THE MAMMALS OF FLORIDA. Ill 



Family MUSTELID.E. The Weasels, Skunks, etc. 



PUT0RIU5 ERMINA PENINSULA (R/wads.). 

 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. 



Probabl}^ not uncommon, but rareh' 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 {Sc/ireber). 

 Otter. 

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

 vear. 



HEPHITIS MEPHITICA £aird. 



Common Skunk. 



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



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



occur south of New River. Some specimens are comparatively 



small and nearly black. 



5PIL0GALE PUTORIUS {Lmn.). 

 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 

 alwavs. I am told they soon become ver^- gentle and tame. 



