22 



south to northern Georgia is the range of this rabbit. In West 

 Virginia it is found chiefly along the Allegheny mountains. The 

 Bureau of Biological survey has recorded 2 specimens from Travel- 

 ers Repose and 4 from Greenbrier county. Surber says it is toler- 

 ably common throughout the mountain region of the State. 



As compared with the two rabbits last described, this species is 

 of about the same size, the ears are smaller, there is a distinct black 

 spot between the ears and more pinkish buffy about the head and 

 sides. There is also a marked difference in the shape of the skull. 

 It is said to be more of a forest-inhabiting species than the others. 

 So nearly do the three resemble each other, however, that the aver- 

 age hunter might bag examples of all and never suspect that he had 

 anything more than "common rabbits." 



The ranges (jf these species and subspecies have never been 

 worked out carefully for this State. From a scientific standpoint 

 it is desirable that this be done but economically it matters little 

 since the habits of all are very similar. 



Panther or Adirondack Cougar, Felis couguar Kerr. 



The panther is believed by many to be extinct within our limits 

 but there is a probability that a few still exist in our more secluded 

 forests. I have several reports of panthers having been seen in re- 

 cent years which seem impossible to discredit. It must be confessed 

 however, that after tracing down numerous "panther stories" the 

 proof of their presence in the State at this time is not entirely con- 

 vincing. 



This big cat once roamed through all the forests of West Vir- 

 ginia and fed on deer and smaller animals. It seldom attacked man 

 but frequently killed domestic animals. 



Canadian Lynx, Lynx canadensis Kerr. 



There is little doubt that this species once frequently straggled 

 into West Virginia from the forests farther to the north but it is 

 doubtful if it ever occurred here in great abundance. It is admit- 

 ted to this list on the strength of statements made by old hunters 

 of its former occurrence in our high mountains and on its known, 

 range in Pennsylvania which extended to the southern border of the 

 State. 



