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Show DWE seeking aid In prairie dog towns, high mountain forests and other diverse areas of the state, Utahns have reported seeing some of America's rarest mammals. The gray wolf and wolverine were believed to have disappeared disap-peared from the state. The black-footed ferret, rarest of all mammals in the United States, has been verified in the state only once. However, recent unconfirmed sightings have renewed the possibility Utah may be a home for a few isolated individuals of these rare species. The Utah Diuvision of Wildlife Resources has initiated a program called "Wanted: Information In-formation Leading to the Location of Utah Rare Mammals." Bob Hasenyager, Division biologist, is specifically requesting information about the black-footed ferret, Canada lynx wolverine, river otter, gray wolf, the spotted bat and the Mexican big-eared big-eared bat. The Division of Wildlife Resources would like to assure a future for these rare mammals in the state. But before a management program can be formulated, existence of these mamammals must be confirmed and distribution and population of each species determined. Each time a sighting is received, Hasenyager discusses the facts with the individual reporting the' sighting. It it is a "strong case," he pinpoints pin-points the location on a map. These mappings are already indicating multiple sightings from some locations. A photograph or other concrete evidence is needed to confirm a sighting. So far, concrete evidence has been unavailable. Hasenyager is encouraging Utahns to photograph both the animal and the footprint, and share any other pertinent information with the Division. He says, "I would like to know of any sightings no matter how suspect they may be. The help of Utahns is important when attempting to confirm the presence of such rare animals." A sighting report form with drawings and descriptions of these rare mammals is available at all Division of Wildlife' Resources offices. The black-footed ferret inhabits prairie ' dog towns and prowls into burrows by night in search of prairie dogs-its dogs-its major food. About 20 inches long from head to tail, the ferret is sometimes confused with its smaller light brown cousin the long-tailed weasel. The ferrets black feet and distinct black mask contrast with a pale yellow body. The Canada lynx was once common in the higher elevations of central Utah. The lynx adapts well to high country snow conditions due to its snowshoe-like paws. The lynx is a little larger than a bobcat. In winter, their paws become so densely furred that they are almost as large as a mountain lion's paws. Less spotted than a ooocat, a lynx also has longer tufts of hair on its ear tips and face and has a completely black tip on its tail instead of a partial stripe. The wolverine, also known as Glutton or Demon, has earned its nicknames by its tenacious disposition and its habits of ransacking cabins, raiding trap lines and hiding the traps. Splashed with two broad yellow stripes from shoulder to tail, this stocky, brown creatrure lumbers through the forest like a miniature bear. Probably the most playful creature in nature, tthe otter has been sighted along several Utah rivers and streams. This webfooted animal is so adept at finding its food that most of the day may be devoted to having a good time. Playing tag and making slides are favorite activities. Many tall Hales have been spun about wolves attacking people. Bod Hasenyager emphasizes that most of these stories are unfounded. "I would be hard-pressed to find a story where healthy wolves have attacked a person.' |