REPORT OF BOARD OF FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONERS. 21 



in the northeastern part of Los Angeles County, while in western San 

 Joaquin Valley the largest band of the State is found. These number 

 upwards of 150 individuals. In Modoe, Lassen and Siskiyou counties 

 there are several small bands. All told, there are probably about 600 

 antelope left in the State. The antelope does not take well to domestic 

 conditions. They tame easily, but up to the present time, no success 

 has been had in the breeding and raising of them in captivity. The 

 adult animals soon lose their vitality and in a few months will pine away. 

 If some part of our State that is adapted to the antelope could be set 

 aside as an antelope range, where they would be given absolute protec- 

 tion, it is believed that this species could be perpetuated. If such 

 refuge should be established, it will be necessary to keep sheep from 

 grazing on the land, as antelope and sheep will not get along together. 

 As a rule, the land where antelope is found is abnost worthless from the 

 grazing or agricultural standpoint. The antelope is one of the most 

 interesting of our North American game animals, and if by reasonable 

 effort we can save them, we will be well repaid for our trouljle. 



MOUNTAIN SHEEP. 



The mountain sheep still flourish in considerable numbers in the 

 southeastern part of the State. Formerly they ranged over the entire 

 Sierra Nevada region and across into the lower Coast Range as far north 

 as San Luis Obispo County, but they now are restricted to the most 

 inaccessible portions. Professor Grinnel of the University of California 

 has about completed a report on the present status of this magnificent 

 game animal. This report will probably be published shortly by the 

 Commission. 



BEAR. 



Many of our most valuable animals as yet have received no consider- 

 ation from the law. The grizzly bear is practically extinct. There are 

 probably not half a dozen left in the State. The common brown or 

 black bear is fairly abundant in some parts. It is for the most part a 

 harmless species, feeding on roots, berries, grubs and insects. Rarely 

 does a bear kill sheep or hogs. Occasionally a sheep-killing bear may be 

 reported, but it is an exception to the general rule. They are naturally 

 timid animals, only becoming vicious when wounded and cornered. 

 The least unnatural sound will cause a bear to run for miles. The pelt 

 cf a well colored bear in prime condition is worth from $20.00 to $40.00. 

 The law should not allow their being killed except when the pelt is prime. 



FUR-BEARING ANIMALS. i 



Few people realize the importance of the fur-bearing animals in our 

 State. Each year furs worth nearly $200,000 are shipped to the various 

 fur centers. Under our present law none of the fur-bearing aniihd.ls is 

 protected. The killing of them is allowed in every season o£ the year. 

 They are worthless during the summer months but exceedingly vMuable 

 during the winter. The killing of the more valuable aiid least jiredatory 

 species should be prohibited when their fur is of no valtie. 



