PA Wildlife Mammals

PA’s Mammals Mammals make up only a small percentage of the state’s native species of plants and animals. 71 species of mammals are native to PA. 12 native species were extirpated in historic times but some have been re-established . Gray Wolf, mountain lion, lynx, bison, wolverine, moose, marten, beaver, elk, river otter, and fisher.

Endangered, Threatened & Exotic Mammals. Four species are Endangered Northern flying squirrel, Indiana bat, Delmarva fox squirrel, and least shrew. Three species are Threatened Eastern small-footed bat, West Virginia water shrew, and Allegheny wood rat. Only two species are Exotic Norway rat and house mouse.

Eastern Cottontail Vital part of PA’s food chain. Breeding rate is legendary – can have 6 to 7 litters a year. Most active at dawn and dusk.

Cottontail

Beaver One of the largest rodents – can weigh up to 60 lbs. Webbed hind feet for swimming and a broad flat tail to steer. Build dams to make ponds in which they make a lodge Eat bark off of trees.

Beaver

Groundhog/Woodchuck Relatives of squirrels. True hibernators Ground Hog Day is February 2nd. Punxsutawney Phil

Groundhog

Bobcat PA’s only wild cat. Typically only a little larger than a housecat. One of our few true carnivores. Only found in North America

Bobcat

Black Bear Only species of bear in PA. Some can be brown. Eats almost anything including garbage. Cubs are born when the females are in their winter den. Do not truly hibernate but do sleep soundly.

Black Bear

River Otter Intelligent, playful, sleek and powerful Shy and active mostly at night. Eat crayfish and nongame fish.

River Otter

Striped Skunk Black with a V-shaped white strip and bushy tail When threatened, raises hind end and sprays a potent-smelling musk. Omnivores and tend to be nocturnal.

Striped Skunk

Red Fox Red coat, black ears and legs, white throat, belly, and tail tip Dig dens to raise young. Both parents take care of pups. Mainly carnivores.

Red Fox

Porcupine “Porkies” have quills that are really modified hairs. They can stick into just about anything. They are nocturnal and herbivores.

Porcupine

Raccoon “Masked bandit” – known to raid garbage cans. Raccoons are nocturnal and often “wash” their food in water before eating. Can sleep deeply in winter but do not hibernate.

Raccoon

Eastern Chipmunk “Chippies” Create long complicated burrows. Often sleep during the winter except on warm days. Spend most of their time on the ground.

Chipmunk

Opossum Only North American marsupial mammal. Can have up to 18 young and they spend the first 4-6 weeks in the mother’s pouch. Omnivores Have an automatic reflex when scared to “play dead”

Opossum

Gray Squirrel Nicknamed “bushytails” – tails help with balance Mainly herbivores. Build “nests” – balls of leaves and twigs high in trees.

Gray Squirrel

White-Tailed Deer PA State Game Animal. Almost hunted to extinction by 1900, now they are carefully managed.

White tailed Deer