the focus of attention throughout this study was on populations inhabiting the water, shoreline, and adjacent bank areas of the river (generally within 1/4 mile of the river). More attention was paid to forest and woodland habitats than to fields, pastures, grasslands, or other open habitats. A majority of all data were therefore obtained from bottomland and hardwood forests. In addition to the field surveys and censuses, a limited amount of information was gathered through conversations with local residents.