Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/351

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SMALL MAMMALS COLLECTED IN CANADA.
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They have practically the same habits as the Grey Gopher, but usually only two live in each hole.

S.franklini (Grey Squirrel).—Not very plentiful. Burrowing animal, inhabiting bush country. Pair of old ones and family live together. They appear to me to hybernate earlier in fall, and come out later in spring than the other Gophers. First seen in spring, 1902, on April 29th.

Thomomys borealis (Pouched Gopher; locally called Mole).—Very common. My specimens were all trapped underground. Habits appear to be much like those of English Mole. Last seen in fall, 1901, at beginning of October. First seen in spring, 1902, on February 9th; but they evidently work during the winter, between the snow and earth, as their arched runs can be seen in the grass when the snow thaws. The Indians have an idea that their cheek-pouches are inflated with air, and then compressed to force up their earth mounds.

Tamias quadrivittatus (Chipmunk).—Not very plentiful. They are easily caught. Best bait, almond. If fed while still wild, they soon become tame enough to run in and out of the house. The first I saw, in spring, 1902 (caught April 13th), had barley in cheek-pouches, and was quite a quarter of a mile from nearest barley-field or granary, so evidently had a winter store.

Lasiurus cinereus and L. borealis (Bats).—Very few about. I only obtained one of each species, both being taken by hand while hanging in poplar trees during the daytime. The Indians call them little birds with bare wings.

Mus musculus (House-Mouse).—Not very plentiful, but seems to be evenly distributed over both prairie and bush. This appears to be the only very small animal which is constantly about during the coldest weather.

Zapus hudsonius (Jumping Mouse).—Not very common. Frequents very high grass in swampy places. I could never secure one in a trap, although I tried all sorts of baits and traps. Those I did catch were taken by hand, whilst following mowing-machine when cutting hay.

Sorex richardsoni (Shrew).—I only saw and caught one. Bait, cheese.

Onychomys leucogaster (Short-tailed Mouse).—Rare. I understand this has not been previously reported as taken in Canada.

Zool. 4th ser. vol. VI., August, 1902.
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