MAMMALS of MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK MERLIN K. POTTS _Assistant Park Naturalist_ and RUSSELL K. GRATER _Park Naturalist_ Copyright 1949 by Mount Rainier Natural History Association Published by THE MOUNT RAINIER NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION Longmire, Washington 1949 FOREWORD There are few places remaining in this country today where one may observe wild animals in a natural setting, free to move about, unrestricted by bars or enclosures, and exhibiting little of the instinctive fear of man instilled through many wildlife generations by the advance and expansion of settlement and civilization. The national parks are among the greatest wildlife sanctuaries of the world. Most wild creatures are quick to recognize the protection afforded by such a refuge, and thus become less shy and elusive than they are elsewhere. As a result of protection, it is not difficult to attain an acquaintance with these wilderness folk. To know Nature in her various forms is to increase appreciation of the natural scene. It is for this purpose that _Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park_ has been written, the third of a series published by the Mount Rainier Natural History Association. JOHN C. PRESTON Superintendent Mount Rainier National Park United States Department of the Interior ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The writers of Mammals of Mount Rainier National Park are indebted to the following individuals for their critical assistance and encouragement in the preparation of the manuscript: Dr. A. Svihla, _Zoology Department, University of Washington_, Mr. Herbert Evison, _Chief of Information, National Park Service_, Mr. Victor H. Cahalane, _Biologist, National Park Service_, Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, _Regional Biologist, Region Four, National Park Service_. Through their constructive suggestions the finished publication has been materially strengthened. Photographs were obtained through the courtesy of Mount Rainier, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Glacier National Parks; and Mr. Joseph M. Dixon, Mr. E. Lowell Sumner, and Mr. F. J. McGrail. _Merlin K. Potts_ _Russell K. Grater_ CONTENTS