MAMMALS OF THE LAKE DISTRICT 139 



XXII. 



MAMMALS OF THE LAKE DISTRICT 



BY 



H. J. MOON, M.R.C.P. 



In view of the comparatively few mammals known to the English Lake 

 District, a list of recorded species with appended notes is the most satisfactory 

 method of dealing with the subject. 



Bats (Chiroptera). No comprehensive survey of local bats has yet been made, 

 but below is a list of authentic records : — 



Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus). One specimen found near 

 Windermere in 1922. 



Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii). Occurs sparingly throughout 

 the district : often mistaken for the common bat. 



Common bat (Vespertilio pipistrellus). Common everywhere. 



Serotine (Vespertilio serotinus). Several records. 



Great bat (Nyctalus noctula). Not uncommon. 



Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus). Common everywhere. 



Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus). Suspected, but its presence 

 not definitely proved. 



Fox (Vulpes canis). The English Lake District foxes are so numerous as to 

 be a menace to sheep farmers and poultry keepers. Despite three packs 

 of hounds, hunting three days a week from October to April, and killing 

 about 150 foxes a year, there seems to be no diminution in numbers. 

 The Lake District foxes are usually large compared with those else- 

 where in England. 



Badger (Meles taxus). Though not plentiful, they are not so scarce as is 

 supposed, for their nocturnal habits conceal their presence. 



Otter (Lutra vulgaris). Plentiful everywhere. 



Pine marten (Mustela martes). Now very scarce, though 50 years ago were so 

 plentiful as to be hunted regularly. The felling of forests, and persecu- 

 tion by man, are supposed to have brought the creature to the verge of 

 extinction, but it is more probable that some natural cause, such as 

 disease or food shortage, has obtained. 



Stoat (Mustela erminea). Far too numerous everywhere. 



Weasel (Mustela nivalis). Common everywhere, but less so than the stoat. 



Polecat (Mustela putorius). Once not uncommon, now extinct. The last 

 record v/as from Ullswater in 1922. 



