Subject: Re: Ravens Vs Sage Rats
Date: Apr 25 09:04:28 1997
From: Kelly Mcallister - mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov


Sue:

Sage rat, hmm, that term often is used to refer to either Washington
or Townsend's ground squirrel. Townsend's are on the west side of the
Columbia River and Washington's are on the east side of the Columbia.
Washington ground squirrel populations are have experienced marked declines
with many colonies gone from the face of the earth. Interestingly, this
species is only found in Washington and a small area within Oregon so it
is a true Pacific Northwest endemic, an example what is special and unique
about our home land.

The species was classified last weekend as Protected Wildlife via action
of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. It is no longer legal to
shoot or poison Washington ground squirrels without a permit.

So, I am curious about where you observed the interaction between raven and
squirrel, Sue. The ranges of these Columbia Basin ground squirrels are non-
overlapping so it is quite reliable to infer species from location.

I think Washington ground squirrels are also one of the cutest mammals around
(but, then, I am quite fond of frogs and toads too).

Kelly McAllister
Olympia Washington