Western North Carolina Small Mammal Inventory.

The purpose of this study is to survey small mammal communities across western North Carolina to collect baseline information on the current distribution and population status of selected special concern species. Current target species are Rock Vole Microtus chrotorrhinus carolinensis, Oldfield Mouse Peromyscus polionotus, Allegheny Woodrat Neotoma magister, S. Appalachian Woodrat Neotoma floridana haematoreia, Southern Bog Lemming Synaptomys cooperi stonei, Long-tailed Shrew Sorex dispar, Water Shrew Sorex palustris punctulatus, and Least Weasel Mustela nivalis. Our objectives are to document the continued existence of these mammals at known historical locations in western North Carolina, survey for additional locations occupied by these species, and to assess the relative abundance of these species in North Carolina. My records indicate the presence of water shrews at 3 locations within the Coweeta boundary. Coweeta provides a large area of suitable habitats for water shrew, long-tailed shrews and rock voles. It is advantageous for Coweeta and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to verify continued existence of water shrews as well as the presence of other targeted species.