88 CALIFORNIA MAMMALS. 



Length about 550 mm. (21.65 inches) ; tail vertebrae 207 

 ( 10.30) ; hind foot "j^ (3) ; ear from crown 30 (1.18J. 



Type locaHty, Laguna Mountain, San Diego County, Cah- 

 fornia. 



Anthony Gray-Squirrels inhabit the higher mountains of 

 southern California. They are rarely seen below the lower 

 edge of the pine forests, about 4,000 feet altitude and prefer 

 those localities where oaks are mixed through the conifers. They 

 are not found much above the upper limits of the oaks, about 

 8,500 feet altitude. 



The food is principally the seeds of coniferous trees and 

 acorns, but other kinds of seeds are also eaten. The "bark" is 

 a series of hoarse notes rapidly uttered, which can be heard a 

 considerable distance. The hearing and sight are keen. 



The breeding- season is prolonged, the young being born 

 from April to August. I do not believe that more than one 

 litter is reared annually, as the young are born in a very im- 

 mature condition, and remain in the nests a considerable time. 

 When born they are blind and almost hairless. The number of 

 young in a litter is one to four, two and three being the most 

 frequent numbers. The breeding nests are large globular masses 

 of twigs and leaves situated well up in trees. The ordinary 

 dwellings are hollows of trees lined with leaves and strips of 

 bark. 



Anthony Gray-bquirreis do not hibernate, but m stormy 

 weather they may remain in their nests several days at a time. 

 In fine weather in winter they run about on the snow or bare 

 ground, as the case may be, foraging for food. My impression 

 is that they do not store up much food for winter use. , 



These Squirrels run about on the ground a great deal, or- 

 dinarily preferring to travel on the ground rather than through 

 the treetops. They seem to be subject to epidemics and ir- 

 regular fluctuations in abundance. They do practically no harm 

 to crops and are fair eating. 



