Nature Notes From Crater Lake
Volume 1, No. 1, July 1928
Conies on Wizard Island
By Earl U. Homuth
During a trip to Wizard Island several
conies were observed. These animals have often been reported from this
unusual place. The question has often been raised as to how they got
there, since this small crater is separated from the cliffs of the rim
by a considerable expanse of water. Many conjectures may be offered, but
most of them can hardly be accepted. It is suggested that they crossed
on the ice or on snow slides from the cliffs above. There are records of
that portion of the lake, between the Island and the nearest cliffs
freezing, but this little animal would not be seeking new environments
at that time of the year.
Signs of conies may be found near the
bottom of the crater on the Island, on the north side, near a cairn
which has been piled there. A few moments of waiting will be rewarded.
On this occasion one cony was observed at less than three paces.
