92 



YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES 



StqnoU Ntll. Park Photo 

 California badger 



the feet well-clawed. It can emit a vile 

 stench. 



The footprint is about 5 x / 2 inches long, 

 often showing all five toes. The hind 

 portion is divided, rather than a single 

 triangle, unlike any other Yosemite car- 

 nivore track that size. 



The wolverine has been known to 

 drive away the mountain lion, coyote 

 and bear from their kills. Their food in- 

 cludes carrion, rodents and larger prey. 

 Limited now to a few spots in the Rock- 

 ies and the Sierra, it is hoped that this 

 interesting member of the native fauna 

 will survive with the protection afforded 

 by the national parks. 



Watch for the California badger in 

 the open country of the higher elevations. 

 There it finds a supply of ground squir- 

 rels and other rodents available for food, 

 where the digging is easy. This grizzled 

 tan animal is admirably adapted for go- 

 ing underground, with very strong claws 

 and powerful muscles. When waddling 

 along, it looks more like a turtle, but the 

 white streak along the center of the head 

 and neck are quite striking. The scent 

 emitted by a badger is not especially 

 virulent. 



A badger digging out a ground squir- 

 rel's nest is interesting to watch. It is 

 not advisable to take liberties with one, 

 for they can inflict severe wounds with 

 their powerful jaws. 



Hood 



California striped skunk. 



From cut by M. V. HooJ 

 Badger tracks. Front foot, left, hind, right. 



Skunks are commoner in lower coun- 

 try, but do live in the park. Despite the 

 fame of their "chemical warfare," there 

 is no need for fear if you encounter one. 

 The musk is not thrown unless the ani- 

 mal has been startled, or after great prov- 

 ocation. Let him go his way and he'll do 

 you no harm. 



Warning of defense usually comes in 

 this sequence: First, elevation of the 

 tail; next, stamping the front feet on 

 the ground; followed by standing up on 

 the "hands" (in the case of the spotted 

 skunk). The scent can be thrown ac- 

 curately for about a dozen feet. 



