mystery mammal

[bandj]

This is not a quiz!

Early this week we backpacked up Outram for an overnight visit to the subalpine. Being there reminded us of a puzzle from two years ago when we were atlassing there. Bryan spotted this mammal (photos below) and managed to get two quick shots with his small digital camera before it disappeared behind the rock. It gave us the impression of a cat but we assumed it was some kind of marmot or weasal. When we got back and checked our mammal book, nothing seemed to fit. Obviously we are still puzzled, two years later! Anyone have any expertise or suggestions?

This week Bryan found himself looking at two very reflective deer eyes in the middle of the night. Don't know who was more surprised! As far as the hordes of mosquitoes were concerned, there weren't enough mammals up there! We had a great time; no unusual birds (or mammals) and our car was intact upon our return!



close up - not very good resolution



Janet and Bryan

[Chris]

In the second pcture it looks like a squirrel. Since it was taken in the alpine I believe that it would be a Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel.

[bandj]

Good suggestion for a sub-alpine mammal. Thanks. We've wondered about squirrels and weasels, but the body was at least the size of a house cat (the second picture above is a crop of the first picture to try to give more detail; both of Bryan's actual photos are almost identical). The tail is more like a Long-tailed Weasel but the snout doesn't look quite right and it's still small compared to what we saw.

[murraybrown]

Janet, I agree with Bundy that your animal is a Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel.
Although I believe it is of the "Cascades" sub-species which is only found in Washington's Olympic Mountains and a very small area of Southern B.C.
Their back stripes are shorter, and the upper pelage is duskier than the more common variety.

[Gord]

The way it poses sure makes it look cat-like! The tail is a little bushier I think too typically which in this case the lack of fur makes it look thinner and more confusing.
Glad your mystery was solved.

[bandj]

Thanks everyone for the input. We were hiking a bit of the Heather trail yesterday and saw another. This one for sure a Cascade Golden-mantled Squirrel showing off his splendid tail:



Bryan

[oldfulica]

Jul 28, 2010 9:43:33 GMT -8 bandj said:

Thanks everyone for the input. We were hiking a bit of the Heather trail yesterday and saw another. This one for sure a Cascade Golden-mantled Squirrel showing off his splendid tail:


Bryan

He's not showing off his tail Bryan..he's giving you the finger ;D