A peculiar gregarious burrowing rodent (
Haplodon rufus), native of the coast region of the Northwestern United States. It somewhat resembles a muskrat or marmot, but has only a rudimentary tail. Its head is broad, its eyes are small and its fur is brownish above, gray beneath. It constitutes the family
Haplodontidæ. Called also
boomer,
showt'l, and
mountain beaver. [
1913 Webster]