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