PA Wildlife

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.

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.

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.

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.

Relatives of squirrels.

True hibernators

Ground Hog Day is February 2nd.

Punxsutawney Phil

PA’s only wild cat. Typically only a little larger

than a housecat.

One of our few true carnivores.

Only found in North America

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.

Intelligent, playful, sleek and powerful

Shy and active mostly at night.

Eat crayfish and nongame fish.

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.

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.

“Porkies” have quills that are really modified

hairs.

They can stick into just about anything.

They are nocturnal and herbivores.

“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.

“Chippies”

Create long complicated burrows. Often

sleep during the winter except on warm days.

Spend most of their time on the ground.

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”

Nicknamed “bushytails” – tails help with

balance

Mainly herbivores.

Build “nests” – balls of leaves and twigs high in

trees.

PA State Game Animal.

Almost hunted to extinction by 1900, now they are carefully managed.