158 ANIMAL LIFE IN THE YOSEMITE 



trees much used ; white fir, many young trees, but rarely used ; sugar pine, 

 young trees common but only occasionally used; brake fern {Pteris aqui- 

 Hna), fairly common, used slightly. 



From the azalea, snow-bush, hazel, and cherry, sticks i/4 iiich in 

 diameter and 6 to 8 inches long were cut ; the pines and cedars had the 

 smaller twigs pruned off. One azalea stem 1^ inches in diameter had 

 been cut through but had not been carried away. Chinquapin stems which 

 were taken had the leaves still in place. 



Elsewhere in the region still other plants showed signs of having been 

 used as food. In one place young aspens had been eaten ; and Labrador 

 tea {Ledum glandulosum) and another currant {Bihes viscosissimum) had 

 been cut by the animals. In one instance a 'whole bush' of creek dogwood 

 had been cut off at about 18 inches above the ground. 



Although living in a damp environment, in some places where it must 

 of necessity enter the water at times, there is no evidence that Aplodontia 

 does so by preference. It is not nearly so aquatic in habits as the musk- 

 rat or the true beaver. When the fur of Aplodontia is touched by water 

 it wets about as readily as that of other less aquatic animals. 



The breeding season of Aplodontia seems to occupy the summer months. 

 Females containing embryos are very seldom taken. We did not secure 

 a single one in the Yosemite region. A quarter-grown youngster weighing 

 about 6 ounces (182 grams) was trapped in Lyell Caiion, July 20, 1915. 



Other animals frequent Aplodontia burrows to some extent. Several 

 Sierra Chickarees were caught in traps set in Aplodontia burrows and well 

 out of view from above. One Mountain Weasel was taken in a similar 

 setting. The contrast in vitality between these animals and Aplodontia 

 is marked. Aplodontia even when held lightly by the trap was usually 

 dead when found. The squirrels and weasels had survived, doubtless for 

 several hours. 



Southern Sierra Marmot. Marmota flaviventer sierrae Howell 



Field characters. — Body size about that of small badger; body stout; legs and tail 

 short. Head and body 14% to 18^4 inches (370-464 mm.), tail 5% to 8 inches (130- 

 200 mm.), hind foot 2% to 3% inches (70-84 mm.), ear from crown % to 1 inch (15-24 

 mm.); weight 4% to 7 pounds (1.94 to 3.2 kilograms). General coloration yellowish 

 brown grizzled or ' ticked ' above with white ; chest and feet dull yellow ; a yellowish 

 area on side of neck; muzzle blackish, with narrow whitish cross-band just in front of 

 eye. (See pi. 32a.) Movements generally deliberate. Workings: Burrows in ground 

 about 5 to 6 inches in diameter, beneath large boulders or at bases of trees or logs. 

 Droppings : Dark brown or black, % to V2 inch in diameter, elongate, pointed at one 

 end; scattered abundantly about burrows and on nearby flat-topped rocks. Voice: A 

 single loud sharp whistle, sirl- ; sometimes repeated. 



