120 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



The Wolverine (Guleo luscus) is yet found in central and western 

 Nebraska, but it has never been abundant. The American Otter 

 (Lufra Canadensis) is found more or less abundantly in all the rivers 

 of Nebraska. 



As would be expected, the Skunks are also here. Two species 

 are common, namely, Mephitis mephitica and M. occidentalis. The 

 American Badger ( Taxidea Americana] was formerly common all 

 over the State. The advance of settlements has almost exterminated 

 it from the eastern part of the State. 



Rodents are common here as elsewhere, but I am less confident 

 as to the accuracy of my list. Many more must remain to be added 

 to it when the State is once thoroughly examined with reference to 

 this point. 



Among the Rodents (gnawers), the squirrel family (sciuridae] are 

 well represented by at least ten species. Among these are the 

 Western Fox Squirrel (Sciurus ludovicianus^ the Gray and Black 

 Squirrel (S. Carolinensis) and occasionally, in northern Nebraska, 

 the Pine Squirrel (S. Hudsonicusl) Even the Flying Squirrel 

 (Pttromys volucella] is sometimes found on the timbered bottoms of 

 the Missouri. The Chipmuck (Tamias striatus) is rare, but the 

 Missouri Striped Squirrel (T. quadrivittatus] is common/>ver a large 

 part of the State. Say's Squirrel (Spermaphilus laterahs) is abun- 

 dant in some localities, and the Striped Prairie Squirrel (S. triaeccm- 

 Uneatus, is abundant all over the State. The Gray Gopher (S. Frank- 

 lint]^ which is classed in this section, is common ontheprairies. 



Two species of Prairie Dogs formerly disputed between them 

 the territory of western Nebraska. One of them (Cynomys lu- 

 dovicianus) formerly lived in villages over the whole length of 

 the State, from the Missouri to its western limits. It is now mostly 

 confined to central and western Nebraska. Many thousands collect 

 together in these villages. The other species (C. Gunnisonii). 

 sometimes called Short Tailed Prairie Dog, is now only met in 

 western Nebraska. 



Two species of Woodchuck were formerly rather common in 

 Nebraska. The common Woodchuck (Arctomys monax), is found 

 at long intervals. The Yellow Footed Marmot (A. jlaviventer). 

 probably only found on the Niobrara. I never saw it alive, but 

 met trappers who had skins of it obtained in that locality. 



The Beaver (Castor Canadensis), was until recently common 

 on all the streams of Nebraska. Even on the larger streams, like 



