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shifting, trotting short distances, head raising, panic and escape behavior and, in the case of birds, flapping of wings. The text further notes that a combination of these responses and reactions can possibly cause or lead to depletion of energy reserves (which can be paz[iculazly harmful during the stresses of long winters), bodily injury, a decrease in foraging efficiency, habitat avoidance and abandonment, as well as a reduction in reproduction. Most reseazchers agree that noise can adversely affect an animal's physiology and behavior. Specifically, noise from motorized vehicles is known to act as a physiological stressor (Environmental Protection Agency 1971). Hompland's (1985) research, which focused on the effect that simulated mine disturbances have on elk calves, found that calves exposed to the noise moved greater distances, required larger areas, and cows and calves abandoned their traditional calf rearing areas. The reseazchers in this study were concerned that this could cause calves to occupy less favorable habitat and continue to use these marginal areas even after the noise source was removed, which would reduce the animals' chances for long-term survival. Furthermore, the study noted that the effects of exposure to mining disturbances "...are cumulative and could result in reduced calf survival or aborted fetuses in cows," thereby jeopardizing the chances for survival of the entire population. ICavaler (1975) notes that bats are unable to find food when interference is produced by natural or mechanical noise because the mammals rely totally on echo location. Leopard frogs exposed to loud noises (120 decibels) remained immobilized for much longer periods of time than a similazly handled control group (Nash et a1.1970). Sonoran Desert lizards exposed to noise from motorized vehicles (>100 decibees) displayed a decrease in acoustical sensitivities (Bondello 1976; Brattstrom and Bondello 1979). Some species suffered severe impacts (e.g., hearing loss) after as little as eight minutes of exposure (Brattstrom and Bondello 1979). Other studies have found that similar impacts occur to small mammals. Brattstrom and Bondello (1983) observed severe impacts to kangaroo rats exposed to noise from motorized vehicles as well as disruptions experienced by Couch's spadefoot toad to emergence activities (naturally triggered by thunderstorms). A study of the little cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus, found that populafion in high noise corridors (i.e. an airport) were four times as less dense as populations at a greater distance from the noise source (ICavaler 1975). Noise associated with this mineral extraction project may similazly increase stress levels, damage hearing, deplete energy reserves, cause wildlife to panic leading to bodily injury, disrupt hibernation, lead to a reduction reproduction and foraging efficiency, and cause animals to avoid and abandon once suitable habitat pushing them to azeas that are unsuitable. The BLM must analyze the impacts that noise may have on Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive. and other Special Status Species. To mitigate the effect that mining disturbances may have on wildlife and Special Status Species in the area, the BLM must take steps to reduce habitat fragmentation, ensure that excessive noise pollution occurs at certain times of the year, require helicopters to fly at appropriate heights, consolidate and minimize transportation corridors, and require the mining company to use noise reducing devices and quiet machinery. L1 t 1 Center for Native Ecosystems Page 12 of 24 ' Scoping Comments for the Proposed Red Cliff Coal Mine