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diff --git a/old/52390.txt b/old/52390.txt deleted 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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