Mammals Of The Southwest Mountains And Mesas - free ebook by George Olin

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Mammals Of The Southwest Mountains And Mesas

George Olin

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MAMMALS of the southwest MOUNTAINS and MESAS

MAMMALS of the southwest MOUNTAINS and MESAS

by GEORGE OLIN illustrations by EDWARD BIERLY Southwest Parks and Monuments Association Box 1562, Globe, Arizona 85501 Copyright 1961 by the Southwestern Monuments Association. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 61-11291 SBN 0-911408-32-0 Southwest Parks and Monuments

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With this booklet, as with Mammals of the Southwest Deserts , we are indebted to Dr. E. L. Cockrum, Assistant Professor of Zoology at the University of Arizona who has checked the manuscript for accuracy. We are also grateful to him for offering suggestions and criticisms which have added materially to its interest. The writer would also like to voice his appreciation to Ed Bierly whose magnificent illustrations adorn these pages. His is a talent with which it is a privilege to be associated. Fi

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Geographic Limitations

Geographic Limitations

The only point in the United States at which four states adjoin is where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico come together. With adjacent portions of California, Nevada, and Texas, they contain all of our Southwestern Desert. Arizona and New Mexico especially, are known as desert States and for the most part deserve that appellation. Scattered over this desert country as though carelessly strewn by some giant hand are some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in our Nation. They may o

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Westward Ho

Westward Ho

St. Louis in 1800 was a brawling frontier town. Strategically located at the point where the Missouri River meets the Mississippi, it was the jumping off place for those hardy souls adventurous enough to forsake the comforts of civilization for the unknown perils of the West. Already St. Louis was one of the fur centers of the world. Fashions of the day decreed that top hats be worn by men. The finest hats were made of beaver fur and no self-respecting dandy could be content with less. Trapping

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Mountains as Wildlife Reservoirs

Mountains as Wildlife Reservoirs

Today’s traveler spans in hours distances across these same routes that took weary weeks of heartbreaking toil a century ago. As he rides in cushioned ease he seldom pauses to reflect on the changes that have taken place since those early days. The great herds of bison with their attendant packs of wolves have vanished and in their place white-faced cattle graze on the level prairies. In the foothills the pronghorns have taken their last stand. Cities have sprung up on the camping sites of nomad

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Desert “Islands”

Desert “Islands”

The mountains of the Southwest have been compared to islands rising above the surface of a sea of desert. This is an apt comparison for not only do they differ materially from the hot, low desert in climate, but also in flora and fauna. Few species of either plants or animals living at these higher altitudes could survive conditions on the desert floor with any more success than land animals could take to the open sea. Their death from heat and aridity would only be more prolonged than that by d

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Life Zones

Life Zones

There are in this nucleus of four States a total of six life zones, (See map on page x .) The two lowest, the Lower and Upper Sonoran Life Zones, range from sea level to a maximum elevation of about 7000 feet. These two have been covered in the book “Mammals of the Southwest Deserts.” The remaining four—Transition, Canadian, Hudsonian, and Alpine Life Zones—will furnish the material for this book. The names of these zones are self explanatory, because they are descriptive of those regions whose

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Man and Wilderness

Man and Wilderness

The effects of man’s presence on the upland species is perhaps not as serious as on those of the desert. Though he has been instrumental in upsetting the balance of nature everywhere, it has been chiefly through agriculture and grazing. Because of the rough broken character of much high country in the Southwest the first is impossible in many cases and the second only partially successful. There are other factors however which menace the future of the upland species. Among these are: hunting pre

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Classification of Animals

Classification of Animals

Classification of animals is easy to understand. Briefly, they are divided into large groups called orders . These are further divided into genera , and the genera in turn contain one or more species . Scientific names of animals are always given in Latin. Written in this universal language they are intelligible to all scientists, regardless of nationality. It is a mistake to shy away from them because they are cumbersome and unfamiliar to the eye. They usually reveal some important characterist

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Bighorn (mountain sheep) Ovis canadensis (Latin: a sheep from Canada)

Bighorn (mountain sheep) Ovis canadensis (Latin: a sheep from Canada)

Range : This species, with its several varieties, inhabits most of the mountainous region of the western United States. In Mexico it occurs in the northern Sierra Madres and over almost the whole length of Baja California. Habitat : Among or in the vicinity of more precipitous places in the mountains. Description : A blocky animal, rather large, with heavy, curving horns. Total length of adult male 5 feet. Tail about 5 inches. Weight up to 275 pounds. General color a dark gray to brown with ligh

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Pronghorn (antelope) Antilocapra americana (Latin: antelope and goat, American)

Pronghorn (antelope) Antilocapra americana (Latin: antelope and goat, American)

Range : West Texas, eastern Colorado and central Wyoming to southern California and western Nevada, and from southern Saskatchewan south into northern Mexico. Habitat : Grasslands of mesas and prairies, mostly in the Upper Sonoran Zone. Description : A white and tan colored animal, considerably smaller than a deer; horns with a single flat prong curving forward. Total length about 4 feet. Tail about 6 inches. Average weight 100 to 125 pounds. Color, tan or black shading to white under belly and

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Bison (buffalo) Bison bison (Teutonic name given to this animal)

Bison (buffalo) Bison bison (Teutonic name given to this animal)

Range : At present bison exist only in widely scattered sanctuaries. In Colonial times they ranged from southern Alaska to the Texas plains, from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic, and as far south as Georgia. They are known in historic times in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Habitat : Mainly grasslands; a comparatively small number known locally as “wood” bison lived in the fringes of the forests. Description : Although bison are familiar to almost everyone, some figures on weights and dimen

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Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus (Greek: odous, tooth and koilus, hollow. Greek: hemionus, mule)

Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus (Greek: odous, tooth and koilus, hollow. Greek: hemionus, mule)

Range : Western half of North America from Central Canada to central Mexico. Habitat : Forests and brushy areas from near sea level to lower edge of the Alpine Life Zone. Description : A large-eared deer with a tail that is either all black above or black tipped. Total length of an average adult about 6 feet. Tail about 8 inches. The coat is reddish in summer and blue-gray in winter. Under parts and insides of legs lighter in color. Some forms of this species have a white rump patch, others none

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White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus (Greek: odous, tooth and koilus, hollow. Latin: of Virginia)

White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus (Greek: odous, tooth and koilus, hollow. Latin: of Virginia)

white-tailed deer Range : Mostly east of the Continental Divide in the United States, north into southern Canada, and most of Mexico except Baja California. Habitat : Brushy and wooded country. Description : A deer with a large, white tail, held aloft and wagged from side to side as it runs away through the underbrush. In the Southwest, two geographic variants occur, the subspecies virginianus and the subspecies couesi ; the latter known locally as Sonora fantail, and seen in the United States o

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Elk Cervus canadensis (Latin: stag or deer, from Canada)

Elk Cervus canadensis (Latin: stag or deer, from Canada)

Range : Along the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. Also found in central Canada, western Oregon and Washington, central California, and various small areas in those Western States where it has been introduced. Habitat : Wooded places and high sheltered mountain valleys. Description : A very large deer with enormous antlers, a thin neck, and a light rump patch. Total length 80 to 100 inches. Tail 4 to 5 inches. Shoulder height 49 to 59 inches. Average weight 600 to 700 pounds, wit

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Snowshoe hare Lepus americanus (Latin: hare ... of America)

Snowshoe hare Lepus americanus (Latin: hare ... of America)

Range : Found throughout the greater part of Canada and Alaska with extensive penetrations into the Southwest in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and western Nevada. Its occurrence in northern California is rather rare, and is confined to only a few higher mountain ranges. Habitat : In the vicinity of streams or in conifer forests in the Canadian and Hudsonian Life Zones. Description : A small, chunky hare with medium long ears and large hairy hind feet. An average individual will have a total length

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White-tailed jackrabbit Lepus townsendi (Latin: hare ... for J. K. Townsend)

White-tailed jackrabbit Lepus townsendi (Latin: hare ... for J. K. Townsend)

Range : North of the Canadian border to the southern portion of Colorado and Utah, and from the Cascade Mountains east to the Mississippi River. Habitat : Plains and open country, in the foothills, and even in the high mountains. Found in both Upper Sonoran and Transition Life Zones. Description : A large hare with a white tail and a lanky build, found usually only in open country. Total length (average) 18 to 24 inches. Tail up to 4 inches. Ears up to 6 inches in length. Weight 5 to 8 pounds. C

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Mountain cottontail Sylvilagus nuttalli (Latin: sylva, wood and Greek: lagos, hare. For Nuttal)

Mountain cottontail Sylvilagus nuttalli (Latin: sylva, wood and Greek: lagos, hare. For Nuttal)

Range : Western United States but east of the coastal range of mountains. The northern limits are along the Canadian border; the southern limits in central Arizona and New Mexico. Habitat : Mountains of the west through the Transition and Canadian Life Zones. Seldom found below the pines. Description : The “powder puff” tail is the best field characteristic by which to recognize this rabbit, usually the only cottontail in its range at the elevations given above. It is one of the largest of its k

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Pika Ochotona princeps (Mongol name of pika ... Latin: chief)

Pika Ochotona princeps (Mongol name of pika ... Latin: chief)

Range : Mountainous areas of the western United States, western Canada, and southern Alaska. Found in the southwestern United States in Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Habitat : Talus slopes of the Hudsonian and Alpine Life Zones. Description : A small animal bearing some resemblance to a guinea pig; found only among or in the vicinity of rock slides. Total length from 6½ to 8½ inches. No visible tail. Color, gray to brown. Eyes small, ears large and set well back on head. The front legs are shor

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Tassel-eared squirrel (Abert’s) Sciurus aberti (Latin: shade-tail ... for Col. J. J. Abert)

Tassel-eared squirrel (Abert’s) Sciurus aberti (Latin: shade-tail ... for Col. J. J. Abert)

Range : Northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, extreme southeastern Utah, and south central Colorado in the United States; also found in the Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Mexico. Habitat : Ponderosa pine forests of the Transition Life Zone. Description : The only squirrels in the United States that have conspicuous pencils of hair on the tips of the ears. Sciurus aberti is a large squirrel with a total length of about 20 inches. Tail about 9 inches. The summer pelage is brown on the bac

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Kaibab squirrel Sciurus kaibabensis (Latin: shade-tail ... from the Kaibab, a forest in northern Arizona)

Kaibab squirrel Sciurus kaibabensis (Latin: shade-tail ... from the Kaibab, a forest in northern Arizona)

Range : An area approximately 30 × 70 miles in size in northern Arizona. The southern limit is bounded by the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, and much of the range is included within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. Habitat : Ponderosa pine forests in Canadian and upper Transition Life Zones. Description : A tassel-eared squirrel with an all white tail. In size this species is the same as Sciurus aberti but the coloration is different. The Kaibab squirrel has the same

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Arizona gray squirrel Sciurus arizonensis (Latin: shade-tail ... of Arizona)

Arizona gray squirrel Sciurus arizonensis (Latin: shade-tail ... of Arizona)

Range : Central to southeastern Arizona and adjacent parts of western New Mexico in the Upper Sonoran and Transition Life Zones. Habitat : Associated with the native black walnuts of canyons, or often found among the pines on canyon rims. Description : The common gray tree squirrel to be found in the range given above. The Arizona gray is a large animal. Total length is from 20 to 24 inches with a large tail accounting for from 10 to 12 inches of this measurement. In the typical form the color i

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Spruce squirrel, Pine squirrel (DOUGLAS SQUIRREL, CHICKAREE) Tamiasciurus hudsonicus fremonti (Greek: tamia, steward and Latin: sciurus, shade-tail ... of the Hudson, named after Fremont)

Spruce squirrel, Pine squirrel (DOUGLAS SQUIRREL, CHICKAREE) Tamiasciurus hudsonicus fremonti (Greek: tamia, steward and Latin: sciurus, shade-tail ... of the Hudson, named after Fremont)

spruce squirrel Range : Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico in the Hudsonian and Canadian Life Zones. Habitat : Conifer forests, preferably spruce, in the higher mountains. Description : A small gray squirrel, usually the only squirrel to be found at the elevation at which it lives. Total length 13 to 14 inches. Tail 5 to 6 inches. Two distinct colors of pelage are seasonal. The winter coat is olive gray to rufous gray above with lighter underparts; the summer coat is brownish gray to yellowi

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Northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus (Greek: glauco, silvery and Greek: mys, mouse)

Northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus (Greek: glauco, silvery and Greek: mys, mouse)

Range : Widely distributed throughout most of our Northern States and Canada. In the section covered by this book, found only in northeastern and south central Utah, with possible occurrence in northwestern Colorado. Habitat : Associated with conifer forests of Transition to Alpine Life Zones. Description : Our only airborne mammal with a long bushy tail. Total length 9¾ to 11½ inches. Tail 4½ to 5½ inches. Characteristic of this species is the fold of skin along each side from the fore to the h

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Western chipmunks Genus Eutamias (Greek: eu, well or good and tamias, steward)

Western chipmunks Genus Eutamias (Greek: eu, well or good and tamias, steward)

There are at least four species of chipmunks native to the area covered by this book. Ordinarily but one, or perhaps two, species of a genus have been chosen for discussion. In this case, however, the chipmunks are such provocative little creatures and their presence causes so much interest that all four species will be included, although briefly. Since the ranges and life zones of some of them overlap in many areas, positive identification of a species will be difficult in those places, but in

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Golden-mantled ground squirrel Citellus lateralis (Latin: citellus, swift, and lateralis, belonging to the side, referring to the stripe along the side)

Golden-mantled ground squirrel Citellus lateralis (Latin: citellus, swift, and lateralis, belonging to the side, referring to the stripe along the side)

Range : Western United States and Canada. In the area covered by this book to be found in western Colorado, from northeastern Utah south through central Utah to central Arizona thence east into western New Mexico. Habitat : Higher mountains of this area. Usually found in evergreen forests of the Transition, Hudsonian, and Canadian Life Zones. It sometimes occurs near the upper limits of the Upper Sonoran Zone. Description : A chipmunk-like ground squirrel lacking the stripes along the sides of t

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White-tailed prairie dog Cynomys gunnisoni (Greek: kun, a dog and mys, mouse ... for Captain Gunnison whose expedition took the type)

White-tailed prairie dog Cynomys gunnisoni (Greek: kun, a dog and mys, mouse ... for Captain Gunnison whose expedition took the type)

white-tailed prairie dog Range : Western Colorado and eastern Utah to central Arizona and New Mexico. Habitat : Grassy meadows and mountain parks mainly in the Transition Life Zone although they are often found both above and below this area. Description : A ground-dwelling rodent somewhat resembling a ground squirrel but several times larger than the biggest species of that genus. Total length 12½ to 15 inches. Tail 2¼ to 2½ inches. Weight 1½ to 2½ pounds. Color buff to cinnamon buff, the short

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Yellow-bellied marmot (woodchuck) Marmota flaviventris (Marmota, Dutch name of European species of woodchuck. Latin: flavus, yellow, and venter, belly)

Yellow-bellied marmot (woodchuck) Marmota flaviventris (Marmota, Dutch name of European species of woodchuck. Latin: flavus, yellow, and venter, belly)

Range : Northwestern United States. Common in northern to south central Utah, northern and southeastern Colorado, and extreme north central New Mexico. Habitat : Canadian, Hudsonian, and Alpine Life Zones in rock slides, rocky hillsides, under rock piles, and around outcroppings in mountain meadows. Seldom found below the Canadian Zone but often occurring in the Alpine Zone to the very summits of the mountains. Description : A large, dark, brown marmot with a comparatively long bushy tail. Total

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Deermouse (white-footed mouse) The genus Peromyscus (Greek: pera, pouch, and muscus, diminutive of mys, mouse)

Deermouse (white-footed mouse) The genus Peromyscus (Greek: pera, pouch, and muscus, diminutive of mys, mouse)

deermouse Range : All life zones throughout North America. Habitat : Some species of deermouse can be found in almost any association imaginable. Description : A large-eared mouse with white feet. Since there are many species in this genus and most of them are quite similar, characteristics common to the greatest number will be given. Bear in mind that these may not hold true with every species of the genus. Deermice are rather small, averaging 7 to 8 inches long. Tail 3 to 4 inches. Most specie

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Mountain vole Microtus montanus (Latin: small ear ... of the mountains)

Mountain vole Microtus montanus (Latin: small ear ... of the mountains)

mountain vole Range : The mountainous regions of northwestern United States extending eastward to central Colorado and southward below the northern borders of Arizona and New Mexico. Habitat : Valleys and grassy meadows seldom lower than the Transition Zone. Description : A small sturdy rodent with short tail, total length 5½ to 7½ inches. Tail 1½ to 2½ inches. This is a very short tail for a rodent of this size, amounting to only about a fourth of the total length. Color, grayish brown to black

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Western jumping mouse Zapus princeps (Greek: za, intensive and pous, foot. Latin: princeps, chief)

Western jumping mouse Zapus princeps (Greek: za, intensive and pous, foot. Latin: princeps, chief)

Range : Western United States from central Arizona and New Mexico to Alaska. Habitat : High mountains in dry places with abundant low ground cover. Description : A small rodent, two-toned in color, that leaps through the grass much like a kangaroo rat. Total length 8 to 10 inches. Tail 4½ to 6 inches. Color buffy along sides, shading to almost black on the back and white on the underparts and feet. Tail bi-color, dark above and light gray beneath. Ears relatively long, dark in color with light b

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Bushy-tailed woodrat Neotoma cinerea (Greek: neos, new and temnien, to cut ... Latin: cinereus, ashy)

Bushy-tailed woodrat Neotoma cinerea (Greek: neos, new and temnien, to cut ... Latin: cinereus, ashy)

Range : Mountainous portions of western North America from Alaska south to central California, northern Arizona and New Mexico. Habitat : Found usually in association with the pines of the Transition and Canadian Life Zones; crevices in cliffs and among rock slides are favorite nesting sites. Description : This woodrat will be recognized at once by its bushy, squirrel-like tail. The several other species in the same range have the usual scanty growth on the tail, so thin as to be almost unnotice

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Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus (French Canadian word from the Iroquois and Huron Indian word for muskrat. Latin: the odorous substance of the civet alluding to the musk secreted by the muskrat)

Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus (French Canadian word from the Iroquois and Huron Indian word for muskrat. Latin: the odorous substance of the civet alluding to the musk secreted by the muskrat)

Range : Virtually all of North America north of the Mexican border. Muskrats are found from near sea level to as high as 10,000 feet above it. Habitat : This large rodent can exist only near a permanent water supply which is deep enough to shelter it from its enemies. This may be a lake, a marsh, or a running stream. Description : A large aquatic rodent whose long, flat tail undulates from side to side when it swims. Total length 18 to 25 inches. Tail 8 to 11 inches. Weight 2 to 4 pounds. The th

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Beaver Castor canadensis (Latin: a beaver ... from Canada)

Beaver Castor canadensis (Latin: a beaver ... from Canada)

Range : The beaver, like the muskrat, can be found almost everywhere in North America north of the Mexican border. Habitat : Near any water supply of enough volume, with or without damming, to provide security for a beaver family. Description : The largest North American rodent; further distinguished by having a broad flat tail. Total length 34 to 40 inches. Tail 9 to 10 inches. Weight from 30 to 60 pounds. In color the beaver varies from a deep, rich brown in the northern states to a much paler

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Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum (Greek: to irritate in allusion to the quills and Latin: pertaining to the back)

Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum (Greek: to irritate in allusion to the quills and Latin: pertaining to the back)

Range : Most of North America north of the Mexican border. Notable by their exception are the south central and southeastern United States. Habitat : Usually associated with conifer forest, yet may sometimes be found miles from any forest. An inhabitant of all life zones up to timberline (Arctic-Alpine). Description : A black to grizzled black and yellow creature covered with quills. Total length 18 to 22 inches. Tail 7 to 9 inches. Weight 10 to 28 pounds. Body short and wide; supported by short

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Northern pocket gopher Thomomys talpoides (Greek: thomos, a heap and mys, mouse. Latin: talpa, a mole)

Northern pocket gopher Thomomys talpoides (Greek: thomos, a heap and mys, mouse. Latin: talpa, a mole)

Range : From northwestern United States and southwestern Canada to as far south as northern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico. Habitat : Soft loam in the open places in the high mountains. Seldom found below 8,000 feet, but up to elevations of over 13,000 feet in New Mexico. Description : The characteristic mounds of earth built up by this group of burrowing rodents are usually the best indication of their presence. The northern pocket gopher is of medium size. Total length 6½ to 9½ inches. Ta

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Mountain lion Felis concolor (Latin: a cat of the same color; referring no doubt to the smooth blending of the body coloration)

Mountain lion Felis concolor (Latin: a cat of the same color; referring no doubt to the smooth blending of the body coloration)

Range : At present, mostly confined to the western United States and Canada, and all of Mexico south to the southern tip of South America. There are a number of mountain lions in Florida, and persistent reports indicate that they may be making a comeback in a number of other Eastern States. Habitat : As the range indicates, habitats vary widely. Mountain lions in the Southwest show a preference for rimrock country in the Transition Life Zone or higher, but they are often seen in all the life zon

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Bobcat Lynx rufus (Latin: name of animal, and rufus, reddish)

Bobcat Lynx rufus (Latin: name of animal, and rufus, reddish)

Range : Common throughout much of the United States and Mexico. Found throughout the Southwest. Habitat : This common species is found in all zones wherever there is sufficient cover to hide it. Description : A bobcat distinguished from the lynx by having small ear tufts, a more rufous color, and a black band which crosses only the upper surface of the tail tip. Total length 30 to 35 inches. Tail 5 inches. Weight 15 to 30 pounds. This is a chunky animal with long, muscular legs and large feet. T

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Red fox Vulpes fulva (Latin: a fox ... fulva, meaning deep yellow or tawny)

Red fox Vulpes fulva (Latin: a fox ... fulva, meaning deep yellow or tawny)

Range : Found throughout most of North America north of the Mexican border. Exceptions in the United States are areas in the southeastern and central States and desert portions of the Southwest. Habitat : In the Southwest these foxes are restricted to wooded areas of mountains. They usually are found in the Transition Life Zone or higher. Description : About the size of a small dog, having a bushy tail with white tip. Total length 36 to 40 inches. Tail 14 to 16 inches. Weight 10 to 15 pounds. Be

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Gray wolf Canis lupus (Latin: dog ... a wolf)

Gray wolf Canis lupus (Latin: dog ... a wolf)

Range : Canada and Alaska north to the northern coast of Greenland. In the United States it is found in three widely separated areas in Oregon, Utah and Colorado, and New Mexico and Arizona. It extends south into the tablelands of Mexico. Habitat : In the Southwest the wolf, like the coyote, is leaving the plains, which are its chosen habitat, to live in the broken country of the Transition Life Zone. Description : Doglike in appearance, but larger than a big dog. Carries its short, bushy tail a

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Coyote Canis latrans (Latin: dog ... barking)

Coyote Canis latrans (Latin: dog ... barking)

Range : The coyote is common throughout the Southwest. Habitat : This little wolf, once a creature of the prairies, now is found in all life zones and among many different associations. Description : Because of their varied associations and wide climatic range, coyotes are of many sizes and colors. In general, they resemble a rather small, lean German shepherd dog with yellowish eyes. A good field mark is the bushy tail which is carried low while the animal is running and seldom is elevated abov

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Wolverine Gulo luscus (Latin: having to do with the throat ... one eyed; purblind)

Wolverine Gulo luscus (Latin: having to do with the throat ... one eyed; purblind)

Range : Canada and the high mountains of California, Utah, Colorado, and possibly New Mexico. Habitat : Near timberline in the most remote areas. Description : A large (20 to 35 pounds), dark-colored animal somewhat resembling a small bear in build. Total length 36 to 41 inches. Tail 7 to 9 inches. In coloration the wolverine shows variation, but with no sharp contrasts. The back is dark brown, shading to a paler color on top of the head. The sides of the body are marked with dull yellowish band

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Marten Martes americana (Latin: a marten ... America)

Marten Martes americana (Latin: a marten ... America)

Range : North America from Alaska through the greater part of Canada, thence through northwestern, United States and south into California, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Habitat : Usually coniferous forests of the Canadian Life Zone up to the Alpine Zone. Description : In the trees, this animal is often mistaken for a large squirrel. On closer inspection it will resemble a house cat with a short, bushy tail. Total length 22 to 27 inches. Tail 7 to 9 inches. Weight 2 to 4 pounds. The coloration

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River otter Lutra canadensis (Latin: otter ... of Canada)

River otter Lutra canadensis (Latin: otter ... of Canada)

Range : Most of North America south to central Arizona and New Mexico in the Southwest, and south to the Gulf of Mexico in the east. Habitat : Along and in fresh water streams and lakes. Description : A short-legged, stream-lined creature with a thick tapered tail, usually seen in the water. Total length 3 to 4 feet. Tail 12 to 17 inches. Weight up to 20 pounds. Color mostly a rich, dark brown with a silvery sheen on the underparts. The throat and chest are lighter than the rest of the body. The

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Mink Mustela vison (Latin: weasel ... forceful, powerful)

Mink Mustela vison (Latin: weasel ... forceful, powerful)

Range : The range of the mink is strikingly similar to that of the otter, that is, it embraces most of northern North America, extending southward into southwestern United States in the west, and to the Gulf of Mexico in the east. Habitat : This semi-aquatic animal seldom is found far from fresh water streams or ponds. Description : The mink is about as long as an average house cat, but is much more streamlined in appearance. Total length for males 20 to 26 inches. Tail 7 to 9 inches. Weight up

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Short-tailed weasel (ermine) Mustela erminea (Latin: weasel ... from the fur ermine)

Short-tailed weasel (ermine) Mustela erminea (Latin: weasel ... from the fur ermine)

Range : From northern Greenland south to northern United States with one extension south into Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. To be expected in northern Arizona. Habitat : Generally found in forests of the Transition Life Zone and higher. It will often be found in the Arctic Zone. Description : A tiny predator with long body and short legs. Total length from 7 to 13 inches. Tail 2 to 4 inches. Weight 1½ to 3⅔ ounces. This wide range in statistics is from comparing the smallest females with the l

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Spotted skunk Spilogale gracilis (Greek: spilos, spot and gale, weasel ... gracilis, Latin: slender)

Spotted skunk Spilogale gracilis (Greek: spilos, spot and gale, weasel ... gracilis, Latin: slender)

Range : This species, together with several subspecies, is the common spotted skunk of the Southwest. It has a “spotty” distribution over the whole of the four-State area with which this book is concerned. Habitat : Common in most situations which offer suitable environment from near sea level, to an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet. Seldom encountered above timberline. These skunks normally live in burrows in the ground, but are not averse to taking up residence under buildings or in the w

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Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis (Latin: a pestilential exhalation)

Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis (Latin: a pestilential exhalation)

Range : The southern half of Canada, the whole of the United States, and the northern half of Mexico. Habitat : All life zones up to timberline in places which have a sufficient food supply and proper cover. Description : This is the “wood kitty,” approached with due respect by all but the most naive. About the size of a house cat. Total length 22 to 30 inches. Tail 8 to 15 inches. Weight 6 to 10 pounds. Body color is black, with black tail except for the tip, which is commonly white. There are

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Black bear Euarctos americanus (Latin: a bear ... of America)

Black bear Euarctos americanus (Latin: a bear ... of America)

Range : At present the range of the black bear in the United States is confined to a narrow strip adjacent to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, a few of the southeastern States, a narrow band in the Great Lakes area, and the Rocky Mountain chain. Habitat : In the Southwest, the higher mountains mostly in the Transition Life Zone and above. Description : The black bear needs little description because through pictures and reputation it has become well known to almost everyone. It averages 5 t

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Grizzly bear Ursus horribilis (Latin: a bear ... horrible)

Grizzly bear Ursus horribilis (Latin: a bear ... horrible)

Range : Alaska, western Canada, and in the United States confined to the high mountains of the Continental Divide as far south as northern New Mexico. Habitat : Except in National Park areas, grizzlies are seldom seen, since they frequent only the most isolated places in the mountains; Transition Life Zone and higher. Description : The largest carnivore in the Southwest. Easily distinguished from the black bear by the prominent hump on the shoulders. Total length 6 to 7 feet. Tail so short as to

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Vagrant shrew Sorex vagrans (Latin: a shrew ... wandering)

Vagrant shrew Sorex vagrans (Latin: a shrew ... wandering)

Range : Confined to mountains of western United States and Canada, and northern and southern Mexico. Habitat : Moist places in forests of the Transition Life Zones and higher. Description : A tiny creature with a long nose. Total length 4 to 5 inches. Tail 1½ to 2 inches. Color reddish brown to black above with sides drab and lightening to gray below. Tail indistinctly bi-color except for the last half which is dark all the way around. Head round and narrowing to a long, pointed, somewhat flexib

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Bats Order Chiroptera (Latin: chir, hand, and optera, wing)

Bats Order Chiroptera (Latin: chir, hand, and optera, wing)

The special treatment accorded bats in this book is not given them by choice. It results from an inability to so clearly describe any one or two species chosen that the layman might be able to distinguish these from their numerous and equally interesting relatives. When one considers that numerically bats are thought to compare favorably with birds, that there are a great number of species divided into many genera, and that the four-State area with which we are concerned is invaded, so to speak,

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