[Illustration: POCKET GOPHER
Chunky, brown body, thick short tail, long front claws; seen near
its earthen mounds.]
The little bobcat ranges through the woods mostly at night seeking small
rodents, rabbits, grouse, and ptarmigan. Like his giant cousin, the
cougar, he will invariably detect quickly the presence of any intruder
and quietly slip away. The presence of long hairs between his toes in
winter, forming a "snowshoe-like" pad, enables him to travel swiftly
through winter snows. Although wary of man, he will frequent settled
areas where food in the form of rats, mice, and rabbits is common.