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4-46 <br />4.6.3 Medium-sized Mammals <br />• Medium-sized mammals can be considered a miscellaneous <br />assemblage of animals ranging in size from cottontails <br />to coyotes. Some are important furbearers, others are <br />game species, predators, or prey species, and most tend <br />to have a certain esthetic appeal. The cottontail rabbit <br />was found to be one of the most abundant mammals within <br />the lease area. Two species are likely to occur in the <br />areas: the desert cottontail and Nuttall's cottontail. <br />Nuttall's, or the mountain cottontails, would likely be <br />restricted to the upland, rocky and timbered sites. The <br />preferred habitat of the desert cottontail is the drier, <br />lowland sites. Cottontails are an important prey species <br />• in this area, and they undoubtedly contribute substantially <br />to the total prey base of coyotes, bobcats, and the larger <br />raptorial birds, particularly golden eagles. Coyotes were <br />found to be abundant. Many tracks and vocalizations were <br />seen and heard during the course of the field studies. <br />Tracks of cottontails and coyotes were recorded during <br />the winter track count study (Table 4.6-2), The more im- <br />portant habitats of these species are suggested by the <br />data shown. Signs of beaver activity were observed <br />at several locations along Fast Salt Creek, but no indica- <br />tions were observed of recent occupancy. The general habi- <br />tat conditions for beaver are marginal within the lease <br />area. Long-tailed weasels were found to be suite numer- <br />• ous; many tracks were observed on snow. No signs of bob- <br />cat, porcupine, raccoon, or striped skunk were observed, <br />