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Non Game and Domestic Species Non-game species comprise the majority of mammals on the permit area. Transect Observations White-tailed jackrabbits (L~us townsendiil occur in all habitat types. They are most numerous in the unreclaimed spoils and sagebrush, and like the cottontail and bare are currently at a low population level. The most abundant rodents on the mine are least chipmunks Eutamias minims) found in all habitats except the reclaimed grass, and yellow-bellied marmots Marmota flaviventris) which are concentrated in the unreclaimed spoils (Table 2.7-4). Beaver Castor canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) are restricted to the riparian habitat along Trout and Oak Creeks. Among the carnivore, the red fox (Vulpes vulpesl is the most frequently encountered, followed by the coyote (Canis latrans). Long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata) and ermine (Mustela erminea) were frequently observed in 1979. The numbers of all these species has increased based on sightings and trappings in spring and summer, 1980. The most numerous species of domestic livestock is the sheep Ovis aries). They occurred on the mine from July through November, 1979, feeding in the aspen grove along Center Ridge. Strays were also observed on the unreclaimed and reclaimed grass habitats (Table 2.7-4). During the spring and summer of 1980, sheep were observed in the mountain brush with strays observed in the reclaimed (not topsoiled} areas. Mammalian abundance from transect sightings is highest in the unreclaimed spoils compared to all other habitats (p<0.01) (Exhibit 2.7-7). A significant difference is also found between riparian habitat along Trout Creek and unreclaimed spoils. Seasonal abundance, with or without livestock, does not show any statistical differentiation, although late fall and early spring abundances are quite low. Seasonal diversity is lowest in November and March compared to the other sampling periods (p<0.01). 2.7-30 Revised 11/06