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Show Today, beaver skins remain important among the Utes. One Ute person indicated that some of the current beaver hunters tan the beaver skins and make them into painted shields which sell for $ 150 ( 1.2). Another Ute consultant indicated that beaver pelts were prized over those of the muskrat ( 4.2). Use by Neighboring Populations in the Great Basin: Fowler ( 1986: 80- 1) indicated that many populations bordering the Utes also utilized these two species for meat and fur. B. 3,3.... Muskrat ( Ondatra zibethica, Cricetidae): The Ute name is " we'qwseet" "( Wardle 1969: 18). Reported Locations: Sparks ( 1981: 44) indicates that the muskrat is found statewide in marshes, ponds, streams, lakes, and ditches. Muskrats are also reported living in the areas along the Whiterocks and Uinta rivers ( 1.2; 4.2). Ute Uses and Methods of Procurement: This aquatic animal was also taken for food and fur ( Stewart 1942: 244; Fowler 1986: 80), although consultants reported that it was highly prized as the beaver ( 1.2; 4.2). Use by Neighboring Populations in the Great Basin: Another species used by many groups in the Great Basin for its meat and fur ( Fowler 1986: 80). B. 3., 4 . WoQdchuck,.... Rockchuck,.... or.... Ma ( Marmota flaviventris, Sciuridae): The Ute name for rockchuck is " yah'pooch" ( Wardle 1969: 18). Reported Location: Sparks ( 1981: 40) reports that the marmot inhabit the Uinta Basin region in rocky areas and on slab piles in forests from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Whiterocks Canyon is noted as a choice location for this mammal which is still hunted today ( 1.2; 4.2). Ute Uses and Methods of Procurement: Woodchuck were, and still are, a source of food ( Sloane 1950: 319; Garner and Hawley 1950: 325; Fowler 1986: 81; 1.2.; 4.2). Sloane ( 1950: 320) also reports that woodchuck fat was used to toughen the hooves of horses. Use by Neighboring Populations in the Great Basin: The yellow- bellied marmot was hunted by groups throughout the Great Basin ( Fowler 1986: 81). R, 3A5 Skunk ( Spilogale putorius ( spotted skunk) and Mephitis mephitis ( striped skunk), Mustelidae): The Ute name for skunk is " per r! e/ M ( Wardle 1969: 18) or / pinii/ ( Smith 1974a: 269). Reported Location: Both the spotted and striped skunk are found in northeastern Utah in prairie, grasslands, brushy areas near streams, or other water and are very common ( Sparks 1981: 46- 7). An animal with habitats throughout the reservation area, the skunk was not mentioned as an animal for concern in any of the areas of proposed impact. 86 |