Wm B. Richardson 1937 60 General Account Squirrel Drive Will Be Opened Ground squirrels are to be exterminated in a cleanup move in the Dry Creek farming section near Roseville. Present plans are to have each farmer rid his premises through poison, the work to begin when the weather becomes warm and the squirrels come out of hibernation. The heavy increase in the squirrel population in the last few years is responsible for much damage and loss to the ranchers. Fewer Mountain Lions Trapped The smallest number of mountain lions in several years, 177, were killed by trappers last year, according to the annual report of the State Bureau of Game Conservation. An average of $400 apiece was earned by trappers last year. Approximately 10,000 coyotes were among the bag taken by the several thousand licensed trappers in California. Clippings from Portville Evening Record February, 1937. Skunks of Bear Family Skunks are members of the bear family. Except for their smell, they have practically no other defense against natural enemies. They make a stand only in the last extremity. Skunk farms exist in this country and England. Unscrupulous dealers sometimes sell the pelts as sable or black fox. The skunk destroys more harmful insects than all other mammals together. Traps Thirty Coyotes J. G. McKerlie, State coyote trapper, reports taking thirty coyotes in thirty-five days. He and several other trappers of the State Fish and Game Commission and Federal Bureau of Biological Control have been trapping in Tulare County for several months. They have caught and killed several hundred coyotes and a large number of bobcats.