FRANKLIN'S SPERMOPHILE 39 



a habit of frequenting old Ijuildings and even situations near 

 buildings which are in use ; this coupled with the fact that they 

 are perhaps somewhat less active than the striped spermophiles 

 renders them more liable to attack by the felines. 



Franklin's spermophiles have long been recognized as enemies 

 of agricultural interests and the expedient of offering bounty 

 has been resorted to in various counties in the hope of either ex- 

 terminating them or materially reducing their numbers. These 

 sporadic attempts have not met with any degree of success. Al- 

 though it is apparent that this species is recognized as more de- 

 structive in its habits than the striped spermophile, the added in- 

 centive to its capture in the way of a larger bounty offered has 

 proved of no avail. In none of the counties visited is a bounty 

 now paid upon these animals ; but in several, bounties once in vogue 

 have been discontinued because they did not bring the desired 

 results. In some places inquiries are made by farmers from time 

 to time as to whether a bounty is paid. Certain localities seem 

 still to indicate a sentiment towards paying a l^ounty but indicate 

 further that it should be uniform throughout the state. The 

 bounty system is considered more fully in the discussion on the 

 pocket gopher. 



In general, the same control measures recommended for the 

 striped spermophile are applicable to the Franklin's spermophile 

 when its numbers become excessive in any locality. In addition, 

 these animals as well as the striped spermophiles, may be drowTied 

 out by pouring water into their burrows and since this sj^ecies is 

 less active than the striped spermophile it may be more easilj' 

 killed Avith a club when it leaves the burrow following such a deluge. 



In Clay county much success in controlling the numbers of 

 Franklin's spermophile has been met with in the use of poisoned 

 corn. A solution of strychnin sulphate, two ounces to two quarts 

 of water, is made, and shelled corn is soaked over night in this. 

 The poisoned corn is then scattered along the edges of fields and 

 in fields infested with this spermophile. "While this method has 

 been found effective, it is not especially recommended since the 

 poisoned grain may be eaten by birds and other animals for 

 which it is not intended. Instead of scattering the corn promis- 

 cuously it is better to put a fe-^'* grains at the entrances of the 

 burrows as this lessens the likelihood of other animals feeding 

 upon it. Care should be taken that domestic animals are kept 

 from the poisoned grain. 



