NATURE NOTES FROM ACADIA

SOME FUR-BEARERS OF ACADIA

During the course of the summer a number of the wild mammals of Mount Desert Island have been seen, but the list is by no means complete. Of those fur-bearers most often observed by visitors to Acadia National Park, the Northeastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus lysteri) and the Eastern Red Squirrel (Sciurus hudsonicus) head the list. These two squirrels are frequently seen running across the main highways on the island, where many are killed. The Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus macrotis) is rarely observed. One lifeless specimen of this nocturnal species was found just off the main road south of Bar Harbor. The Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensisl the only other squirrel reported for the island, is rare.

Continuing with the rodents, the Beaver (Castor canadensis) is to be found at a number of places. Marshall Brook, Breakneck Pond, Little Harbor Brook, and New Mill Meadow have their beavers, and other places can be named where the animals have occurred. These animals were killed off a number of years ago but have been brought back by mankind. In certain areas the extent of the damage done by them has resulted in recent activity on the part of park authorities to reduce their numbers by means of live traps.

White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are inhabitants of the island, but so far little information has been gained regarding their population. A Jumping Mouse (probably Zapus hudsonius) has been seen but the animal could not be caught. Meadow Mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus) have also been seen in the open.

The Varying Hare (Lepus americanus) is the only member of that group of animals which occurs on Mount Desert Island and is uncommon. Muskrats (Ondatra zibethica) are also uncommon. Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) are either extremely rare or do not occur at all on the island. At one time, however, these animals must have been here in fair numbers. Other rodents, especially certain mice, occur but these have escaped our eyes during the past summer.

One shrew, the Shorttailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda) was found dead along one of the highways in the park early in the summer. Other shrews probably occur also.

Unmistakable footprints of the Raccoon (Procyon lotor) have been seen in the mud along the banks of Little Harbor Brook, but the animals are rare in this region.

Small bats (genera and species unknown) have been seen on the wing. Their inverted forms have been sought in caves and other likely daylight retreats, but without success. Skunks (Mephitis nigra?), Red Foxes (Vulpes fulva), and otters (Lutra canadensis), have been reported by reliable observers. Of this trio the Otters probably have suffered recent extermination, the last having been seen here by Park Ranger O. Y. Thompson a few years ago.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are infrequently reported by tourists. A number live within the confines of Mount Desert Island, especially in the southeastern section. Occasionally one is seen on the new Cadillac Mountain Road. This is the lone representative of the deer family in Acadia National Park.

- Ranger-Naturalist