HIBERNATION AND ALLIED STATES IN ANIMALS 81] 
I am also indebted to Mr W. Yates of Hatchly, 
Ontario, a capable and loving observer of Nature, for 
several notes. He says: 
“Trappers are opposed to the belief that Red Squirrels 
hibernate, for they may be seen in the woods in the most 
inclement weather. They do not store up food in nests for 
themselves, but rob the dormouse or woodmouse, and kill him 
when they can.” 
This seems also to be Mr Yates’ own view. He 
says that Flying Squirrels, when the hollow trees on 
which they take shelter are cut, at once betake them- 
selves in the most lively manner to some other hollow 
tree in the neighbourhood, the location of all of which 
they seem to know beforehand. This scarcely argues a 
very deep sleep—if sleep at all. 
As to the Chipmunk (Zamias Lystert), which certainly 
stores up food in a burrow, he seems more in doubt, 
but is not inclined to believe that he hibernates for 
very long periods at all events. He has seen them out 
as late as 21st December. This observer has made 
some very interesting observations on a tame racoon 
(Procyon Lotor). This creature lived in a hollow log 
lined with straw, and “drowsed away the greater part 
of December and January, leaving any food placed 
before him unnoticed.” The racoon is known to 
spend the greater part of the winter in hollow elm 
trees in this part of the country, and Mr Yates 
points out that the cutting-down of most of these 
trees resulted in the racoons betaking themselves to 
underground burrows, including those once occupied 
by foxes. 
He says of the Woodchuck (Arectomys Monaz) : 
“Our Marmot hibernates sooner than the bear, racoon or 
Chipmunk. Towards the last of October he deserts his burrow 
in the fields for one in the woods, choosing a dry, sheltered ridge, 
and is never seen out till mild weather returns.” 
F 
