Similar isolated populations may be present in the few other suitable mesic habitats in Harding County, but we have trapped extensively, yet unsuccessfully, for Zapus in such situations; specimens are known, however, from the Long Pine Hills and from along the Little Missouri River in adjacent Carter County, Montana.
"Mammals of Northwestern South Dakota"
Kenneth W. Andersen
This area is one of the most mesic on the Reservation.
"The Forest Habitat of the University of Kansas Natural History Reservation"
Henry S. Fitch Ronald L. McGregor
Since the time when a more mesic boreal environment occurred at San Josecito, climatic shifts have favored more xeric conditions as are found in the vicinity of the cave today.
"Pleistocene Pocket Gophers From San Josecito Cave, Nuevo Leon, Mexico"
Robert J. Russell