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.
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