[Illustration: Meadow Jumping Mouse] Meadow Jumping Mouse (_Zapus hudsonius_) Tail longer than body, sparsely haired White underside, olive-yellow back Occasionally when one is walking in the grassy fields, a Jumping Mouse will suddenly bound away in leaps averaging three or four feet. If it is really frightened, these leaps may carry the mouse as far as ten feet. In the United States the Jumping Mouse is much more closely related to the Porcupine than to true mice. Un-mouse-like, it hibernates in an underground nest during the winter months. Jumping Mice eat both insects and plants. DOGLIKE MAMMALS: FOXES [Illustration: Red Fox] Red Fox (_Vulpes fulva_) Looks like a long-legged dog Reddish fur; feet and ears black Large bushy tail, white on tip Only the most fortunate observer will see a Fox, which is most secretive and truly sly in its habits. It digs burrows and produces four to nine young during April. The Fox has been known to adapt its habits to changes humans have made in its environment, and it is most beneficial because it eats thousands of mice annually. RING-TAILED MAMMAL: RACCOON [Illustration: Raccoon] Raccoon (_Procyon lotor_) Dense gray fur Tail ringed with bands of black and white Black “mask” over eyes Raccoons are creatures of the night and seldom venture forth in the daylight. They are expert climbers, spending many hours high in a lofty perch, and if pursued they usually seek refuge in a tree or swamp. They feed on frogs, fish, eggs, insects, nuts, corn, and shellfish, which they rinse carefully. The shellfish they skillfully remove from their shells, and often small piles of shells are the only clue to a Raccoon’s presence. SCENT-PRODUCING MAMMALS: SKUNKS, MINK, WEASELS [Illustration: Striped Skunk] Striped Skunk (_Mephitis mephitis_) Black fur with two white stripes on back Large bushy tail, white at tip The Skunk is an inoffensive creature that tries hard to avoid people. Even when confronted, it is generally good-natured, relying on its presence to discourage investigation and employing its powerful scent only if pressed. Skunks usually live in holes not far from water. These holes have generally been taken over from another mammal by “squatter’s rights.” From four to seven youngsters are born in late April and they follow their mother about faithfully wherever she goes. [Illustration: Mink] Mink (_Mustela vison_) Elongated brown animal Bushy tail, about 8″ long Toes are webbed The Mink is extremely rare on the Neck and a careful and thorough search is required to locate one. They are associated with water and feed on shellfish and other aquatic creatures. They are best known for their fur, a favorite for coats. Fortunately, Mink are not common enough on the Neck to warrant commercial trapping. [Illustration: Long-tailed Weasel] Long-tailed Weasel (_Mustela frenata_)