MOUNTAIN BEAVER 



General Description. — A squirrel-like mammal of robust 

 build; tail so short as to appear absent; eyes and ears small; 

 head heavy and blunt ; neck short ; f ossorial in habit and active 





Fig. 94. Mountain Beaver 



only at night, hence seldom seen; pelage dark in color, some- 

 what crisp in texture. 



Color. — Sexes colored alike; no very great seasonal change 

 of pelage. 



Upperparts light ochraceous buff to light buff or vinaceous 

 cinnamon, of quite uniform intensity, darkest along mid- 

 dorsal region, with a sprinkling of black hairs; spot at base 

 of ear white; underparts grayish, with brownish wash; pelage 

 everywhere slate-colored at base. 



Measurements. — Sexes of approximately equal size. 

 Total length, 14 inches; tail so short as to be difficult of 

 accurate measurement; hind foot, 2.2 inches. 



Geographical Distribution. — Found only in narrow strip 

 along western part of Pacific states. 



Food. — Green vegetation such as foliage and branches of 

 many species of plants, shrubs, small trees, and ferns. 



Enemies. — "Weasels, skunks, of two genera, wild cats, 

 mink, gray foxes, golden eagles, and great horned owls." 

 (Taylor) . 



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