a rock antelope. Its nearest living relatives are the Alpine chamois -of south central Europe and the Himalayan serow of Asia. At one time -near relatives of our present goats were spread over much of the western -part of North America and fossils have been found in caves in lower -Grand Canyon and as far south as Nuevo Leon, Mexico. While it is not -known what happened to cause their extinction over much of their -original range, it appears likely that early man had an important part -in it. It is known that the Indians of the Mount Rainier country hunted -the goats extensively at one time, and undoubtedly this awkward -appearing dweller of the remote and inaccessible sections is an animal -most park visitors hope to encounter. - -Chief feeding grounds during the summer are on the heavily vegetated -slopes near forest line. In the early morning hours the goats move out -of their nighttime resting places and begin feeding as they climb to -higher elevations. They travel in a very leisurely fashion, seldom -running, and they select their course with considerable care. An old -billy usually takes the lead, the other following along behind in single -file. Young goats are "sandwiched" between the adults. In moving across -any slope area where the footing is treacherous or where rocks might -roll, it is customary for only one goat to cross at a time, the others -staying back until it is safe to cross. - -Without doubt the characteristic of the mountain goats that excites the -most interest and admiration is their ability to travel across steep -cliffs and narrow ledges with no apparent difficulty or hesitation. Nor -does this trail lead only over perilous rock ridges. The goats may -venture out upon the ice fields of some of the glaciers. Even glare ice -does not present an impasse, it only serves to slow the progress of -these indomitable mountaineers. - -The female usually has one or two kids born in late spring. By September -they are about half grown, and quite capable of keeping up with their -parents in even the most difficult going. They remain with their mother -through the first winter. Like most young animals, kids are quite -playful. - -Apparently the goat population of this area is fairly stable, perhaps -increasing slightly under the complete sanctuary afforded by the park. -As long ago as 1894, John Muir reckoned that there were over 200 goats -on Mount Rainier. Ernest Thompson Seton, in his _Lives of Game Animals_ -states that "There are certainly 300 now (1929)." The wildlife census -for the park lists from 250-300 goats in 1931, and census reports in -recent years indicate from 350-400. - - [Illustration: Bears are a feature attraction of the park.] - - - OLYMPIC BLACK BEAR - _Ursus americanus altifrontalis_ Elliot - -There are two color forms of the black bear in the park--the black and -the brown. The all black or mostly black is the phase most commonly -observed, but brown individuals may often be seen. The black phase -sometimes has a brown patch covering the muzzle and a white spot on the -chest. The color ratio is usually about five black to one brown. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The black bear was formerly found over most of wooded North America, but -has now become extinct over much of the original range. The Olympic -black bear occurs in western Washington, western Oregon, and -northwestern California. - -In the park it is likely to be encountered anywhere in the timbered -regions, with an occasional record coming from above forest line. One -record of an unusual nature was obtained several years ago by Mr. Harry -Meyers of the Mountaineers Club and Major E. S. Ingraham of Seattle. -They reported that while blizzard bound in the crater on the summit of -Mount Rainier they saw a black bear walk up to the rocks on the rim of -the crater and then disappear in the storm. They suggested that the bear -possibly was lost in the storm while on a glacier and instinctively -climbed higher and higher until it reached the top of the peak. In -October, 1948, a record was obtained of a bear well up on the Paradise -Glacier, 6,500 feet. This animal was climbing steadily higher, and -disappeared over the crest west of Cowlitz Rocks. - -There can be no doubt that the bear is one of the feature attractions of -the park. The appearance of one of these animals is a signal for -visitors of all ages to come running to get a look. Unfortunately the -attention paid to the bear doesn't always stop at this point, and -someone is almost sure to pull out a piece of candy or some other tidbit -to see if bruin will eat it. Thus a bear problem is soon in the making. -Loving sweets, bacon and grease as he does, the bear cannot be blamed -too much if he eats quantities of these items offered him and then makes -a shambles of tents and food stores looking for more. - -Contrary to popular belief the black bear is not a vicious animal, and -in the normal wild state is timid and takes to his heels whenever -anything of an unusual nature happens. Sudden loud noises will send him -off in a wild stampede. This can certainly be attested to by one visitor -whose car was invaded by a bear. Unwittingly the bear sat heavily upon -the car's horn--and simply took out glass, door and all in his mad -scramble to get out! - -The bear is an expert climber and handles himself with great skill. When -frightened the cub will almost always shinny up the nearest tree before -looking to see what caused the alarm. The mother bear will often send -her youngsters up a tree when she is afraid they may be in danger or -when she wants them to "stay put" for a time. Bear cubs in a tree are a -fair warning to stay away because the mother is bound to be somewhere -close by. - -The baby bears are usually two in number and are born in January or -February while the mother is in her winter quarters. They are small and -helpless at birth, weighing only a few ounces. By the middle of June, -when most folks see them, they are about the size of raccoons, and by -the time fall comes around they are large enough to take pretty good -care of themselves, although they still remain with their mother. There -is nothing more humorous and clown-like in the forests than a young bear -cub. Filled with an endless desire to learn something new, he is forever -getting into difficulties. The cub loves to wrestle and box, and a play -session with a husky brother or sister is usually somewhat of a rough -and tumble affair. - -Falltime is the time of year to see bears, because the abundance of -huckleberries on the many slopes and ridges above 5,000 feet brings them -out in large numbers. It is nothing uncommon to see as many as six of -these animals at one time in a berry patch, industriously stripping the -bushes of the luscious fruit. The bear is also in his best physical -condition at this time, as he prepares to go into hibernation and his -coat is rich-toned and glossy. The hibernation period varies with the -individual, some animals going into their winter sleep rather early -while others may prowl around for some time after the first snows have -fallen. Bears have been observed out of hibernation as early as February -26, near Longmire. - -The kind of food available is really no great problem for a bear; his -main worry is getting enough of it. He seems to like almost anything, -with the list including such varied items as bumblebees, clover, -skunk-cabbage roots and many other succulent plants, frogs, toads, field -mice, ants, berries of all types and a wide assortment of meats. - - - PACIFIC RACCOON - _Procyon lotor psora_ Gray - -The raccoon has a stocky body about the size of a small dog, with -relatively short legs and a sharp-pointed muzzle. The coloration is -grizzled gray-brown with black-tipped hairs sometimes giving a dark -appearance. The top of the head is blackish, and a broad, "mask-like" -black band extends across the face and eyes, bordered above and below -with white. The tail is brownish, encircled by six or seven blackish -rings. The underparts are light brown, silvered here and there with -whitish hairs. The soles of the feet are black. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Raccoons are widely distributed through the forested regions of North -America. The Pacific raccoon is found from southern British Columbia -south to northern California, in and west of the Cascade Mountains. In -the park it normally ranges up to around 3,000 feet, although some -individuals have taken up residence in the buildings around Paradise -Valley, 5,500 feet. - -Cunning, clever, and inquisitive, with a truly remarkable ability for -adaptation to human influences, the raccoon has firmly established -residence in a few locations of the park during recent years. Formerly -uncommon, these animals are now abundant at Longmire, and are frequently -seen in other developed areas as well. - -A comparison of the habits of the 'coons thus subjected to close contact -with man, and the traits of the true wilderness animals is amazing. The -semi-domestic raccoons are no longer strictly nocturnal in their -wanderings, but are often abroad at all times of the day. A whole family -may parade leisurely across the lawn or parking plaza at mid-day, -pausing to peer curiously through slitted eyes at an assemblage of -camera-laden visitors. Competition for food is keen, and so avid in -their pursuit of forage do the animals become that no time is wasted in -"washing" any morsel, it is bolted immediately. - -Quarrels, squabbles, and vicious battles are waged vociferously. The -raccoon is a surly, short-tempered creature at best, and when two or -more get together, especially members of different families, a "gang -fight" may be expected to develop, with half a dozen clawing, biting, -snarling 'coons entangled in one furry mass. For some reason the ringed -tail appears to be a particularly vulnerable point of attack, as several -"bob-tailed" animals at Longmire attest. - -In some regions this animal is reported as hibernating during the winter -months, but the local raccoons do not do so. They remain as active with -three feet of snow on the ground as during the summer, although not seen -in their normal abundance during periods of extremely inclement weather. - - [Illustration: The marmot is abundant in rock slides above 5,000 - feet.] - -The raccoon seems to eat practically anything, with meat of any type -freely accepted. Under normal conditions the diet is largely made up of -frogs, fish, small animals, birds, eggs, insects, and fruits. - - - CASCADE HOARY MARMOT, WHISTLING MARMOT, WHISTLER - _Marmota caligata cascadensis_ Howell - -The Cascade hoary marmot is one of the largest North American rodents, a -close relative of the woodchuck of the East, with the head and body -about twenty inches in length, tail about nine inches. The body is stout -and clumsy in appearance; the legs are short and stout; the head is -short and broad with a blunt nose, small, broad, rounded ears, and small -eyes. Adults have a black face; the nape, shoulders, and upper back -gray; the remaining portion of the back and rump is black grizzled with -gray; the tail is brown. The young are darker in color than the adults. -In midsummer the pelage is in poor condition, with the darker portions -more brown than black. The large size, gray shoulders, and shrill, -whistling call are distinguishing characters which permit easy -identification of this animal. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-40, RNP-41, RNP-112; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The woodchucks (genus Marmota) are found over most of the United States, -well into Canada, and in the west north into Alaska. The Cascade hoary -marmot occurs in the northern Cascade Mountains from Mount Rainier -northward into southern British Columbia. - -On Mount Rainier the whistler is abundant in the rock slides from about -5,000 feet to forest line and above. Occasionally the alpine parks and -meadows are chosen habitats; the animals are common in the Paradise -Valley and on the open slopes above Alta Vista. - -A piercing, far-carrying whistle is often the park visitor's -introduction to the marmot or rockchuck of Mount Rainier. A careful -scrutiny of the nearby terrain will often be rewarded by the sight of -one or several of these animals, old and young, perched on a rock above -the entrance to the burrow, or galloping clumsily but swiftly toward -home and safety. - -It is usually possible to continue the acquaintance at closer range, -particularly if the observer approaches slowly and the animals are in -areas where they have become accustomed to having human visitors in -their neighborhood. - -The whistler is almost strictly vegetarian in his food habits, feeding -upon green succulent vegetation in the near vicinity of the burrow. It -is common to find well-beaten paths from the animal's "front door" to -the forage areas. Moving about on a grassy slope the fat, lazy rodent -seems anything but alert, as he crawls from one spot to another. But the -observer soon becomes aware that the chuck's pauses to survey the -landscape are frequent; his head is raised, if no danger threatens his -tail flips and feeding is resumed. If frightened, swift retreat is -generally preceded by the shrill whistle, and the sluggish, crawling fat -one becomes a scurrying bundle of fur following a well-worn and familiar -route to the sanctuary of his den. - -The marmot is a sun-worshiper. After an early morning feeding period, it -is his custom to sprawl, rug-like, on a favorite rock slab, sometimes -for hours, resting and obviously enjoying his sun-bath. Chucks are -rarely abroad for any extended length of time on cloudy, drizzly days. -They may appear if driven out by hunger, but seem to prefer the warmth -and comfort of the den during inclement weather. - -The hibernating period of the marmot begins in September and lasts well -into spring, the time of emergence is usually late in April. There is no -evidence that any food is stored, and for some time after coming out of -hibernation the animals may travel a considerable distance over the -snowfields in search of open ground and green vegetation. - -The famous naturalist, Ernest Thompson Seton, has well expressed the -marmot's way of life: - - "Convincing evidence there is that, during lethargy--the little death - of the winter sleep--the vital functions are suspended--the sleeper - neither grows, suffers, wastes, nor ages. He did not lay up stores of - food; yet, in the spring, he comes out just as fat as he went in the - fall before. - - "If then, the Powers-that-Be have allotted to the Marmot five full - years of life, and he elects to live that life in ten bright summer - times, then must he spend the six dark months each year in deathlike - sleep. And this he does, in calm, deliberate choice. - - "Oh, happy Whistler of the Peaks! How many of us would do the very - same, were we but given choice." - -Not many natural enemies threaten the marmot. Perhaps the most to be -feared is the golden eagle, which may drop from the blue to seize him in -the midst of his luxurious sun-bath. Because of his size the smaller -predators are harmless to him, but the coyotes and foxes are relentless -hunters and ever-present dangers. - - - THE CHIPMUNKS - -Two kinds of chipmunks, the Cooper and Hollister, are known to occur -within the park. Although their altitudinal ranges overlap, the two -species may be quite readily distinguished by their variation in size -and other characteristics. A brief discussion of each follows: - - [Illustration: The Hollister chipmunk is a lively and audacious - little animal.] - -The Cooper chipmunk, _Tamias townsendii cooperi_ Baird, is the larger of -the two species mentioned above. It is predominantly dark brown in -color; the light colored stripes above and below the eye are indistinct; -the black head stripes are not conspicuous; the nine alternating black -and grayish white lengthwise stripes on the back are somewhat obscured -by the dark color; the tail is black above, grizzled with white, silvery -margined, reddish brown below. The total length of a typical specimen is -ten inches; head and body, five and one-half inches, tail four and -one-half inches. - -This chipmunk is found in the higher eastern Cascade Mountains and -Olympic Mountains of Washington. In Mount Rainier National Park it -occurs from park boundaries to 6,000 feet, almost to forest line. - -The Hollister chipmunk, _Tamias amoenus ludibundus_ (Hollister), also -called the little chipmunk or Alpine chipmunk, is about a third smaller -in size than the Cooper chipmunk. It is predominantly gray brown in -color. The light colored stripes above and below the eye are distinct; -the black head stripes are more conspicuous than those of the Cooper, -the back stripes are sharply defined; the tail is brown mixed with black -above, margined with yellowish brown, yellowish brown below. The total -length is about eight and three-fourths inches; head and body four and -three-fourths inches, tail four inches. - -The Hollister chipmunk is found in the higher Cascade Mountains of -Washington. In Mount Rainier National Park it occurs generally in the -Hudsonian Zone between 4,500 and 6,500 feet, rarely lower or above -forest line, but it is one of the few park animals recorded on the -summit of Mount Rainier. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Cooper chipmunk, RNP-7, RNP-8, RNP-9, -RNP-16, RNP-18, RNP-74, RNP-110; Hollister chipmunk, RNP-28, RNP-29, -RNP-30, RNP-95; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The lively, audacious, and beautifully marked chipmunks are the most -popular of all the animals of the park. Locally abundant as they are in -the neighborhood of the campgrounds and lodges, easily observed because -of their diurnal habits and lack of fear, they are a source of -entertainment and amusement to many park visitors. - -Like the mantled ground squirrels, the chipmunks adapt themselves -rapidly to man's presence, forage about camps and lodges in search of -various delicacies, invade camp stores without hesitation, but are such -engaging company that it is difficult to regard them as anything other -than friendly guests. - -Many varieties of seeds and berries furnish the food supply of this -animal, and quantities are stored in their burrows for use during the -spring and early summer. Although the chipmunks hibernate during most of -the winter, they sometimes venture out on warm, spring-like days, -returning to their winter nests when the weather again becomes -inclement. - -Predaceous birds and mammals active during the daylight hours are all -enemies of the chipmunks. These natural enemies work to keep the -chipmunk populations free of contagious diseases such as relapsing -fever, which is transmissible to human beings, by removing sick and -sluggish chipmunks before they can infect their companions. - - [Illustration: Mantled ground squirrels are popular with park - visitors.] - - - CASCADE MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL, BIG CHIPMUNK - _Citellus saturatus_ (Rhoads) - -As the name implies, the mantled ground squirrels are ground dwellers. -In general external appearance they resemble the eastern chipmunks, but -are considerably larger, and much bigger than their environmental -associates, the western chipmunks. They may be further distinguished -from the latter species by the more robust body, the conspicuous white -eye-ring, and the absence of stripes on the head. The Cascade species of -mantled ground squirrel is about twelve inches in length overall, with a -flattened, somewhat bushy, narrow tail some four inches long. The sexes -are colored alike, the mantle over the head, sides of the neck, -shoulders, and forearms is reddish-brown, mixed with black, which is in -distinct contrast to the rest of the upper parts. The back is grizzled -black, merging into grizzled red-brown over the rump, with a narrow -yellowish-white stripe, edged with black, on each flank from shoulder to -thigh. The underparts and the upper surfaces of the feet are -yellowish-white. The tail is well-clothed with dark, yellow-tipped hair -above, yellowish-brown below. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-33, RNP-34, RNP-36; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters. - -The mantled ground squirrels are found only in western North America, on -the forested mountain slopes from California, Arizona, and New Mexico -north into British Columbia. - -The species common to Mount Rainier National Park is found in the -Cascade Mountains of Washington, and on the Mountain it is confined -principally to the Hudsonian zone, between 4,500 and 6,500 feet. It is -most abundant on the east side, but is very common locally in the -Paradise Valley vicinity. - -This animal inhabits by preference the rather open, rocky hillsides, and -is seldom seen in the heavily forested sections. Burned over brush lands -are favored localities, particularly on those slopes exposed to the sun. - -The big chipmunks are less graceful than their livelier, smaller -cousins; they are unsuspicious and easily observed, and are very popular -with park visitors because of their obvious lack of timidity. They are -quick to adapt themselves to the proximity of humans, and sometimes -become nuisances about campsites and dwellings because of their -audacious thefts of various foodstuffs. - -The capacious cheek pouches are used in collecting seeds, nuts, roots, -berries, and the bulbs of various plants, which are stored in -underground caches. Although these ground squirrels hibernate from early -fall until late spring, forage is meager during the first few weeks -after emergence from their long winter nap, and without provision for -these lean times, the animals would surely starve. They often appear -when the snow is still deep over their burrows, digging several feet -upward through this white blanket to emerge on the surface. - -The most dreaded enemy is the weasel, but the ground squirrels are -preyed upon by coyotes, foxes, and hawks as well, since they are a -staple item in the diet of most predators. - - - DOUGLAS PINE SQUIRREL, CHICKAREE - _Tamiasciurus douglasii douglasii_ (Bachman) - -A dark grayish brown squirrel about twelve inches in length overall; -with prominent ears; moderately slender in form; tail almost as long as -the body, somewhat flattened, well clothed with hair but not bushy, more -gray than the body. The underparts vary from a pale yellow brown to -reddish brown. The sexes are colored alike; the pelage is fairly long, -soft, but not silky. The characteristic appearance is one of extreme -alertness. - - [Illustration: Common throughout forested sections, the Douglas pine - squirrel is a vociferous bundle of energy.] - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-10, RNP-11, RNP-15, RNP-47, RNP-100, -RNP-107; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The Douglas squirrel is classified as one of the red squirrels, or -chickarees, which are distributed over most of forested North America. - -In Mount Rainier National Park these squirrels are common, and are found -throughout the area from the park boundaries to forest line, and -occasionally even higher. - -This vociferous, restless bundle of energy is seen and heard by almost -every park visitor, bounding across the highway or trail, or scampering -madly up a nearby tree, to peer around the trunk or perch upon limb just -out of reach where it scolds and chatters vehemently at all intruders. - -Unlike the flying squirrel, the chickaree is abroad throughout the -daylight hours, busy, inquisitive, obviously and usually noisily, -resentful of interference with what it considers its own affairs. Only -in the spring is this squirrel somewhat subdued, probably because of the -youngsters tucked away in a nearby nest in some tree hollow. The young -do not venture into the world until more than half grown, when they take -their places in the regular routine of family activities. - -Because the Douglas squirrel does not hibernate, it gathers the cones of -most of the coniferous trees, as well as the winged seeds of the vine -maple and even mushrooms to furnish food over the lean winter months. -The late summer and early fall is a busy time for this industrious -fellow. The swish and thump of falling cones is a common sound through -the woods when the harvest is in progress. A number of cones are neatly -clipped from the tree tops, then the worker descends the tree to gather -and store them in a hollow stump, beneath a log or the roots of a tree, -or even in a hastily excavated hole in the forest floor. Interrupt this -activity by secreting a few of the fallen cones, and the imprecations -called down upon your head would scorch the printed page if they could -be translated into human speech. - -Although preyed upon by winged and four-footed predators alike, the -chickaree holds its own very well, probably because this fellow is -seldom caught napping, certainly not because of shy and retiring habits, -since the "chatterer" is one of the most conspicuous and interesting of -our woodland creatures. - - - CASCADE FLYING SQUIRREL - _Glaucomys sabrinus fuliginosus_ (Rhoads) - -A medium-sized, arboreal squirrel; dark-brown above, light brown on the -under parts, light gray or sometimes light brown on the sides of the -face, the sexes colored alike, the young darker than the adults. The -eyes are large and dark, the pelage is soft and silky. The flat, furry -tail and the fold of loose skin between the fore and hind legs on either -side distinguish this animal from any other. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -Flying squirrels inhabit a large part of forested North America. The -Cascade sub-species is found from southern British Columbia southward -along the Cascade Range to the Siskiyou Mountains of Northern -California. - - [Illustration: Park visitors rarely see the beautiful little flying - squirrel.] - -Although seldom seen because of its nocturnal habits, the flying -squirrel is locally abundant in some sections of the park, particularly -at Ohanapecosh Hot Springs. - -The most interesting characteristic of this little tree-dweller is its -unique habit of gliding from tree to tree through the air. In launching -its "flight" the squirrel leaps into space from its perch on a dead snag -or tree, extends the fore and hind legs, spreading the loose fold of -skin along its sides, and with the flat tail fluttering behind, sails -obliquely downward, alighting on the ground or the lower trunk of -another tree. This aerial maneuver cannot truly be called flight, but -has resulted in the name "flying squirrel." - -Little is known of the life history of this beautiful little animal, -because of the difficulty of observation. Old woodpecker holes or -natural cavities in trees are favorite nesting places, and the flying -squirrel is almost never found away from the nest except at night or -when disturbed. It is a shy and retiring creature, preyed upon by owls, -martens, weasels, and other small carnivorous animals on the rare -occasions when it comes to the ground. Flying squirrels are omnivorous, -nuts and other vegetable foods are apparently preferred, although meat -is sometimes taken when available. - - - CASCADE PIKA, CONY - _Ochotona princeps brunnescens_ Howell - -This small, rodent-like animal is robust, short-legged, with a tail so -short that it is not noticeable in field observation. The sexes are -colored alike; gray-brown above, whitish below, ears darker, feet light. -The pelage is soft and quite dense. In general appearance the pikas -closely resemble the rabbits, except for their small size, short legs, -and short, rounded ears. The peculiar "bleating" call is unmistakable. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-12, RNP-13, and one mounted -specimen; Headquarters Museum, Longmire. - -The many sub-species of the pika are widely distributed at the higher -elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Coast Ranges. The -typical habitat is the rock-slides and talus slopes near forest line. - -In the park one may expect to find the pika on any rocky slope from -3,000 (rarely lower) to 8,000 feet. They are infrequently seen in -winter, due to the depth of snow over most sites which they inhabit, but -during clear, sunny days they occasionally venture out in exposed -locations. - -The common name "hay-maker" has often been applied to the pika, because -it is one of those provident creatures which literally "makes hay" -during the summer months, curing and drying a wide variety of grasses -and other plants which are stored for winter food. The hay-barn of the -pika is in a sheltered crevice or beneath an overhanging boulder in the -masses of rock where it makes its home. These hay-piles are much in -evidence where pikas are abundant. - -The protective coloring of the animal makes it difficult to distinguish -among the rocks, and it is commonly heard before it is seen. The sharp, -short bleat, almost a chirp or squeak, often repeated at rapid intervals -when the pika is alarmed, is distinctive. If the observer remains -motionless, and carefully searches nearby with his eyes, he is almost -certain to see a tiny "rock-rabbit" scamper quickly and with silent, -sure feet across the rocks, to disappear in a crevice or to perch on an -exposed boulder. Should the watcher remain quiet, the pika will resume -its interrupted activities until again disturbed. - - [Illustration: The busy beaver is an industrious engineer.] - -The well-chosen shelter of the pika, deep down beneath the rocks, -affords adequate protection from most predators. Only the weasels, and -their relatives, the martens, are capable of following these elusive -creatures through the talus. Undoubtedly the hawks and eagles may strike -suddenly from the air and be successful in capturing a pika less alert -than his fellows, but such occasions must be rare. - - - PACIFIC BEAVER - _Castor canadensis leucodonta_ Gray - -The beaver is the largest North American rodent, and the species found -in Mount Rainier National Park is the largest of any of the recognized -geographical range. An adult will weigh thirty pounds or more, up to a -maximum of sixty pounds. The form is robust; the tail is broad, flat, -and scaly; the ears are short; the hind feet webbed. The pelage is -composed of short, soft underfur, with long guard hairs. The sexes are -alike in size and color, a dark, glossy, reddish brown above, lighter -brown below. The beaver is aquatic in habit. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The geographical range of the beaver extends over most of North America -from the Rio Grande northward. - -Beaver are not now abundant in the park, and it is doubtful that they -were ever numerous. Observations have been made in many sections, -notably Fish Creek, Tahoma Creek, along the Nisqually River from the -park entrance to the mouth of the Paradise River, Longmire Meadows, the -Ohanapecosh River, and Reflection and Tipsoo Lakes. Records indicate -that Fish Creek and Tahoma Creek are the sites most extensively used by -beavers during recent years, although intermittent activities have been -noted in the vicinity of Longmire Meadows. A colony on Kautz Creek was -undoubtedly destroyed by the flood of October, 1947. - -No other animal played as important a role in the early history and -exploration of this country as did the beaver. This is particularly true -of the Rocky Mountain west, and to a lesser extent of the Northwest. The -fur trade made the beaver pelt a standard of exchange, and to get beaver -the trappers moved westward, seeking out this valuable animal in the -most inaccessible and remote regions. These early explorations, which -had as their incentive fur rather than the expansion of territory, paved -the way for later settlement by those seeking new lands and a better -livelihood in the West. So great was the demand for fur that the -beavers, in the beginning abundant, were reduced in numbers to a point -where returns did not compensate trappers for the risk and hardship -involved. - -The first mention of beaver in the park is found in _Mammals and Birds -of Mount Rainier_, Taylor and Shaw, which states: - - "Dr. A. K. Fisher records that several beavers lived at Longmire - Springs until 1896, when a trapper killed them all." - -By 1905, according to the _Annual Report of the Secretary of the -Interior_, beaver had been exterminated within the boundaries of the -park. - -However, by 1919, beaver were again active on Fish Creek, along the -eastern base of Mount Wow, and in December, Mr. Roger W. Toll, park -superintendent, reported two dams, each 100 to 200 feet in length. Mr. -Toll's observations were set forth thus in a letter: - - "The beavers are now living in these lakes, and fresh signs are - abundant. There are numerous tracks in the snow leading from the lakes - to the thickets of alder, elder, and willow which they are eating. - There is no typical beaver house in the lakes, but the under-water - entrance to their house can be seen leading under the roots of a fir - tree about four feet in diameter that stands on the edge of the upper - lake." - -It is in this immediate vicinity that fairly extensive beaver workings -were observed in November, 1947, including newly repaired small dams and -fresh cuttings. - -The house or burrow in the stream bank studied by Mr. Toll appears -typical of the beaver in this area. In other sections, notably Rocky -Mountain National Park, Colorado, where beavers are abundant, an -extensive system of dams and canals is frequently developed on the -smaller streams, with a large house completely surrounded by the -impounded water a central feature of the colony. No such elaborate -workings have been found here. Since the beavers habitually reside in -burrows along the margins of streams they are referred to as -"bank-beavers." A plausible explanation for this habit is the constant -and ample flow of water, which eliminates the necessity for large dams, -and is adequate to cover at all times the underwater entrances to the -burrows. - -A small stream, bordered by cottonwood, alder, and willow, tracing its -course through swampy places or meadow lands at intervals, is the -preferred habitat of the beaver. The bulk of its food is made up of the -bark of the tree species mentioned above, although coniferous trees are -sometimes used, perhaps as an appetizer. The roots of aquatic plants are -eaten also, as well as the smaller roots of tree species. In an active -beaver colony, freshly peeled twigs and branches will be found lodged -against the upstream side of the dam, as well as along the stream and -pond margins. - -Much has been written concerning the sagacity, engineering ability, and -industry of the beaver. Certainly "busy as a beaver" is an apt -comparison for the industrious. The amount of tree-felling, food -harvesting, and construction and repair which a colony of beavers will -accomplish overnight is remarkable. - -Other characteristics, while impressive, are not the unerring instincts -that were often attributed to the animal by early writers. While the -dams are in most instances sturdily constructed of brush, small stones, -mud, and, at times, sizeable short lengths of trees, a sudden spring -freshet may completely destroy a poorly located structure. That the -beaver exhibits what might be considered good judgment in taking -advantage of natural stream barriers in dam construction is commonly -demonstrated, however. It is not unusual to find trees that have fallen -across water courses, or boulders in or on the margins of streams, used -to provide a portion of a dam, apparently by design rather than by -accident. - -The felling of trees is approached in a haphazard fashion, without -regard to the direction of fall. It appears that the beaver, or beavers, -set to work to gnaw the trunk through at a comfortable working height -above the ground, a point they can reach from a sitting position. Where -the tree falls is left entirely to chance. There may be a half circle of -open space in one direction, yet it is quite possible that the tree will -topple in the opposite direction and so lodge before it reaches the -ground. Under such circumstances the beavers may cut another section or -several sections from the butt of the tree, without eventually -accomplishing their purpose. - -Nevertheless, to give credit where credit is due, it must be admitted -that the beaver is unique in the animal kingdom by virtue of its feats, -even though these are largely the result of instinct. - -Among the natural enemies of the beaver clan are listed most of the -predators; fox, coyote, cougar, bear, wildcat, and where their habitats -coincide, the otter. It seems that all of these exhibit a liking for the -flesh of this largest of rodents, although a painstaking stalk, -consummated by a swift rush or leap is necessary for success, lest the -beaver escape to his natural refuge, the water. The otter, of course, -may enter the burrow or house and kill the young, but it is not likely -that it has the strength required to deal with a full grown animal. - - - MOUNT RAINIER APLODONTIA, MOUNT RAINIER MOUNTAIN BEAVER - _Aplodontia rufa rainieri_ Merriam - -A stout-bodied rodent, about the size of a muskrat, with a tail so short -that it is concealed in the fur. Sexes are alike in size and color; -upper parts light brown with a darker overcast, under parts a dull -brown, sometimes showing white patches. Eyes and ears small. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-80, RNP-104, and a mounted specimen, -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The various subspecies of aplodontia are found only along the western -coast of North America, from the mountain ranges westward to the -Pacific. It is not known to occur elsewhere in the world. - -The Mount Rainier mountain beaver is found only on and in the immediate -vicinity of Mount Rainier, where it is abundant in some localities from -park boundaries to 6,000 feet. It has been reported from the Paradise -River (5,200 feet), Longmire, Reflection Lake, Ohanapecosh, Comet Falls, -the Rampart Ridge Trail, the Nisqually Entrance, in the Nickel Creek -burn, and on the Wonderland Trail on the north side of Stevens Canyon -(3,000 feet). - -The common name of this animal is not particularly appropriate, since it -resembles the muskrat and pocket gophers in appearance and habits more -closely than it does the beaver to which it is not closely related. It -prefers a wet habitat, but is not aquatic. It occasionally gnaws through -the small stems of willow, alder, and other shrubs, felling them to the -ground, but it makes no attempt to construct dams or canals. Tiny -rivulets are often diverted to flow through the mountain beaver's -burrows, perhaps by accident, possibly because the animal intended such -diversion. - -The food of the aplodontia includes almost every succulent plant found -in the park, as well as many shrubs and the bark of some trees. Bracken -appears to be on the preferred list. During the summer months the -presence of the animal in a locality is often indicated by bundles of -plants cut and piled in exposed places to cure. The mountain beaver is -more particular in this respect than the pika, the bundles are often -rather neatly arranged on a log or stump, the base of the stems at one -end of the pile, nicely evened up, and the entire bundle intact. After -curing, the bundles are stored in the burrows, to serve as food and -nesting material. - -A rather extensive system of burrows from a few inches to a foot or two -beneath the surface, and piles of freshly excavated earth are also -evidence of the workings of this animal. The typical site chosen for -development is ordinarily moist, probably not because the aplodontia is -a lover of water, but because it is in such locations that suitable food -plants abound. The burrows are constructed as exploratory routes in -foraging, with what appears to be a main gallery intersected by a number -of branches. These burrows emerge in thick cover or under logs, with the -openings often connected by well-beaten runways where the overhanging -plants and shrubs afford concealment. - -Such extensive workings were found along the Wonderland Trail in Stevens -Canyon in 1947 and 1948. The first indication of the activity of -mountain beavers was the undermined condition of the trail in several -places, where burrows crossed under the path and caved beneath the feet. -Upon investigation many freshly cut stems of bracken were discovered, -and several piles of recently excavated earth, in some instances -sufficient to fill a bushel basket. This site was typical: excellent -cover; several small streams; and deep, very moist soil with few rocks -and an abundance of food plants. - -Natural enemies of aplodontia undoubtedly include nearly all of the -predatory animals, particularly the skunks and weasels, which can invade -the dens without difficulty. - - - YELLOW-HAIRED PORCUPINE - _Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum_ Brandt - -The porcupine is a large, short-legged rodent (total length about 30 -inches), clumsy and awkward appearing, slow-moving, bearing long, sharp -quills or spines over most of the body and on the short, club-like tail. -The pelage is composed of soft, brownish-black or black hair. Intermixed -with the pelage, and extending beyond it are the quills and long, stiff, -shiny, yellowish-tipped hairs, which give a yellow tinge to the -underlying dark color. It is impossible to confuse this unique animal -with any other found in the park. - - [Illustration: The almost impregnable armor of the porcupine is - adequate protection against most predators.] - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-42, RNP-47, and a mounted specimen, -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The several species of porcupine are widely distributed, ranging in the -timbered regions of the northeastern states, the Rocky Mountains from -near the Mexican boundary northward, and from northern California into -Canada and Alaska. - -Formerly rare, the first actual record was of a single individual in -Paradise Valley in 1933, porcupines are increasing throughout the -forested areas of the park, although the animal is still considered -uncommon. - -An apparent lack of interest or concern in events is probably the -outstanding characteristic of the porcupine. Protected as it is with an -almost impregnable defense of quills, it has no need for speed and shows -little fear of any other creature, even man. If pursued when -encountered, it will waddle away at top speed, which is about equal to a -man's brisk walk. If crowded closely, the animal will take to the -nearest tree if given the opportunity, or may thrust its head beneath a -convenient root, log, or rock, then thrash the muscular tail about -vigorously in an effort to discourage attack. The tail is indeed a -formidable weapon. The quills are loosely attached to the skin, and are -readily detached when they strike any object. They may even be loosened -by the swinging of the tail, and fly through the air for a short -distance. It is conceivable that quills thus detached might actually -penetrate the skin at short range, but a porcupine can not "shoot" its -quills. - -During the winter months "Porky" feeds upon the bark of various trees, -with an apparent preference for the conifers and coniferous foliage. At -times a single tree may furnish food for several days. The porcupine is -not a traveler, and rarely moves far, since food is ordinarily readily -available. In summer bark is eaten at times, but the diet is -predominantly the leaves and new twigs of shrubs, grasses, and succulent -plants. - -The inordinate liking for salt exhibited by the porcupine is well known. -Tool handles which bear a trace of dried perspiration are eagerly -devoured; it is common to find table-tops and other articles of -furniture in abandoned camps almost destroyed if they retain any -evidence of bacon, salt pork, or other salty foods. This habit has -created a hearty dislike among campers and woodsmen for the -"quill-pigs," and they are notorious as camp nuisances. - -Because of its nocturnal habits, the porcupine is not often seen. It -prefers to remain concealed in the uppermost branches of a -thick-foliaged tree, or perhaps in a hollow stump or log during the day, -venturing out at dusk to forage. - -Natural enemies of this animal include many of the predators, although -the protection afforded by the quills is sufficient to discourage attack -in most instances. Perhaps extremities of hunger result in desperate -attempts upon occasion, but it is difficult to imagine any flesh-eater -coming out better than second-best in an encounter, with one exception. -Observations and records of naturalists, trappers, and other competent -observers throughout the north woods country indicate that the fisher is -an implacable and deadly enemy of the porcupine, which is the fisher's -favorite prey and which it kills by tearing open the unprotected belly. -Observers have found trapped fishers to contain porcupine quills in the -intestines and in other parts of the body, with no apparent harmful -effects. Since the fisher has been almost exterminated over most of its -range within the United States, however, it cannot be regarded as an -effective check upon the increase in the porcupine population. In rare -instances, coyotes and cougars have been recorded as preying upon the -porcupine, and forest fires have been important in reducing their -numbers in the past. - - - THE VARYING HARES - -Two kinds of varying hares, or snowshoe rabbits, are known to occur -within the park. A brief discussion of each follows: - -The Washington varying hare, _Lepus americanus washingtonii_ Baird, is a -medium-sized hare, larger than the common cottontail rabbit. -Mammalogists differ in their discussions of the coloration of this -species. The variations of opinion are of interest. H. E. Anthony, in -his _Field Book of North American Mammals_, thus describes the -Washington Varying Hare: - - "Summer and winter pelages both dull, dark reddish brown (no white - winter pelage); tops of feet more intense reddish; soles of hind feet - sooty." - -Taylor and Shaw, in _Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, -are in general agreement with Anthony's description of summer pelage, -but describe the winter coat as follows: - - "In winter in the lowlands the pelage merely puts on a slightly paler - or more vinaceous cinnamon tinge; but in Mount Rainier National Park a - white coat is assumed." - -Still another observation was made by Mr. Walter W. Dalquest of the -Department of Zoology, University of Washington. After examining study -skins of the varying hares collected in the park, Mr. Dalquest made the -following comments in a letter addressed to the park naturalist (April, -1939). - - "The snowshoe hares of the entire Western Cascade region are a very - interesting but mixed up group. I should refer all three of your - specimens to _Lepus americanus washingtonii_ plus _cascadensis_. - - "The summer specimen from Longmire seems to be typical _washingtonii_ - in color and skull. The white winter specimen seems to be typical - _cascadensis_ while the very dark specimen (still in winter coat) - represents an interesting condition found only in the Western - Cascades, in which the specimens are darker than any other forms of - _Lepus americanus_ I have ever seen. This character is well - represented in a large series from Skykomish, Washington, in which the - winter coat varies from pure white to almost black." - -From these observations it would appear that there is a marked variation -in the winter coloration of _Lepus americanus washingtonii_, and further -that another subspecies of varying hare, _Lepus americanus cascadensis_, -is found in the park. - -The Washington varying hare is not abundant in the park, having been -recorded only from the southwestern section, from the park boundary to -an elevation of about 3,000 feet, rarely higher. - -It occurs on the western slope of the Cascades to the coast in -Washington, and northward into British Columbia. - -The Cascade varying hare, _Lepus americanus cascadensis_ Nelson, is -about the same size as the Washington varying hare. In summer it is a -dark, rusty brown, reddish along the back, darker on the rump; white in -winter. - -This hare apparently occurs most frequently in the southwestern part of -the park also, although tracks observed in winter at Yakima Park may -have been those of this species. Its range undoubtedly overlaps that of -the Washington varying hare, but it seems probable that in general it is -found at the higher elevations, 3,000 to 5,000 feet. - -The distribution of this species, within its altitudinal range, is about -the same as that of the Washington varying hare. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Washington varying hare, RNP-57, RNP-99, -and a mounted specimen; Cascade varying hare, RNP-98; Longmire Museum, -Park Headquarters. - -From the foregoing data, it is apparent that positive field -identification of either species is impossible in most instances. If a -brown hare is observed in winter (mid-October to mid-April) it may be -identified with reasonable accuracy as the Washington varying hare. -However, if the hare is white, it may be either species, particularly if -its habitat is near the elevation of overlapping distribution, 3,000 -feet. Since the summer pelage of both species is similar, it is not -possible to differentiate during that season. In general the observer -may expect to find the Washington varying hare at 3,000 feet or lower, -the Cascade varying hare at 3,000 feet or higher. That such -identification can not be considered infallible, however, is -demonstrated by a brown specimen collected near Reflection Lake, -elevation 4,800 feet, in February, and identified as the Washington -varying hare. - -The aptness of the common name, varying hare, is easily understood, -since it applies to the seasonal change of color, brought about by the -shedding of the coat during the moult. The term "snowshoe rabbit" is -derived from the long, broad hind feet of the animal, Nature's wise -provision which permits rapid and efficient progress over deep, soft -snow. - -The food preferences and habitats of the snowshoe rabbits are similar. -Both species prefer the dense cover of swamps and thickets, which -provide excellent protection from hawks and owls above as well as -avenues of escape from coyotes, foxes, and other predators on the -ground. Every large predator is the enemy of the snowshoe. - -Green plants, grasses, and clover make up the bulk of the food in -summer. The winter diet consists chiefly of the bark, buds and twigs of -various trees and shrubs. Coniferous foliage is often eaten. - - - WESTERN BUSHY-TAILED WOOD RAT - _Neotoma cinerea occidentalis_ Baird - -This large, gray-brown rat (head and body nine inches, tail eight -inches), can not be mistaken for any other park animal. It closely -resembles a several times magnified white-footed mouse, except that the -tail is so well-haired as to be almost like that of a squirrel. The ears -are conspicuous, the eyes large and lustrous, the feet, underparts, and -underside of the tail are dull white. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-19 and RNP-20, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The wood rats are found over the western United States, northward into -western Canada, and in some of the southeastern and mid-western states. - -The Mount Rainier species inhabits southern British Columbia, all of -Washington and Oregon, northern California and Nevada, and most of -Idaho. In the park it is found from park boundaries to forest line, -rarely higher, and is not common, although Taylor and Shaw (1919) found -it "unusually abundant in the timber along Tahoma Creek," and recorded -one individual at Camp Muir (10,000 feet). - -Every woodsman has a fund of "pack rat" stories, nearly all of them -emphasizing the thieving propensities of the animal, and every story has -a basis, at least, in fact, because the wood rat will usually pick up -and carry away anything about the camp that strikes his fancy, if such -articles are not beyond his physical powers. At times these treasures -may be found cached away in a bulky pile of dead twigs, leaves and other -debris in some rock crevice, but the wood rats seem to place little -dependence upon these "nests" as a place of refuge, preferring to -retreat into a more adequately protected spot in the rock mass itself. - -These animals are ordinarily nocturnal in habit, but may occasionally be -seen by day. They are not excessively shy, and oftentimes create quite a -disturbance with their nightly prowlings when they are found about -campsites or dwellings. Their presence is frequently made known by a -soft "thump-thump-thump" made at regular intervals of about one second -by tapping a hind foot on the ground, rock, or some object. - -The wood rat has a distinct musky odor, and a cave, crevice, or cabin in -which they have established residence can be recognized at once, even by -man's inferior sense of smell, by the atmosphere. - -It is readily apparent from the preceding discussion that the reputation -the wood rat has made among woodsmen and campers as a nuisance is not -ill-founded. They are interesting and active creatures, however, not -nearly so unsavory as the name "rat" implies, and in many instances the -entertainment they provide outweighs their less engaging habits. - - [Illustration: The inquisitive and abundant white-footed mice are - immaculately clean animals.] - - - WASHINGTON WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE, DEER MOUSE - _Peromyscus maniculatus oreas_ Bangs - -The white-footed mouse is about the size of a house mouse, with the head -and body about three and one-half inches in length, the tail about four -and one-half inches. The ears and eyes are large; the tail is -comparatively long, blackish-brown above, white below. The general -coloration over the head and back is a rather dark tawny-brown, -intermixed with black hairs, with a preponderance of black toward the -base of the tail. The underparts are white, with the lead-gray hair -bases showing through; the feet are white. In examining this mouse, the -impression is one of an immaculately clean little animal, definitely at -variance with the usual conception of mice. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-3, RNP-4, RNP-22, RNP-23, RNP-35, -RNP-36, RNP-37, RNP-38, RNP-39, RNP-77, RNP-84, and RNP-91, together -with a mounted specimen; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The white-footed mice are distributed over nearly all of North America -south of the Arctic Circle. - -The Washington species is found in the western part of the state and -northward into southern British Columbia. On Mount Rainier it occurs -throughout the park to elevations well above forest line, and has been -recorded on the summit of the Mountain. - -The inquisitive, active, and abundant white-footed mice are attractive -and familiar inhabitants of the woods about the Mountain. They are -readily adaptable to a variety of conditions, and are quick to invade -camps and dwellings in search of shelter and food. They are particularly -fond of cereal grains, and will often damage clothing left within their -reach, since these materials are evidently highly prized for the nest. -Campers will do well to protect food-stuffs and garments from their -foraging instincts. - -These animals are nocturnal in habit, it is rare to see them abroad by -day. They feed upon a wide variety of plant seeds and vegetable -material, and are preyed upon by all of the four-footed carnivores, as -well as the owls. - - - RAINIER POCKET GOPHER - _Thomomys talpoides shawi_ Taylor - -The sturdily built pocket gopher, with its long, sharp, fore claws, tiny -eyes and ears, external cheek pouches, robust body, and short legs, can -hardly be confused with any of the other rodents. The head and body are -about six inches in length, the thinly haired, whitish tail about two -and one-half inches. The color is light brown above, with the -lead-colored hair bases showing through in places; paler brown on the -sides; gray-white below, with white on the throat and a small, irregular -white patch on the nose. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-101, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The pocket gophers are widely distributed over western North America, -and are abundant in many regions. - -In Mount Rainier National Park the local species is found on the east -side of the park in the Hudsonian Zone above 4,500 feet, usually on the -grassy hillsides and in the open meadows. - -These animals are burrowers in the true sense of the word, rarely -venturing above ground, but constructing elaborate systems of connecting -tunnels a few inches beneath the surface. Because of this subterranean -habit they are seldom seen, although the evidences of their presence may -be conspicuous. Mounds of freshly turned earth scattered about over a -meadow indicate that active excavations by pocket gophers are in -progress. - -The fore claws are well adapted for the purpose of digging, and as the -burrow progresses, the earth is disposed of by thrusting it out through -a surface opening. Careful observation may be rewarded by a glimpse of -the head, shoulders and forelegs as the gopher accomplishes this -disposal, thus forming the mound of earth, which eventually closes the -emergence-hole. When not in use, these openings are closed by earthen -plugs. - -Pocket gophers feed almost exclusively upon the roots and bulbs exposed -by their burrowing activities, although at rare intervals they may move -a short distance from the burrow to gather surface food. - -Earth excavated during the winter months is firmly packed in tunnels -which the gopher makes on the surface of the ground beneath the snow. -These winding ridges of earth are revealed by the melting snow as -further evidences of pocket gopher activity. - - - THE MEADOW MICE - -Three species of meadow mice are known to inhabit the park, and of -these, two are so similar that the positive field identification of each -is difficult in most instances. Only the Cascade meadow mouse, or water -vole, shows sufficiently distinctive characteristics to permit easy -recognition. Of the two similar species, the Oregon meadow mouse is -probably most likely to be encountered. - -The Oregon meadow mouse, _Microtus oregoni oregoni_ (Bachman), is -similar in general coloration to the Olympic meadow mouse, but has -conspicuous ears, is distinctly smaller, and has been found from park -boundaries to 5,000 feet and higher. - -The Olympic meadow mouse, _Microtus longicaudus macrurus_ Merriam, is -dark brown above, with slightly paler sides, and with under parts a dull -buff or whitish. The tail is distinctly bicolor, black or brown above, -white below. The ears are inconspicuous. The head and body measure about -five and one-quarter inches, the tail about three and one-half inches. -This mouse is rarely found above the 3,000 foot elevation. - -The Cascade meadow mouse, _Microtus richardsonii arvicoloides_ (Rhoads), -is much larger than any of the other species found in the park. The head -and body measure about six inches, the tail a little over three inches -in a typical specimen. In general this species prefers a moister habitat -than the other meadow mice, and is usually found from 4,000 feet to -forest line (6,500 feet). It is the most abundant of the park mammals -found at high elevations, and has been recorded at Camp Muir, 10,000 -feet. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Oregon meadow mouse, RNP-27, RNP-32, -RNP-51, RNP-71; Olympic meadow mouse, RNP-31; Cascade meadow mouse, -RNP-5, RNP-26, RNP-48, RNP-49, RNP-50, RNP-59, RNP-60, RNP-75, RNP-81, -RNP-109; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -As the name implies, the general habitats of these rodents are the open -parks and meadows, from park boundaries to above the forest line. They -are locally abundant in many places, and are active throughout the year, -feeding upon the various green and succulent plants, burrowing along the -surface of the ground beneath the snow to find food in winter. Only the -Cascade meadow mouse shows any marked deviation in its habits, being -semi-aquatic, at least in summer, with a marked preference for marshy or -boggy meadows, taking to the water readily to escape danger, and -burrowing along the banks of small streams. In winter this mouse often -seeks the hillsides and normally dryer sites, probably in search of a -more abundant food supply, the change in habitat being encouraged by -abundant winter moisture. These hillside habitats often reveal earthen -tunnels on the ground surface as the snow melts, similar to those made -by the pocket gopher. Mounds of earth thrown up around the burrows of -the Cascade meadow mouse are also similar to the gopher mounds, but may -be distinguished from the latter by the open burrows, often left so, -rather than being closed by earthen plugs. - -It is well that the meadow mice are so abundant and prolific, since they -constitute a large portion of the food supply of coyotes, foxes, and -other predators. - - - MOUNTAIN LEMMING MOUSE, OLYMPIC PHENACOMYS, HEATHER VOLE - _Phenacomys intermedius oramontis_ Rhoads - -The lemming mouse is similar in appearance and habits to the meadow -mice; the head and body are four and one-half inches to five inches -long; the tail from one to one and one-half inches. The back is a -grizzled gray-brown, showing a yellowish tinge; the belly is gray-white; -the fur is sprinkled with black hairs. The dull color and short tail -distinguish this mouse from all others except the Oregon meadow mouse. -The latter is slightly smaller, the hair is less woolly, but field -distinction is difficult or impossible. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The genus _Phenacomys_ is found in the western United States and most of -Canada, inhabiting the mountain summits and colder zones. - -The Olympic phenacomys of Mount Rainier occurs only at the higher -elevations, 4,500 to 8,500 feet in the park, and its range extends into -the Olympic Mountains, as well as southward along the Cascade crest into -central Oregon. - -The alpine parks and windswept slopes well above forest line are the -home of the hardy little lemming mice. One of the common names for the -animal, heather vole, is suggestive of the locality where they may be -found, finding shelter in the protection afforded by the low-growing -masses of the heather. Their range is not entirely confined to the -alpine country, however, since records have been established in the -upper forested areas, down to a low elevation of 4,000 feet. - -The only conspicuous evidences of the presence of the heather vole are -the tidy, compact winter nests of dried grass, lichen, and other plant -fibers. These nests, constructed on the ground under the snow, are -apparently abandoned when the snow melts, and it is difficult to -discover other signs of the animal's activities. - -Like the meadow mice, the mountain lemming mouse is a staple item in the -diet of the predators. - - - CASCADE RED-BACKED MOUSE - _Clethrionomys gapperi cascadensis_ Booth - -The red-backed mouse is slightly larger than a house mouse; in a typical -specimen the head and body are about four inches long, the tail slightly -less than two inches. The distinguishing characters which separate this -animal from the other mice are the broad, reddish-brown stripe over the -back from the forehead to the base of the tail (this stripe -distinguishes it from the held mice), and the inconspicuous ears and -short tail which are so different from the large ears and long tail of -the white-footed mouse. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-17, RNP-62, RNP-63, RNP-65, RNP-66, -RNP-67, RNP-68, RNP-69; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The many species of red-backed mice occur generally over the wooded -sections of North America. - -The Cascade red-backed mouse is found in the Cascade Mountains from -British Columbia southward into Washington, east into northern Idaho and -northeastern Oregon. In Mount Rainier National Park it occurs generally -from park boundaries to forest line. - -The heavily wooded areas of the park are the preferred habitats of the -red-backs. They are usually common in such localities, but are not -locally abundant in colonies, as are the field mice. - -The activities of these mice are not confined to nocturnal excursions. -They may be seen at any time of day, and the quiet observer in the deep -woods is almost certain to glimpse them if he is patient enough to watch -for a few moments. - - - NORTHWESTERN JUMPING MOUSE - _Zapus princeps trinotatus_ Rhoads - -The Northwestern jumping mouse is a little larger than a house mouse, -head and body about four inches, tail about six inches. The back is -dark, sprinkled with buff; a broad band of buff, sprinkled with blackish -hairs, extends along the sides; the underparts are pure white. The long -tail is dull gray above, white below, and almost naked except for a tiny -tuft of dark hair at the tip. This mouse may be easily distinguished -from any other park animal by the long hind legs and tail. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-6, RNP-24, RNP-25, RNP-52, RNP-53, -RNP-54, RNP-58, RNP-73, RNP-76, RNP-92; Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The jumping mice are found throughout most of the United States from -northern California and North Carolina, northward into Canada to the -Arctic Circle. The Northwestern jumping mouse occurs from northern -California through the Cascades to the coastal region of southern -British Columbia. - -In Mount Rainier National Park this animal is found irregularly from -park boundaries to 6,000 feet. It is not common and is rarely seen. - -The usual habitats of the jumping mice are the subalpine parks and -meadows, where they may sometimes be abundant in a restricted locality. -They hibernate from early fall until late spring, and during their -period of summer activity they rarely leave the nest during daylight -hours. The nests are on the ground, small and dome-shaped, made of dried -grasses. - - - THE MOLES - -Within the park are found three different kinds of moles, two of which -are very closely related and similar in general appearance. The third is -distinct in size and coloration. - -The Townsend mole, _Scapanus townsendii_ (Bachman), is considered to be -the largest of its kind on the continent, with a total length of about -eight inches. The body is stout, with tiny eyes, short legs and tail. -The fur is dense and velvety, blackish-brown in color, usually with a -purplish tone. - -It is found in "extreme northwestern California, Oregon and Washington -west of the Cascade Mountains" (Jackson). Little is known about its -status within the park. Workings were observed and a specimen collected -at Spray Park (5,500 feet) in 1919. - -The coast mole, _Scapanus orarius orarius_ True, is smaller than the -Townsend mole, attaining a length of about six and one-half inches. Its -coloration is black or blackish-brown above, with the underparts more -grayish in tone. - -This species is found in the humid coast region of northern California, -Oregon and Washington. It is apparently not common in any part of the -park, but has been collected at Longmire and the Owyhigh Lakes. - -The Gibbs shrew-mole, _Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii_ (Baird), is a very -small mole, about the size of a house mouse, around four inches in total -length. The entire coloration is dark grey, with the longer hairs -frequently tipped with whitish. - -This mole is found in extreme southwestern British Columbia, western -Washington and Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains, and south into -California in the coast region and interior west of the Sierra Nevada -Mountains. It occurs rather commonly throughout the park below 4,000 -feet, although an occasional record has been obtained at elevations in -excess of 5,000 feet. Its habitat is around grassy swamps and near -streams. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Townsend mole, none; coast mole, -RNP-105; Gibbs shrew-mole, RNP-21, RNP-106, RNP-112, RNP-114; Longmire -Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The mole is often confused with other small mammals, especially the -rodents. However, it does not belong with the rodent group and can -readily be distinguished by its short, very stout front legs which end -in broad, handlike feet with the palms turned outward; and by its -pointed nose; short tail; elongated body with fine, plush-like fur; and -the apparent absence of external eyes and ears. - -The mole is one of Nature's strangest creations. From birth it is -destined to live underground, working diligently in total darkness to -obtain the food necessary for its existence. Its appetite seems never to -be satisfied and captive specimens have been known to eat more than -their own weight in a single day. Earthworms and grubs make up the major -portion of the food eaten, although beetles, spiders, various insects -and occasionally plants are of importance. The mole has the dubious -distinction of being of great value to the farmer because of the worm -pests he destroys, yet is regarded in return as one of the farmer's -worst pests. A large part of this bad reputation arises from the damage -done growing plants by rodents that use the mole burrow to reach the -tender flower bulbs and growing roots found underground. - -While hawks, owls and small mammal predators take a limited number of -moles as food, high water in areas containing their homes constitutes an -important factor in controlling their abundance. The heavy rains and -snow runoff in the park probably has much to do with the local mole -population. - - - THE SHREWS - -The smallest of our North American mammals, the shrew, is represented in -the park by six different forms, all closely related and similar in -general appearance. - -The wandering shrew, _Sorex vagrans vagrans_ Baird, is a small shrew -with dark brown upperparts and ashy gray underparts. The tail tends to -be bicolor with a dusky color above and paler below. - -This species is found from southern British Columbia through western -Washington and Oregon into northern California. Only two records have -been obtained from the park. These came from a specimen trapped at Bear -Prairie (2,000 feet) about three miles south of Longmire and from one -taken in Stevens Canyon (no elevation given). The wandering shrew lives -in areas where there is considerable moisture and a damp, heavy forest -cover. - -The Olympic dusky shrew, _Sorex obscurus setosus_ Elliot, is a fairly -large shrew with upperparts brown with a few light-tipped hairs, the -lower parts ashy washed with buff. The tail is brown above and -yellowish-white below. - -This shrew is found from the Cascades westward and south as far as the -Columbia River. In the park it has been recorded in a number of -localities ranging from 2,000 to 6,800 feet in elevation. It is normally -found in moist situations where the undergrowth is heavy and is one of -our common shrews. - -The cinereous shrew, _Sorex cinereus cinereus_ Kerr, is of medium size -and difficult to separate from the dusky and wandering shrews. It is -distinguished by its small size and pale color. - -This species "ranges over most of Alaska, Canada and the northern half -of the United States" (Dalquest). Within the park it has been recorded -only along the Paradise River, and data are lacking regarding its range. - -The Trowbridge shrew, _Sorex trowbridgii trowbridgii_ Baird, is a large -shrew, about three-fourths the size of a common house mouse. In -coloration it is black or grayish above, lighter below. The tail is -sharply contrasting blackish above and whitish below. - -This shrew is found west of the crest of the Cascade Range in Washington -and Oregon, and has been collected in the park at Ohanapecosh (2,000 -feet), Tahoma Creek (2,500 feet), and Longmire (2,700 feet). It prefers -dark woods and moist situations. - -The navigator water shrew, _Sorex palustris navigator_ (Baird), is a -large shrew about the size of a house mouse, with small fore feet and -broad hind feet. Its coloration above is dark brown or blackish with -some of the hairs whitish tipped, the underparts are whitish-gray. The -tail is brown above and pale gray below. - -This species is found from the Rocky Mountains and the outlying ranges -of British Columbia to southern Colorado, and in California as far south -as Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. It is commonly encountered from -the lowest elevations in the park up to around 8,000 feet, and is -usually found along stream banks and at lake outlets. - -The Bendire water shrew, _Sorex bendirii bendirii_ (Merriam) is about -the size of a house mouse, a sooty-gray color above and slightly paler -below. - -It is found in the Klamath section of Oregon, a narrow strip along the -coast of California, and in the Cascades from Washington to British -Columbia. It has been recorded at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 -feet on the west and south sides of the park. Like all water shrews it -prefers moist areas and is usually found around wet meadows or in the -forest cover near lowland creeks. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Wandering shrew, RNP-89; Olympic dusky -shrew, RNP-55, RNP-88; cinereous shrew, none; Trowbridge shrew, RNP-61; -navigator water shrew, RNP-64, RNP-83, RNP-90; Bendire water shrew, -RNP-1, RNP-56, RNP-72; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -Because of their secretiveness and tiny size the shrews are seldom -observed, although they are relatively abundant in the park. By -stationing oneself in an elevated spot near a grassy stream bank or in a -damp, shady, forested area it is sometimes possible to observe the -actions of these small creatures. While their diet is largely composed -of insects, they do eat such things as worms, as well as small birds and -mammals that they can kill. They are very nervous animals and extremely -courageous hunters, and will attack and kill other mammals much larger -in size. They require an abundance of food to live and will die if -deprived of food for even a few hours. This might lead one to suppose -that they are somewhat weak, but such is not the case. They are active -throughout the year, being seen abroad under even the most rigorous -climatic conditions. - - - THE BATS - -Of the four types of bats known to occur in the park, only two are -closely related. These two are very small as compared to their larger -cousins. - -The Miller bat, _Myotis yumanensis saturatus_ Miller, is a small bat -with the upperparts dark glossy yellowish brown and the underparts -golden. The sides, chin and throat are somewhat darker than the -underparts. The fur over the entire body is slaty black at the base. The -membranes of the wings are blackish. - -This bat is found in the transition zone of British Columbia, -Washington, Oregon and northern California, along the coast. - -It has been taken at Longmire, Paradise Valley and Sunset Park. It stays -in the forests of the park, only occasionally being seen above the open -meadows. - -The coloration of the Northwestern long-legged bat, _Myotis volans -longicrus_ (True), above is dark brownish, sometimes blackish; the -underparts are dusky brown. The ears and wings are blackish. This bat -cannot be distinguished in flight from the Miller bat. - -It is found in the humid coast and mountain region from Admiralty -Island, Alaska, to Monterey County, California. - -While it is apparently fairly common at the lower elevations, very few -collections have been made. It has been taken at St. Andrews Park (5,500 -feet) and at Longmire. - -The silver-haired bat, _Lasconycteris noctivagans_ (Le Conte), is a -medium sized bat with dark brown or blackish coloration above and below. -Many hairs on the back and underparts are tipped with white, with the -white tips most numerous on the middle of the back. The wings are dark -brown. - -This bat occurs on the North American Continent north of Mexico, ranging -from the Pacific to the Atlantic. - -There is as yet no evidence that this bat actually stays within the park -for any length of time. It is believed that it only moves through during -migration. Records thus far obtained are during September, at elevations -around 5,000 feet. - -The Townsend lump-nosed bat, _Corynorhinus rafinesque townsendii_ -(Cooper), is of medium size, with long thin ears and two prominent lumps -on either side of the nose. The coloration is dark brown above, somewhat -lighter below, the base of the fur is dark slaty. The ears, feet and -wings are dark brown. - -The Townsend lump-nosed bat occurs from southern British Columbia -southward through most of Washington and Oregon, and along the coast -into California as far south as San Francisco. - -Only one record has been obtained from the park, a specimen collected at -Longmire in September, 1937. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Miller bat, RNP-85; Northwestern -long-legged bat, none; silver-haired bat, none; Townsend lump-nosed bat, -RNP-93; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -The bats are among the most feared and least known of any of our -mammals. Many people are afraid to have anything to do with them, and -everyone is familiar with the old belief that, given the opportunity, a -bat will fly into one's hair. Yet the bats that are so common in North -America are weak and entirely harmless. Far from being harmful to man, -they serve a most useful function in destroying various insects. The -worst problem the bat presents is the habit some species have of using -buildings as a place to sleep. - -Although possessing a wing-like structure, the bat does not have a wing -in the sense that a bird has. The "wing" consists of a much modified -hand with very long fingers. This is covered with a thin, but very tough -membrane, that enables the animal to fly. The bat's flight is seemingly -aimless, but is actually purposeful. It is during these "drunken -flights" that it catches the insects upon which it lives. - -By far the most astonishing and marvelous feature about the bat's -anatomy is the delicate mechanism that guides it in flight. This animal -has operated on the principle used by radar thousands of years before -man discovered the device. The hearing is extremely acute and bats are -able to receive sound impulses at a vibration frequency too high for the -human ear. During flight it sends out shrill cries of high vibration -frequency. As these sounds travel out through space they are reflected -back by any object, large or small, that they strike. Through sensitive -ears the bat receives these rebounding sounds and thus is aware at all -times of the nearness of any object. This explains the bat's uncanny -ability to fly through a room in total darkness without striking even -such small objects as wire or lamp cords. This ingenious device fails -around water, however. Experiments have shown that a small wire -stretched just above the surface of a pond is not "seen" by the bat when -it swoops down to get a drink. - -Some bats rest in leafy treetops where they cling to small branches. -Most species stay in hollow trees or caves during the daytime, and "bat -caves" are common in many parts of the country, the most famous one is -at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. While resting or sleeping the bat -hangs head downward, always in a position to drop and fly at any moment. -It is helpless on the ground, and must obtain sufficient elevation to -allow for a few inches of drop before it can fly. - - [Illustration: One of the most elusive animals in the park is the - coyote.] - - - MOUNTAIN COYOTE - _Canis latrans lestes_ Merriam - -The mountain coyote resembles a small collie dog in size, with a slender -body, erect, pointed ears, and bushy tail. The upper parts of its body -are light brownish gray, with numerous long, coarse, black hairs. The -under parts are whitish, with the long hairs of the throat tipped with -black. The tail is heavily tipped with black above and light beneath. -The muzzle and crown of the head is a bright yellowish brown. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-98, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The geographical distribution of the coyote includes all of western -North America. The mountain coyote is found from British Columbia -southward through Washington, Oregon, and the highlands of the Great -Basin, Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains to the plateau region of -northern Arizona and down the Continental Divide in New Mexico to the -Mexican border. - -It is found locally throughout the park, at all elevations from the -extreme lower portions to forest line, although usually more abundant in -the vicinity of the old fire burns near the south and west boundaries. - -The shrill, wild, evening song of the coyote rising from an open slope -or brushy burn never fails to bring the listener to a rapt and keen -attention. There is a spine-tingling, eerie quality in the call that -seems symbolic of a wilderness land. It is descriptive also, in that it -may sound like one animal or a pack. Usually it is heard at sunset or on -moonlight nights in the fall or winter, as the pack gathers for the -night's foraging. - -The park is not especially well suited to the coyote, as it lacks the -open sagebrush flats and rolling hills that are such important parts of -the animal's natural environment. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals, -however, and seem to fit themselves into almost any habitat. Having -respect but little fear of man, they are often found even in the farming -districts and near the smaller towns. Wherever there is sufficient food -there seem to be coyotes, even though they are mercilessly hunted in -many such localities. - -Food consists mainly of small animals, such as ground squirrels, mice, -chipmunks and marmots, although an occasional deer falls prey to this -wily hunter. Fruits and berries are eaten in large quantities when -available. During the late summer it has been observed catching -grasshoppers in the open meadows, such insects are staple articles of -diet. The wild antics of a coyote as it dives and twists trying to -capture an agile grasshopper, sometimes apparently as a game rather than -in a serious quest for food, afford an amusing picture. As a mouser the -coyote is hard to equal, and it may frequently be seen in the early -evening catching meadow mice. Destruction of deer is not overly -extensive, with the old animals and an occasional unwary fawn being the -principal victims. Once in a while a deer is found that refuses to -become an easy prey and a merry chase often follows--this time with the -coyote beating a hasty retreat with the enraged, wouldbe victim close -behind. There are numerous instances of such chases on record, and -authentic observations of coyotes being knocked down and trampled by -deer. - -Coyote pups, normally about five to seven in a litter, are usually born -in April or May and have all the playful characteristics of a puppy dog. -Just as soon as they are able to walk, they may be seen around the -entrance to the den where they tug and pull at each other in mock -ferocity. As they grow older their interest in the outside world keeps -pace with their growth, and by fall they are out learning the serious -business of obtaining food under the direction of the father or mother, -or both. It is during this time that they range in family groups of five -or six animals. - - - TIMBER WOLF - _Canis lupus fuscus_ Richardson - -The wolf is a large, dog-like animal, with dull yellowish-brown fur, -heavily clouded over the back and tail with black-tipped hairs. -Occasionally it is almost entirely black or grayish. The young are black -at birth, changing later to the adult coloration. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -These animals were formerly found over most of the United States, -Canada, and Alaska, but they have been exterminated over much of the -original range. A few wolves are still found in the timbered regions -west of the Cascades from Oregon northward through Washington, British -Columbia and into Alaska. - -At one time they were reported from several localities in the park, but -gradually they were killed off throughout central Washington until they -were apparently exterminated in the park prior to 1930. Since that time -single animals have been reported in 1933, 1937, 1941, 1943 and 1947. -These records appear to be those of stragglers that wander into and out -of the park. The wolf can thus be considered as rare in the area today. - -The heavily forested ridges and slopes near old fire burns appear to be -the type of habitat preferred, and most of the local records are from -such areas. The wolf seems to prefer the heavy timber for its home, but -uses the more open areas for hunting, as it is in these old burns that -deer, elk, rabbits and other important food sources are found. Being -extremely shy and silent, the animal is seldom seen even when known to -be present. - - [Illustration: The "silver" color phase of the red fox transforms an - alert and attractive animal into a creature of rare beauty.] - -Little is known regarding the family life of the wolf, although the -adults are devoted parents. Apparently the pups number from five to ten, -and are born in March or April. They usually stay pretty close to the -den, which is a large hole in a bank, or a protected nook in a log jam, -rock slide, or similar situation. Here they spend their puppyhood, an -always hungry family even though their parents may bring in large -quantities of food. In the late summer and early fall they are taken out -in a group or pack and taught the essentials of successful hunting. - -Powerful and intelligent, the wolf stands out as one of Nature's finest -predator creations. It is unfortunate that man's economic interests and -the food habits of the wolf clash, and the continuous campaign of -extermination being waged can have but one inevitable result unless -public appreciation of this now rare wilderness animal increases. Like -other magnificent predators before him, the wolf appears doomed over -most, if not eventually all, of the United States. - - - CASCADE RED FOX - _Vulpes fulva cascadensis_ Merriam - -The Cascade red fox is about the size of a small dog, with a very -slender body, bushy tail, erect ears and pointed muzzle. It may have -several color "phases" of which the red is the one most often seen. In -the "red" phase the head and upper parts are a straw yellow; ears -blackish and underparts white. The tail is yellowish mixed with black, -with a prominent white tip. The "cross" phase is of the same general -coloration as the red, but has a dark band running across the shoulders -and a dark band down the back, another dark band runs from the chin down -the throat onto the belly. The "black" or "silver" fox is all black with -silver-tipped hairs, excepting the white tip of the tail. A litter of -pups may contain all of the various color phases. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The red foxes occur over most of the United States and Canada. The -Cascade red fox ranges from the northern Sierra Nevadas through the -Cascades of Oregon and Washington. - -It is found in the park at all elevations up to forest line. - -Shy and cunning, this beautiful animal is seldom seen, yet is relatively -common, especially around the alpine meadows, where its short, sharp -bark is sometimes heard in the late evening. One pair of foxes has -raised families for several seasons within a short distance of the busy -highway to Paradise Valley near Marmot Point, while residents of -Longmire have had the thrill of seeing more than one of the shimmering -"silver" foxes around their yards. - -Few animals are so graceful and agile, and to watch a fox stalking a -mouse is to see a gifted expert in the art of hunting. Soundless, alert, -poised, it is a wary mouse that successfully escapes the lightning-like -pounce. Food is largely made up of such things as mice, ground -squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, wood rats, and other small game such as -birds and insects. Berries and fruit are eaten in season. - - [Illustration: A resident of the dense forest, the marten is a - member of the weasel family.] - - - NORTHWESTERN PINE MARTEN - _Martes caurina caurina_ (Merriam) - -This animal is slightly smaller than a house cat, with soft, heavy fur -and a bushy tail. The coloration above is rich, dark brown, darker along -the back and tail; face grayish; a large patch of buff or orange on the -throat and breast. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-44, RNP-108; Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Martens inhabit the forested regions of northern North America. The -Northwestern pine marten is found from southern British Columbia south -to northern California, in and west of the Cascade Mountains. - -It is fairly common from the park boundaries to forest line, especially -around the Paradise and White River valleys. - -This beautiful and graceful member of the weasel family is chiefly seen -after nightfall, but is also occasionally encountered along the trails -during the day. At Paradise Valley a pair lived in the old Community -House for several years, and were the source of a keen thrill to the -visitors who saw them playing around the building. For the most part the -marten is a resident of the dense forest. It is an expert climber, -travels through the trees almost as well as a squirrel, and is equally -at home among the talus slopes where it searches for conies. - -The marten eats a wide variety of foods, with small game such as mice -most commonly taken. Chipmunks, wood rats, squirrels, rabbits, pikas, -birds and occasionally insects and berries are other important food -items. Young martens are usually born from April to June and normally -number around four to six in a family. The home is located in hollow -trees or logs, or among the rocks. - - - FISHER - _Martes pennanti_ (Erxleben) - -The fisher is considerably larger than the marten, although resembling -this near relative in general characteristics. The coloration above -ranges from buffy gray to brownish black, with the under parts black or -blackish. The hair over the head, neck and shoulders has a grayish -appearance. Spots of white may occur on the throat and breast. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The fishers are now confined almost entirely to the northeastern United -States and Canada, west to British Columbia, although rather common in -the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. - -Its occurrence within the park is open to question as no records have -been obtained for several years. Investigation in the more remote -sectors may disclose its presence. It was once known to range from the -park boundaries to forest line. - -The name "fisher" is somewhat of a misnomer, as the animal is not known -to catch fish or even to live close to streams. It will eat fish if the -opportunity arises, however. It has a wide variety of common names, -including that of pennant marten, pekan, and black cat. - -Like the marten, the fisher is a lover of the deep woods and is -reportedly very agile in the trees. It feeds principally upon rabbits, -squirrels, mice, small birds, and frogs. It is not adverse to killing -and eating the marten. One of its most interesting sources of food is -the porcupine, which the fisher manages to kill without serious injury -from the sharp quills. A litter of from two to four young, which are -born in a nest in a hollow log or tree, are raised annually. - - - MINK - _Mustela vison energumenos_ (Bangs) - -The body of the mink is somewhat like that of a weasel, but heavier and -considerably larger. The legs and ears are short; the tail is bushy. The -coloration is brown, darkening along the back and becoming almost black -on the tail. Sometimes irregular white streaks or spots occur on the -throat, chest or belly. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The mink occurs over nearly all of North America, from the Gulf of -Mexico north to the Arctic Circle. - -Records from the park are few in number and show that it ranges mostly -at the lower elevations, although it has been seen at lakes around 5,000 -feet. Most records have been obtained along the Nisqually and -Ohanapecosh Rivers and around Lake Louise. - - [Illustration: The weasel is a tireless and efficient hunter.] - -The mink seems to be equally at home in the forests or in the open -meadows--all it requires is a watercourse or lake that will supply food -of some type. Minks are great travelers, often following a stream for a -considerable distance as they hunt. The hunting pattern is erratic and -every little thing that attracts attention apparently bears -investigating. This animal is an expert swimmer and can go long -distances under the water in pursuit of fish. Other foods include almost -any type of small mammal, birds, eggs, frogs and crustaceans. - -There seems to be no sense of fear in a mink and in a fight it is an -extremely dangerous adversary. Woe be unto the dog that attempts to -corner it, as even the largest dogs usually are sent home with badly -slashed faces. Like several other members of the weasel family, a mink -gives off a strong odor if disturbed. - - - WASHINGTON WEASEL, LONG-TAILED WEASEL - _Mustela frenata washingtoni_ (Merriam) - -The Washington weasel is the largest weasel known to occur in the park, -measuring around fifteen inches in total length. During the summer it is -dark brown above, darker on the head, with the under parts a dull -yellow, lighter on the chin and throat. About two inches of the tip of -the tail is black. In the winter its coloration may range from a dull -brown, with white underparts, to almost pure white except for a -yellowish tinge on the belly, rump and tail. The black tip of the tail -remains unchanged. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-45, RNP-79, RNP-82, and RNP-94; -Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters. - -Weasels inhabit practically all of North America. The Washington weasel -is found in the Cascade Mountains of Washington and Oregon, at least as -far south as Fort Klamath, Oregon. One specimen is reported from the -Chicago Field Museum as having been taken from Happy Lake in the Olympic -Mountains. - -In the park it is found from the lower elevations to forest line and -above, being especially common around the open valleys between 4,000 and -5,000 feet. - -Around Paradise Valley this weasel has found excellent hunting near the -Lodge and Inn. Here visitors spend considerable time feeding chipmunks -and ground squirrels, and attract large numbers with the quantities of -food offered. With the slopes literally swarming with choice tid-bits, -weasels have taken over each summer and created havoc among the -chipmunks and ground squirrels, not to mention arousing the ire of all -visitors concerned. Yet some check is necessary on these rodents, which -might otherwise multiply beyond the ability of the habitat to support -them. In spite of the efforts of the angry onlookers, mother weasel will -dodge her way out among the fleeing animals and capture one to take home -for her young. Records show that families of weasels have lived beneath -the Lodge and Guide House for several years, reaping a rich harvest of -food each summer from the rodent population. - - - LEAST WEASEL, ERMINE - _Mustela ermina gulosa_ Hall - -The least weasel is small, with a total length of around ten inches. In -the summer it is dark brown above, darkest on the head, with the -underparts whitish, usually tinged with pale yellow. The tip of the tail -is black. In the winter the coat may range in color from a light brown -among animals at lower elevations to a pure white at higher altitudes. -The tip of the tail remains black, however. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-70, RNP-87, and RNP-111; Longmire -Museum Park Headquarters. - -This weasel ranges through the Cascade Mountains from southwestern -British Columbia to Southern Oregon. - -It is found in the park throughout the forested regions, and up as high -as forest line, but is most abundant in the lower elevations. - -The weasel never fails to impress one with its utter fearlessness and -bewildering agility. It is very inquisitive and will probe around -buildings as readily as the rocky slopes in its seemingly never-ending -search for food. Its victims are limited only by their size, as the -weasel shows no hesitation in attacking anything that it can possibly -kill. For the most part its food consists of small rodents, such as -chipmunks, ground squirrels and mice. Its lust for killing, and the -occasional damage it does around poultry, combine to give it an -exceedingly bad reputation which completely overshadows the economic -good it does. As a natural control of rodent pests in agricultural and -grazing regions it has no equal. - - - WOLVERINE - _Gulo luscus luteus_ Elliot - -The wolverine has a stocky body, with a powerful head, neck and legs. -The legs and tail are short, the coloration is blackish or dark brown, a -broad, yellowish band beginning at the shoulders runs along either side -and reunites on the animal's rump. The lower parts are generally -blackish, except for the throat and chest, which are usually mottled -with white or salmon color. Large males may measure as much as three -feet in length, including the tail, which is about ten inches long, and -weigh up to fifty pounds. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The wolverine formerly ranged from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, -through the extreme northeastern states, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, -North Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon northward to the Arctic Ocean. -It is believed to be extinct or nearly so over much of its original -range in the United States, although it is reported to occur in fair -numbers in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. - -From 1897 to 1918 wolverines were occasionally reported from the park -area, but there have been none recorded since 1933, when one was -observed near the White River Ranger Station. - -Known by a variety of common names ranging from glutton, carcajou, -mountain devil, skunk bear, to maneater, the wolverine lives up to any -or all of them. A member of the weasel family, it has somewhat the -general build and habits of a small bear. Fierce and ready to fight -anything that walks, it is a terrifying animal to face. Even such a huge -animal as an elk is attacked without hesitation. Its cunning and -boldness is greatly respected by the Indians, who believe it to be -inhabited by an evil spirit. For the most part it hunts by night and -wanders great distances in search of food. - -It will eat any kind of game it can kill, a list which is extensive. Not -being able to entirely satisfy an enormous appetite by killing, the -wolverine also consumes all the dead carcasses that can be located. It -is famous for destruction along trap lines, methodically following the -line and eating anything that has been caught. Suspicious and canny, it -is difficult to lure into a trap, and often if caught will gain its -freedom by smashing even a heavy trap to pieces. - - - PACIFIC OTTER - _Lutra canadensis pacifica_ Rhoads - -The otter is one of the largest members of the weasel family, somewhat -minklike in general appearance, with a small head and rather short legs. -The feet are webbed and the tail is thick and tapering toward the tip. -The general coloration above is dark chestnut-brown, becoming somewhat -paler on the underparts, throat and cheeks. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Otters are geographically distributed over most of North America. The -Pacific Otter is found from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia -northward as far as the coast of Alaska. - -Recent years have failed to produce any records from the park, and there -is some doubt that the otter still exists in the area. However, it was -reported by Dr. C. Hart Merriam as fairly common along the Nisqually -Valley in 1897, while there were reports from the park in later years. -Thus it may be that this animal is still present in some more remote -sectors. - -Although adapted for living either on land or in the water, the otter -seems to prefer the water. It is a graceful, powerful swimmer, and -delights in frolicking in pools deep enough to allow lots of freedom of -action. Playful by nature, it often amuses itself by sliding down banks -into the water, repeating the performance time and again until a well -defined slide is made. Its food is made up of a wide variety of animal -life, ranging from fish, crayfish, frogs, snakes and birds to small -mammals. - -In one way it is unfortunate that the otter has such a valuable pelt, -because it has been relentlessly trapped wherever found; so much so, in -fact, that only in areas protected against trapping is it likely to -continue to hold its own or multiply. - - - LITTLE SPOTTED SKUNK - _Spilogale gracilis latifrons_ Merriam - -This animal has a slender body about a foot in length, with short legs -and a plumelike tail. The general coloration is black with a prominent -white spot on the forehead, four white stripes running from the head -onto the back, white patches and stripes along the sides, the rump -spotted white, and the tail broadly white-tipped. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The spotted skunks, often erroneously called "civet cats," are found -over most of the United States. - -The little spotted skunk occurs on the west side of the Cascade -Mountains of Washington, and through the Olympic Peninsula to the -westward. The northern limits of range are not clearly defined. - -In Mount Rainier National Park it has been reported from near Longmire, -Tahoma Creek and Carbon River. In 1897 records show that it was fairly -common in the Nisqually River Valley, but in recent years observations -have become extremely limited. Its present status must be considered as -uncommon to rare. - -This is without doubt the most interesting as well as the handsomest -skunk in the Northwest. Unlike its larger cousin, the Puget Sound -striped skunk, this little animal is graceful and rather agile. Seldom -is it seen during the day time, preferring to roam about in search of -food during the night. Its travels take it over a wide area, and it -shows a fondness for man-made buildings. It has been known to occupy -attics in dwellings, and one disconcerted wife of a National Park -Service employee found one casually strolling through the hallway of her -house one night! It is rather playful and even tempered, and seldom -resorts to the strong perfume it carries. - -Its food is varied, and may include almost anything from insects and -reptiles to small rodents. As a mouser it rivals a cat in effectiveness. -Sometimes referred to as the "hydrophobia skunk" or "phoby-cat" it has -had a bad reputation in the past as a carrier of hydrophobia. However, -the belief so prevalent among many people that its bite will always -produce this dread malady has no foundation in fact. Many animals may -carry hydrophobia, and there are few authentic records of the skunks as -carriers. - - - PUGET SOUND STRIPED SKUNK - _Mephitis mephitis spissigrada_ Bangs - -Larger and stockier than the little spotted skunk, the Puget Sound -striped skunk is black, with a narrow white stripe through the forehead, -a broad white stripe starting on the head and dividing at the shoulders -into two broad stripes that run back along the sides of the body. There -are long white hairs on the tail; the tip of the tail is black. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ RNP-43, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -The Puget Sound striped skunk is found from northwestern Oregon through -the lowlands of western Washington and into the Puget Sound section of -southern British Columbia. - -In the park it has been recorded only once. This lone record was from -near the Nisqually Entrance where one was killed on the highway by an -automobile. - -This type of skunk is well known throughout the United States. Its -cousins through the Middle West, East and South are familiar to every -farm boy. Its struggle for existence has been seriously threatened in -many localities because of the value of its fur. Because it prefers open -country to dense forests and mountains, it occupies the same regions as -man. - -The skunk is by nature a timid and gentle animal, and by moving slowly -it is possible to approach one with no fear of disastrous results. -However, practically anyone will agree that it is a safer course to -simply let the skunk go its way unmolested. The powers of persuasion it -possesses are not to be taken lightly! - - - NORTHWESTERN COUGAR - _Felis concolor oregonensis_ Rafinesque - -The cougar is the largest of the cats found in the region, measuring up -to more than eight feet in total length and weighing 150 pounds or more. -The body is slender, with a small head and long tail. Its coloration -above may range from reddish brown to gray brown, darkest along the -back. The underparts are whitish with the light areas extending forward -as far as the chin. The tail is brown with a prominent black tip. Young -cougars are somewhat lighter in color, with large dark spots along the -back and sides. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen at the Forest House at -Ohanapecosh. - -Cougars, or mountain lions, were formerly found over practically all of -the United States, but are now extinct over most of their original -range. - -The Northwestern cougar ranges from northern California through Oregon -and Washington into British Columbia. It is fairly common in some parts -of its range. - -In the park it may be found from the lower elevations up to forest line. -Most records have come from around the Nisqually River drainage and from -the west side of the park. However, it is apparently well distributed -throughout the region. - -Probably no animal found within the park affects the visitor as does the -cougar. To many people it is regarded as a highly dangerous, -blood-thirsty creature awaiting only a chance to pounce upon some -unsuspecting hiker. On the contrary, there are few animals in the woods -that are as shy or that run faster from humans than does the cougar. The -chances of actually observing one in the wilds are very remote, as the -lion usually sees without being seen, and beats a hasty retreat. - -Much has been said pro and con about the ability of the cougar to emit a -"scream." Much depends upon the person's conception of what makes up a -"scream." For the most part the cougar is silent, but contrary to what -is often claimed, it does have the ability to express itself vocally. At -times it may utter a loud cry that reminds one somewhat of the caterwaul -of a domesticated tomcat. One female lion in a zoo gave a long series of -such squalls when her kitten was taken from her. The so-called "woman in -agony" scream, so often attributed to the cougar, is more likely that of -the grown young of the great horned owl. - -The cougar is also well known because of its great liking for venison, -and without doubt it accounts for several deer a year. To say that a -lion kills large numbers of deer each year (some persons claim as high -as 100 per year) is something that needs clarification. There is little -doubt that when deer are abundant a lion will get a considerable number; -conversely when deer are not common the number taken will be low. Under -natural conditions the lion serves as an important "control" upon the -numbers of deer in any given region, for the most part killing old -animals that have passed their prime or young deer that aren't -sufficiently alert, so offering no real threat to the deer population as -a whole, but definitely helping to preserve forest reproduction from -destruction by preventing an excessive multiplication of deer. - - - BOBCAT, NORTHWESTERN WILDCAT - _Lynx rufus fasciatus_ Rafinesque - -The bobcat is a typical member of the cat tribe, and resembles the -common domestic cat in many respects. It differs in size, being perhaps -twice as large, has longer legs, a very short tail, and big feet. The -Northwestern Wildcat is a rich rufous brown over the back, grizzled with -black; paler on the sides; with white underparts splotched with black. -The legs are barred with dark brown and black. The tail is dark brown -above with black bars, the extreme tip and underside is white. The ears -are slightly tufted, the side whiskers or throat ruff are conspicuous. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ Mounted specimen, Longmire Museum, Park -Headquarters. - -Bobcats are found in all of the United States, and northward into -western Canada. - -The Northwestern wildcat occurs in northwestern California, Oregon, -Washington, and southwestern British Columbia. The cats are uncommon in -Mount Rainier National Park, where their range is apparently confined -mostly to the lower elevations near the southern and western boundaries. - -Of all the wild creatures of the woods, the bobcat is perhaps the -shyest. Many woodsmen of several years experience can count upon the -fingers of one hand the cats they have seen, with the exception of those -caught in traps or treed by dogs. Often it is only by observation of -their tracks or sign that their presence is revealed. This is all the -more remarkable when it is understood that like domestic cats, they hunt -by day as well as by night. - -Their habits are typically cat-like. They prey upon rodents and birds, -and may occasionally kill deer, particularly fawns. - - - CANADA LYNX - _Lynx canadensis canadensis_ Kerr - -The lynx is like the bobcat in size and build, but is lighter in color, -and may further be distinguished by the black tipped tail, longer ear -tufts, more conspicuous side whiskers, and broad spreading feet. - -_Specimens in park collection:_ None. - -The range of the lynx is principally in Canada, although it extends into -northern Oregon in the Northwest, southward in the Rocky Mountains into -Colorado, and as far south as Pennsylvania in the northeast. - -Taylor and Shaw, in _Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, -1927, observe that, "The shy and secretive habits of the members of the -cat tribe make their study unusually difficult. At the outset one finds -himself practically restricted to an examination of tracks and sign. -These indicate the abundance of cats of the genus _Lynx_ (either lynx or -bobcat) in suitable locations throughout the park. The Canada lynx is -confined to higher portions of the park, the bobcat to lower altitudes. -J. B. Flett reports the capture of a Canada lynx some years ago by C. A. -Stoner in the Sawtooth Range just south of the park. - - "Tracks and sign ... were most in evidence on the backbone ridges at - or just above timberline." - -For the past several years there have been no authentic records of the -Canada lynx in the park, and it is extremely doubtful that the animal -now occurs within park boundaries. - - - - - HYPOTHETICAL LIST - - -Although not known to occur in Mount Rainier National Park prior to the -date of this publication, the following mammals may be recorded: - - - Alaska Brown Bat, _Myotis lucifugus alascensis_ Miller - Longeared Bat, _Myotis evotis pacificus_ Dalquest - Northwest Coast Bat, _Myotis californicus caurinus_ Miller - Big Brown Bat, _Eptesicus fuscus bernardinus_ Rhoads - Puget Sound Weasel, _Mustela ermina streatori_ (Merriam) - Townsend Chipmunk, _Tamias townsendii townsendii_ Bachman - Yellow Pine Chipmunk, _Tamias amoenus affinis_ Allen - Oregon Flying Squirrel, _Glaucomys sabrinus oregonensis_ (Bachman) - - -The occurrence of the following mammals was listed by Taylor and Shaw, -_Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park_, 1927, as follows: - - - Muskrat, _Ondatra zibethicus osoyoosensis_ (Lord). "In lower portions - of the park; apparently now trapped out within its - boundaries." - Norway Rat, _Rattus norvegicus norvegicus_ (Erxleben). "Here included - on the authority of J. B. Flett, who has observed it at - Longmire." - House Mouse, _Mus musculus_ Linnaeus subsp? "At Longmire; at present - scarce, perhaps extirpated." - - -It is believed that the three species above are not now found within the -park. - - - - - BIBLIOGRAPHY - - - ANTHONY, H. E. - 1928 _Field Book of North American Mammals. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New - York._ - - - BAILEY, V. - 1936 _The Mammals and Life Zones of Oregon, North American Fauna, - Number 55, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of - Biological Survey, Washington, D. C._ - - - BROCKMAN, C. FRANK - 1947 _Flora of Mount Rainier National Park. U. S. Department of - Interior, National Park Service, U. S. Government Printing - Office, Washington, D. C._ - - - DALQUEST, WALTER W. - 1948 _Mammals of Washington. University of Kansas Publications, - Museum of Natural History, Volume 2._ - - - HAMILTON, W. J. JR. - 1939 _American Mammals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York._ - - - SETON, ERNEST THOMPSON - 1929 _Lives of Game Animals, Volumes 1-4. Doubleday, Doran and - Company, Inc., Garden City, New York._ - - - TAYLOR, W. P., and SHAW, W. T. - 1927 _Mammals and Birds of Mount Rainier National Park. U. S. - Department of Interior, National Park Service, U. S. - Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C._ - 1929 _Provisional List of the Land Mammals of the State of - Washington. Occasional Papers of the Charles R. Conner Museum, - Number 2._ - - - WRIGHT, GEORGE M., and THOMPSON, BEN H. - 1935 _Fauna of the National Parks of the United States, Fauna Series - Number 2. U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C._ - - - 1905 _Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior, U. S. - Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C._ - - - 1923-1938 _Mount Rainier National Park Nature Notes, Volumes 1-13._ - - - 1931-1948 _Annual Wildlife Census, Mount Rainier National Park._ - - - - - INDEX OF COMMON NAMES - - - BAT - Alaska Brown, 82 - Big Brown, 82 - Long-Eared, 82 - Miller, 61 - Northwest Coast, 82 - Northwestern Long-Legged, 61 - Silver-Haired, 62 - Townsend Lump-Nosed, 62 - BEAVER - Mount Rainier Mountain, 43 - Pacific, 39 - BEAR, Olympic Black, 24 - BOBCAT, 79 - CHIPMUNK - Cooper, 31 - Hollister, 31 - Townsend, 82 - Yellow Pine, 82 - COUGAR, Northwestern, 78 - COYOTE, Mountain, 64 - DEER - Columbian Black-tailed, 13 - Rocky Mountain Mule, 18 - ELK - American, 19 - Roosevelt, 20 - FISHER, 70 - FOX, Cascade Red, 67 - GOAT, Cascade Mountain, 21 - GOPHER, Rainier Pocket, 52 - HARE - Cascade Varying, 48 - Washington Varying, 47 - LYNX, Canada, 80 - MARMOT, Cascade Hoary, 28 - MARTEN, Northwestern Pine, 68 - MINK, 71 - MOLE - Coast, 58 - Townsend, 57 - Gibbs Shrew-Mole, 58 - MOUSE - Cascade Meadow, 54 - Cascade Red-Backed, 56 - House, 82 - Mountain Lemming, 55 - Northwestern Jumping, 56 - Olympic Meadow, 54 - Oregon Meadow, 53 - Washington White-Footed, 51 - MUSKRAT, 82 - OTTER, Pacific, 75 - PIKA, Cascade, 38 - PORCUPINE, Yellow-Haired, 44 - RACCOON, Pacific, 26 - RAT - Norway, 82 - Western Bushy-Tailed Wood, 49 - SHREW - Bendire Water, 60 - Cinereous, 60 - Navigator Water, 60 - Olympic Dusky, 59 - Trowbridge, 60 - Wandering, 59 - SKUNK - Little Spotted, 76 - Puget Sound Striped, 77 - SQUIRREL - Cascade Flying, 36 - Douglas Pine, 34 - Oregon Flying, 82 - Washington Mantled Ground, 33 - WEASEL - Least, 73 - Puget Sound, 82 - Washington, 72 - WOLF, 66 - WOLVERINE, 74 - - - - - INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES - - - Aplodontia rufa rainieri, 43 - Canis latrans lestes, 64 - lupus fuscus, 66 - Castor canadensis leucodonta, 39 - Cervus canadensis nelsoni, 19 - canadensis roosevelti, 20 - Citellus saturatus, 33 - Clethrionomys gapperi cascadensis, 56 - Corynorhinus rafinesque townsendii, 62 - Eptesicus fuscus bernardinus, 82 - Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum, 44 - Felis concolor oregonensis, 78 - Glaucomys sabrinus fuliginosus, 36 - sabrinus oregonensis, 82 - Gulo luscus luteus, 74 - Lasconycteris noctivagans, 62 - Lepus americanus cascadensis, 48 - americanus washingtonii, 47 - Lutra canadensis pacifica, 75 - Lynx canadensis canadensis, 80 - rufus fasciatus, 79 - Marmota caligata cascadensis, 28 - Martes caurina caurina, 68 - pennanti, 70 - Mephitis mephitis spissigrada, 77 - Microtus longicaudus macrurus, 54 - oregoni oregoni, 53 - richardsonii arvicoloides, 54 - Mus musculus, 82 - Mustela ermina gulosa, 73 - ermina streatori, 82 - frenata washingtoni, 72 - vison energumenos, 71 - Myotis californicus caurinus, 82 - epotis pacificus, 82 - lucifugus alascensis, 82 - volans longicrus, 61 - yumanensis saturatus, 61 - Neotoma cinerea occidentalis, 49 - Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii, 58 - Ochotona princeps brunnescens, 38 - Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, 13 - hemionus hemionus, 18 - Ondatra zibethicus osoyoosensis, 82 - Oreamnos americanus americanus, 21 - Peromyscus maniculatus oreas, 51 - Phenacomys intermedius oramontis, 55 - Procyon lotor psora, 26 - Rattus norvegicus norvegicus, 82 - Scapanus orarius orarius, 58 - townsendii, 57 - Sorex bendirii bendirii, 60 - cinereus cinereus, 60 - obscurus setosus, 59 - palustris navigator, 60 - trowbridgii trowbridgii, 60 - vagrans vagrans, 59 - Spilogale gracilis latifrons, 76 - Tamias amoenus affinis, 82 - amoenus ludibundus, 31 - townsendii cooperi, 31 - townsendii townsendii, 82 - Tamiasciurus douglasii douglasii, 34 - Thomomys talpoides shawi, 52 - Ursus americanus altifrontalis, 24 - Vulpes fulva cascadensis, 67 - Zapus princeps trinotatus, 56 - - - - - _Notes_ - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - ---Corrected a few palpable typographical errors. - ---In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park, by -Merlin K. 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