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EXHIBIT H WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br /> 6.4.8(1)(a) <br /> Elk. mule deer. pronghorn. and white-tailed deer are the most critical game resource in the area <br /> and are known to traverse the site. The current landscape offers mixed light to moderate ground <br /> cover that is useful forage for deer and other small mammals. <br /> Black bear, wild turkey, lynx, and mountain lion have overall ranges that include the Siskin Pit. <br /> Prairie dog. coyote. rabbit, and various nongame birds and rodents are the most critical non- <br /> game resource in the area. Due to the light to moderate ground cover and availability of running <br /> water, the value of the site for birds and mammals is high. There are no known raptor nests—nor <br /> trees or elevated structures suitable for raptor nests—on the permit area or in the vicinity. <br /> 6.4.8(1)(b) <br /> Elk are known to use the site in the winter months and are generally absent during the warmer <br /> months. <br /> 6.4.8(1)(c) <br /> State special concern species in the area include Townsend's Big-Eared Bat and Botta's Pocket <br /> Gopher. Burrowing Owl in the area are classified as state threatened. Lynx in the areas are <br /> classified as federally threatened and state endangered. While the ranges of federally or state <br /> listed threatened and endangered species overlap across Custer County. their required habitats <br /> are not found within the site. <br /> 6.4.8(1)(d) <br /> No adverse effects to wildlife are anticipated based on the site's current use as an active mine. <br /> Resident wildlife quickly become habituated to these activities, as is observed onsite and in other <br /> similar operations in rangeland communities throughout Colorado. The Siskin Pit has existed <br /> since 1987, as well as other quarrying activities in the Silver Clitf/Westclitfe area, and regularly <br /> encounter native animal species who are unbothered by daily mining efforts. Migrating animals <br /> will likely avoid the site and the proposed operation does not block any known migratory routes. <br /> Siskin Pig <br /> Jujlucn-l'2024 H-1 <br /> i ` 1„ociat„ <br />