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218 ANIMALS
IN
FULL COLOR
MMAL� A GUIDE TO FAMILIAR AMERICAN SPECIES
GOLDEN NATURE GUIDES
Birds Flowers
•
Trees
Insects Stars Reptiles and Amphibians Mammals Seashores
•
Fishes
Weather Rocks and Minerals
GOLDEN REGIONAL GUIDES The American Southwest The American Southeast IN PREPARATION:
The American Northwest These books available in two editions: De Luxe Cloth $2.50 Limp Bound $1.00
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r \
218
ANIMALS IN FULL COLOR
MALS A GUIDE TO FAMILIAR AMERICA N SPECIES
by H E R B E R T S . Z I M , PH. D . and
D O N A LD
F.
HOFFMEISTER,
PH. D .
Curator, Natural History Museum, and Associate Professor of Zoology, University of Illinois
Illustrated
by
JAME S G O R D O N I RV I N G
S p o n s o red by T h e W i l d l ife M a n a g e m e nt Institute
A GOLDEN NATURE GUIDE
GOLDEN PRESS
•
NEW YORK
FOREWORD
MAMMA LS is a natura l a n d i nteg ral part of the Golden N ature G u ide series. Among mammals a re a n i m a l s that man consi ders the most i m porta nt a n i m a l s a l ive today. N ot o n l y do m a m m a l s have g reat eco n o m i c v a l u e , but we e n joy many of them as pets . We th r i l l at seei n g deer a l ert at the forest edge, and s m i l e at the d i g n i fied p ro cession of a m other s k u n k and her youn g . Ma m m a l s a d d g reatly t o t h e i n te rest o f forest, fi e l d , a n d desert. Th i s vo l u m e is a cooperative effort of a u thor, expert, a rti st, a n d p u b l i s h e r . Many i n d iv i d u a l s a n d i n stitutions have g i ve n u s their u n sti nti n g h e l p in p rovi d i n g a dvice and i nfor m at i o n a s to text and i l l u strati o n s , a n d s peci mens for the a rtist. We wish to t h a n k especia l l y D a n i e l B . Beard, Ja mes Bee, W. H . Burt, T. D o n a l d Ca rter, Wayne Davis, Dean Fi sher, Woodrow G o o d p a ster, George G . Goodwi n , E. R. H a l l , David H. Jo h n son, R e m i n gto n Kel l o g g , Keith Kelson, W i l l i a m l i d i cker, Robert M . McCl u n g , C h a rl es Mcla u g h l i n , Karl Ma s l ow ski , J o s e p h C . Moore, R u s s e l l Mu mford, Ra l ph P a l mer, Victor Scheffer, l . l . Stei m l ey, Tracy Storer, Hobart Va n Deusen, Richard Va n Gelder, Ra l p h M. Wetzel, a n d F o r d Wil ke. H .S.Z. D.F.H.
Copyright 1955 by Golden Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Including the RiQht of Reproduction in Whole or in Port in Any Form. Designed and Produced by Art1sts and Writers Press, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. by Western Printing and lithographing Company. Published by Golden Press, Inc., Rockefeller Center, New York 20, N. Y. Published Simultaneously in Canada by The Musson Book Company, Ltd., Toronto
U S I N G T H I S BOOK
T h i s i s a b o o k for everyo n e who w a n ts to i d entify, u n dersta n d , a n d e n j oy t h e field mouse sca m pering th ro u g h t h e leaf- m o l d a n d the s q u i r rel on the b r a n c h over h ea d . Tec h n i c a l d eta i l s , s u c h as descri pti o n s of s k u l l s, a r e o m i tted , a n d i d e nti fi cati o n i s kept at t h e s pe c i e s l evel . T h i s b o o k covers 21 8 of the 3 5 0 s p e c i e s of rna m m a l s fo u n d i n t h e U n ited States a n d a d j a c e n t Ca n a d a . T h e c olored p l ates accent features w h i c h h e l p y o u t o recog n i ze the a n i m a l i n its natu ra l envi ron ment. F i rst beco m e fa m i l i a r with the m a m m a l s p ictu red a n d descr i b e d . look t h r o u g h t h e Key t o Ma m m a l s o n the n e x t pag es s o t h a t you can recog n i z e t h e m a j o r m a m m a l g ro u p s . Try to see the m a m m a l w e l l e n o u g h to de c i d e, for e x a m p l e, whether i t i s a rodent or a s h rew. O n ce you place you r specimen with i n a group, th u m b i n g t h ro u g h a few p a g e s wi l l show you t h e a n i m a l o r o n e v e ry m u c h l i ke i t . F o r m o r e d eta i l e d i d entification , u s e scientific n a mes ( p p . 1 5 5- 1 5 6 ) . T a k e t h i s book w i t h you on wal ks a n d tri p s . look u p m a m m a l s w h il e you r i m pression i s fresh . Watch for c h a r a cte ri stics that a re i m porta nt i n i d e ntificati o n . learn to look ca refu l l y . You r fi rst g l a nce may be a l l you w i l l g et. l e n g t h s g iv e n i n the text a r e t h e over- a l l l e n gth of the m a l e ( i n c l u d i n g ta i l ), u n less oth erwi se state d . The m a p s show r a n ges. If a m a p s h ows m o re t h a n o n e r a n g e , d i f fe rent colors o r l i n e patterns a re u s e d . T h e c a ption with i n , o r n e a rest to, a certa i n col o r o r l i n e pattern i s t h e ca pti o n t h a t a p p l ies t o i t . I n the s a m p l e h e re, red s h ows the range of B r u s h Ra b b i t; blue l i n e s , Desert C otto n ta i l ; ye l l ow, Eastern Cotton ta i l . S o m e m a p s show p resent and past ra n g e s . 3
A KEY TO THE MAMMALS
H ere a r e t h e m a j o r g r o u ps ( o rd e rs a n d fa m i l i es) i nto which the m a m m a l s you see can be placed: OPOSSUM: pouch for y o u n g , th u m b -l i ke b i g t o e , p r e h e n s i l e 17 rs; s, velvety fu r, a n d n o exte r n a l ears 18 SH REWS: mouse-li ke; l o n g snout, soft fu r, 5 toes on each foot 21 BATS: the o n l y fl y i n g , w i n ged mammals 25 ORES: flesh-eaters; large canine teeth , 5 toes o n fro nt feet 32-65 B e a rs: flat-footed , " t a i l - l e s s"; 34 short, rou n d ears R a cco o n s: r i n g-ta i l ed ; b l a ck m a s k (i n c l u d e s R i n gta i l , Coati ) 36
__,
Wea sel F a m i l y: s h o rt-l e g g e d , s h o rt-ea red; h a v i n g g l a nd s with strong scent.
38
Foxes, Wolves: dog-li ke; cl aws not retracti l e
52
C ats: c l a ws retra cti le; s h ort face and rounded ears 58 S e a l s: l i mbs a re fl i p pers
4
63
RODENTS: G n a wers; o n l y 1 pa i r of u pper incisor pages 6 6- 11 6 teeth S q u i rr e l s: m ost a re a ctive d u ri n g d a y; b u s h y tai l s 68 P ocket G o ph e rs: live well below g r o u n d ; str o n g , wel l -c l a w e d 88 fo refeet K a ng a r o o R a ts a nd M i c e: 89 l o n g h i n d feet, tufted tai l New W o r l d Mice pnd Rats: u n d e r p a rts u s u a l l y whitish 95 V o l e s a nd Le m m i ngs: s h o rt ta i ls, s m a l l ears, l o n g fu r 103 O l d W o rl d R a ts a nd Mi c e: 1 12 u n d e r p a rts u s u a l l y grayish J u m p i n g M i c e: l o n g , n e a r l y 1 14 b a re ta i l s ; w h i te u nd e r p a rts HARES a n d R A B B I TS: l ong eared, s h o rt-ta i l ed ; 2 p a i rs of 1 17- 12 6 u pper i n c i s o r teeth H O O FED MAMMALS: feet with h oofs; both even- and 127- 14 1 odd-toed W H A LE S a n d T H E I R K I N: m a r i n e , fi s h - l i ke, with h o ri144- 153 zontal fl u kes For B e a v e r , P o rcupine, Nutria, Manatee, A r m a d i l l o , a n d a few other m a m m a l s not i n the a bove g roups, see Index.
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SEEING MAMMALS
Seei n g m a m m a l s i s n ' t a s easy as seei n g b i rds o r fl owers . Ma m ma l s k e e p out of s i g ht. S o m e Mule Deer fawn h ave concea l i n g col o rs; some b u rrow; m a n y a re noctu rna l . Yet they c a n be seen if you are patie nt, a l e rt, and know where to look. Much a bout m a m m a l s i s known, but much more rem a i n s to be d i scovere d . WHAT ARE MAMMALS? T h e n a m e " m a m mal" refers to the fem a l e ' s mammary g l ands, whi ch provid e m i l k for h e r you n g . This cha racteristic sets off m a m m a l s a mong the warm-blooded, back-boned a n i m a l s. Ma m m a l s a re h a i ry; you n g are born al ive. Most h ave va ried teeth, for c u tti n g , t e a r i n g , or g ri n d i n g . T h e m a m m a l ' s s k u l l is u n i q ue; the brain more complex than i n other a n i m a l s . H O W M A N Y ARE THERE? There a re, t h e world over, a bo u t 1 2 ,000 k i n d s of m a m m a l s . S o m e 3,000 species a n d s u bs pecies a re fo u n d i n North America. S pecies n u m be r a bo u t 650 in N o rth America, 350 north of M e x i c o . S o m e are ra re, oth e rs so c o m m o n that scores may occ u r on a s i n g l e acre. WHERE A RE THEY FOU N D? Ma m m a l s l ive on every conti nent-i n mounta ins, deserts, a rctic snows, m a rshes, m e a d ows, fo rests, fa r m s , cities, a n d the d e pt h s of the s ea . S o m e h ave become a d a pted to s p e c i fi c e n v i ron m e n ts; th u s tree s q u i rrels l i ve only in forests, rice rats o n l y i n s wa m ps . More a d a pt a b l e m a m m a l s fi t i nto a variety of environ ments; thus some ra bbits l ive i n woods, some in swa m ps, some i n deserts. 6
RANGE I N S I ZE Mammals range from the Pigmy S h rew to the B l u e Whale. l a r g e speci es, a s some c a r n i vores and h oofed m a m m a ls, a re most fa m i l i a r . S m a l l e r ones a re m o re common and, i n the long r u n , more i m porta nt. The l a r g e r the m a m m a l , the more l a n d n e e d e d to s u p p o rt it. Protecti n g m a m m a l s ti l l their p o p u l ation exceeds the n u m b e r that a given re g i o n w i l l s u p p o rt may mean sta rvation for the s u r p l u s . This ha ppened with deer a n d e l k unti l h u nters were a l l owed t o keep the h e r d s down . A D A PT All O N S M a m m a l s have deve l o p e d effective ways of l i vi n g . O n e i s to care for the y o u n g i n s i d e the m ot h e r before b i rt h . Tooth a d a ptati o n s vary from the t u s k s of the pecca ry to the g n a w i n g teeth of r o d e nts. Feet with hoofs or padded toes are ada pted for r u n n i n g , c l aws f o r d i g g i n g , grasping, a n d c l i m b i n g , a n d webs for s wi m m i n g . M a m m a l s ca n fly, g l i d e , r u n , j u m p, c r a w l , swi m , b u rrow, a n d d i v e . I nter n a l o rg a n s s h o w g reat a d a ptati o n , too. Some m a m m a l s can h i bern ate . Such a d a ptati o n s have made m a m m a l s d o m i n a nt today. MAMMALS AND MAN Man, most ada pta b l e of m a m m a l s , h a s d o m esti cated a n d deve l o ped others he has needed. Dogs, cats, horses, cattl e, sheep, and a score more have been domesticated. Most of these have been i m p roved for Bison and Holstein C o w h u m a n ends. A Hol ste i n cow g i ves more m i l k than her a n ces tors. Those w h i c h d i d not fit o u r patte rn, l i ke t h e b i s o n a nd t h e m o u n ta i n lion, have s u ffered badly.
ECO N O M I C VALUES M a m m a l s h e l ped m a ke Amer ica . Pioneers depe nded on game for everyday food. The fu r tra de sti m u l ated exploration and settlement. F u rs a re sti l l va l u e d today, a n d fur fa rming is a new a n d g rowi n g i n d u stry. H u nt i n g i s m o r e t h a n a s p o rt: o n t h e b u s i n ess s i d e, m i l l i o n s are s pent yea r l y for e q u i p m e nt a n d s u p p l ies. But s m a l l er mam m a l s have less obvio u s va l ues. Moles, voles, and g ro u n d s q u i rrels h e l p in m a ki n g soil. Rodents a re eaten by more va l u a b l e m a m m a l s . W i l d l ife i s so i nterre l a ted that a l l species have a r o l e i n keepi n g t h e n a t u r a l m a c h i n ery i n s m ooth o perati o n . C O N SERVATI O N O u r wi l d m a m m a l s a r e a natural re s o u rc e , w h i c h s h o u l d be u sed wisely for the l o n g-range b e n e fi t of all the peo p l e . N at i o n a l Pa rks p r o v i d e com p l ete protecti o n for all wi l d l ife, a n d here fi e l d tri p s can be most rewa rd i n g . State game refuges a n d those of the U . S . Fish and Wi l d l ife Service protect th reatened species such a s bison, pronghorn, and elk. N ational forests are a r e s e rvo i r of g a m e a n d s m a l l er a n i m a l s . Even f a r m s a n d wood lots can mai nta i n a m a m m a l pop u l ation. When h u nti n g a n d tra p p i n g a re l i m ited to r e m oval of s u r plus a n i m a l s , a f u t u re s u p p l y i s a s s u r e d . You o b e y h u nti ng and c o n s ervati o n l a ws bec a u s e they b e n efit you, your n e i g h bors, and the cou ntry at l a rge.
STUDY I N G MAMMALS
I d e ntificati o n i s the key to ex citi ng hobbies. Once yo u have b e g u n to st u d y m a m m a l s, m a n y possi b i l ities open u p . OBSERV I NG MAMMALS m e a n s m o r e t h a n i d e ntifi ca ti o n . See how they l i ve , fee d , p rotect t h e m s e l ves, a n d raise the i r yo u n g . This req u i res pati e n c e . E a r l y o r late, your ti me sched u l e must fit your subj ect. B i n o c u l a rs a re a n essenti a l . So a re wa rm, co mforta b l e c l othes, a n ote book, a n d s o m eti mes a bl i n d or c a m o u fl a g e d s h elter. Most eco n o m i c s pecies have b e e n stu d i e d b y p rofes s i o n a l zoolog i sts. Many s m a l l er and less i m porta nt s pe cies sti l l n eed attention . Experienced a m ate u rs, n oti n g d eta i l ed observations, c a n m a ke a zoo l o g i c a l contri bu ti on by record i n g fa cts o n feed i n g h a b i ts, b u rrows, run ways, nests, c a l l s , and behavior of local m a m m a l s . P H OT O G R A P H I N G MAMMALS c a n a u g m e n t your observati o n s. learn to know your c a m era fi rst a n d the h a bits of your s u b j ects next. Attem pt s i m pl e , easy s u b j e cts fi rst. l i g h t i s ofte n poor, so a g o o d l e n s o r fl a s h eq u i p ment i s i m porta nt. A n i m a l photog raphy ca n n ot b e r u s h e d . Food a n d water bait ofte n h e l p . l e a r n to s et u p your camera s o that m a m m a l s wi l l ta ke thei r own pi ctu res . C O LLECTI N G T R A C K S M a m m a l tra cks i n soft e a rth , m ud , clay, or s n ow tel l what a n i m a l passed, its size a n d h o w fast it w a s movi n g . Tracks l eft clearly in soil o r m u d can be p re s e rve d . S i m pl e m ateri a l s - pl a ster of P a r i s , some ti n cans w i th o u t tops o r b ot tom s , a n d a s m a l l brush
Select clear track.
Add plaster to water. Stir until crea my.
.,.,_"__
after plaster sets.
10
- a re a l l that is needed. Clean twi g s and l oose d i rt from the t r a c k s . S e l ect a c a n t h a t flts over the track with space to spare. (O r u se ti n ban d . ) Cover the i n si d e of the can with a t h i c k c o a t of va se l i n e . Mix yo u r p l a st e r a n d wate r ti l l i t i s l i ke t h i c k crea m . P o u r i t i n t h e c a n ti l l i t for m s a l a ye r a bout a n i n c h t h i c k . P l a s t e r wi l l dry in a n h o u r o r so; do n ot d i s t u r b til l th e n. Remove c a st from can; c l e a n , m o u nt, and l a b e l . C O LLEC T I N G M A M M ALS i s someth i n g f o r more advanced stu dents and is necessary i f you want to prepare ski ns or stud y sku l l s and teeth . S p ec i a l tra p p i n g p e r m its may be req u i red. A vari ety of tra ps from mou se-size up may be u sed. P l aci n g of tra ps effecti vely co mes o n l y with e x peri e n c e . Ma m m a l s c a u g ht i n live tra ps m a y be kept a s pets, o r they m a y be stu d i ed briefly, photographed, a n d turned l oose. M A M M A LS AS PETS O u r best pets are d o m esticated m a m m a l s . Wi l d o n e s w h e n c a pt u r e d y o u n g m a ke fine pets, too. Be s u re t o ob se rve the l a w i n c a ptu r i n g t h e m . Raccoons, s k u n ks, a n d tree s q u i r rels m a ke good pets. F l y i n g s q u i r-
r e l s , w h i te-footed m i ce, and c h i p m u nks do wel l i n ca ptivity. Foxes, c o atis, woodch u c ks, a r ma d i l l os , a n d even l a rg e r m a m m a l s are k e pt a s pets. Be s u re y o u c a n provide proper food, c l e a n d ri n ki n g water, a n d a sati sfactory shelter. Take ti me to handle and p l a y with your pet, if you want i t ta m e d . Ex perts at zoos can give you practical advice. P REPAR I N G S K I N S AND S K U LLS ta kes s k i l l . If you want to try ta xidermy, sta rt with a s q u i r rel or a rat. F i n d someone t o g i ve y o u a l esson or two. T r y Vi nson Brown's he l pf u l THE AMATEUR NATURALIST's HANDBOOK ( little Brown & Co., Boston, 1 9 5 1 ) or R. M. A n d e rs o n's M ETH ODS OF COLLECTING AND PRESERVING VERTEBRATE ANIMALS ( N ati o n a l Muse u m of Canada, Ottawa , 1 94 8 ) for some sound advice and f u rther references. In c l ea n i n g s k u l l s a n d other bon es, learn to u s e l a rvae o f Dermesti d Beetles, w h i c h eat the b o n e s c l ea n . A b i l ity to p r e p a re s k i n s i s n e e d e d i n a d v a n ced zool o g i c a l stu dy. The novice can ofte n learn more from observi n g l i ve m a m m a l s i n t h e w i l d or at zoos. MUSEUMS A ND ZOOS are fine p l a ces to study. Use them to s u p p l e m e n t your field wo rk. E x perts at t h ese p l aces are g l a d to a n swer q u esti ons and g i ve advice. A l i st of wel l -known museums and zoos is given on p. 1 54 , as wel l as a l i st o f books f o r further study.
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MAMMALS O F TODAY a re proba bly descended from s m a l l - to med i u m-sized, active, flesh-eati ng repti les-the C y n o d o n ts . These repti les, with ma m ma l- l i ke s k u lls, bones, a n d teeth, l ived m i l l ions of yea rs before the d ino s a u r s . The fi rst true m a m m a l s developed a b o u t 1 90 m i l l i o n y e a r s a g o , b u t for o v e r 1 00 m i l l i o n yea rs t h e y re m a i n e d an u n i m portant g ro u p of a n i m a l s . When the d i n osa u rs d i e d out 70 m i l l i o n years a g o , m a m m a l s c a m e i nto thei r own. By 50 m i l l ion years a g o , three m a i n g ro u p s of m a m m a l s a n d most o f t h e i r s u b g ro u ps were
wel l esta b l i s h ed . The egg-layi n g m a m m a l s , l i ke the Duck bill and E c h i d n a , are now a small, a l most e xti nct g ro u p . T h e p o u c h e d m a rs u p i a l s , whose you n g a re b o r n i n com p l etely develo p ed, a re represe nted by only o n e s pecies in the U n i ted States -the O possu m . A l l other m a m ma l s fit i nto t h e g reat p l a c e n ta l g r o u p o f 1 6 l i v i n g o r d e r s . G e n e r a l relati o n s h i ps of the pri n c i pa l o rders a r e shown a bove . More deta i l ed " trees " a re a p p ro priate l y placed i n the book . Study them a n d becom e fa m i l i a r with more d eta i l e d r e l a ti o n s h i ps. 13
1 . Long-horned B ison
2. Sa ber-toothed C at
3. Short-legged Rhinoceros
MAMMALS OF YESTERDAY include some which l ived in N o rth America a n d have become e xti nct in the past 5 0 m i l l i o n years. At i nterv a l s l a n d b r i d g e s from Asia formed, and new m a m m a l s came over to c o m pete with and sometimes replace exi sti ng species. The Short-l egged
14
R h i noceros l ived a b o u t 1 0 m i l l ion years a g o . It beca m e e xti nct s o o n a fter, b u t other s pecies pe rsi sted i n E u rope ti l l t h e i c e a g e . The e a r l y c a m e l ( Proca m e l u s ) d i e d out a bout the same time, but others l ived h e re ti l l the last ice a g e . More i s tol d a bout these animals o n the next pa g e . 15
T HE F I RST M A M M A LS a ppeared i n N o rt h A m erica over 75 m i llion years a g o . New kinds deve loped; others came fro m Asi a . About 2 5 m i l l i o n yea rs l ater, m a m m a l s be g a n t o d o m i n ate t h e c onti n ent. M a n y a n ci e n t m a m m a l s d i ed o ff , l eavi ng no descendants. Others were a ncestors of modern horses, camels, deer, beaver, bison, and r h i n o s -to mention a few. S m a l l e r m a m m a l s were a b u n d a n t too; thei r fos s i l s a re rarer. S pecies that h ave beco m e extinct recently i nc l u d e : Lo ng- h o r n e d Bis o n was o n e of a n u m be r of s p e c i e s of b i s o n w i d e s prea d i n N orth America d u r i n g the i c e a g e . S p e a r p o i n ts fo u n d w i t h bones of e xt i n c t b i s o n s h o w t h a t m a n h u nted them. Saber-toothed Cats, a l so fou n d i n E u ro pe, were l a rger i n N orth America. O u r species, with dagger- l i ke teeth 8 i n c h e s l o n g , s u rvived until l ate i n the ice a g e . S h o rt- l egge d R hin o c e ros a n d kin, d e v e l o p e d i n N o rt h A m e r i c a , bec a m e exti nct b efo re t h e i c e a g e . S o m e m i g rated t o Asia a n d Afri ca, where d e s c e n d a nts sti l l l i v e . American Ma stodon w a s one o f o u r m a n y e l e p h a nt l i ke a n i m a l s . So m e h a d sh ovel-tu s ks; s o m e , c u rved pointed tusks. The Woolly Ma m m oths, s u rvivi n g i nto the ice a g e, were h u nted by early m a n , perh a p s I n d i a n s . Gia nt G ro u n d S l oth was a n e l e p h a nt-s i zed m e m be r of a g r o u p w h i c h tod a y h a s few m e m bers. H e a vy h i n d l e g s a n d ta i l s u g g e st i t s q u atted w h e n feed i n g o r rest i n g . I t was c o nte m p o r a ry with e a r l y m a n in N o rth America. E arl y C a m e l ( Proca m e l u s ) represe nts t h e m i d po i n t in t h e d e ve l o p m e nt of t h e c a m e l i n N o rth A m e r i c a . F ro m h e re, typ e s of c a m e l s m oved i nto A s i a a n d So uth A m e r i c a , w h e r e they l ive tod ay. Other, l a rg e r k i n d s of c a m e l s s u rvived h e re i nto the i ce a g e .
16
OPO SS U M i s o u r o n l y native m a rs u p i a l or pouched m a m mal. B a by oposs u m s , which wei g h only 1 /1 5 oz. a t b i rth, l ive i n the m oth e r's fur-l i ned p o u c h a b o u t 3 m o nths. U p to 1 4 m a y be born; u s u a l l y only 7 to 9 s u rvive. O pos s u m s h u n t at n i g ht for s m a l l birds and m a m m a l s. They eat eggs and f r u i t a l so. W h e n th reate n ed b y e n e m i e s , t h e y " pl a y possum" a n d co l l a pse as if d e a d . O possu m s a re reco g n i zed b y t h e i r white faces, coa rse fur, a n d rat-l i k e ta i l s. Ma les a n d females a re a l i ke. L e ngth: 3 3 i n.
17
M O LES a re s m a l l , p l u m p , u n derg rou n d creatures, with velvety fur, n o visible ea rs, and eyes red uced or a bsent. They h a v e p o werfu l s h o u l ders, a s h o rt n e c k , m u sc u la r fro nt l e g s w i th s h ove l - l i ke feet, a n d h e avy c l a ws -a l l featu res u sefu l i n digg i n g . Sensitive snouts a n d sensory h a i r on front feet and tail keep moles from b u m p i n g into tun n e l wa l l s . Dis ti n g u i s h the H a i ry-ta i led Mole by its h a i ry ta i l a n d s h o rt s n o u t . S tar n osed Mole is identifi e d by a n odd, p i n k, d i sc-l i ke fri n g e o n its s nout.
18
2. Shrew Mole
Mo les tu n n e l in rich woods and lawns, feed i n g o n g ru b s a n d wor m s . The C a l ifornia M o l e , one of severa l western s pe c i e s , is a l m ost b l i n d . It rese m bl e s the E astern M o l e ( p . 20), but w i t h a m o re fleshy tai l . The S h rew Mole h a s a l o n g s n o u t a n d h a i ry tai l . The s m a l l e st m o l e ( 5 i n . ), i t spends m o re ti m e at the MOLE SNOUTS s u rf a c e t h a n o t h e r s . In many featu res, i t i s i n ter m e d i ate between m o l es a n d s h re w s . Other moles range f r o m 5 1h to 8 i n . long. � Shrew ··"'( {!. ·M o�e · ····
-w-
�California Mole
-=-:
19
Mole h i l l s a n d tunnels
T HE EASTERN M O LE o r co m m o n mole m a kes the m o u n d s that dot y o u r l a wn . Yo u a re u n l i ke l y to see any moles, for they stay u n derg rou nd u n less molested . Mol es d ig two types of tu n n e l s : d e e p tun nels (to 2 ft. u nd e r g ro u n d ) where they nest, spend the w i n ter, and re m a i n d u r i n g d r o u g h t; a n d s h a l l ow tu n n e l s seen o n lawns, a lo n g which t h e y fi n d i n sects a n d e a rt h w o r m s . L eng th: 7 i n .
•·
'
P I G M Y S H REWS are the s m a l l est s h rews, a n d s h rews, in g e n e ra l , are the s m a l lest N o rth A m e r i c a n m a m ma l s . The P i g m y S h rew wei g h s o n l y 1 I 1 4 o u n c e - l ess than a l d i m e . As i t d a rts t h ro u g h d r y w o o d s a n d c l e a ri n g s , w h e r e i t l iv e s , p e o p l e m i sta ke i t for a m o u s e . N ote its velvety, s oft, m o l e- l i ke fur, s l e n d e r body a n d l e g s , a n d s h o rt tai l . S h rews feed o n s m a l l i n sects, w h i c h they hunt consta ntly. Beca use of their a ctivity a n d small s i ze, they cons u m e seve r a l times t h e i r weight in foo d eve ry day. S h rews s p e nd m o r e ti m e a b o v e g r o u n d t h a n moles. T h e i r eyesi ght i s better, too. E n e m i e s : common carnivores, owls, h a w k s , s n a ke s . Length: a bo u t 3 i n .
21
(Text
on
page 24.)
r�.� �-�
22
r �
(Text
on
page 24. )
1 . Desert Shrew
3 . Water Shrew
Pigmy Shrew
S H REWS, o u r s m a l l est but fi e rcest m a m m a l s , attack a n d k i l l p rey severa l times their wei g h t. Two sh rews may fi g ht ti l l one k i l l s a nd consu mes the oth e r . The y o u n g (4 to 5), born i n a h o l low stu m p1 log, o r b u rrow, can fend for themselves with i n a month . The life span is s h o rt- 1 112 yea rs at most. Masked Shrew i s a common, widesprea d , l o ng-ta i l e d s h rew, fou n d i n moist forest loca l ities. Length : 4 i n . Arcti c S h re w i s s i m i l a r t o Masked S h rew, b u t l a rger, with a l o n g e r ta i l . Its coat i s brown a bove, g ray-white be l ow, c h a n g i n g in w i nter to a d a r ke r brown o r b l a c ki s h a bove a n d a l most white below. Length: 41f2 i n . L e a st S hrew, s m a l l a n d sho rt-ta i l ed, i n h a bits g ra ssy a ba ndoned fields. Feeds on i nsects, possi b l y m ice. Desert S h rew, pale, as hy-g ray i n color, l i ves amid cacti a n d sagebrush i n m o re arid places than a n y other of o u r s h rews. Not often fou n d . Length : 3 i n . Short-tailed Shrew, with stubby ta i l , i s o n e o f the c o m m onest m a m m a l s of eastern wood s . Its s l i g htly poi sonous s a l iva aids i n para lyzi n g prey. L ength: 4112 i n . Water S h rews c a n r u n o n water, with the i r l a rge, broad, h a i ry feet. They a l so swim a n d d ive, feed i n g un d e r water o n i n sects, fish, and fish e g g s . L en gth : 6 i n . N orthern Water S h rew i s more black; the Pacific species is more brow n .
24
1 . Long-nosed Bat
2. Leaf-nosed Bat
3. Mastiff Bat
BATS a re the only flying mammals. Flying squ i r re l s g l ide, b u t only b a ts fl y . Bats' fo re l i m b s a re g reatly m o d ified a n d form wings very diffe rent from those of b i rds. I n bats, the fi n g e rs a re g reatly lengthened to s u pport a thin mem b ra n e . This m e m brane extends to the hind legs. The legs a n d u su a l ly the ta i l support the m e m b ra n e . Bats h ave l i m ited eye s i g ht. I n fl i g ht t h e i r l a rg e ears form p a rt of a u n i q u e syste m for locati n g a n d a v o i d i n g o bjects. B a ts e m it a s o u n d , too h i g h-pitc h e d for u s to hear, w h ich is echoed back l i ke a rad a r b ea m . Picked u p b y the bat's sens itive e a rs, th is echo i n d i cates th e d i rec tion and d i sta nce of obstacles to be avo ided a n d of fly ing insects that may be seized for food. About 2 , 00 0 kinds of bats i n h a bit te m p e rate a nd tropica l r e g i o n s . The 6 5 o r so ki nd s fo u n d in the U n ited States a re p ri m a ri l y i nsect-eaters. Some l a rger, tropica l bats feed o n fruit, a n d the Va m p i re B ats of S o uth a n d Central America feed on blood. long-nosed Bats feed on p o l l e n of n i g ht-b l o o m i n g flowers. Bats rest d u r i n g the day, h a n g i n g u ps i d e down i n caves, i n d e s e rted b u i l d i n gs, u n d e r c l i ffs, a n d i n trees. A t d u s k they fly out t o fee d o n i nsects . T h e i r erratic fl i ght and t h e d a rkness make identification difficu lt. For positive identification , find some at rest d u ri n g the day. Catch them i n barns, under cl iffs a n d i n caves. Release them after you have studied the m . 25
1 . Eastern Pipistrel
2 . Big Brown Bat
26
1. Silver -
(Text on poge 28. )
27
P I PI ST RELS a re the s m a l lest A merica n bats ( le n gth: 3 i n . ) . Th e e r ra t i c fl i g ht, i n e a r l y eve n i n g , a n d s m a l l s i ze a re c l u e s to iden tificati o n . Eastern P i p istre l h a s reddish b ro w n fur, b l a c k at b a s e , and brown i s h ears. Western Pi pistrel has g r a y i s h - b rown fur, b l a c k i s h e a rs . Both h i bernate . B I G BROWN BATS a re l a rge bats (length: 41f2 i n . ) often seen a r o u n d d we l l i ng s . Bats that fly in th ro u g h w i ndows or down c h i m neys a re u s u a l l y B i g Browns, h a r m less l i ke other b a t s . Yo u n g a r e born i n l a te s p ri n g . T h e y g row ra p i d l y a n d in two months reach a d u l t s i ze . R a r e l y l ive in l a r g e c o l o n i es, as do Pi p i stre l s a n d litt l e Brown Bats. S I LV E R - H A I R E D BAT is a dark bat (length: 4 i n . ) with silve r-ti pped fur, which is more pronounced on th e back. They a re c o m m o n , s l ow-flyi n g bats, ofte n seen a l o n g m o u n ta i n stre a m s a n d l a ke s . A t rest t h e y a r e u s u a l l y sol i ta ry, h a n g i n g from branches i n d e e p woods or hid ing under l oose b a r k of trees. Mig rates to the southern part of its ra n g e i n fa l l . May be confused with the l a rger Hoary Bats (p. 31 ). B I G - EARED BATS a re la rge (length: 4 i n . ) with ears l a rger than the head, a n d two large l u m ps o n top of the nose ( a lso ca l l ed lump-nosed Bats). Fur i s reddish b rown; m a l es a n d fe m a l e s a l i ke . They freq u e n t caves, c o m i n g ouf at d u s k t o fee d . Ea ste rn B i g -ea red B a t i s s i l very be l ow; Western Big-eared, b rowni s h below.
L I TTLE B R O W N BATS a n d th e i r k i n a re a g r o u p of c o m m o n sma l l bats with l o n g , narrow ears and " s i m p le" face s . Over a d o z e n species o c c u r i n N o rth A m e rica, most a b o u t 3112 i n . l on g . A s i n g l e you n g i s born i n early s u m m e r and can fl y i n a few weeks. The bats m a y m a ke seve r a l fee d i n g fl i g hts a n i g ht i n s e a rc h of s m a l l fl y i n g i n sects . W h e n c o l d weath e r sets i n , these b a ts h i b e r n ate. T h o u sa nds h ave been fo u n d i n l a rg e r caves s o m e t i m e s i n c l u sters, s o m et i m es form i n g a layer over the cave wa l ls. They a l so l ive i n deserted b u i ldings.
29
PALLI D and MEXICAN FREE-TAI LED BATS a re large weste r n s pe c i e s . The P a l l i d , one of o u r p a l e st b a ts , i s l a rg e r (length: 41h in . ) and d ra b g ray i n c o l o r . It has very l a rge ears, ridged nose without lumps, a nd broad wings. Often fo u nd near b u i l d i ngs, these bats fl y s l ow l y and feed close to the g ro u n d . Free-ta i l ed Bats h a ve n e a rly half the ta i l projecting beyond the membrane. Thei r musk glands p rod uce a d isagreea ble odor. M i l l i o n s of these Mex i c a n Free-ta i l s l ive in the u p pe r pa rts of C a r l sbad Caverns i n New Mexico .
RED and HOARY BATS a re widespread species, but the form e r i s more co m m o n . The Red Bat (length: 41f2 i n . ) is eas i l y recogn ized by its rusty-red fur, ti p ped with w h ite . F e m a l e s a re d u l ler-an u n u s u a l c o n d i ti o n , si nce both sexes in bats g e n e ra l l y l o o k a l i ke . These bats m i g rate south i n fa l l a n d s p e n d t h e wi nter i n w a r m e r l ati t u d e s . The H oary Bat i s a l a r g e (length: 5 i n . ) forest s pecies. Its brown fur, ti p ped with white, g i ves it a si lvery a p pe a r a n c e . M a l e s u s u a l l y fl y a l o n e , fe m a l e s in s m a l l g ro u p s . A p a i r of you n g , born i n m i d s u m m er, i s c a rried by the mother a s she feeds.
31
C A R N I VORES a re a wel l-known g rou p . M o s t a re p red a tors - q u i c k , i n te l l i g e nt, a n d s o m e ti m e s v i ci o u s . M a n y a re b u i lt for s peed - a m o n g the m the c a t fa m i ly , wh ich i n c l u des the fa stest m a m m a l s . Carn ivores show a d a pta ti o n s for h u n ti n g . The most o b v i o u s a re in t h e m o u th . The l ower j a w moves freely, for graspi n g a n d g r i p p i n g . T e e t h a re s h a rp , for c u tti n g a n d tea r i n g . T h e feet of carn ivores a re padded, some with s h a r p claws. O f seven fa m i l ies of American carn ivores, two -the sea l s (pp. 63-6 5 ) a n d the wa l r u s - a re a q uatic. Though Mounta i n Lion
32
Raccoon
Mink
the rest a re l a n d a n i m a l s , s o m e species (Riv e r a n d Sea Otte rs) a re ex c el l en t s w i m me rs, a d a pted to wate r l ife. Carn ivores ra n g e in size from the tiny lea st Weasel to h a l f-to n b e a r s . S o m e s u p p l e m e n t the i r fl e s h d i et with fi s h . A few eat fru its and berries. As predato r s , the ca r n i v o res h e l p i n k ee p i n g the po p u l a t i o n of ro d e n ts a nd oth e r p l a n t-eaters i n check. The group i n c l u des some of the best fu r bea rers (otte r, m i n k, m a rte n , fox a n d rac coon ) . la rg e n u m be rs of m i n k a n d fox a re s u ccessfu l l y ra ised on f u r fa r m s . Fox
Otter
Bear
B LAC K BEARS, desp ite the i r n a m e , v a ry from b rown to bla c k i n c o l o r , sometimes with w h i te on the c h est. Note the bea r's u n u s u a l flat-footed wa l k . Yo u n g ( u su a l ly two ), born i n late w i nter w h i l e the m o t h e r i s dor m a nt, re m a i n with h e r ti l l the fo l lowing fa l l . Then each seeks a den u n de r a fa llen log o r rocky ledge fo r wi nte r s l e e p . Bea rs feed o n s ma l l m a m m a ls, fi s h , p l a nts, a n d e specia l ly on wild berries. Length : t o 6 ft. ; height: 3 ft . ; weigh t: a bout 3 0 0 l b .
j• •
34
G R I ZZLY BEAR, l a rg est l a n d c a r n i v o re, is s o n a m e d b e c a u s e the l i ght e r t i p s of i t s h a i rs g i ve t h e c o a t a s i l very l o o k . Once wid espread a n d fre e l y h u n ted, it is tod a y p rotected i n most reg i o n s . Grizzl ies occur i n a f�w p l aces i n the Roc k i e s , f ee d i n g on g a m e , berries, and hon ey. They a r e e xpert at scooping up s a l m o n at the river's edge. Thei r l o n g , heavy claws were o n c e made into prized necklaces by the P l a i n s I n d i a n s . Length: to 8 ft.
35
R AC C O O N, i d entified by b l a c k m a s k a n d ri n g ed tai l , i s o n e o f the best-known eastern m a m m a l s . I t feed s o n rodents, i n sects, frogs, w i l d fruit, a n d corn, a n d washes its food when near water. The den i s often i n a h o l low tree. T h ree to six yo u n g , born in s pri n g , a re b l i n d for a bout three weeks. They re main i n the den for two months a n d w i t h p a r e nts ti l l t h e foll ow i n g s p ri n g . They a re c u ri o u s , m i s c h i ev o u s , but m a ke fa i r pets . Length: to 30 i n .
'
36
R I NGTA I LS a n d C OATI S a re both rel ated to raccoo n s . The fo rmer ( u p p e r p i cture) i s a l so c a l l ed Ri ng-ta i l ed Cat. The Ri n g ta i l (length: a bout 30 i n . ), with white a rou n d the eyes a n d a l o n g e r r i n ged ta i l t h a n that o f raccoo n s , feeds o n s m a l l desert a n i m a l s . Coatis h a v e l o n ger noses a n d l o n g , p a rt l y r i n g e d ta i l s . They travel in b a n d s , feed i n g o n i n sects a n d on s o m e p l a nts. T h e m i s c h i ev o u s Coati s , fre q u e ntly ta med i n M e x i c o , m a ke g o o d pets. Length: 40 to 50 i n .
37
Bl ack -footed Ferret
Hog-nosed S k un k
Stri ped S k unk
Spotted Skunk BADGERS
THE WEASEL FAM I LY i n c l udes s k u n ks, otters, bad gers, a n d m i n k - a l l s m a l l - to medium-si zed a n i m a l s with small heads, long ta i l s, sharp teeth , and claws. They a re prized fur bearers whose s k i n s bri n g to p m a r ket pri ces . This fam i l y occu rs i n N o rth a n d South America, E u rope, Asia, and Africa. Our species a re m o re co m m on in cooler, wooded reg i o n s . True Weasels and Wolverines ( p . 45) a re a g g ressive, b l oodth i rsty predators. The skunks have a slow, q u iet d i g n ity. A l l m e m bers of the fam i l y have scent g l a n d s , b u t those of the s k u n k a re most powerfu l . The r a n g e � of these m a m m a l s have shrunk as man has e n croached o n th e m .
38
M A RTEN S, c l ose relatives of the F i s h e r ( p . 4 2 ), a re s m a l l e r ( le n gth : 2 ft. ) a n d s h o w m o re p refere n c e for tre e s . T h e y h u n t s q u i rr e l s , ra b b its , a n d b i r d s . I n the h o l low-tree n est two to fou r you n g are born in spring; by fa l l they fe n d fo r themselves. Marte n s a re s o m etimes ca l l e d Sa b l e -the name of a species n ative to n o rthern E u ro p e a n d As i a . Ma rten fu r, however, i s p r i z e d , and some a n i m a l s have been raised i n ca ptivity. Tra p p i n g and cuttin g of northern pine forests have g reatly red u ced the w i l d Marten popu lati o n .
Short-ta iled Weasel in summer and winter
WEASELS, th ree species of them , a re brow n i s h in sum m e r . They have l o ng, shiny hair a n d s oft fur, the u n der s i d e s a n d feet b e i n g l i g hter. These s l i m , b l oodth i rsty, vicious h u n ters often kill more tha n th ey c a n eat. They p rey on m ice, rats, sh rews, and m o les, and w i l l attack l a rg e r a n i ma l s : s q u i rrels, ra bbits, and p o u l try . A weasel i n a henhouse can be a catastrophe. I n tu r n , weasels a re eaten by owls, hawks, cats, a n d l a rg e r m e m bers of the wea sel fa m i l y . Wea se l s a re the q u ickest m a m ma l s , their movements being a l most too fast to fol low, but they a re c u r i o u s a n d a re easily trapped . Weasels use b urrows of oth e r a n i m a l s for a n est, l i n i n g it with fu r a n d fea th ers. In s p r i n g , fo u r to e i g h t you n g a re born . In fi v e to seven wee ks the you n g can care fo r themselve s .
40
S hort-ta i l e d Weasel, someti mes ca l l e d E r m i ne, i s a c o m m o n n o rt h e r n s p e c i e s . I n wi nter, its p e l a g e t u rns w h ite, b u t t h e ta i l reta i n s the black ti p . In s u m m er a white l i n e runs down inside the h i nd legs. Length: 1 0112 i n . Long-ta i l e d Weasel i s the most com m o n a n d widely d i stri b u te d (length: a b o u t 1 6 i n . ) . I n t h e South west a nd F l o r i d a , i t has a wh itish band a c ross the face ( b ridled wease l ) . Least Weasel, e v e n s h o rter (length : 6 i n . ), i s the s m a l l est of ca rnivores. less c o m m o n th a n the others, it lacks the black ti p to its ta i l a n d is a l ways c o m p l etely w h i te i n w i n te r . It feeds o n i n sects a n d , in wi nter, o n m i ce a n d s h rews . .._____,.. ..,...,.,.,..... �-
1. Least Weasel
2. Long-tailed Weasel ( below) ..
F I S HER is a b i g , a g i l e weasel with a heavy, b u s h y ta i l a n d a s i l ky p e l t . T h e fu r i s v e r y va l u a b l e , a n d s o for years F ishers were contin u a l l y h unted and tra pped. A l thou g h a good swimmer, the Fisher d oes not fi s h . It is a n i m b l e tree-cl imber and looks a bove g round for most of its foo d : s m a l l m a m m a l s , birds, fruit, and n u t s . It is reputed to be the fastest m a m m a l in trees and i s nearly a s fa st on t h e g r o u n d . F i s h e rs l ive in moist forests . They store extra food and return to eat i t . Young, th ree to a l itter, a re born in early s prin g and begin to h unt in a bout t h ree mont h s . Len gth: to 3 ft.
M I N K l ive n e a r water. They a re a g g re ssive h u n te rs with a s pe c i a l t a ste for M u s k rat, s o m et i m e s d e stroy i n g entire c o l o n i e s . T h e y a l so eat fi s h , o th e r m a m m a ls, m a rsh b i rds, a n d p o u l t r y . M i n k are con s ta n t l y on t h e go, c a r r y i ng their yo u n g b y t h e scruff of the neck on l a n d or picka back in water. W h e n a n g ry, Mi n k d ischarge a n acrid musk. They s p it and s q u e a l with rage. The you n g (five to s i x ) a re the size of p e a p o d s at b i rth a n d a re cove red with fi n e wh itish hairs. Mi n k f u r i s va l uable. S everal varieties are r a i sed in ca ptiv i ty . Length: to 2 0 i n . ; weight: to 2 l b . F e m a l e s m a l ler.
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B LACK- FOOTE D FERRET is the l a rgest true weasel ( u p t o 1 8 i n . l o n g , with 6-i n . ta i l ) . The B l a c kfoot i s l i g ht colored, except for its feet and for a dark band across its eyes. A res i d e n t of open p l a i n s , it feeds m a i n l y on prairie dogs and g ro u n d squi rrels. A Ferret wi l l work its way thro u g h the b u rrows of a prai rie-dog colony, kill i n g many of them . All wea sels have m usk g lands at the b a s e of t h e t a i l , b u t t h e B l a c kfoot has a stro n g e r odor than m o st. The removal of prairie dogs, by poison i n g , has n e a r l y e l i m i nated t h ese inally F e rrets in m a n y a r e a s . C l o s e l y re l a ted to the Asian pol ecats .
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WOLVE R I N ES, powe rfu l , brown, a n d s h a g g y-h a i red, a re the la rgest members of the weasel fam i ly, reach i n g 3 ft. i n len g th . T h e y feed o n rabbits, g o p hers, oth e r s m a l l m a m m a l s , a n d b i r d s , a n d a re k n o w n to k i l l g a m e as large a s deer and elk. Wolve r i n e s ro b tra p s and de stroy c a c h e s of tra p p e r s ' foo d . They a re f e a r e d a n d d etested a n i m a l s . T h e i r ra nge j u st e nters the United States i n the western m o untains, but the a n i m a l i s c o m m o n i n Cana dian forests a n d i n Alaska. It builds a n u nderground den l i ned with l ea v e s . H e re th ree to f o u r y o u n g a re born each s u m mer.
OTTE RS a re l a rg e , a q u atic w e a s e l s . Two ki n d s l i v e i n North America-the Sea a n d the River Otters. Sea Otter i s l a rg e r, m o re val u a b l e, m o re i n te resti n g . A d a pted for m a ri n e l ife, it h a s w e b b e d h i n d feet a n d s oft, h e a vy fu r, s a i d t o be the worl d ' s best. S e a Otters l i ve a l o n g rocky P a c i fi c s h o res, C a l ifor n i a to A l a s ka , feed i n g o n s e a urchins, cla ms, a n d fi s h . Ra rely g o i ng o n l a n d , they r e s t floati n g o n the b a c k , f r o n t paws f o l d e d o n the c h est. O nce fa i r l y common, t h e y w e r e h u nted ti l l nearly extinct. Now protected, they a re ret u rn i n g to iso lated bays. Length : 5 ft.
River Otter, much more com mon a n d w i d e s pread, has the r e p utati o n of b e i n g a f u n - l ov i n g a n i m a l . Otters c h a se one a n ot h e r , wrestl e, tu m b l e , and s l i d e down m u d d y stream b a n ks . They a re excel l ent swi m m e r s . Otte rs l ive o n s m a l l fish, but a l s o e a t m u s krats, s m a l l m a m ma l s , s n a i l s , cray fish, i n sects, frogs, sna kes, and some birds. A den is made in t h e stre a m ba n k or i n the base of a h o l l o w t r e e . H ere the fe m a l e h a s two or three p u ps i n l ate spri n g . T h e yo u n g g row s l owly a n d stay with her fo r nearly a year. D u ri n g that ti me, t h e m o t h e r t e a c h e s t h e m to swim a n d h u nt. The you n g play together o r with their m other. Otters travel b y water b u t wi l l move overl a n d if necessary. T h e i r fur is w a r m , re m arka bly thick, and very d u ra ble, rati n g m u c h h i g h er t h a n m i nk. The you n g m a ke fine pets .
STR I PED S K U N K, with its two white stri pes down the b a c k, is a sou rce of e n d less jokes beca use it sq u i rts a s m e l l y fl u i d from scent g l a n d s u n d e r its ta i l . H owever, it g ives fa i r wa rning before squ i rting, by sta m pi n g fore feet, h issi n g , a n d ra i s i n g i ts h a i r . T h i s co m m o n s k u n k lives o n fo rest borders, fence rows, a n d o p e n meadows. It h u nts a t n i g h t for m ice, rats, c h i p m u n ks, a n d a l l k i nds of i n sects . The you n g , three Scent gland I to e i g h t, a re b o r n b l i n d in ,, , a b u rrow. T h e y g ro w r a p •• i d l y . I f d e- s c e n t e d , the ... you n g ma ke exce l l e n t pets . ' Length : to 40 i n .
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S POTTE D S KUNK, p l a yfu l a n d n i m b l e , h a s very soft fur. It is the s m a l lest N o rth American s k u n k, b u t its scent i s as stro n g as that of l a rg e r s p e c i e s . A l s o c a l l e d C ivet C at, it l iv e s in wa ste p l a c e s , in b r u s h , a n d u n d e r fa rm b u i l d i n g s . Like oth e r sku n ks it h u n ts at n i g ht, feed i n g on i n sects, small rodents, l i z a rds, snakes, a n d fruits . S potted S k u n ks m a y w a r n e n e m i e s with a u n i q u e h a n dsta nd back erect a n d ta i l wavi n g . The tiny y o u n g ( u s u a l l y fo u r to a l itte r) a re born i n e a r l y s p ri n g . With i n five m o nths they a re as b i g as their p a ren ts . Length : to 22 i n . ; fe m a les s l i g htly s m a l l er .
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HOG-NOSED S K U N KS have a n a ke d , h o g - l i ke snout and a broad w h i te b a n d fro m the top of the head over the e n tire b a c k to the wh ite ta i l . They g row to a b o u t 2 8 i n . F o u n d o n l y i n t h e S o u t h west, these u n u s u a l s k u n ks h ave c o m e n o rth fro m Mexico a n d C e n t r a l a n d S o u th America, where they a re more common . They d i g u p l.a r v a e , g r u b s , o t h e r i n s e cts, a nd w o r m s; b i r d s , e g g s , a n d b e r r i es a re a l so eate n . Hog-nosed S k u n ks h ave s m a l l l itte rs. They a re l ess c o m m o n th a n other s k u n ks; fur, shorter a n d coarser; claws, heavier and l o n g e r. 50
AMER I C A N BADGER i s a fierce, powe rfu l fi g hter with few e n e m i es , except the l a rgest carn ivo re s . It c a n hold its own a g a i n st a pack of dogs. Note the h eavy body; short, bushy ta i l ; wh ite stripe and patches on face; and long claws o n forefeet. Badgers bu rrow a n d tu n n e l a fter s m a l l rod e n ts . S o meti mes they eat s n a kes, b i rd s , and b i r d s ' eggs. The fem a l e builds herself a nest of g rass at t h e e n d of a deep b u rrow. H ere a l i tte r of th ree to fou r yo u n g a re born d u ri n g May or Ju n e . By fa l l the you n g a re a ble to care for them selves. Length: over 2 ft. , weight: to 20 l b . Badger burrow
T H E FOX O R DOG FAM I LY comprises widesprea d , f a m i l i a r carn ivores, fou n d the w o r l d over. M o s t a r e m ed i u m-sized, a ctive, g regarious a n i m a ls, b e s t d e scribed a s " dog- l i ke." D i fferent species a re s i m i l a r i n g e n e r a l a p pe a r a n c e a n d have not c h a n g ed m a r k e d l y th ro u g h the a g e s . Fossi l s of 30-m i l l ion-yea r-ol d " d ogs" i n d i c ate they were very much l i ke those of tod a y . Dogs h ave five toe s o n the front feet a n d u s u a l l y fo u r o n th e rea r. Cats c a n retract thei r clawsi dogs can not. Some of these Aesh e a ters also eat f rui t and be rri es. A m e r i c a n s pecies i n c l u d e foxes, coyotes, and wolves.
Cynodictis, dog-like mammal of 40 m i l l ion years ago
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K IT FOX ES, s m a l l , with b i g ea rs, are t h e p i g m i e s of the fox grou p . They ra rely g row as m u c h a s a yard long, i n c l u d i n g a foot of b u s h y ta i l . When p u rsued, they run i n cred ibly fast. Kit Foxes a re fou n d in a r i d , open coun try. The Great P l a i n s s peci es, known a s the Swift, has been e x te r m i n a ted . Kit F o x e s feed l a r g e l y o n d e sert rod e n ts , a l s o i n sects , l i z a rds, a nd b i rds . W h e n possible, this Fox car r i e s p r e y to its d e n . H e re fo u r or five you n g are born in early spring. Both fath e r and m o t h e r help i n raisi n g the fa m i l y .
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. RED a nd G R A Y FOXES l ive ove r most of t h e Un ited State s . The Red Fox s p re a d s n o rth i nto C a n a d a a n d A l a s ka: Gray F o x e s prefer wa rmer reg i o n s . The G ray Fox (length: 3 2 to 40 i n . ) is s l i g htly s m a l l e r th a n the Red (length: 36 to 40 i n . ) . Arctic Foxes d eve lop w h ite f u r i n w i nter, b u t the fu r of R e d a n d G r a y F o x e s re m a i n s u n c h a n g e d . Both foxes feed on rodents, oth e r s m a l l mam mals, carrion, poultry, and occasiona l ly fru i t a n d berries. Both p refer open forest a n d b ru s h l a n d where t h e re is c over for h u nti n g . • •
1. Red Fox
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In the West, G ra y Foxes prefer o p e n c o u n try. They occasiona l l y c l i m b trees. Foxes b ui l d dens i n s a n dy banks. Here a b o u t five you n g a re born i n late s p ri n g . Both par e nts care for the you n g a n d teach them to h u n t. By win ter the young a re ready to ca re for themselves. The Red Fox has sev e r a l attractive c o l o r fo r m s: C ross, S i lver, a n d B l a c k . All color p h a ses may occ u r in o n e l i tt e r . Foxes a re � r a i s e d on f a r m s for t h e i r fur.
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2. Gray Fox
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COYOTE looks l i ke a n u nderfed pol ice dog. Despite efforts to exte r m i nate them, Coyotes are s p rea d i n g a n d i n s o m e p l a c e s i n c re a s i n g i n n u mbers. T h e i r h o wl i n g is still a fa m i l i a r sound o n weste rn prairies. Coyotes are i n te l l i gent a n i ma l s . They eat nea rly everyth i n g : ca rrion, rod e n ts , ra b b its, so m e in sects, g a m e, pou ltry, a n d fruit. T h e you n g , born i n •• Apri l , i n d e n s o r s h a l low •••• b u rrows, stay with pa rents ti l l fa l l . Length: to 3 ft.
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WO LVES we re once common i n a l l but the d riest pa rts of th i s cou n try. Th ey h u n ted deer, e l k , ra b bits, and even s m a l l e r m a m m a l s . As fa rms were opened, they found settl e r s ' cattle and sheep a n easy b a n q u et. Gray or Ti m be r Wolf, now m o re a b u n d a n t in Canada and A l a s k a , g rows 5 to 6 ft. long, al m o st 3 0 in. h i g h at the s h o u l d er, and wei g h s 8 0 to 1 50 l b . The Red Wo lf of the S o uth is s m a l l e r .
Gray Wolf
Saber-toothed Cat
Lynx
THE CAT FAM I LY includes l a rg e and s m a l l s pecies, but a l l have a few common characteristics-short faces, b l a c kened, rou g h ton g u e , sharp cutting teeth , and pad ded feet with retracting claws. T h i s fa m i ly, l i ke the p re c ed i n g , w a s o n c e w i d e l y d i str i b u te d . N o w a l l s p e c ies, a n d e s p e c i a l l y the l a r g e r cats , a re red u c e d in n u m ber a n d i n ra n g e . The common domestic cat, a descendant of a Libyan cat ta med by Egyptia ns c e n tu ries a g o, n o w m a y r u n w i l d m i l e s from h a b i tati o n s . l i ke its w i l der rel atives, it feeds o n rodents, other s m a l l m a m m a l s, a n d b i rds.
MOU NTA I N LIONS, known a lso as c o u g a rs , p u mas, or pa nthers, a re, next to j a g u a rs, the l a rgest A m e rican cats . They have small heads, long bod ies a n d ta i l s . Color varies fro m l i g ht ta n to a tawny brown . N o w very rare, these l ithe beasts lea p o n prey from trees o r rocky ledges. They k i l l deer, s m a l l e r m a m m a l s and s o metimes cattl e , but n o r m a l l y fea r and avoid m a n . l i tters of two to five, b o rn in late winte r o r early spring, stay with the m oth e r two years. Length : to 8 ft. ; weight: 200 l b . • •• ....-: ..... .
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LYNX is a ha ndsome, stub-ta iled cat with th ick, soft fur. It is l a rg e r and paler tha n th e Bobcat, to w h i c h it i s c l o s e l y re late d , w i t h l o n g e r e a r tufts a n d l e g s . Its n a me comes fro m the G reek a n d refe rs to its sharp eyesight or b ri g h t eye s . A shy n i g h t p rowler of northern woods and m o u n ta i n s , it p reys on s m a l l m a m m a l s , p a rticu l a rly S n o w s h o e Ra b bits, and o n b i r ds, s n a kes, a n d fowl . Its l a rg e feet en a b l e i t to w a l k on the s n o w w h e n o th e r a n i ma l s would s i n k . Young (one to fou r ) a re born i n late spring i n a rock den o r h o l low tree. Length: to 3 ft.
BOB C AT, a ptly c a l led W i ldcat, i s a s m a l l , fea rless h u nter that may a tta c k a n i ma l s m a n y t i m e s i ts s i z e . It u s u a l ly feed s o n rabb its, ground sq u i rrels, mice, and bird s . The Bobcat p refers h u nting on the gro u n d , a l tho u g h it can c l i m b trees. It usua l ly h unts with i n t h e s a m e a rea of 4 t o 5 sq . m i . of forest, o r sem i-a rid ta b l e l a nds. It dens i n h o l l o w trees o r other p rotecte d p l a c e s . N ote the bobbed ta i l . T h i s wa ry a n i m a l is ra re l y see n . Two to fou r yo u n g a re b o r n i n l ate s p r i n g a n d s t a y w i t h t h e i r m o t h e r ti l l fa l l . B y t h e ti m e they a re ready t o l eave, they c a n h u nt. Length: to 3 ft.; weight: to 25 l b .
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JAG U A RS, w h i c h l o o k l i ke O l d World l e o p a rd s , i n c l u d e the l a rgest a n d m ost powerfu l A m e r i c a n c a t s . The S o uth A m e ri c a n k i n d s are the l a r g est. Ja g u a rs p refer d e n s e t h i c kets but can l ive in d e s e rts as w e l l a s i n wet j u n g l e . Ja g u a rs atta c k l a rg e a n d s m a l l m a m m a l s a nd have no enemies but m a n . The you n g ( two to fou r), born in late spri n g , are more spotted than the a d u lts. T h e y req u i re two years to matu re, stayi n g with the mother n ea rly a l l that ti m e . Length: to 7 ft . ; weight: t o 2 50 l b . F e m a l e s sma ller.
AQUATIC CARNIVO RES
SEALS and SEA LIONS, together with Wal ruses, m a ke u p the th ree fam i lies of aquatic carnivores. All a re g race fu l , powerfu l swi m mers that feed on fish and other marine l ife. Thei r legs are modified i nto fl i ppe rs; their bodies are strea m l i n e d . On l a n d, wh ere seals c o m e to rest a nd raise their y o u n g , tbey a re slow a n d c l u m sy . The h e rds, depleted after years of uncontro l l ed sea l i n g , a re now in c reasi n g . But several species, l i ke the E l e p h a nt Seal, are sti l l rare and m a y never sta g e a com eb a ck. The F u r S e a l s of t h e Pri b i l of I s l a n d s , once nearly exte r m i n ated , now n u m be r n e a r l y 4 m i l l i o n , with a pote n t i a l fur va l u e o f $ 1 00,000, 000.
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SEA L I O N S and t h eir relatives, the Fur Seals, have ears. Other s e a l s are e a r l e s s . The N9rthern S e a lion is a h u g e b e a st wei g h i n g up to 1 , 700 l b . T h e C a l i f o r n i a S ea l i o n i s s m a l l e r ( weight: to 600 l b . , length : to 8 ft. ) a n d l ives fa rth e r s o u t h . M a l e s are m u c h l a rg e r t h a n fe m a l es, w h i c h h ave only a s i n g l e pup at a ti m e . Sometimes both species a re seen together, feed i n g on fi s h and 6 s q u i d. F e m a l es of t h e s m a l l e r spe· - - - - - · - - -·--- � /-l c i es m a y be ca p t u r e d y o u n g a n d � iS � trai n e d for c i r c u s wo rk, beca u s e of t h e i r i n te l l i g e nce a n d fi n e sense of balance. All circus seals are Californ i a Sea l i o n s .
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H A R B O R SEALS a re s m a l l a n d re m a i n close to l a n d , n e a r h a r bors, bays, a n d m ouths o f rivers. Un l i ke oth e r sea ls, Harbor S e a l s frequently c o m e ashore t o rest a n d s l e e p . T h e y h u nt a l one, feed i n g on fi s h a n d c r u stacea ns, but c o n g r e g ate in herds o n l a n d . Their e n e m i e s a re s h a r k s , k i l l e r w h a l es, a n d m a n . E a c h fa l l , t h es e s e a l s g ro w a n e w coat of coa rse, s p otted h a i r, v a r y i n g i n c o l o r f r o m y e l l o w i s h g ra y to n ear b l a c k . T h e s i n g l e y o u n g o r p u p is born white but soon sheds and g ro w s a s p otted c o a t . It h a s to be t a u g h t to swi m a n d to catch fish . Length: a b o u t 5 ft. ; weight: 1 50 l b .
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RODENTS, the l a rgest order of m a m m a l s , a re the most s u ccessfu l a n d m o st wi d e s pread g ro u p . Ro dents a re to be fou n d o n every con ti nent and all ocea n i c i s l a n ds, from the a rctic to the tropics, below sea l evel to a bove ti m b e r l i n e . They g reatly o u tn u m be r h u m a n bei n g s . 1. Beaver, 30 in. Those s p e c i e s that travel w i t h man q u i c k l y take over n e w d o m a i n s . Over 1 ,600 k i n d s ( s u bspecies) of 2. Field Mouse, 6 i n . rodents a re fou n d in N orth America . Rodents are genera l l y small; m osl a re l e s s t h a n a foot l o n g a n d w e l l Reproduction potential of a pair of field mice u nder a p o u n d i n wei g ht. The few e xcepti o n s i n c l u d e beavers, w h i ch NUM .. II m a y wei g h 50 to 60 l b . C h a ra cter OF fllLD istic of rodents are fo u r pro m i n ent, MICE y e l l ow or o ra n g e i nc i s o r teeth . 200• These conti n u e to grow d u ri n g the e nti re l i feti m e of the a n i m a l . As these wear, the hard e n a m e l on thei r s u rface forms a s h a rp, chisel l i ke edge. After these teeth comes a d i sti nct g a p in the jaw before the c h ewi n g teeth , which never total more t h a n 1 8 . The foo d of rod e nts is m a i n l y veg eta b l e; s o m e s p e c i es eat i n sects a n d other a n i m a l foo d . N o rth A m e r i c a n r o d e nts fit i nto 1 3 fa m i l i e s (9 in U. S . ) . O u r l argest fa m i l i es are the s q u i r r e l s , m a i n l y active b y d a y , a n d the N ew World m o u s e fa m i l y , w h i c h i n cl u d es v a ri-
Il l
Paramys ( prim itive rodent )
o u s N e w Worl d rats ( p p . 9 5- 1 0 1 ) . S o m e rod e nts dwell u ndergro u n d ; some i n trees; some are sem i-aq uatic. N ot a l l rodents a re harmfu l; most have l i ttle econo m i c effect. M u s krat, n utri a , a n d bea ver h ave va l u a b l e furs . M a n y rode nts p rovi d e f o o d f o r m eat-eati n g m a m m a l s . O n l y a few n ative rats, m i ce, a n d g o p h ers c a u se d a m a g e . T h o s e t h a t d o a r e t h e m o re d a n gero u s beca u s e they mature ra p i d l y and breed frequently. A n acre of l a n d may have 1 0 t o 3 0 0 Meadow Mice; t h e record i s n earl y 1 0,000 per a cre. Drastic rises a n d fa l l s of rod ent popu lation m a y occur. I ntrod uced Old World house m i ce , N orway Rats, a n d Roof Rats a r e destructi ve . 67
TREE DWELLERS
T H E SQU I RREL FAM I LY is a l a rge and diverse group i n c l u d i n g ground as wel l as tree species, a n d some spe ci es-such as woodchucks-which d o not l ook l i ke squir r e l s a t a l l . D es p ite these d i fferen ces, a l l s q u i rrels h ave b u s h y or at l e a st furry ta i l s a n d fa i r l y r o u n d e d h e a d s . S o m e m e m bers o f t h i s g r o u p a re eate n . S q u i rrel stew was a sta ndard dish, and woodch ucks, too, have g raced ta b l e s . Nearly a l l terrestrial squi rrels have a l o ng winter s l e e p - h i b e r n a ti o n . Yo u n g s q u i rr e l s , es peci a l l y fl y i n g s q u i rrels, m a ke good pets, easy t o feed a n d keep.
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WOODC H U C KS h i bernate i n deep burrows from earl y October to February. When they emerge, their shadows d o not foretel l the weather, despite the s u perstiti o n . Ti l l g a rdens a n d w i l d p l a nts a re u p , woodc h ucks have a h a r d ti m e g etti n g e n o u g h foo d . Two to s i x y o u n g a re born i n A p ri l . T h e i r eyes o pe n fou r weeks later. By fa l l they a re nearly fu l l g rown, i f they have escaped h u nters, h awks, fo xes, and coyotes. Length: to 2 ft. ; weig ht: to 1 2 l b . F e m a l e s ----s i m i l a r to m a l es, but s m a l l e r . -
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1. Hoary Marmot
M A R M OTS a re weste rn rel atives of woodc h ucks and b e l o n g to t h e same g e n u s . H o a ry M a r m ots a r e fou nd fro m the P a c i fi c N orthwest up t h ro u g h A l a s k a . T h e i r s h ri l l , w h i stl i n g ca l l i s c o m m o n i n mou nta i ns, w here they l i ve u n d e r l oose rocks. Length : 25 to 3 0 i n . The Yel low b e l l i e d M a r m ot is a s m a l l e r, socia l a n i m a l of l o w e r s l o p es of western mpunta i n s . Ye l l owish fur o n the ab domen accou nts for its n a m e . Mar m ots are food fo r coyotes, foxes, wolves, and bobcats.
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T H I RTEEN- LINED G R O U ND SQU I R R E L, w i d e l y d i s tri b uted o n p r a i r i e a n d p l a i n , i s 8 to 1 2 i n . l o n g . T h e s e " g o p h ers" d a m a g e s o m e c r o p s b u t a l s o e a t i n s e cts, m ice, and s m a l l b i r d s . They, in turn, are food for carni v o res, h a w k s , and s n a kes. After a s u m m e r of fee d i n g , t h e y h i bern ate i n a g rass-lined c h a m b e r at t h e e n d of a l o n g tu n n e l . H ere the s i x to ten you n g a re born a bout a m o nth after · · · ·· · · "-- · ,/"{' s p ri n g m a ti n g . They leave the nest when six weeks o l d . G r o u n d squirrels a re g ra d u a l l y exte n d i n g their range ea stwa rd .
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1 . Richardson Ground Squirrel
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GROUND S Q U I RRELS are stri ped or s p otted b u r row ing rodents of severa l closely rel ated g ro u p s . Typica l a r e : R i c h a rdson G r o u n d S q u i rrel is g ra y i s h brown, me d i um-sized, 1 0 in. l o n g , with very s m a l l ears a n d a short (2 to 4 i n . ) ta i l , w h i c h i s bordered by white or light gray. They l ive i n c o l o n i es i n meadows and sagebrus h . T o w n s e n d G r o u n d S q u i rrel i s a s m a l l ( 5 t o 7 i n . ) , g ra y i s h a n i m a l with a s h o rt tai l . Lives i n d ry s a g e b r u s h v a l l eys. Yo u n g: seven t o te n i n a l itter. F ra n k l i n G r o u n d Squirrel ( toto/ length: 1 4 to 1 6 i n . ) is l a rg e r a n d more g ray than other p l a i n s " gophers." I t i n h a bits p r a i r i e s , p a stures, p l a nted fi e l d s . D i et: g ra s s , soft p l a nts, a n d seeds; s o m e i nsects and s m a l l m a m m a l s . Spotted G r o u n d Squirrel i s a p a l e , s potted s pecies, a bo u t 9 i n . l o n g . Lives i n s a n d y soi l , near rocks, n eve r strayi ng fa r from its bu rrow. Its ca l l is a bi rd-l ike whistl e . Ante l o p e G r o u n d Squi rrel o f t h e Southwest r u n s w i t h i t s ta i l c u r l e d o v e r i t s b a c k . C o m m o n i n d esert a reas, they feed m a i n l y o n seed s.
G O LDEN- M ANTLED GRO UND S Q U I RREL, a h and some rod ent, i s m o re c h i p m u n k- l i ke t h a n its relatives, but has a heavier b u i l d and lacks the stri pes w h i c h ch i p m u n ks have on the side of the face. The Golden-ma ntled G r o u n d S q u i rrel is ea s i l y seen in we ster n p i n e fo rests, a m o n g rocks and fa l len ti mber. Its red d i s h head and the w h ite stri pe with black borders o n each side of its back a re con s p i c u o u s . li ke other g round s q u i rrel s, it d i g s b u r rows for shelter, for raisi n g its three to seven you n g , a n d f o r h i bernati n g i n w i nter. Food: seeds, especi a l l y p i n e , a n d fruit. Length: 1 0 to 1 1 i n .
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ROCK GRO U N D SQUI RRELS, fou n d i n the Southwest, a re o u r l a rg e st terrestr i a l s q u i rrel s . Rock S q u i rr e l s re s e m b l e tree s q u i rr e l s in a p peara nce, with l o n g , b u s h y ta i l s . T h e y i n h a bi t rocky p l aces, f r o m d e s e rts t o m o u n ta i n tops, n e sti n g a n d h i bern ati n g u n d e r sto n e s . A l thou g h they ofte n perch on some bou lder or vanta g e poi nt, thei r d u l l g ray c o l o r makes t h e m hard t o s e e . N uts , seeds, g rasses, a n d g r a i n s are pre ferred foods, t h o u g h s o m e i n sects a re eaten occasi o n a l l y . The Cali fornia G ro u n d S q u i rrel i s s i m i l a r i A a ppearance a n d ha bits . L ength: 1 7 to 2 1 i n .
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PRAI R I E DOGS are closely rel ated to the g ro u n d s q u i r r e l s ( p p . 7 1 -75 ) . They a re soci a l a n i m a l s l i v i n g i n l a rge colonies o r " towns" m a rked by low mounds of b a re d i rt a n d s a n d w h i c h h a ve been excavated from t h e i r b u r r ows . A l e rt travel e rs c a n see t h e s e r o d e nts s i tti n g u p ri g ht o n t h e i r m o u n d s watc h i n g for d a n g e r . If a h a wk, coyote, or even a tou rist ap proa ches, they g ive a q u i ck, s h ri l l wa r n i n g w h i stle a n d d i s a p pe a r . P ra i ri e Dogs feed m a i n l y on g r a ss a n d other g r e e n v e g etati o n . The two g roups (Wh ite-ta i l ed and Black-ta i l e d ) both have heavyWh ite-ta i l ed Pra irie Dog
set b o d i es, r o u n d e d h e a d s , a n d coarse f u r . L ength: 1 4 to 1 7 i n . F e m a les s l i g htly s m a l l e r t h a n m a l es, but oth e r wise s i m i l a r . They have fou r to s i x yo u n g i n s p ri n g . The B l a c k-ta i l e d P ra i r i e D o g , the m o r e c o m m o n s peci es, is seen in the l ower prairies. It is ru sty yel l o w with a black tipped tai l . The White-ta i l e d Prairie Dog i s s l i g htly s m a l l er, with a white ti p p e d ta i l . It prefers h i g h e r m esas and m o u n t a i n s and does n ot m a ke con s p i c u o u s m o u n d s . Black-ta i l ed Prairie Dog
EAST E R N C H I PM U N KS are a b u n d a nt i n wood l a n d s . They sca m p e r from log t o l o g , n e rvo u s a n d a l ert. They eat n uts, s e e d s , fruit, a n d - n o w a n d t h e n - a n i n sect. Eastern C h i p m u n ks are ground-lovi n g , t h o u g h they may c l i m b i nto s h r u b s and l ower branches of trees. They d i g long, shal low burrows, which i n c l u d e a nesti n g chamber. Three to five you n g a re born about 30 days after m ati ng a n d l e ave t h e n e st a m o nt h l ater. A d u lt length: 9 to 1 0 i n . ; fe m a l es s i m i l a r to m a l e s . Voice i s a l ow pitched " chuck" often heard before the c h i p m u n k is seen. When caught you n g , they m a ke good pets.
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L E AST C H I P M U N K i s a s m a l l ( length: 6 to 9 i n . ), vari a b l e western s pecies, the most w i d e l y d i stri b uted of t h e c h i p m u n ks . A l l the d o z e n o r m ore s u b s p e c i e s have stri pes exte n d i n g t o th e b a s e of t h e t a i l . C o l or varies fro m d u l l y e l low to gray bro w n . The ea stern forms have richer colored stri pes. least Chip m u n k s r u n w i t h t a i l u p ri g h t, prefer m ore o p e n country tha n Ea stern C h i p m u n ks ; l i k e t h e m , ta m e and m a ke good pets .
C H I P M U NKS a l l h ave striped backs and cheeks. Most a re curi o u s and fri e n d ly, and c a n be en ti c e d to take a n u t o r g r a i n of corn fro m the h a n d . T h e i r e co nomic va l u e i s l i m i te d , but forests wo u l d n ot b e t h e s a m e w i t h o u t t h e m . Of a bout 6 5 f o r m s , those b e l ow and o n pp. 7 8 -79 are common and re prese ntative. Townsend C h i p m u n k ( 9 to 1 1 i n . ), l a rge, g e n e ra l l y d a rk, has b l a c k stri pes in its g ray fur. C o m m o n est i n n o rth western for ests a n d h i g h S i erras. C l i ff C hi p m u n k l i ves at l ower a ltitudes, p referri n g pi iion p i n e m e s a s . Stri pes are i n d i sti nct e x c e p t f o r a b l a c k o n e d o w n the m i d d l e of the b a c k . C o l o r g rayish . Y e l l ow- p i n e C h i p m u n k , of h i g h e r altitudes i n west ern forests, i s brown, with d i stinct black-a nd-wh ite stri pes, i n c l ud i n g a b l a c k stri pe t h ro u g h the eye. Feed s o n p i n e seeds a n d s e e d s of M o u nta i n Mahogany. C olorad o C h i p m u n k i s a western species, prefe rri ng h i g h e r m o u nta i n s . ( Length: 8 to 1 0 i n . ; weight: 2 to 2 V2 o z . ) Typi c a l c h i p m u n k color with g ra y i s h - b ro wn si des, ta i l d a r k e r and ti p p e d with b l a c k . Most co m m o n in the Y e l l o w Pi n e forests. C l osely related to U m b r o u s C h i p munk.
Colorado Chipmunk
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R E D S Q U I RRELS (or S pruce or P i n e S q u i rre l s ) , a r e our s m a l l est tree s q u i rre l s . T h ey i n ha b i t conifero u s forests , fi l l i n g the m with noisy chatter. S u m me r color i s d u l ler, with a b l a c k line a l o n g the sides. Wi nter f u r i s brig hter, a nd d i sti nct ear tufts develop; no othe r eastern s q u i rre l h a s th e m . Red S q u i rrels eat seeds, n u ts, fruit, con es, i n s ects , m u s h ro o m s , occasiona l ly e g g s . They b u i l d a nest of leaves i n a tree hole or a n em pty wood pecker nest. T h ree to six you n g , born i n spring, are mature by fa l l . L ength: 1 1 to 1 4 i n . �
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C H I C KA R EES or D O U G LAS SQU I R R E LS are a g i l e tree-d wel l e rs, fou n d i n the ta l l pi nes a n d s p r u c e s of the N o rth west. In feed i n g they g n a w the ste m s of g reen cones till the cones d rop to the g rou n d . Then they c l i m b down t o h a rvest. T h e seeds a r e d u g f r o m t h e cones o r , i f the s q u i r r e l h a s f e d , th e c o n e s a re h i d d e n a wa y . T h e C h ic k a ree, rese m b l i n g the ea stern R e d S q u i rrel, has the same loud, chatteri ng ca l l . The un derpa rts a re red d i s h b rown; the u p p e r pa rts a re r u sty i n w i n ter, � -············· o l i v e b r o w n in s u m m e r , at w h i c h ti m e t h e r e i s a l s o a b l a c k l i n e on the sides. litters of a bout five a re b o r n i n J u n e . Yo u n g c a n care for them selves by fa l l .
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GRAY SQUI RRELS, so often seen in pa rks, a re fou n d th rou g hout the E a s t a n d i n t h e fa r West. The Western G ray S q u i rrel i s l a rger but otherwise s i m i l a r . No other tree s q u i r re l s are l a rge and g ray. Gray and oth e r tree s q u i rr e l s do not h i bern ate as g r o u n d sq u i rrel s d o . An a l l-black form of the Eastern Gray S q u i rrel may be seen in pa r k s . A b u l ky nest i s b u i l t i n forks of trees ��-;� o r in a h o l l o w t r u n k . F o ur t o s 1 x �ona Eastern you n g are born i n each l i tter. ·..
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Black phase of Eastern Gray Sq ui rre l
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TU FT - EA R E D o r A B ERT SQU I R R E LS, larger tha n Gray S q u i rre l s ( length: 1 9 t o 2 1 i n . ), a r e c o n fi n e d to Yellow P i n e forests of the Southwest. A l l h ave tufts o n ea rs, w i t h tufts m o r e promi nent i n wi nter . These a re o u r m o s t attractive s q u i r re l s . O n t h e n o rth s i d e of G r a n d C a n y o n l i ves a n i so l ated g r o u p of these s q u i rrel s . These a r e t h e Kai b a b S q u i r r e l s , with the t a i l c o m b p l etel y w h ite. South of t h e Ca nyon, ta i l s a re blackish or g ray a bove . . .. Juft-eored -- -- -- - -- - �
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FOX SQU I R RELS a re the l a rgest of the tree sq u i r rel g ro u p ( length : 1 9 to 25 i n . ) . They live on forest borders, feed i n g on acorns, fru it, seeds, and corn . Fox S q u i rrels va ry in c o l o r . They a re c o m m o n l y a buff color with g ray on the sides . Some a re a l most entirely g ra y . Occasional ly, these squ i rre l s a re n e a r l y b l a c k except for w h i t.e spots o n t h e h e a d . The n ests , l a r g e a n d b u l ky, a re b u i l t i n t r e e fo rks or in tree cavities. Usu a l ly two l i tters of two to five you n g are born each yea r.
F LYING SQU IRRELS a re sma l l , d rab-brown a bove, w h ite b e l o w , with a loose fo l d o f s k i n ex ten d i n g from the fron t to rea r leg s . They do not fly, but g l i d e by e xtend i n g the i r l i m b s a n d stretch i n g the m e m brane between . F l y i n g S q u irrels, i n contrast t o others, a re a l most entirely n octu rnal . T h e i r d iet i n c l u des a n i m a l m a tte r, n uts, a n d fruit. Fur is soft a n d s i l ky; eyes a re large. The l a rger Northern a n d s m a l l e r S o u t h e r n s p e c i e s m a ke in teresti n g pets i n s p i te of the i r n octu rna l h a b i ts .
I ncisors without grooves, short claws, i n 1. Western Pocket Gopher
POC KET G O P H ERS are b u rrowi n g rodents with s hort, n a ke d ta i l s a n d fu r-l i n e d c h e e k p o u c h e s for ca rryi ng foo d . With their powerfu l , c l a wed front legs they dig tunnels, which they seldom or never leave. If the b u rrow is exte n d e d to t h e s u rface, s m a l l m o u n d s of d i rt a re t h ro w n u p. Food i s roots a n d ste m s . G o p h e r s ( a bout 2 6 0 varieti e s ) a re of th ree major g ro u ps ( genera ): P i a l " ' , a " d Plateau . leogth • 7 t o 1 3 ; , .
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1 . Pal l i d Kangaroo Mouse
KANGAROO M I C E a re found m a i n l y i n Neva d a . They a re good j u m pers and l o o k l i ke m i n i ature Ka n g aroo Rats ( p p . 9 2 -9 3) . T h e i r u n u s u a l ta i l is t h i c k e r in t h e m i d d l e t h a n at either e n d . H i n d feet a re l o n g a nd h a i ry. Both Pa l l i d a n d Dark species a re a n i m a l s of h ot a r i d reg ions, where they feed o n seeds of dese rt p l a nts. N o ct u r n a l i n h a b it, t h e y d i g b u rrows under sage, rabbitbrush, o r other s h r u b s . T h e i r s h a l l ow b u rrows a r e c l o s e d f r o m with i n d u r i n g the dayti m e . I dentification i s d i ffi c u lt, s i n c e Ka n g a roo Mice may be e a s i l y co nfused with Pocket M i c e .
2. Dark Kangaroo Mouse
1 . Hispid Pocket Mo use
POC KET M I C E a re a l l s m a l l rodents ( length: 3 1h to 6 i n . ) . T h e 2 0 o r m o re species have s m a l l e a rs, a n d tai l s that often e n d i n h a i ry tufts . Poc ket M i c e v a ry i n c o l o r from w h i t i s h to b l a c k, thou g h most are g ra y i s h brown . like their relatives, the Kan g a roo Mice a n d Rats, Pocket Mice have exte r n a l , fur-li ned cheek pouches open i n g on either side of t h e i r s m a l l mouths. These western a n i m a l s p refe r a r i d reg i o n s . B u r rows a re d u g f o r s h e lter a n d raisi n g yo u n g . The b u rrow open i n g i s often p l u g g ed u p , with e a rth d u r i n g the day. S i l ky Pocket Mice a re a m o n g
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o u r s m a l l est m a m m a l s . Some Pocket Mice l i ve i n s a n d , others a m o n g rocks o r b r u s h . All a re poor j u m pe r s . P o c ket M i c e g e t e n o u g h wate r from t h e d ry seeds a n d plant matte r t h e y eat and so a re able to get along for m onths without drink i n g . They a re doci l e i n ca ptivity, m a ki n g i nteresti n g , easy-to-care for pets . 3. Rock Pocket Mouse
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K A N G A R O O RATS a re u n i q u e rodents with l o n g , over-deve loped h i n d l i m b s a n d s h o rt e r, l e s s d ev e l o ped fore l i m bs. They m ove r a p i d l y with l o n g , ka n ga roo-l i ke l e a ps, keepi ng t h e i r fro n t l e g s o f f t h e g ro u n d . T h e i r l a rg e heads, l o n g t u f t e d t a i l s , w h i te fl a n k stri pes, w h i te o n the s i des of the ta i l , and wh ite b e l l y are d i sti n ctive m a rk i n g s t h a t m a ke K a n g a roo R a ts e a s y to r e c o g n i ze. Most s p e c i e s a re fo u n d in 2. Banner-ta iled Ka ngaroo Rat
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1.
I the S o u th west; a l l i n ha b i t ry reg i o n s , l i v i n g i n b u rrows d u g i nto the soi l . They a re noctu r n a l , feed m a i n l y on seeds and d ry vegetati on, and are preyed u po n by car n i vores, owls, a n d snakes. l i ke the Pocket Mice, Kanga roo Rats can get along with very l ittl e water. litters of two to fo u r y o u n g are born d u r i n g s p ri n g and s u m mer. Of 1 6 or more s pecies, typical a re: Merria m , Desert, a n d B a n n e r-ta i l e d Ka n g a roo Rats, with fo u r toes o n each h i n d foot; Ord, with five .
B E A V E R S d a m stre a m s with sti c ks a n d m u d to f o r m p o n d s a r o u n d their b i g , one-room h o u ses w i t h u nder water entra n c es . At n i g h t they g n a w down trees a nd fl oat branches through cana l s to the ponds. Beavers eat the fresh i n ne r bark a n d a l so water p l a nts, a n d store branches underwater for wi nter food . They m ate for life. The young ( two to six) are born i n spri n g . Beaver pelts a re va lua ble; the i r dams are i m porta nt i n flood contro l .
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GRASS H O P PE R M I C E, as the i r n a m e i nd i cates, feed m a i n l y o n g rasshoppers and other i nsects-a n u n u s u a l d i et f o r rodents. They a re fat-bodied, w i t h thick, taperi n g , w h i te-ti p p e d t a i l s , w h i c h a re � s h o rt i n t h e n o rt h e r n s p e c i e s a nd ·-·---��;th�r� &-' o v e r h a l f t h e b o d y l e n gth i n t he \1 � s o u t h e r n s pe c i e s . These m i c e rep o rte d l y m a ke d o c i l e pets, w h i ch , clear the house of i nsect pests.
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H A R VEST M I C E, bro w n i s h with g r a yi sh brown u n dersides a n d gray legs, a re sma l l ( length: 4 t o 6 i n . ), H o use-Mo use si ze, but with g rooved u p per i n ci s o r s . They i n h a bit t h e S o ut h and w a r m e r pa rts of the West. They b u i l d a ball-l i ke nest of grass in m ead ows, o n the g r o u n d , o r sl i g htl y a b ove it, a n d r a i s e seve r a l l i tters a y e a r . W e stern H a rvest Mouse occurs i n arid reg i o n s . East ern H a rvest Mouse is fou nd i n d a m p m ead ows a n d thickets. Harvest Mice are a l l seed eaters and are less common tha n Deer Mice. 2. Eastern Harvest Mouse
CACTUS a nd GOLDEN M I CE a re c l ose rel a tives of the Deer Mouse ( p . 9 8 ) . T h e Cactus Mouse is s m a l l ( 7 to 8 i n . ) a n d i s more t h a n h a lf ta i l . It p refers the hot deserts, where cacti a b o u n d . The Golden Mouse of the Southe � st d i ffers in color. It is a r i c h g o l d e n b r o w n with a w h ite belly-the o n l y mouse of this group s o c o l o re d . Its h a bits a r e u n u s ual a l so . It is a tree- and shrub-dwel ling species, feedi n g o n seeds a n d fruit, b u i l d i n g its r o u n d , com pact nest of g ra s s a n d l ea v e s as h i g h as 1 5 ft. a b ove t h e g ro u n d . S e v e r a l m i ce m a y i n h a bi t o n e nest. 2 . Cactus Mouse
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W H ITE- FOOTED and DEER M I C E represe nt a wide s pread g ro u p of s m a l l to medi u m-si zed, white-footed, white-bel l ied mice. Most a re brownish or brownish gray. The White-footed Mouse i s a more eastern s pecies of open woodlands and scrubby h i l l sides. Deer Mice have a wider ra nge, living i n open areas a n d i n woods. These m i ce e a t s e e d s , p l a nts, i n s ects . N e sts a r e b e n e at h r o c k s a nd l ogs, i n b u r rows, or i n trees .
R I C E RATS a re l a rger e d i t i o n s of White-footed M i ce, but look l i ke young rats . They have whiti s h feet, g rayish b e l l ie s , and l o n g ta i ls, w h i c h are l i g hter in c o l o r u n d er n eath . T h e y l i ve a n d n e st i n s a l t- a n d fresh- water m a rs h es, fee d i n g o n a vari ety of p l a nts. Their l i ki n g of rice p l a nts has e a r n e d t h e m t h e i r name. T h e y a re excel l ent swi m m ers. Rice rats a re common but noctu r n a l . Two to fi ve y o u n g a r e b o r n i rr a grass n est a n d c a n care for them selves when less than two weeks o l d .
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WOOD RATS look q u ite l i ke N o rway Rats ( p . 1 1 2 ), but these native s pecies have a m o re h a i ry ta i l ; the feet a n d throat a re w h i t e r . There a re a l s o i m p o rta nt d i ffer ences in the teeth . The widespread Southern Woo d rats l i ve in caves a n d c l i ffs. I n the West, wood rats occ u r fro m the deserts to the m o u ntai n s . Y -to i led £} _ A l l a re n octu rna l . They b u i l d large _ nests, col lecti n g all s orts of objects l to i n corporate i n th e m . T h i s h a bit sert la tives g ives the n a m e Pack Rats to west ern s p e c i e s T h e r e s u l t i s most often
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2. White-throated Woodrat
a l a r g e m o u n d of sti cks a n d rubbish l a i d between roc ks. Trave l e r s hear many stori es of thi n g s these rats h ave stolen and hidden away. White-throated Wood rats often b u i l d n ests u n d e r cacti. The B u s h y-ta i l e d Woodrat m a y n e s t i n the attic o f a mounta i n cabi n . Occasio n a l l y, nests a re m a d e in trees. Wood rats r a i se two o r t h r e e l itte rs of two or th ree you n g each season. Woodrats feed on fruits, berries, and seeds, and eat the l eaves and sta l ks of m a ny p l a nts.
C OTTON RATS are shaggy-furred, s m a l l rats of g rassy o r weedy places. They a re a bu n d a n t in the South, where they d a m a g e t r u c k g a r d e n s a n d fa r m c r o p s . T h e y a re a ctive d u ri n g t h e d a y as wel l a s at n i g ht. T h e H i s pi d C otto n Rat i s m o st c o m m o n , preferri n g the s h elter o f ta l l m eadow g rass, hedgerows, a n d roa d s i d e d itches. Wel l- m a rked tra i l s lead from bu rrows to feed i n g a reas. Yel l ow-nosed C otton Rats l ive in m o u nt a i n m e a d ows. least Cotton Rats a re tan-colored below. These rats may h ave six l i tters a year, each of six o r m o r e yo u n g , w h i c h b eg i n to l e ave the n est after a bo u t a week. If weeds a n d other cover a re c l e a red a way, hawks, owls, and carnivores can better control the rats .
1 02
B O G LEM M I NGS a re not the true l e m m i n g s b u t a r e si m i l a r to v o l e s ( p p . 1 04 - 1 0 6 ) . Thei r g rooved i n c i s ors a re the best d i sti n g u is h i n g cha racteristi c s . Bog l e m m i n g s a re n o r t h e r n rodents preferri n g moist s p h a g n u m b o g s , swamps, a n d forest meadows. T h e y a re s m a l l ( length : 4 to 51h i n . , i n c l u d i n g a tai l 1 i n . l o n g , or l e s s ) . Their fur i s t h i c k a n d fi n e , n e a r l y coveri n g t h e s m a l l e a r s . F o o d i s m a i n l y g rass, thou g h b u l bs a n d perhaps i n s ects a r e eate n . B o g lem m i n g s l ive i n colonies. R u n ways c o n n ect the nests, which a re built in tu ssocks of g r a s s . They a l s o d i g b u r rows t h ro u g h the m o i st e a rth or through t h e p a c ke d s p h a g n u m . Several l it ters ( fo u r to s i x i n e a c h ) a r e raised each sea s o n .
3. Mounta i n Vole
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1 05
V O LES, ofte n c a l l ed F i e l d or Meadow M i c e , a r e the most common a n d most prol ific of the rodents . One fe m a l e in ca ptivity had 1 7 l i tters a yea r. litters range from three to ten you n g . Young voles can care for themselves when 1 2 days old a n d can breed in l ess than a m o nth . Most v o l e s a re g ray, s o m e ti n g e d with b r o w n . They avera g e 5 to 7 in. long, with short ta i l s , s m a l l ears, a nd b l a c k beady eyes. The Meadow Vole i s widespread i n eastern a n d n o rthern states . T h e Borea l Red-backed Vole, of forests i n both eastern a n d western m o u ntai n s , s p r e a d s f a r i nto t h e n o rth . T h e C a l i fo r n i a V o l e , i n the ferti l e river va l l eys, h a s someti mes become a seriou s pest. W h e n food conditions a re favo r a b l e , t h e popula tion i n these mea dows has i ncreased to m a ny h u n d reds per acre. Pine Voles l ive in the leaf- m o l d of our ea stern forests; S a g e b r u s h Voles, in col o n i es a m o n g the desert sage. Vo l e s b u i l d n ests of grass on the g ro u n d . H e r e they r a i s e l i tt e r after l i tter th ro u g h o u t a b r e e d i n g s e a s o n w h i c h l a sts a s long a s the c l i mate p e r m i t s . A m a ze o f n a rrow r u n ways m a d e b y c l i p p i n g the g r a s s a l o n g t h e w a y extends through t h e fi e l d s . Voles eat gra ss, g ra i n , a n d a l most every other kind o f pl a nt materia l . I n wi nter they g i rd l e you n g trees and damage orchard and n u rs ery stock .
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LEMMINGS a re found th rou ghout a rctic and su b-a rctic regio n s . They a re the most c o m m o n northern rodents. Brown a n d Collared Lemm i n g s l i ve i n the stunted forests and t u n d r a s . Neither i s fou n d a s fa r south a s the United State s . The C o l l a red Le m m i n g is the o n l y rodent that turns white in winter. Lemm i n g s a re i m portant food for Arctic Foxes. L i ke some r a bbits and oth e r rodents, the l e m m i n g p o p u l ati o n rises and falls in cycl e s . In l e m m i ngs, the pop u l ation rise c u l m i nates i n the famed mi g rati o n o r m a r c h . M i l l i o n s of l e m m i n g s m ove together towa rd new territory ( n ot to the sea a s often s u p posed ) . Predato rs fol l o w t h e m ovem ent, taki ng g reat tol l . 1 . Col lared Lemming ( summer )
·2. Brown Lemming
H EATH E R V O LES a re northern rodents of C a n a d a , A l a s k a , a n d some of o u r northwestern m o u n ta i n s . They l ive a l o n g strea ms, in mounta i n meadows, and one spe cies ( t h e red Tree H eather Vole) l i ves m o stl y in trees, b u i l d i n g a n e st h i g h on the b ra n c hes of s o m e c o n i fers. A l l h a ve g rayish-brown, soft fur and short tai l s except for the Tree Heather Vole, which i s redd i s h with a long, dark, h a i ry ta i l . H e ather Vol es a re consid ered rare, t h o u g h c a re f u l o bs e rvati o n i n d i cates they a re m o r e c o m mon than o n c e b e l i e v e d . T h e g r o u p is often c a l l e d by the g e n u s name Ph enacomys, b e c a u s e t h ere i s no well-esta b l i shed c o m m o n n a m e . 2. Heather Vole
FLORI DA WATER RAT is a small editi o n of the m u s krat. Found only in F l o ri d a and n e a r b y pa rts of Georgia, this interesti ng rodent can be identified by its size (length: 1 3 to 1 5 i n . ) a n d by its l o n g ( 5 i n . ) , r o u n d tai l . It h a s fi ne, d a r k brown fur, but the s m a l l size of the water rat precl udes its bei n g trap ped for its p e l t . W a t e r rats a r e f o u n d in b o g s a n d a l o n g l a kes h o res. T h ey a re e x c e l l e nt s wi m m e r s . A ro u nd n e st a b o ut a f o ot i n di a m et e r i s b u i l t i n m a n g rove roots or between cypress k n e e s . R u n ways s pread from the nest thro u g h the swa mp grass a n d bog s p h a g n u m . Water r o ts f e e d on a l l k i n d s of s w a m p v e g etati o n . Beca u s e of t h e warm cl i m a te they may b r e e d all y e a r ro u n d .
M U S K RATS a re w e l l - known rodents, pro d u c i n g m ore fur pelts than all oth er American m a m m a l s c o m b i ned . They a re c l o s e l y rel ated to the voles ( average length: 2 3 i n . , with t h e i r s l i g htly flattened 1 0-i n . ta i l ) . Musk rats b u i l d l a r g e h o u ses in s h a l l ow water o r b u rrow i nto stre a m b a n k s . In these shelters sev e r a l l i tters ( t w o to n i n e y o u n g i n e a c h ) a r e r a i s e d e a c h seaso n . The p r i n c i p a l food is c a tta i l roots a nd sta l k s . T h e y a l s o eat several other s wa m p p l a nts, some c l a ms, and fi s h . Muskrat house
APLODONT I A is often c a l l ed Mou nta i n Beaver-a mis leading n a m e , for it i s n o beaver. It does l ive in the red wood a n d s pruce forests of the n orthwest m olmt a i n s . A fa i r s wi m m er, it prefers d a m p localities, often near strea m s , w h e r e i t digs s h a l l ow b u rrows. A v a ri ety of mountain p l a nts a re used as food, and the s u r p l u s i s often p i l e d near the mouth of the b u rrow. Three or fo u r y o u n g are born in s p r i n g . Length: 1 2 t o 1 5 i n . Tai l very short. F u r prized by Chi nook India ns.
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Norway Rat
RATS a n d M I C E that most people know are i ntroduced Old W o r l d r o d e nts. These s u ccessful m a m m a l s h a ve ada pted themselves to us a n d have l ived a n d traveled with men for centu ries . T h o u s a n d s u pon t h o u s a n d s of d eaths ca n be di rectly attr i buted to d i s e a s e s p r e a d by rats, a n d m i l l i ons u pon m i l lions o f dol l a rs d a m a g e h a s been d o n e b y t h e m . The N o rway Rat i s 1 2 to 20 i n . l o n g , w i t h a b a r e , sca l y t a i l s l i g htly
1 12
1 . House Mouse
s h orter t h a n its body. It l a c ks t h e w h ite bel l y of o u r native woodrat. T h e B l a c k Rat i s s l i g htly s m a l l er, more slender, and has a tai l longer than the body. A l i g hter c o l o r e d b u t l e s s c o m m o n form of the B l a c k Rat, with brow n i s h fu r, is the Roof or Alexand r i a n Rat. The House Mouse, m uc h smaller th a n rats ( 5 to 7 in. long, with a 3to 4-i n . t a i l ) , i s even more c o m m o n in h o mes, th o u g h it often l ives i n fields along with native species of m i ce. I ts g ray c o l o r, i n c l u d i n g u n de rpa rts, a n d l o n g n a ked tail m ake i d e n ti fic a ti o n ea sy, even if t h e a n i m a l i s s c u r ry i n g a c ro s s the kitc h e n fl oor. A l b i n o ( w h i te) m i c e a n d N o rway rats a re u sed constantly i n scientific resea rch .
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J U M P I N G M I C E are s m a l l , l o n g -ta i l ed , j u m pi n g species that prefer moi st, grassy m e a d o w s w h ere, i f d i st u r b e d , they c a n l e a p t o safety, u s i n g their l o n g h i n d l e g s a n d bala nci n g tai l s . Alth o u g h rese m b l i n g ' K a n g aroo Rats ( p p . 9 2 -9 3 ) , t h e y are .... , s m a l l er ( head a n d body, 3 to 4 i n . ; tai l , 5 to 6 i n . ), l a c k a b u s h y tai l , a n d are not desert dwe l l ers . J u m pi n g Mice h i bernate i n winter; other mice do not. Food i s al most entirely seeds of grasses a n d other s m a l l p l a nts . There are three types: West ern, Mea dow, a n d Wood l a n d J u m ping M i c e. The l a st occurs i n deep forests a n d h a s a c o n s p i c u o u s w h i t e ti p on t h e t a i l . F i v e or s i x yo u n g a re b o rn i n o n e l i tter, l ate i n s pri n g .
P O R C U P I NES a re l a rg e (length: u p to 30 i n . ; weight: t o 4 0 l b . ), c l u m s y rodents, reco g n i ze d a t o n c e . T h e s p i nes, e s pec i a l l y o n t h e b a c k a n d ta i l , a re l oosely attached. They a re barbed a n d c a n seri o u s l y i n j u re or k i l l a n attacking a n i m a l . Spines a re not q u i l ls, but m o d i fied h a i rs, a n d a re not shot o ut b y the p o rc u pi n e . P o rc u p i n e s feed o n wood a nd i n ne r b a r k of many trees, and eat a d d itiona l p l a nt food i n s u m m e r .
N U T R I A a re l a rge, brown i s h South America n rodents, 3 0 to 42 i n . l o n g . They were brou g h t i nto this c o untry a bo u t 1 9 0 0 as a p ro m i s i n g fur a n i m a l a n d w e r e re l eased in m u skrat swa m ps. Nutria, aquatic a n i ma l s , swi m w e l l a n d thrive i n swa m ps . Thei r fur i s w i d e l y u s e d . N u tria a re n o w we l l esta b l i s h e d i n pa rts of l o u i s i a n a a n d a r e p r e s e n t i n s o m e o t h e r state s . T h e y a r e ste a d i ly s prea d i n g i nto new a r e a s . C a n be d i sti n g u i s h e d f r o m m u skrats ( p. 1 1 0 ) by t h e i r s i z e a n d ro u n d t a i l s . N utri a eat m o r e v a r i e d food than m u skrats a n d in some places a re reported as repl aci n g m u skrats . 1 16
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T H E RABBIT FAM I LY consists of pi kas, h a res, a n d ra b bits. A l l h ave four s h a r p , c u rved i n c i s o r s i n t h e u pper j a w, w h i l e r o d e nts have o n l y two. Ra b bits a re wi d e s p rea d , a d a pt a b l e , a n d a r e a bl e to s u rvive i n eve ry t h i n g fro m h e d g e rows to s u b u rb a n ya r d s . W h e n i n tro d u ced into Austra l i a , they a l l but took over the conti ne nt. H a re s a n d ra b b its are confu s i n g . In g e n er a l , the h a res a re l o n g- l e g g e d , h i g h- j u m pi n g , with yo u n g b o r n well f u r r e d a n d with eyes o p e n . R a b bits, born n a ke d and b l i n d , are s h o rt-l e g g e d , r u n ning species. 1 17 Newborn rabbit
Wi nter pelage
V A R Y I NG H A RE or SNO WS H O E R A B B I T is a n e xa m pl e o f n a m e c o n f u s i o n . The a n i m a l i s a h a r e -two to s i x y o u n g a re born with eyes o p e n a n d f u l l y f u r r e d . H ow ever, its e a rs a r e r e l a t i v e l y s h ort. Th e w o r d " Va r yi n g " refers t o c o l o r c h a n g e s that occur from s u m me r to wi nte r . " S n o w s h o e " r e f e r s t o the wide, furry p a ws , which give the hare a good footing on ice a n d i n soft snow. These hares (length: 1 3 to 1 8 i n . ) feed on g rass and s oft p l a nts i n sum mer. In wi nter they m a y chew b a r k o ff yo u n g trees, k i l l i n g m a n y . T h e h a r e popu l ation rises and fa l l s in l i tt l e-u n der stood cyc l e s .
E U R O P E A N H A R ES were i m p o rted i nto O ntario, whence they have spread south i nto some of our n orth ern states . They have been i ntroduced a l s o i nto the H ud son v a l l e y a r e a . T h i s l a rg e h a re, 25 to 30 i n . l o n g , has d i sproportionately l arge feet a n d head. E u ropean H ares p refe r o p e n c o u ntry a n d h ave become a b u n d a nt near farms a n d orchards, where they may cause seri ous wi nter damage to fruit trees. The p h rase " ma d a s a Ma rch H a re " refers to the m a l es, w h i c h i n early spri n g l e a p , tumble, a n d fi g ht as a prel i m i n a ry to mati n g . 1 19
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Leap of White-tai l ed Jackrabbit
J AC K RA B BITS a re native western h a r e s . F a m e d i n story, these l ong-eared, l ong-legged c reatu res l oo k l i ke caricatu res, but they are we l l a d a pted to l i fe in s e m i arid cou ntry. Jackra bbits feed on a l m ost every ki nd of vegetation, a n d can get along with very l i ttle water. Oc cas i o n a l l y th ey do d a mage to a l fa lfa a n d g r a i n fi e l d s . E ars, someti mes a third o f the h a re ' s l e n gth, kee p it aware of its m a n y enemies. White-tai led Jackrabbit Jackrabbits a re a m a i n item i n the d i et of Coyotes. When frig htened, these h a res m a y leap h i g h i n the a i r, p e r h a p s to g et a view
of th i n gs. When pursued they run with powerfu l leaps of 1 5 to 2 0 ft. ; at a m e a s u red speed of over 4 0 miles per hour. The W h i te-ta i l e d Jackrabbit i s the l a rgest native s pecies ( le n g th : 1 8 to 22 i n . ; weight: 5 to 8 l b . ) . F u r t u r n s p a l e r o r c h a n ges c o m p l etely t o w h i te i n wi nte r . T a i l i s wh ite the yea r r o u n d . T h e B l a c k-ta i l ed Jac krab bit i s s l i g h t l y s m a l l e r, p r efers more open g ro u n d , a n d i s m a rked by a b l a c k streak on t h e ta i l a n d by black ti pped ears. It p refers a warmer c l i m ate than the White t a i l . T h e A n te l o p e Ja c k r a b b it of t h e s o u th w e s t d e s e rt i s rel ated to the B l a c kta i l , but with even l a rg e r ears, which have no black a t t h e ti p . T h e w h i te o n its ru m p and side fl a s hes a s i t l e a p s . A l l Jackrabbits b rowse on b a r k, twi g s , b u d s, a n d a n y s oft p l a n t food t h a t i s avai l a bl e . 1 . Antelope Jac krabbit
2. Black-ta i l e d Jac krabbit
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C OTTONTAI LS a re the true ra bbits, fou n d nea rly every w h e re in th i s cou ntry . In size they are g e n e ra l l y small (length: 1 1 to 1 7 in.; weight: 2 to 4 l b . ) : Eyes a re d a rk, e a rs a n d l e g s short. Nearly a l l have the w h ite " cotton ta i l " th a t g ives the g ro u p its n a m e . These ra b b i ts ta ke over vacant bu rrows or make shelters in brush heaps. Litters average fou r or five naked, b l i n d b a b i e s , w h i c h a re big e n o u g h t o l eave the n e s t i n a bout two weeks , l eave thei r mother i n l e s s than two months, and a re matu re i n six month s . Severa l litters a year a re c o m m o n . Nests of you n g cottonta i l s a re bet ter l eft a l o n e . Yo u n g m a y be raised by fee d i n g a th i n
' Hind , f 12
Front
1. Desert Cottontail
2. Brush Rabbit
m i xt u re of m i l k a n d m a s h e d egg yol k with an eyedrop per. Even when fed by hand they do not ta m e easily. The Eastern Cottonta i l i s the most com mon species. Its r a n g e i n the S o uth ove rl a ps that of the s l i g htly l a rg e r Marsh a n d S wa m p Rabbits ( p . 1 24 ) . T h e B r u s h Ra bbit o f the P a c i fi c Coast (length: 1 1 t o 1 3 i n . ) a n d t h e Desert C ottonta i l of the i n l a n d West (length: 1 2 to 1 5 i n . ) are s o m ewhat s m a l l e r species. The Brush Rabbit i s a brown ish species fo u n d on brush-covered h i l l s i d e s . The Desert C otto n t a i l , g r a ye r a n d p a l er, i s m ost m m o n in river val leys o f the Southwest.
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1 . Swamp Rabbit
MARSH RABBIT is a southern species a bout the same size a s th e Ea stern Cotto nta i l . To i d e ntify it i n the fi e l d , n ote t h e ta i l i s s m a l l a n d g ra y i s h b e n e a t h . Its c o l o r is d a r k b r o w n , i n c l u d i n g the s m a l l feet, w h i c h c o ntrast with the l i g hter-colored feet of the Eastern C otto nta i l . These rab bits l ive i n marshes and feed on marsh g rasses. The S wa m p Rabbit l ives in s i m i l a r ha bitats i n the l ower M i ssissi p p i Va l l ey and along the G u lf. In color it i s i nter m e d iate between the Eastern C ottonta i l a n d the Ma rsh R a b b i t-a brown ish gray with red d i sh-brown feet. 2. Marsh Rabbit
1 24
P I G M Y R A B B I T i s o u r s m a l l est c otto ntai l , f o u n d i n a l i m ited a re a of the d ry western u p l a n d s . Its s m a l l s i ze ( a bo u t 1 1 i n . ) i s a c l u e for fi e l d i d enti fi cati o n . It i s a weak j u m per. I n color, it resembles the Eastern Cotton ta i l -g ray, tinged with brown. It l ives in ta l l , d e nse sage b r u s h and r a b b i t b r u s h and d i g s s m a l l b u rrows in the g r o u n d . B r u s h and b u rrows a fford these r a b bits p ro tecti o n from owls, hawks, and coy ote s . T h e y r a r e l y stray far from s a g e b r u s h , on w h i c h they feed . T h e y oft e n l i v e i n c o l o n i es, b reed in spri n g ( pe r h a ps a g a i n i n l ate s u m m er), with l i tters of a bout six.
1 25
P I KAS or CONIES a re not ra bbits but belong i n a sep a rate fa m i ly . They a re rabb it-l i ke; s m a l l ( length: 7 to 8 i n . ) a n d see m i n g l y tai l-less. Pikas l i ve h i g h i n the west e rn m o u n ta i n s . A related species l ives in A l a s k a . P i kas a re m o re a ctive than rabbits d u ri n g th e d a y . They feed on g rass a n d gather the surplus into conspicuous hay m o u n d s . The i r w h i stl i n g ca l l is someth i n g l i ke th e Mar m ot ' s . The c o l o r of P i k a s b l e n d s so with the rocks in w h i c h they usually l i ve that they a re h a rd to see even t h o u g h they sit h u n c h ed up in the s u n . Three o r fo u r y o u n g a rrive in late spri n g or early s u m mer.
H O O F E D MAMMALS ( u n g u l ates ), in a i n l y l a rge pla nt eaters, are i m porta nt. We ride them, use them as beasts of b u rd e n , eat their flesh, m a ke l eather from their h ides, d r i n k thei r m i l k. As o u r frontiers pushed west, many s pe c i es a l m ost v a n i s h e d . Now h u nti n g is c o ntro l l e d a n d some a re a g a i n plentifu l . S i ng l e-toed u n g ulates i nc l u d e h o rses a n d k i n , ta p i rs, a n d rhi noceros. The two-toed o r s p l i t- hoofed g r o u p i n c l udes a l l w i l d species now l ivi ng i n America: the pronghorn, cattle a n d bison, deer, and pig fa m i l i e s .
1 27
HO RNS AND ANTLERS, g rown by some hoofed m a m m a ls, serve for defense or for m ating battles. Antlers a re solid bony g rowths from the s k u l l , fou n d o n male deer, elk, a n d moose, a n d on both sexes of caribou. They g row in spri n g u n d e r a l ayer of l i vi n g s k i n-the velvet. later t h i s peels off. The a ntlers themselves are s h e d each yea r . The f o l l o w i n g s p ri ng a n e w , l a rger s e t g rows. Horns have a bony core over w h i c h the h o r n ( s i m i l a r to your fi n gernai l s ) grows. Horns are not s h ed, a n d i ncrease in s i z e with each new yea r ' s g rowth . Cattle, b i so n , m o u nt a i n s h e e p , a nd g o ats h a ve h o r n s . T h e P r o ng h o rn ' s u n u s u a l horns a r e s h ed each year and a new h o rny cov eri n g g rows over the bone. They a r e the o n l y h o r n s t h a t a re pronged or branched.
C O LLARED PECCARIES are relatives of the p i g s and, together with the more southern White- l i p ped Peccary, a re the o n l y a n i m a l s of thei r ki n d in the N e w Worl d . S m a l l ( le n gth : 3 8 i n . ), to u g h , s o m eti m e s v i c i o u s , they l i ve in herds of 1 2 or more. Pecca ries a re n ot cud chewers, but root out pla nts, feed i n g o n fruits, n uts, i n sects, l i zards, a n d snakes. The s l i g htly c u rved tu sks are used i n defe n s e . Pecca ries emit a stron g odor from m u sk g l a n ds near the ta i l . Ma l e and fe m a l e a re much a l ike. O n e or two you ng a re bo rn at a ti m e . W i l d boars ( u n re l ated ) have b e e n i n tro d u ce d i n seve r a l p l aces.
1 29
M U LE D E E R, a weste r n s pecies, u p to 6 ft. l o n g a n d 4 ft. h i g h at the s h o u lders, we i g h s u p to 3 5 0 l b . T h e doe {fe m a l e ) is s m a l ler. Twins, or sometimes one o r th ree fawns, born in late spring, stay with her th roug h the next w i n te r , s o m eti mes l o n g e r . M u l e Deer b rowse, i . e . feed on twigs a n d l eaves. They someti mes g ra ze on grass a n d eat wild fru its . Bucks ( ma l es) summer i n h i g h e r m o u n ta i n s , c o m i n g down t o m ate i n l a t e fa l l . The h e rd rem a i n s togethe r m u c h of the wi nter. By e a r l y s p ring, d oes leave to bear you n g . Mule Dee r, ofte n seen i n
weste rn N a ti o n a l Parks, a re of severa l varieties, B l ack ta i l e d ( w ith d isti n ct black ta i l ) bei n g best known. This somewhat s m a l l e r deer occ u rs i n the N o rthwest a n d up i nto Alaska. 3. M u l e Deer
1 31
White-tai led buck
W H I TE-TA I LE D or V I R G I NI A DEER is the most com mon deer a n d one of the best-known and most a d m i red g a m e a n i m a l s . The fi rst g a m e laws e n a cted in c o l o n ia l d a y s were t o p rotect i t . Wh ite-ta i led D e e r a re red d i sh b ro w n , beco m i n g more g ray i n winter. The fa w n s , born i n late s p r i n g ( e a r l i e r i n the South ), re m a i n spotted with w h i te for 4 to 5 m o n th s . Bucks a re a bo u t 5 ft. l o n g a nd 3 ft. h i g h at s h o u l der, wei g h u p to 2 5 0 l b . , rarely more. Does are s m a l l e r . Antlers, on ma les � ·--._.,_ o n ly, spread forward d i sti n ctively ( see p . 1 3 1 ) . Both m a l e a n d female h ave long ( 1 2 -i n . ) ta i l s , white under··
1 32
1 . White-tailed doe and fawns
n eath . T h e s e are r a i s e d l i ke w h ite fl a g s w h e n d e e r are i n fl i g ht. White-ta i l ed Deer a re browsers, fee d i n g o n leaves a n d twi g s , water p l a nts, acorns, a n d othe r fruits . I n wi nter they g ather tog ether i n " deer yard s ." U n der protection, Wh iteta i l s h ave increased a n d are now plen tifu l . A m o n g t h e s u b s p e c i es a re two d w a rf k i n d s: the C o u es Deer of t h e A r i z o n a d e s ert 2. Key Deer a n d t h e K e y D e e r of B i g P i n e Key i n s o u t h ern F l o ri d a . T h e Key Deer, not much b i g g e r t h a n a la rge col lie, w e re h u nted ti l l they were cl ose to e xti ncti o n . N ow the p o p u l ation i s recoveri n g .
B I SON, often known a s Buffa l o, a re the la rgest wild an i m a l s in A m e r i c a . A big b u l l , 6 ft. h i g h at the s h o u lder a n d 1 0 ft . long, wei g h s over a to n . The fe m a l e ( cow) is s m a l l er. Both b u l l and cow have h o r n s . Great h e rds to ta l i n g over 60 m i l l i o n a n i m a l s o n c e roa med the plains, s prea d i n g i nto eastern and northe rn forests . Travelers re ported h e r d s as vast as the eye c o u l d s e e . But B ison were k i l l e d for sport, food, h i d es, bones - a n d to help control the Plains I n d i a ns, who depended o n Bison for food. By 1 8 2 0 the a n i m a l s h a d been exte r m i n ated east of the Mississi ppi; by 1 8 8 5 a l l that r e m a i ned of the
g reat Western herds was a bout 75 a n i m a l s . These s u r vivors, protected on reservations, have now increased to several t h o u s a n d . The h u m p-s h o u l d ered b u l l s , a l ways wa ry, p rotect t h e h erd and m ate with cows d u ri n g the s u m mer. C a lves (one a n d occasion a l l y twi n s ) a re born the fo l l o w i n g s p ri n g a n d stay w i t h t h e i r mother thro u g h the next wi nter. The Wood l a n d B i s o n is a l a r g e r a n d d a r ker colored s u bspecies, now found only in western C a n a d a .
E L K or W A P I T I ( a n A l g o n k i n In dian name) are l a rge American deer with w i d e s p r ea d i n g a ntlers and a t h i c k m a n e . Males sta n d 5 ft. h i g h at s h o u l der a n d wei g h over 6 0 0 lb. F e m a l es a r e s m a l l er, l a c ki n g a nt lers . B u l l s fi g h t off riva l s and col l ect a herd of cows. One or two spotted you n g are born to each cow, late i n the spri n g . Herds m i g rate m o r e than other d eer, m o vi n g i nto the m o un ta i n s during s u m mer.
1 36
M O O S E are the l a rgest A m erican deer (length: 9 ft. ; height: 6 ft. ; weight: a bo u t 1 ,000 l b . ) . F e m a l e , m uch s m a l l er, l a c ks broad, fl atte n ed a ntlers of male. Moose a re n o rt h e r n a n i m a l s , favori n g m o i st l o w l a n d s , often feed i n g o n water p l a nts in l a kes and stre a m s . In winte r t h e y stay cl oser to forests . O n e ( ra rely t w o ) you n g i s born in late s p ri n g and stays with its mother a l m ost a year. S h e c h a s e s i t a wa y j u st before her n e w c a l f a rrives. Moose a re a l s o fou n d i n E u rope, w h e re they a re cal led Elk.
CARIBOU a re l a rg e northern a n d a rctic deer w1th h eavy a n tlers ( s m a l le r on female) a n d sha g g y fur o n b e l l y a n d neck. T h e y a re short-ta i led . The you n g a r e not s potte d , as in other deer. Males a re a bout 6 ft. l o n g , 4 ft. h i g h , a n d wei g h 300 l b . or more. The Wood land and B a rren-g ro u n d Caribou a re the two major types living i n Canada a n d Alaska . The Reindeer, o semi-domesticated E u ro p e a n s p e c i e s a n d cl ose relative of the C a ri bo u , i s n ow wel l esta b l i s hed i n A l a s k a . E s k i m o s tend the herds, w h i c h a re stea d i l y i n c rea s i n g .
�---···-"·1>-.�� �o�;�ow . -. J! n-ground ow (red)
_,
{) 'f)
MOUNTAIN GOATS a re more l i ke ante lopes tha n true g oats and a re related to th e Chamois of the Alps. Short horned, s h a g g y-coated a n i m a ls, they p refer h i g h moun tain reg ions, where they feed on moss a n d a l pine g rasses. These su re-footed beasts seem a b l e to c l i m b i mpossible l e d g e s . Ma les g row to a bo u t 5 ft. l o n g , over 3 ft. h igh; females smaller. Both males and fe m a l e s h ave s h o rt, d a rk, c u rved h o r n s . O n e or two you n g a re born in late s p r i n g . Exceed i n g ly rare.
1 39
B I G H O RN S H E E P l ive in weste rn m o u n ta i n s on the rocky s l o pes a n d crags, where they a re safest from wolves a n d coyotes. They c l i m b , su re-footed , on two toe d , c u s h i o n e d h oofs . T h e i r brown i s h-gray, d e e r - l i ke coats m a ke them a lmost invisible a g a i n st the rocks. Big h o r n s fee d o n g rass and s h r u b s . D u r i n g the m a ti n g sea son, ra ms fi g ht, and sometimes a general roug h-and t u m b l e deve l o p s . T h e fe m a l es have o n e o r two yo u n g , born in s p ri n g , w h i c h q u ic k l y be c o m e s e l f-re l i a nt . B i g h o r n s l i ve in b a n d s of six o r m o r e . Length : to 6 lOrigina lly : ft. ; heigh t: ove r 3 ft. ; weight: to , Now 2 2 5 l b . ; fe m a l e s m a l ler. Both sexes rea h ave horns. 1 40
�-- · -····· ·"-� {< \)�l
PRONG H O RNS a re tru ly America n , for these swift, g ra cefu l a n i m a l s h ave n o close relatives e l se w h ere. T h o u g h oft e n c a l l e d a n te l o pes, Pron g h o r n s do n o t be l o n g to that O l d Worl d g ro u p, but a re m o re c l o s e l y rel ated t o s h e e p . Pron g horns a re the o n l y horned mam mals that s h e d the outer coveri n g of th e i r h o r n s each yea r . The u n u s u a l white r u m p patch m a kes them easy to s pot from a d i sta n c e . I n frontier days Pron g h o r n s were e a s i l y k i l l e d , fo r the i r c u riosity led th em c lose to h unters. A few h e r d s sti l l re m a i n o n the weste r n p l a i n s . Two f a w n s are born in l a te spri n g . Weight: 1 1 0 l b . ; length: 5 ft. ; shoulder h eight: 3 ft.
ARMADI LLOS, o u r oddest m a m ma l s, are covered, ex cept for t h e i r ea rs and legs, by bony plates. Un l i ke some South American species, our N i ne-ba nded Armadi l l o c a n n ot c u r l u p i nto a b a l l for p rotectio n . To avoid coy otes and pecca ries, i t d i g s a hole or seeks refuge i n thorny ta n g l e s . Arma d i l l os are most active a t n i g ht. Thei r l ong, sti c ky to ng ues catch i n sects . When i n sects are l a cki n g , they m a y starve. I n s p ri n g , l itters of fo u r i d en ti c a l y o u n g ( a l w a y s of the s a me sex) a re b o r n . Their s k i n i s l i ke soft l eather at fi rst. The bony p l ates do not h a rden u ntil the young are fully g rown . Armadi l l o flesh makes good eati n g ; i t tastes l i ke p o r k . Length: to 3 0 i n . ; weight: 1 5 l b .
M A N AT E E S ( S E A - C O W S ) a r e t h e s i r e n s of fa b l e s a nd sailors' yarns. Rea l l y they a re l a rge, slow, b a l d-headed, a nd ti m i d-h a rd l y a l l u ri n g. Man atees l ive s o l e l y o n a q uatic p l a nts in s h a l l ow coasta l waters. T h e i r fore l e g s a re m o d i fied i nto A i p p e rs. H i n d legs a re abse nt, a n d the body ends in a broad, A attened, not u n g raceful ta i l . The s i n g l e you n g , b o r n i n a s h e ltered l a g o o n , is a b l e to swi m r i g h t after bi rth. I t ofte n n u rses u n d e r w a t e r , c o m i n g u p for a i r every m i n ute o r s o . L ength : 1 0 to 1 2 ft. ; weight : up to a bout a ton.
J - ·� \� 1 43
�' 1 . Baleen
2. Tooth
'"�'ll'l' l d . :d
W H A LES A N D T H E I R K I N form a l a rge g r o u p , fou n d i n a l l t h e open s e a s a n d a l o n g m a n y shores. A few even l i ve in rivers a n d fresh -water l a kes. They ra n g e from s m al l , 5-ft. d o l p h i n s to the g reat B l u e Wh a l es, which h ave occas i o n a l l y reached 1 00 ft. in len gth a n d 1 1 5 tons i n weight. These, the la rgest a n i m a l s that have ever l i v e d , d w a rf th e g reat d i nosa u rs a n d we i g h as m u c h as 20 to 30 e l e p h a n ts . Whales a n d the i r kin a re descendants of l a n d ani m a l s . The i r ske leton shows the rem a i ns of a pelvic g i rdle, b u t a l l o u twa rd traces of hind l e g s h a ve b e e n lost. The front l i m bs a re modified into A i ppers co n ce a l i n g the b o n e s , w h i c h s h o w that once five fi n g ers were p resent. T h e ta i l d e ve l o pe d i n to h o rizonta l A u kes ( i n c o n trast to the vertica l ta i l fi n s of fi s h ) . H O W WHALES A R E PROTECTED I NTERNATIONALLY
BALEEN WHALES
TOOTHED WHALES
like a l l m a m m a l s , wha les breathe a i r a n d m u st come to the s u rface to " b low" o r b reath e . After a long b l ow, l a rge w h a l e s can stay u n d e r for about an h o u r . W h a les a re so a d a pted to ocea n l ife that the s ke leto n c a n not s u p p o rt the body on l a n d . Whales soon die when stra n d e d on a bea c h . A s i n g l e you n g w h a l e i s b o r n at o n e time; the moth e r n u rses it as do oth e r m a m m a l s . T h e w h a l e s a r e d i v i d e d i nto two d i sti n ct g r o u p s : the Balee n ( W h a l ebone) or Tooth less Wha les, a sma l l g ro u p · of o u r l a r g e s t w h a l es ( p p . 1 46 - 1 47), a n d t h e Toothed Wha l es ( p p . 1 4 8 - 1 5 3 ), i n c l u d i n g dolphins a n d porpoi ses . 1 45
BALEEN WHALES ( n i n e species) a re g i ants, with paired b l o w- h o l e s . I n stead of teeth, they have rows of w h a l e bone ( ba l ee n ) h a n g i n g from the u p per j a w . T h e w h a l e bone tra p s m i l l i ons of tiny sea a n i m a l s fo r foo d . B l u e W h a l e (Sulphur-boffomed), l a rgest w h a l e known, p refers colder Atl a n ti c and Pacific waters. T h roat deeply fu rrowed . Le n gth : 8 0 to 1 00 ft. ; weig h t: to 1 1 5 tons. H u m pback Whale i s short, heavy, with rou g h , irre g u l a r fl i p pers a n d s ki n . Pl ayfu l H u m pbacks l ive i n schools, l e a p and tu m bl e in cou rtsh . Le n gth : 40 to 50 ft.
1 46
1. Blue Whale
Sei W h a l es, w h i c h seem to m i g rate m o re than others, have a pl eated th roat l i ke the Blue Wha l e ' s . Length: 50 to 60 ft. Right W h a l e (the right one for whalers) is fou n d m a i n l y i n n o rt h e r n ocea n s . It l a cks t h e back (dorsa l ) fi n o f other l a r g e w h a l e s . Length: 50 t o 60 ft. Finback Whale is fl at-headed, large, with a s m a l l dor sal fi n . It spouts with a loud whistle. Length: 60 to 70 ft . Gray W h a l e of the Pacific is freq uently seen close to s h o r e . Its gray skin i s often m ottl ed with wh ite patches of barnacles. Length: 30 to 40 ft.
TOOT H E D WHA LES � PE R M W H A LE i s the l a rgest of Toot h e d W h a l e s , a l l o f w h i c h have a s i n g l e bl ow-hole. T h e s q u a re s n out a n d h ea d m a ke u p a l m o s t a th i rd o f t h e l e n g t h . A b o u t 3 0 teeth, i n t h e th i n l ower jaw, fi t i nto sockets i n t h e tooth l ess u pper jaw. The e nti re head is off ba lance. The b u l ky forehead conta i n s a l a rge " ta n k" of th i n wax w h i c h , be fore the ti m e of petro l e u m , was the m a i n s o u rce of oi l for l a m ps . T h e Sperm Whale was widely h u nted i n both Atl a ntic a n d P a c i fi c , w h e re it Sperm Whale o i l case d i ves over h a l f a m i l e deep in search of g i a n t s q u i d . It g rows 4 0 to 60 ft. l o n g , o c c a s ion a l l y l a rger. Fabled Moby Dick was a n a l b i n o S pe r m Whale.
B E A K E D W H A LES a re s m a l l to m ed i u m-sized Toothed W h a l e s . T h e i r teeth a re actu a l l y few; sometimes o n ly a s i n g l e p a i r . They p refer colder waters of the o p e n ocea n s a n d a re seen o n l y occa s i o n a l l y near shore. True Beaked Whale ( 1 5 to 2 0 ft. ) , n a m e d a fte r Mr. Tr ue, i s less c o m m o n a l o n g our s h o res than B ottl e n os e W h a l e s . Males h a v e one p a i r of teeth i n l o w e r j a w . Bottl enose W h a l e s ( 2 5 t o 30 ft. l o n g ) , m o s t c o m m o n of t h i s g ro u p, w e r e h u nted f o r thei r fi n e o i l afte r S pe r m Whales beca m e scarce. Found south t o New E n g l a n d . Goosebea k or Cuvier's Whale ( 1 5 to 2 0 ft. ), va ri able in color a n d patter n , i s fou n d i n all ocea ns.
1 . Dall Porpoise
P O R P O I S E S a re s m a l le r re latives of the d o l p h i n s . Ac tive a n i m a ls, they a re often seen in sch ools. These s m a l l w h a l e s (length: 4 t o 6 ft. ) feed m a i n l y o n fi s h . T h e H a r b o r Porpo ise i s most common i n the Atla ntic, especia l ly a l o n g s h o re, where it swims ra pid ly, often lea p i n g clear of the water. It i s b l a c k a bove, l i g h ter beneath . H a rbor Porpoises a re a lso fou n d i n the Pacific. The no rth Pacific boa sts of the more attractive, some what l a rger (length: 5 to 6 ft. ) Dall Porpoise. This species has a large wh ite patch on the abdomen a n d sides of its otherwise b l a c k body. It p refers colder water than the H a rbor Porpoise. 2. Harbor Porpoises
Stranded Blackfish
BLA C K F I S H a re not fish, but a com mon porpoise of the Atl a ntic a n d Pacific. Th ree species, a l l 1 5 to 2 0 ft. long, l ive i n s c ho o l s i n o p e n ocea n and a l o n g coasts. A l l a re si m i l a r, th o u g h one has s h o rter fl i ppers than the others. These w h a les a re a lso c a l l e d C a ' i n g W h a l e s o r Pilot Wh a les -the l a tter from th e fact that they travel in g rou ps, closely fol lowing the leader. If by m isfortune the leader heads for shoal water, the entire school fol l ows, a n d a l l m a y become stra n d ed on a bea c h . B l a c kfish h ave a s i n g le you n g , which i s nea rly half the size of the mother at b i rth . Schools of Blackfish a re h u nted for their o i l and for their flesh.
DOLPH INS a re s m a l l Toothed Whales with teeth m both j a w s . A b o u t two d o.zen species l i ve i n waters off N o rt h A m e r i c a . The T r u e Dol p h i n s have s n o uts w h i c h p roject a s b e a k s . K i l l e r Whales ( length : 1 5 t o 20 ft. ) a re l a rge dol p h i n s a n d the fi ercest of m a r i n e a n i m a l s . Trave l i n g i n schools, they atta ck oth e r dol p h i n s , porpoises, seals, a n d even Baleen W h a l e s . G r a y W h a les are s a i d to r u n a g r o u n d to e s c a p e th e m . T h e F a l s e Ki l l er W h a l e i s. s m a l l e r a n d l a cks t h e b l a c k a n d wh ite m a rki n g s o f t h e t r u e K i l l e r Wha l e . Killer Whale
1 52
C o m m o n D o l p h i n ( length: 6 to 8 ft. ) i s the one u s u a l l y s e e n a ro u n d the b o w o f s h i p s . This attractive, d a r k g r a y a n i m a l , p l a yful-looking but voracious, feeds on smal l fi s h . A c l o s e l y related s pecies l ives i n the Pacific. Bottl e n os e D o l p h i n ( length: 9 to 1 2 ft. ) , larger tha n others, h a s a s h o rter, stu b b i e r beak. C o m m o n e r tha n C o m m o n D o l p h i n , it was o nce h u nted fo r h i d e s a n d oi l . O n e Atl a ntic a n d o n e Pacific species are know n . Spotted D o l p h i n , a bout t h e s i z e o f C o m m o n Dol p h i n , h a s m a n y w h i te patc h e s o n i t s back. It occ u rs a l o n g th e Atl antic Coast a n d the Gulf.
BOOKS F O R F U RT H E R STU DY Books wi l l h e l p i n f u rther study o f m a m m a l s . Reg ional stud i e s a n d mono graphs o n specific groups will be of va l u e to the advanced stu dent; also the J O U RNAL OF M AMMALOGY, i s s u e d by the American Soci ety of Ma m m a l o g i sts. B u rt a n d Grosse n h e i d e r , A FIELD GUIDE T O THE MAMMALS, H o u g hton Mif Ain C o . , Bosto n , 1 9 5 2 . An excell ent field guide to 373 N orth Amer ican s p e c i e s , with a m p l e i l lustrati o n s ond m o p s . C o h o l a n e , V i ctor H . , MAMMALS OF NORTH AMERICA, The M a c m i l l a n C o . , New Y o r k , 1 94 7 . Th i s l e a d i n g fi eld n atur a l ist h a s written a n account o s readable and o s exciti n g a s o good novel . H i g h l y p r a i sed . H a m i lton, W. J . , AMERICAN MAMMALS, McGraw- H i l l Book C o . , N ew York, 1 9 3 9 , and THE MAMMALS OF EASTERN UNITED STATES, C o m stock Pub. C o . , Ith a c a , N . Y . , 1 9 4 3 . T h e fi rst i s o s y ste m a t i c i nt r o d u c t i o n to m a m m o l o gy . The second i s o popul a r yet thoroug h account of east ern l a n d m a m m a l s . P a l m e r , R a l p h S . , THE MAMMAL G U I D E , D o u b l e d a y a n d C o . , G o r d e n C i ty , N . Y . , 1 9 5 4 . Id entification, range, h a b i tat, and f o r m a n y s p e c i e s a l s o h a b i ts a n d eco n o m i c statu s . Forty c o l o red p l ates.
Z O O S TO V I S I T Zoos g ive a n opportu nity to study a t fi rst hand l a rg e r, m o re i nteresti ng m a m m a l s . _ C h ica go : Ch ic a g o Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo. C h i c a g o : L i n c o l n Park Zoolog i c a l Society. New York: Ne w York Zoological Soci ety, Bronx Park. P h i l a d e l p h i a : P h i l a d e l p h i a Zoological Pork. St. L o u i s : St. Lou i s Zoolog i c a l Garden, Forest Pork. S a n Diego: S a n . Diego Zoolog i c a l Soci ety, Bal boa Park. S o n Francisco: Fleischaker Zoo. Was h i n gton: National Zoolog i c a l Gorden, Rock Creek.
M U S E U M S TO V I S I T H e re a re s o m e fa m o u s mu s e u m s where the m a m m a l e x h i bits a r e better than aver a g e . M u se u m s are a l s o fo u n d at m a n y u n ivers ities and state capitols. C h i c a g o : C h i ca g o N atural H i story Museum . Denver: D e n ve r Museum of Natural H i story. los A n g e l e s : los A n g e l e s County Museum . New Y o r k : A m e r i c a n Museum of N atura l H i story. Son Fr a n c i s c o : C a l ifornia Academy of Sciences. Wa s h i n gt o n : U . S . N a t i o n a l Museum.
1 54
SCI ENTI F I C NAMES S p ec i a l i sts a l m o s t u n i v e rs a l l y u s e the s c i e ntifi c n a m e s for s p e c i e s be c a u s e these m a k e p o s s i b l e more preci s i o n i n d e s i g n a t i o n s . F o l l o w i n g i s a l i s t of the s c i e n t i fic n a m e s o f s p e c i e s i l l u strated i n t h i s b o o k . N u m b e r s i n h e a v y t y p e a r e n u m b e r s of p a g e s o n w h i c h s p e c i e s a p pe a r ; n u m b ers i n l i g hter type r e f e r to t h e n u m bered c a p ti o n s o n t h o s e p a g e s . T h e g e n u s n a m e a p p e a r s fi rst; the s p e c i e s n a m e f o l l o w s . A n a ltern ate g e n e r i c o r s p e c i e s n a m e is s o m eti m e s g i v e n in brackets; e . g . ,
34.
U r s u s [ E u a rctos] a m e r i c a n u s .
1 4.
1 . Bison s p . 2 . Smilodon californicus 3. Teloceros fossiger
1 5.
1 . Mastodon americonus 2. Megather i u m americanum
3. Procamelus 1 7. 1 8. 1 9.
Didelphis marsupialis (virginiana]
1 . Condyl u ra cristoto 2 . Porascol ops breweri 1 . Scapanus lotimonus 2 . Neu rotri chus gibbsii
20. 21. 22.
23.
Scolopus aquaticus Microsorex hoyi I . Sorex arcticus 2 . S o r e x cinereus
3. Cryptotis porvo 1 . Notiosorex crawfordi 2 . Blarina brevicauda
3 . Sorex p o l u stris 24. 25.
Microsorex hoyi
1 . leptonycte ris n i v a l i s 2 . Mocrotus colifornicus
45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 59. 60. 61 . 62. 64. 65. 66.
Gulo luscus Enhydro lutris lutra canadensis Mephitis mephitis [ h udsonico] Spilogale putorius [ g racilis, phenox] Conepotus leuconotus [mesoleucus] T ox ideo laxus Cynodictis Vulpes macrotis [velox] 1 . Vulpes fulva
1 . Vulpes fulvo 2 . Urocyon c i nereoargenteus Canis latrans Canis l u p u s Felis concolor lynx canadensis lynx rufus Felis onca Zolophus californianus Phoca vitu l i n a
1 . Castor canadensis 2 . Microtus pennsylvanicus Mormoto monax 1 . Marmota cal igoto 2 . Mormoto floviventer
3 . Eumops perotis 1 . Pipi strel l u s subflavus
69. 70.
27.
2 . Eptesicus fuscus 1 . losionycteris noctivogons 2 . Corynor h i n u s rafinesquii
71. 72.
28. 29. 30.
Myotis l u c i f u g u s Myotis l u cifug u s 1 . To d a r i d a mexicana
Citel l u s tridecemlineotus 1 . Citel l u s richordsonii 2 . Citel l u s townsendii 3. Cite l l u s fro n k l i n i i 4 . Cite l l u s spilosomo
31.
2 . Antrozous pollidus I . laisurus boreal i s 2 . l a s i u r u s cinereus
Citel l u s [Ammospermophilus) leucurus Citel l u s [ C o l lospermophilus} lotera l i s Citel l u s voriegotus Cynomys g u n nisoni Cynomys ludovicionus T ami a s striotus Eutomias minimus; o. opera r i u s
26.
34. 35. 36. 37.
Procyon lotor 1 . Bossoriscus astutus
73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79.
39. 40. 41.
2 . Nasua narico Mertes americana Mustela ermineo [cicog nonii] 1 . Mustelo rixosa
80. 81.
42. 43. 44.
2 . Mustela frenoto Martes pennonti Mustela vison Mustela nigripes
82.
Ursus [ E u a rctos) omericonus Ursus horribilis
b . scrutator c. jacksoni Tamias striatus ohioensis 1 . Eutamios townsendii 2 . Eutamios dorsalis 3 . Eutamios amoenus 4 . Eutomios quadrivittotus Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
1 55
83. 84.
Tomiosciurus d o u g l o s i i
1 . S c i u r u s carolinensis 2 . Sciurus griseus
85.
1 . Sciurus koibobensis 2 . Sciurus aberti
86. 87. 88.
89. 90.
Sciurus niger 1 . Glo ucomys volens 2 . G l o u c o m y s sobrinus 1 . Thomomys bottoe 2 . Geomys bursorius 3 . Cratogeomys castanops 1 . Microdipodops pallidus 2 . Microdipodops megacephalus 1 . Perog nothus hispidus 2 . Perognoth u s apache
91.
1 . Perognathus formosus
92.
3 . Perognathus intermedius I . D i podomys ord i i
93.
2 . Dipodomys specta b i l i s 1 . D i podomys merriami
2. Perognath u s parvus
94. 95. 96. 97. 98.
2 . Di podomys deserti Castor canadensis Onychomys l e u cogoster 1. Reithrodontomys megalotis 2 . Reith rodontomys h u m u l i s
1 . Peromyscus nutta l l i 2 . Peromyscus eremicus 1 . Peromyscus leucopus
3 . Nopaeozopus i n s i g n i s 1 1 5. 1 1 6. 1 1 8. 1 1 9. 1 20. 121. 1 22. 1 23.
1 25. 1 26. 1 28.
1 29. 1 30. 131.
101. 1 02 . 1 03. 1 04.
1 05 .
1 32. 1 33.
4 . Microtus c a l i fornicus 1 . lagurus cu rtatus
1 46.
1 08. 1 09. 1 1 0. 1 1 1. 1 1 2. 1 1 3. 1 1 4.
1 56
Microtus chrotorr h i n u s I . Dicrostonyx groenlandicus 2 . lemmus trimucronotus 1 . Phenacomys longicaudus 2 . Phenocomys intermedius Neofiber a l i e n i Ondotra zibethicus Aplodontio rufa Rattus norvegicus
1 . Mus musculus
2 . Rattus rattus [olexandrinus] I . Zapus princeps 2 . Zapus hudsonius
Sylvilogus [Brachylogus] idohoensis Ochotona princeps
1. B i s o n b i s o n 2. Ovis canadensis 3 . Anti locapra americana 4. Alces alces 5 . Rang ifer a rcticus Pecari tajacu [angulatus] Odocoileus h e m i o n u s columbianus 1 . Odocoileus hemionus
Odocoileus virginianus virginianus
1 . Odoco i l e u s v i r g i n i o n u s v i r g i n i a n u s 2 . Odoco i l e u s virginianus clovium
2 . Neotoma floridona Sigmodon h i s p i d u s Synaptomys cooperi 1 . Clethrionomys ga pperi 2 . Microtus pennsylvo m c u � 3. Microtus monto n u s
3 . Microtus och rogoster 4 . Pitymys pi netorum
1 . Sylvilogus aquaticus 2 . Sylvilagus palustris
2 . Odoco i l e u s virginianus
2 . Microtus longicoudus
1 06. 1 07.
1 . Sylvilogus o u d u b o n i i 2 . Sylvilogus bochmoni
3 . Odocoileus h e m i o n u s h e m i o n u s 4 . Odocoileus h e m i o n u s columbian u s
1 34. 1 36. 1 37. 1 38. 1 39. 1 40. 141. 1 42. 1 43. 1 44.
Oryzomys palustris 1 . Neotoma lepida 2 . Neotoma a l b i g u l a 1 . Neotoma c i nerea
lepus americonus lepus europoeus lepus townsendii 1 . lepus a l i e n i 2 . lepus californicus Sylvilogus floridanus
3 . Sylvilagus floridonus 1 24.
2 . Peromyscus maniculatus
99. 1 00.
Ereth izon dorsatum Myocostor coypus
1 47.
1 48 . 1 49.
1 50. 1 51 . 1 52. 1 53.
Bison bison Cervus canadensis Alces alces [americana] Rangifer caribou Oreamnos omericonus Ovis canadensis Antil ocopro americana Dasypus nove mcinctus Trichechus manatus 1 . Eubaloena g l a c i o l i s 2 . Physeter catodon 1 . Megaptera novaeangliae 2 . Balaenoptera borea l i s 3 . Eubalaena g l a c i a l i s
1 . Sibbaldus m u s c u l u s 2 . Bolaenoptera physalus 3 . Rhachianectes glaucus Physeter catodon 1 . Mesoplodon m i r u m 2 . Hyperoodon a m p u l l atus ( 2 forms ) 3 . Z i p h i u s cavi rostris 1 . Phocoenoides d a l l i 2. Phocoena phocoena Globicephala sco m m o n i i Grampus orca 1 . Delphinus d e l p h i s 2 . Tursiops truncatus 3 . Sten e l l a plag iodon
I N DEX An asteri s k ( * ) d e s i g n a te s pages that are i l l u strated;
bold type denote s
p a g e s co n ta i n i n g m o r e extensive i nformation. A b ert S q u i r r e l , * 8 5 A l e x a n d r i a n Rat, 1 1 3 Antelope, 1 4 1 Antelope Ground S q u i rrel, *73 Antelope J a c krabbit, * 1 2 1 Antlers, * 1 2 8 Apache Pocket Mo us e , *90 Aplodontia, *67, * 1 1 1 Arctic Fox, 5 4 A rctic S h rew, * 2 2 , 24 Armad i l l o , N i n e-ba n d e d , * 1 4 2 Badger, *33, * 3 8, • 5 1 Baleen Whales, * 1 44,
* 1 46 - * 1 47
* 1 45 ,
B a n n er-ta i l e d Ka n g a roo Rat, *92 93 Barre n - g r o u n d C a r i b o u , 1 3 8 Bats, * 2 5 -*3 1 Beaked W h a l e s , * 1 4 5 , Bears, * 3 3 , * 3 4 B e a v e r , *66, *67,
* 1 49
* 94- * 9 5 28 28
B i g B r o w n B a t , * 2 6, B i g -eared B a t , * 2 7,
Big-eared Fox, * 5 2 B i g h o r n , * 1 2 8 , * 1 40 B i s o n , *7, * 1 2 8 , * 1 34- *
l o n g - h o r n ed , " 1 4 , 1 Black Bear, * 3 4 B l a c kfi s h , * 1 4 5 , * 1 5 1
6
1 35
B l a c k-footed F e rret, * 3 8 , * 44 Black Fox, *54 -55 B l a c k Rat, * 1 1 3 B l a c k-ta i l e d Deer, * 1 3 1 B l a c k-ta i l e d J a c k r a b b it, * 1 2 1 B l a c k-ta i l e d P ra i r i e D o g , 76 -*77 Blue W h a l e , 1 44 , * 1 4 5 , * 1 46* 1 47 Bobcat, * 6 1 B o g lemmings, * 1 0 3 B o r e a l R e d - b a c k e d V o l e , * 1 04 ,
1 06
B ottl e n o s e D o l p h i n , * 1 5 3 Bottl e n o s e W h a l e , * 1 4 5 , Brown lem m i n g , * 1 0 7 B r u s h R a b b it, * 1 2 3
* 1 49
B u ffa l o, * 1 3 4 - * 1 3 5 B u s h y-ta i l e d Wood rat, 1 00 -* 1 0 1 Cactus M o u s e , * 9 7 C a l i f o r n i a G r o u n d S q u i rr e l , 7 5 California Mole, * 1 9 C a l ifor n i a Sea l i o n , *64 C a l i f o r n i a V o l e , *1 0 4 , 1 06 Came� * 1 27; earl� * 1 5 , 1 6 Caribou, * 1 3 8 C a r n i vores, fa m i l y tree of, * 3 3 Cats, * 5 8 - * 6 2 fa m i l y tree, * 5 8 C h i ckaree, * 8 3 C h i p m u n ks , * 6 8 , * 78 - • 8 1
C i vet Cat, * 4 9 C l a ws, * 3 2 - * 3 3 C l i ff C h i p m u n k, 8 0 - * 8 1 Coati, * 3 7 C o l l a red l e m m i n g , * 1 0 7 C o l l a r e d Pecca ry, * 1 2 9 C o l o r a d o C h i p m u n k, 80 -* 8 1 C o m m o n D o l ph i n , * 1 5 3 Common M o l e , * 1 8 Conservation, 8 Cony, * 1 26 Cotton Rats, * 1 0 2 Cottonta i l s , * 1 2 2 - * 1 2 5 C o u e s Deer, 1 3 3 Cougar, * 5 9 C o yote, * 5 2 , * 5 6 C r o s s Fox, * 5 4 - 5 5 Cuvier's Whale, * 1 49 C y n o d i ct i s , * 5 2 D e l l Porpoise, * 1 50 D a r k Ka n g a ro o M o u s e , * 8 9 D e e r , * 1 3 0 -* 1 3 8 Deer Mouse, * 9 8
1 57
Desert Cotto nta i l , * 1 2 3 D e s ert K a n g a r o o Rat, 92 - * 9 3 D e s e rt S h re w , * 2 3 , 2 4 D e sert W o o d rat, * 1 0 0 Dolphi ns, * 1 45, * 1 52- * 1
53
D o u g l a s S q u i rr e l , * 8 3 E a st e r n C h i p m u n k , * 7 8 E a stern Cottonta i l , * 1 2 2 -* 1 2 3 E a ste r n G r a y S q u i rre l , * 8 4 E a stern H a rvest M o u s e , * 9 6 Eastern M o l e , * 2 0 E a stern P i p i strel, ' 2 6, 2 8 Elephant Seal, *63 E l k , * 1 36 E r m i n e , *40 -4 1 E u ro p e a n H a re, * 1 1 9
Harbor S e a l , * 6 3 ,
*65
H a re s , * 1 1 7 - * 1 2 1 H a rvest Mice, * 9 6 H e a t h e r V o l e , * 1 08 Hispid Cotton Rat, *1 02 Hispid Pocket Mouse, *90 H o a r y Bat, * 3 1 Hoary M a r m ot, *70 Hog-nosed S k u n k , * 3 8 , • 50 H o ofed m a m m a l s , fa m i l y t r e e of, * 1 27 Horns, * 1 28 H o u s e Mouse, * 1 1 3 H u m p b a c k W h a l e , * 1 4 5 , * 1 46 J a c k r a bbits, * 1 20 -* 1 2 1 J a g u a r, * 5 8 , * 6 2 J u m p i n g Mice, *67, * 1 1 4
F e rret, B l a c k-footed, * 4 4 F i e l d M i ce, 1 06 F i n ba c k W h a le, * 1 4 5 , * 1 4 7 F i s her, * 3 8 , *42 Florida Water Rat, *1 09 F l y i n g S q u i rrel, * 6 8 , • 8 7
Foxes, ' 3 3 , * 5 3 - * 5 5 fa m i l y tree, * 5 2 Fox S q u i r r e l , * 8 6 F ra n k l i n Gro u n d S q u i rrel, * 7 2 - 7 3 F u r S e a l s , * 6 3 , 64
Goat, M o u n ta i n , * 1 3 9 G o l d e n - m a ntled Grou n d S q u i rrel, "74 Golden Mou se, *97 Goase bea k Whale, * 1 4 9 G o p h e r s , P o c k et, *67, * 8 8 G r a s s h o p p e r Mou se, * 9 5 Gray Fox, 5 4 - * 5 5 Gray S q u i rr e l s , * 8 4 Gray W h a l e , * 1 4 5 , * 1 47 G r a y Wolf, * 5 7 Great B a s i n Pocket M o u se, * 9 1 Grizzly Bear, *35 Grou n d S l o t h , G i a nt, * 1 5 , 1 6 Grou n d S q u i rrels, *6 8 , * 7 1 - * 75 H a i ry-ta i l e d Mole, * 1 8 H a rbor Porpoise, * 1 50
1 58
K a i b a b S q u i r rel, * 8 5 K a n g a ro o M i c e , * 8 9 K a n g aroo Rats, *67, * 9 2 - * 93 Key Deer, * 1 3 3 Killer Whale, * 1 45, * 1 52 Kit Fox, * 5 3 Leaf- n o s e d Bat, * 2 5 L e a s t C h i p m u n k, * 7 9 Least Cotto n Rat, 1 0 2 l e a s t S h rew, * 2 2 , 24 Least Wea s e l , * 4 1 Lemmings: Bog, "1 03 others, * 1 0 7 L i b y a n Cat, * 5 8 L i ttle B r o w n B a t , * 2 8 , * 29 L o n g - n osed Bat, * 2 5 L o n g-ta i l e d Pocket M o u s e , * 9 1 L o n g -ta i l e d V o l e , * 1 0 5 Long-tailed Weasel, "4 1 L u m p - n o s e d Bat, 2 8 L y n x , * 5 8 , * 60 Ma m m a l s : fa m i l y tree, * 1 2 - * 1 3 general discussion, 6 - 1 6 key to, *4 -*5 Manatee, * 1 4 3
Marm ots, *70 Marsh R a b b i t, * 1 2 4 Marte n , * 3 8 , * 3 9
Masked S h rew, * 2 2 , 24 Mastiff Bat, * 2 5 Mastod o n , * 1 5 , 1 6 Meadow J u m p i n g M o u s e , * 1 1 4 Meadow M i c e , 67, 1 06 Meadow V o l e , * 1 0 4 , 1 06 Me rri a m K a n g a r oo Rat, 92 -*93 Me x i c a n Fre e-ta i l ed Bat, * 3 0 Mice: Cactus, *97 Deer, * 9 8
F i eld, *66 -67, * 1 06 Golden, *97 G r a s s h o p p e r, * 9 5 Ha rvest, * 9 6 Hause, * 1 1 3 J umping, * 1 1 4 K a n g a roo, * 8 9 Pocket, * 9 0 - * 9 1 White-faated, * 9 8 see also Males; Rats; Voles Mink, * 3 8 , *43 Moles, * 1 8 - * 20 Moose, * 1 2 8 , * 1 37 Mounta i n Beaver, * 1 1 1 Mo unta i n Goat, * 1 3 9 Mou n t a i n l i o n , * 3 3 , * 5 8 , • 59 Mou nta i n V a l e , * 1 04 M u l e Deer, * 6 , * 1 30- * 1 3 1 Muskrat, * 1 1 0 Narw h a l , * 1 45 N i ne-ba n d e d A r m a d i l l o , * 1 4 2 N orth e r n S e a l i o n , 64 Norway Rat, * 1 1 2 - 1 1 3 N u tri a , * 1 1 6 Opos s u m , * 1 7 Ord K a n g a roo Rat, * 9 2 - 9 3 Otte rs, *46 -*47 Pack Rats, 1 00 Pallid Bat, * 3 0 P a l l i d K a n g a roo M o u s e , * 8 9 P a nther, * 5 9
Paws, *32 - * 3 3 Peccary, * 1 2 7, * 1 29 Phenacamys, * 1 08 P i g m y Rabbit, * 1 2 5 P i g m y S h rew, * 2 1 , * 2 4 P i k a , * 1 1 7, * 1 26 Pine Squirrel, * 8 2 P i n e Vole, * 1 0 5 , 1 06 P i p i strels, * 2 6 , 2 8 P l a i n s Packet G o p h e r , * 8 8 P l a t e a u Packet G o p h e r , * 8 8 Pocket G o p h e r s , * 6 7 , * 8 8 Pocket Mice, * 9 0 -*9 1 P o rc u p i n e , *67, * 1 1 5 Porpoises, ·> 1 4 5 , * 1 50- * 1 5 1 Prairie Dogs, * 6 8 , * 76 - * 7 7 P r a i ri e Vale, * 1 0 5 Prehi storic m a m m a l s , * 1 4 -* 1 5 , 1 6 Pronghorn, * 1 27, * 1 28, * 1 4 1 Puma, *59 Ra bbits, * 1 1 7 -* 1 25 family tree, * 1 1 7 R a c c o o n , * 3 3 , * 36 Rats: Black, * 1 1 3 Cotto n , * 1 02 Florida Water, *1 09 K a n g a roo, * 6 7 , * 9 2 - * 93 N o rway, * 1 1 2 - 1 1 3 Rice, *99 Roof, 1 1 3 Woodrats, * 1 00 -* 1 0 1 Red Bat, * 3 1 Red F o x , * 5 4 - 5 5 R e d S q u irrel, * 8 2 R e d Waif, 5 7 Reindeer, * 1 2 8 , 1 38 R h i n oceros, * 1 2 7 S h o rt- l e g g e d , * 1 4 , 1 6 R i c e Rat, * 9 9 R i c h a rdson G ro u n d S q u i rre l , *72 73 R i g h t W h a l e , * 1 4 5 , * 1 46- 1 47 R i n g ta i l , * 3 7 R i v e r O tter, * 3 8 , 46- *47 R a c k G rou n d S q u i rr e l , * 7 5 R o c k Poc ket M o u s e , * 9 1
1 59
see also under individual names
Rodents, *66 -* 6 7 ;
"'
Roof Rat, 1 1 3
S a ber-toothed Cat, * 1 4 ,
1 6, * 5 8
Sable, 39 S a g e b r u s h V o l e , * 1 0 5 , 1 06 S c i e n t i fi c n a m e s , 1 5 5 - 1 5 6 Sea-cow, * 1 4 3 Sea l i o n , * 6 3 , * 64 S e a l s , * 6 3 -*65 fa m i l y tree, * 6 3 S e a Otter, * 3 8 , * 4 6 Sei Whale, * 1 46 - 1 4 7
,..
% u !!
.., ..z ..
0 �
S heep, Bighorn, * 1 40 S h ort-ta i l e d S h rew, * 2 3 , 24 S h o rt-ta i l e d W e a s e l , *40 - 4 1 Shrew Mole, * 1 9 S h re w s , * 2 1 - * 2 4 S i l k y Pocket Mouse, 9 0 S i l ver f o x , * 5 5 S i lver- h a i re d B a t , * 2 7,
:: 2 Skulls, *32 !!
w
;( l;: " z .. ;;; ;: .. ;
28
S k u n ks, *48 -*50
Snowshoe Rabbit, * 1 1 8 S o u t h e r n B o g le m m i n g , * 1 0 3 S o u t h e r n Woodrat, 1 00 -* 1 0 1 S perm W h a l e, * 1 4 5 , * 1 48 S potted D o l p h i n , * 1 5 3 S potted G r o u n d S q u i r r e l , * 7 2 -73 S potted S k u n k, "38, *49 S p r u c e S q u i rr e l , * 8 2 S q u i r r e l s , * 67 - * 8 7 fa m i l y tree, * 6 8
s e e also under individual names
· Star-n osed Mole, * 1 8 - * 1 9 Stri p e d S k u n k, * 3 8 , * 4 8 S wa m p R a b b it, * 1 2 4 Sw ift F o x , 5 3
Teeth o f c a r n i vores, * 3 2 T h i rte e n - l i n e d G r o u n d S q u i r r e l , *71 T i m b e r W o l f, * 5 7 Tooth e d W h a l e s , * 1 44, * 1 45,
* 1 48 - * 1 53
Tooth l e s s W h o l e s , 1 4 5 Town s e n d C h i p m u n k, 80 - * 8 1
1 60
Tow n s e n d G r o u n d S q u i rr e l , * 7 2 73 Trac k s , c o l l ecti n g , 9 - * 1 0 Tree H e a t h e r Vole, * 1 0 8 True B e a k e d W h a l e , * 1 4 9 T u ft- e a r e d S q u i rrel, * 8 5 Vary i n g H a re , * 1 1 8 Virg i n i a Deer, * 1 2 7, V o l e s , *67,
* 1 3 2 - * 1 33 * 1 04 - 1 06, * 1 0 8
Wa l r u s , * 6 3 Wapiti, * 1 3 6 Water R a t , f l o r i d a , * 1 0 9 Water S h r e w , * 2 3 , 24 Wea s e l s , *33, *38 - * 5 1 fa m i l y tree, * 3 8 true, * 4 0 -*4 1 Weste rn G r a y S q u i rr e l , * 8 4 Western H a rvest M o u s e , * 9 6 Weste rn J u m p i n g M o u s e , * 1 1 4 Weste rn Pocket G o p h e r, * 8 8 Whalebone Whales, * 1 45 Whales, * 1 44 -* 1 5 3 fa m i l Y. tree, * 1 4 5 ' Wh ite-fo oted Mouse, * 9 8 White- l i p p e d Peccary, 1 2 9 W h i te-ta i l e d D e e r , * 1 3 1 , *
* 1 33
1 32-
W h i te-ta i l e d J a c k ra b b i t , * 1 2 0 1 21 W h i te-ta i l e d P ra i r i e D o g , * 76 -77 W h i t e - t h r o a t e d W o o d rat, *1 00 1 01 W h ite W h a l e , * 1 4 5 W i l dcat, * 6 1 Wol v e r i n e , * 3 8 , * 4 5 Wolves, *52, • 5 7 Wood c h u c k s , * 6 8 , * 6 9 Wood l a n d B i s o n , 1 3 5 Wood l a n d C a r i b o u , * 1 3 8 Woo d l a n d J u m p i n g M o u s e , * 1 1 4 Woodrats, * 1 00 - * 1 0 1 Y e l l ow-bel l i e d M a r m ot, * 7 0 Y e l l o w - n o s e d Cotton Rat, 1 0 2 Yellow-nosed Vole, * 1 06 Y e l l o w - p i n e C h i p m u n k, 80 - * 8 1
L
MAMMALS A G O LD E N NATU R E G U I D E
HERBERT S. ZIM, Ph.D., outstanding a uthority on science education a n d formerly Professor of Education, University of I l l inois; is wel l known in professiona l circ les and to a wide read ing publ ic. He is co-author of the Golden Nature Guides: B irds, Flowers, Insects, Stars, Trees, Rep tiles and Am ph ibians, Mammals, Seashores, Fishes, Weather, and Rocks and Minerals. DONALD F . HOFFMEISTER, Ph.D., C urator of the Museum of Natura l History at the U n iver sity of I l linois and associate professor there, has written many a rticles for scientific jour na ls, and conducted extensive field studies of mamma l s throughout the United States. JAMES GORDON I RVING has exhibited paintings at the American Museum of Natura l History a n d the Nationa l Audubon Society. I n the Golden Nature Guide series h e h a s i l lus trated Mammals, B irds, Insects, Rep tiles und Amp hibians, Stars, a n d Fishes.
THE
GOLDEN
NATU R E
G U I D ES
are an introduction to the world of n ature, presenting those things which are most common and most easily seen. Each guide has been written b y an outstanding authority on science education-Dr. Herbert
S. Zim,
University of Illinois-in cooperati on with a n oted specialist. Iden t i fication is made easy b y over 1 00 full-color paintings in each book. These are rendered mostly from life b y an outstan d i n g artist and have been checked, co rrected, and rechecked b y specialists. BI RDS
•
FLOWE R S • INS ECTS • TREES • SEASHORES STARS • REPTI LES AND AMP H I B I A N S WEATHER • MAMMALS • FISHES ROCKS AND M I N ERALS
SPO N SO R ED
BY
T i l E WILDLI FE M A N AGEMENT I N ST ITUTE