62 
JOUENAL OP MAMMALOGY 
MAMMALIAN FAUNA OF THE APOSTLE ISLANDS COMPAEED WITH THAT 
OF THE MAINLAND 
A comparison of the mammalian fauna of the Apostle Islands with 
that of the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior reveals some interesting 
factors in distribution. A careful study of the mammals of the islands 
with intensive collecting for the smaller ones resulted in our obtaining 
records of only 18 species. Specimens were secured of the red squirrel 
(Sciurus Canadian white-footed mouse {Peromyscusmanic- 
ulatus gracilis) , red-backed mouse {Evotomys gapperi gapperi) , meadow 
mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus pennsylvanicus) , coyote {Canis latrans 
latrans), masked shrew {Sorex personatus personatus), and short-tailed 
shrew (Blarina hrevicauda). Three others, Minnesota varying hare 
(Lepus americanus phceonotus), hoary bat {Nycteris cinereus), and a 
small bat (Myotis sp.) were seen by members of our party, the hare 
several times. Tracks were seen of the muskrat {Fiber zihethicus 
zihethicus) and the red fox (Vulpes fulvus fulvus). Reliable reports 
from residents of the islands show the presence of northern white-tailed 
deer {Odocoileus virginianus borealis), wharf rat {Rattus norvegicus), 
house mouse {Mus mus cuius musculus), otter {Lutra canadensis), a 
weasel (from descriptions probably Mustela cicognanii), and the Min- 
nesota mink {Mustela vison letifera). 
One who is familiar with the habits of mammals will notice that with 
the exception of the bats these are all mammals that are more or less 
active in winter. Bats probably ingressed the islands by flight in the 
summer season. The wharf rat and the house mouse were probably 
introduced in freight shipments. Others, such as the red squirrel, 
muskrat, otter, mink, and possibly the deer, msby at times have swum 
from the mainland to the islands. However, except the aquatic mam- 
mals, the bats, the wharf rat and house mouse, the mammals 
known to inhabit the islands resolve themselves into two categories: 
namely, (A) those that are active in winter and wander considerable 
distances at such times, and (B) those that are more or less active in 
winter and are frequently found among driftwood and logs near the 
beach. 
The mammals that travel considerable distances during the winter 
include the deer, red squirrel, varying hare, red fox, coyote, and weasel. 
Inquiry of residents of the islands and Bayfield disclosed the fact that 
each of these animals has at times been seen on the ice. Definite state- 
ments of deer, varying hares, a red fox (silver phase), and coyotes 
