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<br />Wildlife <br />Introduction <br />Information on terrestrial wildlife of the Rockcastle area includes <br />data obtained from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) (Donald Schrupp, <br />Wildlife Conservationist) and from a brief visit to the site in November, <br />1977. The following sections discuss major mammals and most abundant <br />resident birds which occur on the site or which are especially sensitive <br />and occur near the site. <br />Mammals <br />Mule Deer <br />This species (Odocoileus hemionus) appears to be common in the area, <br />probably because of the combination of good cover, water, and a favorable <br />• mix of shrubs, brush, and aspen. The DOW has mapped the northwestern <br />corner of the property as bordering a production area (#203) and the mine <br />site proper as critical winter range (#202). <br />Elk <br />The DOW has designated the mine site area as critical sinter range <br />(#206 and #250) and as a migration area for 600 Elk (Cervus canadensis) <br />in ll~i mil critical winter range area #206. Elk like the mixture of <br />shrubs, brush, aspen and the availability of water and cover which is <br />found throughout the region. <br />Predators <br />Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is known to occur in the area, but the <br />site is not considered by the DOW to be a concentration area. Coyote <br />(Canis latrans) also occurs, probably in fairly large numbers. A Long- <br />tailed Weasel (MUStela frenata): and a Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) <br />were observed in November 1977. <br />• <br />II.K-2 <br />