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West Elk Mine <br />• Medium-Sized Mammals <br />Habitat in the West Elk Mine study area appears favorable for supporting both a high diversity <br />and a relatively high density of medium-sized mammals. Overall, coyotes (Canis latrans), long- <br />tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), and desert cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) are the <br />predominant medium-sized mammals in the study area. Many medium-sized mammals remain <br />active yeaz-round, living in the same habitat and foraging in much the same manner throughout <br />all seasons. <br />Independent observations have recorded additional medium-sized mammals on the West Elk <br />Mine study area. The white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii) has been observed occasionally <br />along the East Fork of Minnesota Creek and the marten (Martes americana) has been seen in <br />Douglas fir stands. Mink (Mustela vison) has been seen occasionally along the North Fork of the <br />Gunnison River. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and spotted <br />skunk (Spilogale putorius) have also been seen or captured on or neaz the West Elk Mine study <br />area. <br />Small Mammals <br />Relatively high numbers of small mammals in the West Elk Mine study area are probably due to <br />the dense and productive vegetation found on this site. The deer mouse (Peromyscus <br />• maniculatus) and the long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) aze common inhabitants of the <br />study area. Lechleitner (1969} reported that the red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) was <br />common to the area. <br />The golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophiluslateralis) and least chipmunk (tamias <br />minimus) were found in the study area. The least chipmunk is the most abundant sciurid in the <br />State and is found at in elevations ranging from 6,000 feet to 12,000 feet in Western Colorado <br />where it utilized a variety of habitats from sagebrush to coniferous forest (Lechleitner, 1969; <br />Armstrong, 1972). <br />Additionally, the red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), the rock squirrel (Citellus <br />variegatus), and the western jumping mouse (Zapus princeps) were observed on the study area. <br />Two additional species of the small mammals, the masked shrew (Sorex cinereus) and the <br />wandering shrew (Sorex vagrans), both insectivores, were identified in surveys of the study area. <br /> <br />2.04.170 Revised November 1004 PR70 <br />