THE MAMMALS OF FLORIDA. Ill 



Family MUSTELID^. The Weasels, Skunks, etc. 



PUTORIUS ERMINA PENINSUL/E {Rhoads.). 

 Florida Weasel. 



As far as I am aware but two examples of this interesting mam- 

 mal have as yet been recorded from Florida, one from Pasco 

 County (the type), and the other from Gainesville, by Mr. Chapman. 



LUTREOLA VISON {Schreber). 

 nink. 



Probably not uncommon, but rarely seen. I have specimens 

 taken near St. Augustine, and Mr. Maynard gives it as "very 

 plenty on the coast near Cedar Keys," and states that he saw one 

 at Blue Springs. 



LUTRA CANADENSIS {Schreber). 

 Otter. 



Still very common in some localities, but becoming less so every 



year. 



riEPHITIS MEPHITICA Baird. 



Common 5kunk. 



This skunk seems not to be uncommon in Northern Florida ; it 

 is rare as far south as Titusville, and the Indians claim it does not 

 occur south of New River. Some specimens are comparatively 

 small and nearly black. 



SPILOQALE PUTORIUS {Linn). 

 Little Striped Skunk. 



This pretty little species, which is about the size of a kitten, is 

 very common in some localities on the east coast. I found it numer- 

 ous near Cape Canaveral, and specimens have been taken as far 

 south as New River. Dr. Merriam records a specimen from Kis- 

 simmee Prairie (N. A. Fauna, p. 7, No. 9, 1890). 



This little skunk is very fond of mice, and it is often tamed and 

 kept about houses for the purpose of clearing them of those ani- 

 mals. In some instances the scent glands are removed, but not 

 always. I am told they soon become very gentle and tame. 



