58 MAMMALS 



should be furnished for lining. During the winter months, 

 the woodchuck will hibernate in its underground chamber, 

 emerging quite unconcernedly in the spring. Woodchucks 

 are vegetable feeders, and will thrive on a diet of fresh 

 grass, clover, cabbage, lettuce, vegetables of all sorts and 

 dry bread. Very young specimens may be fed at first on 

 milk and boiled cereal. 



The Woodchuck (Marmota monax) belongs to the 

 Marmot family (Sciurid^), of the order of Rodents or 

 Gnawers. It is found throughout the eastern United States 

 as far west as Kansas, and is represented in other portions 

 of the continent by various allied forms. Cases of melanism 

 are not rare, and pure albinos are occasionally seen. 



Squirrels 



Squirrels are kept as pets more frequently than any other 

 of our mammals, the combination of attractiveness and 

 propinquity no doubt accounting for their popularity. 

 Gray Squirrels, even when caught adult, sometimes become 

 tame, but Red Squirrels and Chipmunks practically never 

 do. With all species, it is much better to secure them when 

 very young. Baby squirrels are not at all difficult to rear, 

 and will take milk from a bottle with little urging. 



The usual wire cages, with wheels attached, are quite 

 unsuited for such active creatures, giving them insufficient 

 room for exercise. A much better plan is to build a large 

 outdoor cage, similar to an aviary, of wire not more than 

 half-inch mesh. This can be fitted up with branches and 

 nesting logs, and will make an ideal home for a pair of 

 squirrels. Gray and Flying Squirrels frequently breed in 

 captivity, but Red Squirrels do so less often. 



Squirrels are chiefly vegetarian, but often stray from 

 the narrow path, and indulge in eggs and young birds. In 



