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<br />1"f) ~~) . <br />....... - :,:1..1 ~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />In late SUInn-let hens and broods begin an uphill trek to their winter <br /> <br />l"ange at n10dcraLc to high elevalions. Ivlost of the wintering areas is <br /> <br />found in the spruce-fir forests where the mature trees are protected from <br /> <br />\vind. <br /> <br />Some overlapping of winter range and breeding areas occurs although <br /> <br />the habitats and use differ. <br /> <br />Some sage grouse use occurs along the river at lower elevations where <br /> <br />sagebrush areas are present. <br /> <br />Riparian vegetation and insects are utilized <br /> <br />during the spring and early summer for nesting and rearing of young. The <br /> <br />number of sage grouse in the area is unknown but they are not common. <br /> <br />A few ptarmigan are believed to be present above timberline at the <br /> <br />headwaters of the Encanlpment River. <br /> <br />Although no recent observations <br /> <br />have been recorded, ptarmigan habitat is present. <br /> <br />Furbearers <br /> <br />Furbearers in the area are beaver, n1uskrat, nlink, marten, long tailed <br /> <br />and short tailed weasels, badger, gray fox and spotted and striped skunks. <br /> <br />Water oriented furbearers such as the beaver, muskrat and mink inhabit <br /> <br />the watercourses of the area. <br /> <br />Although no population estiroates are <br /> <br />available, beaver and Dluskrats arc comnlon and mink are scarce. Some <br /> <br />trapping occurs in the area but is very light. Both beaver and muskrat <br /> <br />can be a nuis'ance to agricultural practices. Weasels, badgers, gray fox <br /> <br />and skunks are found throughout the area in a variety of habitats. <br /> <br />However, <br /> <br />most are concentrated at lower elevations where agriculture Occurs. <br /> <br />-5- <br />