Sylvilagus bachmani cinerascens. (Allen.) Ashy Brush Rabbit. Fairly common in the brush. They are not swift runners and rely on escaping by hiding behind clumps of brush. This is more typically an Upper Sonoran form.
Felis oregonensis oregonensis. (Rafinesque.) Pacific Cougar. Numberless reports are always coming in of Mountain Lions and as usual most of them prove to be unfounded. However authentic records of these beasts are not lacking. I have personally inspected a specimen shot in Cold Water Canyon not more than five years ago. Tradition has it that at one time a mountaineer was actually besieged for two days in the little cabin at Browns Flats. Lions have been seen at Browns Flats, Cattle Canyon and the north of Telegraph peak. Mountaineers tell me that they are a great deal more common in the San Gabriel drainage. The specimen which I saw was from one of the tributary canyons to the San Gabriel river.
Lynx eremicus californicus. (Mearns.) California Wild Cat. Common in the mountains and ranging over the valley. About once a year a specimen is brought in to be skinned or identified and great stories are told about them. One of the commonest fallacies is that there are two forms in the mountains, one a “Bob cat” with short tail and ear tufts, and the other a true “Link” or Lynx with longer tail and more prominent ear tufts. It is little wonder, however, that such a notion exists in view of the fact of the great range or variations found in these animals. As for actual records of captures. In the summer of 1911 one was shot in the brushy hillsides of Laguna Canyon (Orange Co.) and brought in to the Marine Laboratory. In the spring of 1912 a ♀ was shot at the mouth of San Dimas canyon and brought to the college. In December 1914 a ♀ in very worn pelage was shot while crossing the Santa Ana river near Prado Beach and brought to me to be skinned. Finally while trapping for foxes in Palmers canyon in March of 1916 I took a male.
Canis ochropus ochropus. (Eschscholtz.) California Coyote. Common in the brush land above Claremont and in the foothills. The yapping bark is a very familiar cry to any who live near the outskirts of the town and may be heard nearly any evening. Although having camped numerous times in the mountains I have never heard Coyotes above the foothill region.
Urocyon cinereoargenteus californicus. (Mearns.) California Gray Fox. Signs of foxes in the canyons and along mountain trails are always quite common. Fœces containing seeds of manzanita berries are familiar occurrences. They are fond of fruit and are readily trapped with such bait. In March 1916 three were caught one night at the same place in Live Oak canyon.
Procyon psora psora. (Gray.) California Coon. Coons are fairly common in the larger canyons where there is an abundance of water. I have seen their tracks in Palmers, Cucamonga and San Antonio canyons. Three were trapped this winter (1916) just above Camp Baldy at an altitude of about 5400 feet.
Mephitis occidentalis holzneri. (Mearns.) Southern California Striped Skunk. Not very common in this region, found mostly in the Upper Sonoran zone in wooded districts.
Spilogale phenax phenax. (C. H. Merriam.) California Spotted Skunk. Very common in valley, foothills and up to 6,000 feet in the mountains. They are fearless little creatures and will readily enter cabins in the mountains and keep the occupant awake by rattling pots and pans while scrambling around in search of food, needless to say creating an awkward situation for the host. They have been known to take up their abode underneath houses in Claremont and take the liberty of scampering around the parlor floor without regard to the presence of human beings. This was a common occurrence in a certain family I have in mind and on such occasions the unwelcome guest was gently ushered to the door without hurting its feelings and peace of mind restored to the household. They are the easiest of all animals to trap and made considerable trouble and embarrassment for me by continually blundering into traps of mine set for other game. I have found these little creatures as high as 6,000 feet in the canyons.