Distribution.—Within the state of California, in only a very limited area comprising the sagebrush valleys of eastern Mono County, namely from southeastern edge of Mono Lake to head of Owens Valley in vicinity of Benton Station (see fig. 18). Life-zone, Upper Sonoran chiefly, barely entering Transition locally (see fig. 23). Southernmost known locality of occurrence, Taylor Ranch, in Owens Valley, two miles south of Benton Station. Altitudinal range, 5,300 to 7,300 feet.
Specimens examined.—A total of 2, both from Mono County: Mono Mills, 1; Dry Creek, 1.
The Soft-haired Ground Squirrels belong to the Great Basin region of the western United States and get into our California list only on the basis of the occurrence of one of the subspecies, the Stephens, in a few places along the eastern border of the state. This is a distinctly different type of ground squirrel from any of our others, notably in the soft, silky "feel" of the hair. In addition, the small size, short slender tail, and uniform light grayish coloration make a combination of characters which is unique among our species.
Unfortunately, our own personal experience with this species has been very limited. In September of 1917 the two of us made especial search for it at the extreme head of Owens Valley. But we were too late in the season; locally well known in the vicinity of Benton, we were assured by the ranchers that the animals had all "holed up" by about the end of July. On the Pellisier Ranch, five miles north of Benton Station, "Picket-pins" were declared to have been present "by the million" from April until July, but it was averred that by the last of August they had all disappeared. Numerous round holes in the ground among the sage bushes were pointed out to us as belonging to these squirrels. There was abundant evidence that coyotes and badgers regularly dig them out. Also we were told that at the season the squirrels are above ground the Indians capture many for food.
On the Taylor ranch this squirrel was reported to be plentiful, but to vary much in numbers from year to year. In the spring of 1916 it was abundant; in 1917 scarcely any were seen.
In the sand-dune area along the east side of Mono Lake, the junior author saw several Soft-haired Ground Squirrels on June 10, 1916. The sand was fairly covered with their tracks. Those individuals seen on June 11 near Dry Creek in the same neighborhood were notably tame. They gave the impression of being flat-bodied, and slid along the ground like lizards, stopping to scrutinize the intruder from the shelter of the first bush reached. One was captured under a bush by being pinned down with the gun.
Mr. Frank Stephens of San Diego, for whom this subspecies was named, states (1906, p. 71) that he found the animals "rather common in the valleys of eastern Mono County." They were feeding on the sagebrush and were exceedingly fat. The date of capture of the type was July 12, 1891 (Merriam, 1898, p. 69).
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