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<br />STiall Mammals <br />Smaller species which occur in the area include Beaver (Castor <br />canadensis), which DOW estimates at about 7/mil in area #600. Grassy <br />Creek through the site showed numerous beaver dams and lodges, most of <br />which appeared abandoned. A Muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) was seen in <br />one of the ponds. The other small mammal listed by the state is the <br />Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) which DOW estimates at 1.3/mil in the <br />area #400. Of course, the actual population density probably is much <br />higher in suitable habitat. <br />Species not seem or listed by DOW but likely to occur include a <br />variety of shrews and rodents, especially ground squirrels, chipmunks, <br />mice, voles, and woodrats. <br />Birds <br />Raptors <br />Predatory birds listed for the mine area by DOW are Golden Eagle <br />(Aquila~chrysaetos) and Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginiana). Of these, <br />only the latter is apt to nest in the area. Other raptors seen in <br />November 1977 were Rough-legged Hawks (BUteo regalis), Red-tailed Hawks <br />(B. jamaicensis), and Goshawk (ACCipiter gentilis). Of these, the first <br />is a winter visitor, the second is a migrant breeder, and the third is <br />a resident. <br />Upland Game <br />Blue Grouse (Dendragapvs obscurus) probably is the most common upland <br />fowl in the mine area, and its population has been estimated at 150 birds <br />in 60 mil area #200. There appeaz to be too few conifers for concentrations <br />of Blue Grouse on the mine site. However, they do like mixed shrub and <br />aspen woodlands. <br />• Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are reported by DOW to occur <br />'in the general region (1,000 birds in 283 mil area #400), with traditional <br />strutting grounds about 3 miles east of the mine site. Sharp-tailed Grouse <br />II.K-3 <br />