Racial characters.-Size large; winter coat usually brown; pale color of underparts much restricted; color of upper parts dark; color of lips variable; tail with more than distal half black.
Measurements.—Seven males and 2 females average, respectively ([Hall], 1945: 79): total length 278, 232; length of tail 77, 60; hind foot 36.5, 27.
Distribution.—The extreme north coast of Washington, from the Canadian boundary south through Whatcom County ([Hall], 1945: 80-81).
Remarks.—The range of this ermine is similar to that of the yellow-pine chipmunk, Eutamias amoenus felix.
Fig. 56. Distribution of the ermine in Washington. A. Mustela erminea invicta. B. Mustela erminea murica. C. Mustela erminea gulosa. D. Mustela erminea fallenda. E. Mustela erminea streatori. F. Mustela erminea olympica.
Mustela erminea olympica [Hall]
Mustela erminea olympica [Hall], Jour. Mamm., 26:81, February 27, 1945.
Type.—Obtained near head of Sol Duc River, Clallam County, Washington, by V. [Bailey], on April 28, 1897; type in United States National Museum.