sign in sign up
<<
Home , Allegheny woodrat, Eastern mole, Prehensile tail, Smoky shrew, Southern bog lemming

MAMMALS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d e DIVISION OF WILDLIFE Below are some helpful symbols for quick comparisons and identfication. They are located in the same place for each throughout this publication. Definitions for About this Book the scientific terms used in this publication can be found at the end in the glossary.

Activity Method of Feeding Diurnal • Most active during the day Carnivore • Feeds primarily on meat Nocturnal • Most active at night Herbivore • Feeds primarily on plants Crepuscular • Most active at dawn and dusk Insectivore • Feeds primarily on insects A word about diurnal and nocturnal classifications. Omnivore • Feeds on both plants and meat In nature, it is virtually impossible to apply hard and fast categories. There can be a large amount of overlap among species, and for individuals within species, in terms of daily and/or seasonal behavior habits. It is possible for the activity patterns of to change due to variations in weather, food availability or human disturbances. The Raccoon designation of diurnal or nocturnal represent the description Gray or black in color with a pale most common activity patterns of each species. gray underneath. The black mask is rimmed on top and bottom with

CARNIVORA white. The raccoon’s has four to six black or dark brown rings.

habitat Raccoons live in wooded areas with Tracks & Skulls big trees and water close by. reproduction Many mammals can be elusive to sighting, leaving Raccoons mate from February through March in Ohio. Typically only one litter is produced each year, only a trail of clues that they were present. Careful but there can be exceptions to the rule. The young raccoons will stay with the female through the fall or observation is required to detect their presence. A winter.

did you know? significant sign that a resides or has passed Male raccoons are called boars and females are called sows. Ohio Division of Wildlife

through an area are the tracks they leave behind. 

This guide illustrates the tracks of the relevant species Procyon lotor to help identify them in the field. 60 Table of Contents DIDELPHIMORPHIA5 LAGOMORPHA28 51 House Mouse 6 29 Eastern Cottontail Rabbit 52 Meadow Jumping Mouse 30 Snowshoe Hare 53 Woodland Jumping Mouse INSECTIVORA7 54 Porcupine 8 Masked RODENTIA31 9 Least Shrew 32 Eastern Chipmunk CARNIVORA55 10 33 Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel 56 11 Pygmy Shrew 34 57 Red Fox 12 Northern Short-tailed Shrew 35 Fox Squirrel 58 Gray Fox 13 Eastern 36 Red Squirrel 59 Black Bear 14 Hairy-tailed Mole 37 Southern Flying Squirrel 60 Raccoon 15 Star-nosed Mole 38 Woodchuck 61 Short-tailed Weasel 39 American Beaver 62 Long-tailed Weasel CHIROPTERA16 40 Eastern Harvest Mouse 63 Least Weasel 17 Little Brown Bat 64 Mink 18 Big Brown Bat 41 Deer Mouse 19 Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat 42 White-footed Mouse 65 Badger 20 Northern Long-eared Bat 43 Allegheny Woodrat 66 River Otter 21 Tri-colored Bat 44 Meadow Vole 67 Striped Skunk 22 Red Bat 45 Southern Red-backed Vole 68 Bobcat 23 Hoary Bat 46 Vole 24 Silver-haired Bat 47 ARTIODACTYLA69 25 Eastern Small-footed Bat 48 Southern Bog 70 White-tailed Deer 26 Evening Bat 49 27 Indiana Bat 50 Norway Rat GLOSSARY71 What exactly makes Class an a mammals Mammalia allows different species much so that mammals can be found mammal? First of all, all mammals to live very different lifestyles. on every continent and in every have hair or fur. They also have Mammals that fly, glide, run, , ocean on earth. In the state of Ohio endothermic (warm-blooded) bodies, jump, or swim have evolved special alone, the diversity of mammals is meaning the body can stay at a nearly evident and can be seen from the tiny constant temperature, regardless mouse living in a barn to the big black of the outside environment. Most bear lumbering through a forest. importantly, female mammals have In this guide, the mammal orders mammary glands that produce milk appear in taxonomic order, meaning for their offspring. Only mammals they are listed according to how they can provide nourishment to their evolved in relation to each other. In young in this way. All of this should other words, the more “primitive” sound familiar because humans are groups are listed first and the mammals too! “advanced” mammals are last. The Although different species of Virginia opossum, a , mammals have certain characteristics has five fingers and toes, which is a in common, the mammalian class characteristic that is considered to is still an incredibly diverse group. be very primitive among mammals. Mammals come in all sorts of shapes White-tailed deer, on the other and sizes, the smallest being the hand, have a divided or split hoof pygmy shrew, weighing a mere one- considered to be more advanced in tenth of an ounce, and the largest evolution. Fewer toes with hooves being the blue whale, which can reach morphologies, over time that allow allow ungulates to take longer 160 tons – that’s 352,740 pounds! A them to do so. Such adaptations help strides and run faster than flat-footed vast array of adaptations among them to exploit different habitats, so mammals with five toes. DIDELPHIMORPHIA Didelphimorphia lo fr cran etrt in dexterity trees andinvading trashcans. certain a climbing when helps which , for allow much like a thumb. These characteristics acts that foot each on toe opposable an Opossums world. have long and scaly prehensile the and in mammals primitive most and oldest the among are They Hemisphere. Western the of and develop. growto continue will wherethey birth, after immediately pouch female’s the to crawl can they that so legs front tiny with equipped are young The premature born. are when developed opossums, fully not as such , mammals, most Unlike females. a the of of abdomen presence the on pouch, or the characteristic marsupium, is marsupials chief among of A unique is mammals. reproduction of M psus r cmo inhabitants common are Opossums group because their mode mode their fascinating because a group are arsupials O rder DIDELPHIMORPHIA reproduction habitat description to place.to place from get to female’sback adult short the on ride a for hitch will pouch and periods opossums the young from emerge age, three of about At months survive. to female’s pouch the in teat a to crawl must offspring The birth. at born. (1/15 ounce) are they undeveloped tiny and are Opossums her before weeks carries two approximately for opossum internally young female A farmland and interspersed. with wetlands, area an woods, is however, be habitat, also city.Ideal the can and suburbia in found and adaptable Quite that nose. apink in snoutends pointed long, a and fur, without ears tail, scaly long, a has It cat, with grayish fur. coarse, grizzled, house a of size the about is adult An Virginia Opossum

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Didelphis virginiana 6 did you know? in North America. North in marsupial only the is opossum The INSECTIVORA Insectivora xetoa sne o sel and smell touch togetaround andfindfood. of senses exceptional their use reduced.insectivores these Instead, is vision and small often very are eyes sight. the of this, of sense Because the for need little having thus tunnels, underground dark, in time their of much moles spend and appearance. in -like are that mammals small moles; and shrews includes group primarily on insects. The insectivore A Insectivora, these feed animals these Insectivora, s indicated by the order’s name, O rder INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description A shrew’s heart beats more than than more beats minute! per 1,200 times heart shrew’s A with year 10 to two litter. per young per litter one than more produce They logs. under or stumps in usually grasses, and leaves dry of out nests construct shrews Masked brushland. country, and open a in forests, including habitats, of found variety be can shrews Masked parts. upper the than paler parts under the with color, in grayish-brown is shrew masked The Masked Shrew

 Gary Meszaros cinereus Sorex 8 INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description warmth. warmth. is one may shrew than for nest together least the more winter, the In social. somewhat shrews, most Unlike litter. per young six to year,per one litter about and three than more November, to with from March in breed they Ohio, sometimes In debris, beehives. and under nest underground, shrews Least marshes. in found be grass- also can It open, areas. brushy or covered prefer shrews Least shrews. other extremely from it distinguish and to help tail short color The color. in cinnamon and velvety, dense, is Fur

 Gregory G. Dimijian, MD / Photo Researchers Inc. Least Shrew Cryptotis parva Cryptotis 9 INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description negon tne sses but or logs. stumps in nest systems, usually they tunnel underground in forage and travel shrews Smoky spring. the summer. the in in born later produced be may litter Another are blind naked, three young seven of to two period weeks, gestation a After in hemlock forests. and live birch of litter generally leaf the shrews Smoky color. in pale are feet Its above. brown and below yellowish a is that tail bicolored for except brown dull Uniformly Smoky Shrew  Gary Meszaros Sorex fumeus Sorex 10 INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description equal to that of adime! of that to equal about is weight smallest Its mammal. the living is shrew pygmy The days. 19 is period gestation average The to eight young three with in a litter. August, and June between litter year, a one produce shrews Pygmy wooded and clearings, including areas, open and habitats, of variety a in live can shrews Pygmy underbelly. colored lighter a with gray to brown gray- is hair The head. narrow and nose pointed a has shrew tiny This floodplains. swamps, grassy grassy swamps, Pygmy Shrew Sorex hoyi Sorex

11

 E.R. Degginger/ Photo Researchers, Inc. Researchers, Photo Degginger/ E.R. INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description material which helps in subduing subduing in . and prey, snails as such helps which toxic material a produce shrew short-tailed Northern the of glands salivary The alitter. in are young eight to five and days per 21 last litters usually periods three Gestation year. to up females with producing from September to occurs March season breeding The brushy and marshes, forests, in found likely most are they but habitat, particular a to restricted not are shrews These short is heavy.and snout The tail. short a and fur colored slate-gray dense, Short, Northern Short-tailed Shrew areas. grasslands, grasslands,

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Blarina brevicauda Blarina 12 INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description insects. eat and unwanted soil aerate the also they gardens, and lawns cause to damage may mole Eastern the While age.of month one about they at tunnel maturity until reach the female the in with nest system a in live They born. are young five to four weeks, six about of period gestation a spring. After the in place takes Breeding fields. and gardens, courses, golf lawns, as such soil loam sandy moist, with areas in underground burrow moles Eastern hairless. is tail The color. slate-gray to silvery a is fur soft Their skin. of layer thin a external with covered of are palms eyes tiny The ears. lack the outward; with turned feet front Broad  Ohio Division of Wildlife Scalopus aquaticus Scalopus 13 INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description for eight years or more by many many by more moles. these of generations or years eight for used be may tunnels Underground age.of month one about at they maturity reach until tunnel female the the in with nest system a in born. live are They young four an gestation of weeks, average a four about After of period year. a or once twice breed moles Hairy-tailed good wet soils. with found heavy, avoid soils they cover; are vegetative loam moles sandy in Hairy-tailed a has and smaller tail. hairy is distinctly it except mole, Eastern the like much Looks Hairy-tailed Mole

 D.C. Gordon/ American Soc. Mammalogists Parascalops breweri Parascalops 14 INSECTIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description or lake. or lake. stream a of surface the under open tunnels its of many so semiaquatic, is star-nosed moles, most the Unlike April between June. and born being seven young to three with produced year is per litter one Only remain season. and mating the fall throughout the together in up pair moles star-nosed female and Male or streams. lakes wet near soil low, inhabit moles Star-nosed hairy. is tail the and black body The is or dark brown tentacles. fleshy fingerlike, 22 by surrounded Easily by identified its nose, which is Star-nosed Mole

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Condylura cristata Condylura 15 CHIROPTERA Chiroptera B spring. This is referred to as delayed delayed as to fertilization. referred is This spring. following the hibernation females from the awake until delayed begins. are egg the hibernation of fertilization and ovulation However, winter before surroundings. their about details bats The echo to determine to listen the returning environment. the in off objects bounce that waves sound produce which sounds high-pitched making by echolocate Bats night. at food find and navigate to echolocation use they dark, the in see to are easy not is it and bats nocturnal Because vertebrates. other blood, or fruit, on feed may world parts the other of in species some but wing, the on catch can they that insects flying they birds. and bats but like fly truly time, cannot short a soar for air to through them allow “gliding that have membranes” mammals other few A fly. can and wings have that mammals Bats typically mate in the fall, right right fall, the in mate typically Bats eat and insectivorous are bats Ohio All they are the only group of of group only the are they because unique especially are ats O rder CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description trees, bat boxes, buildings) for for sites buildings) ng boxes, rearing i pup bat roost trees, use s Bat and/or areas. in suburban urban and in found also found streams are They lakes. along are areas bats forested brown Little brown. dark are membranes slightly with wing The parts, parts. under grayish paler, brown upper dark the uniformly on is fur The during the summer. the during (e.g., (e.g., Little Brown Bat

 R. K. LaVal / American Soc. Mammalogists Myotis lucifugus Myotis 17 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description the winter. the in leaf litter or under tree bark during hibernate species bat other structures, whereas human-made or mines, caves, in hibernate species bat Some suburban water. around and areas, and/or urban forest openings, fields, including habitats, of Big found a bats in are brown variety brown. dark are membranes wing and ears The bats. Ohio other and in silky appearance, compared to The is under fur parts. relatively long paler slightly with parts, upper the medium to Uniformly dark brown on Big Brown Bat

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Eptesicus fuscus Eptesicus 18 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description to fly at four to six weeks of age. of weeks six to at four fly to learn and weaned are pups bat Most cave in roost bark. behind They crevices and trees, hollow entrances, forested in found areas. are bats These silky. long and is fur The nostrils. the bordering nose, the on lumps fleshy large two and ears long exceptionally has species This Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat

 Merlin D. Tuttle / Bat Conservation International Inc. Corynorhinus rafinesquii Corynorhinus 19 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description adult male bats roost in solitary solitary in roost roosts. bachelor bats and male colonies adult maternity female form adult bats summer, the During along found be can wooded streams. inhabit and bats woods long-eared Northern forward. laid when nose the of beyond tip the slightly extend ears The is fur dull in color and large their Northern Long-eared Bat

 R.K. LaVal/ American Soc. Mammalogists Myotis septentrionalis Myotis 20 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description they are able to make a clicking clicking a make to mother. the signal to sound able are altricial, are they bats young Although water.near woods open prefer bats Tri-colored Ohio’s of bats. smallest the is species This wide. are they than ears longer The are black. the is and membrane wing reddish-brown. pinkish are dark forearms The a to brown Varies colorin a from pale yellowish- Tri-colored Bat Perimyotis subflavus Perimyotis

21

Ohio Division of Wildlife of Division Ohio CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description forage for insects on warm, sunny sunny days. winter warm, on insects for forage may They cavities. tree or within roost litter leaf the into down burrow winter the for Ohio warmer in stay that bats to travel southern states for the winter. The red bats, dwelling forest other as well as bats, red Some hedgerows. and edges, forest forests, in foliage the among roost bats Red tail). and legs its connecting the including reddish body, are the covers a fur soft Dense, tint. females with yellowish and reddish- colorusually to in red brown bright are Males (the skin skin (the uropatagium

 Merlin D. Tuttle / Bat Conservation International Inc. Lasiurus borealis Lasiurus Red Bat 22 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description one hour or two after sunset and and sunset after sunrise. before two or hour one bats feed nocturnal, they are Because of foliage the forests. coniferous and deciduous in roost bats Hoary uropatagium. the including dark, its fur. Fur covers its body,white-tipped of because is frosted its appearance Ohio; in bat largest The

 Gary Retherford / Photo Researchers Inc. Hoary Bat Hoary Lasiurus cinereus Lasiurus 23 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description Contrary to popular belief, attacks attacks rare. extremely are bats by belief, popular to Contrary in nearby. found streams and ponds with are forests northern mature bats Silver-haired hairs. black made by appearance its white-tipped Can be easily identified by the frosted Silver-haired Bat

 Merlin D. Tuttle / Bat Conservation International Inc. Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasionycteris 24 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description do not carry rabies. do carry not most bats belief, to popular Contrary areas. or mountainous hilly in forests coniferous and deciduous in found are bats small-footed Eastern in length. mm) (6-8 mask, inches 0.2-0.3 facial measure that feet black small and ears, black a small with Small Eastern Small-footed Bat

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Myotis leibii Myotis 25 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description rarely found in caves. in found rarely is and bat forest a is bat evening The wetlands. and corridors river as such habitats, open and forest prefer bats Evening black. and hairless is muzzle The lighter. slightly are underside its on hairs the whereas bronze-brown, that on bat.its brown a back are The hairs bat version brown of big the a smaller like looks medium-sized A

Merlin D. Tuttle / Bat Conservation International Inc.  Evening Bat Nycticeius humeralis Nycticeius 26 CHIROPTERA did you know? habitat description anyone’s hair. in interested they are nor blind, not are bats belief, popular to Contrary streams. along areas semi-wooded or wooded in found are bats Indiana near (cartilage tail). the calcar has the on keel species a and this hairs toe inconspicuous but shorter little bat, the to brown appearance in Similar

 Merlin D. Tuttle / Bat Conservation International Inc. Indiana Bat Myotis sodalis Myotis 27 Order

Lagomorpha he order Lagomorpha includes LAGOMORPHA T rabbits, hares, and pikas. Rabbits and hares are stout-bodied animals that resemble large with short tails and long ears. Their big feet and strong hind legs are specialized for running and quickly escaping danger. Pikas are a similar animal found in the western U.S. Like rodents, rabbits and hares have two large incisors (front teeth) that continually grow and must be kept short by gnawing, or else they could grow too long and prevent eating. All species in the rabbit family are herbivores that feed on grasses and other plants. LAGOMORPHA did you know? reproduction habitat description 18 miles per hour! per 18 miles to up speeds at run can Cottontails them. day feed to per the twice or once in returns only and young nest the conceals female The days. five to four for open not with do eyes that closed and fur helpless fine very born are young The and grass fur from the female’s body. depression dry with shallow lined ground, the a in made is nest The near. cover escape if brushy areas is urban sub in found be also but weeds will and prefer grasses bunch with Rabbits fields old areas. brushy or thickets by bordered areas Open ball. cotton a resembles that tail a of white tuft small a and ears, long body, brownish-gray a with rabbit large A Eastern Cottontail Rabbit -

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Sylvilagus floridanus Sylvilagus 29 LAGOMORPHA reproduction habitat description are weaned and disperse. and weaned are The they when old, weeks four nurse. about are to time they until young for the cares female a few at a for minutes in together day come only the hide and during young locations separate The conditions. environmental on depending year, a litters four to up have may Females thickets, lowlands. bogs, and riverside coniferous cedar swamps, rows, fence fields, open in found are Hares fur winter fur. summer brown thin grow and their shed they spring, the helps In snow. the with that in blend coat them white thick a have hares snowshoe winter, the jumping. During and running while the snow of top on stay to hare the allow to snowshoes like act feet Their toes. the between webbing have and long inches seven to up be can feet hind Their rabbits. than larger are Hares Snowshoe Hare

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Lepus americanus Lepus 30 did you know? almost hairless with eyes closed closed weeks. several eyes for don’tnest with and leavethe (altricial) hairless almost born are rabbits but (precocial), run to able are and eyes, open fur, with born in are hares Young different ways: several are rabbits and Hares Order

Rodentia odents are the most numerous R mammals, with over 2,000 species in the world today. Although diverse, all rodents have incisors that grow continuously and must be kept short by gnawing. Many rodents, such as mice and voles, are important food sources for predators, making them a vital part of the ecosystem. Despite their popularity as prey, rodents are considered to be one of the most successful groups of mammals because of their high reproductive rate and ability to adapt to almost any environment. RODENTIA RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description they periodically snack on during during months. on winter the snack periodically they that their in food of stores continuously. Instead, they keep large hibernate not do chipmunks Eastern gestation a after about of 31 days.period born are young five to Four summer. early in other the and spring early in one seasons; breeding two has chipmunk Eastern family, the of squirrel the others Like areas. brushy and forests deciduous many inhabit Chipmunks brown by These separated colors. white, or gray back. are the stripes on five stripes with black color in Reddish-brown Eastern Chipmunk ,

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Tamias striatus Tamias 32 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description hibernates about six months out of of year! the out months six about squirrel hibernates ground thirteen-lined The usually Females ayear. litter month. one only produce a after about burrow the leave and quickly mature They born. are seven young 10 days, to 28 in of period ends a gestation After mate. squirrels hibernation these April, after Soon courses. golf and prairies mid-grass to short open inhabit squirrels ground These long tail. five-inch three-to a including long, inches 12 to seven about measuring small, are on They back. and stripes sides the whitish 13 with Brown Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Spermophilus tridecemlineatus Spermophilus  Mark Duffy / World of Stock 33 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description branches and dens are formed in in formed or branches. trunks hollow tree tree are are dens of and nests crotches branches the Leaf in den. located and leaf nests: of types two use Squirrels summer. in and winter in a year; twice breed usually Squirrels nests, houses. bird leaf occasionally and in dens, reared are Youngsquirrels ritual. courtship the of part a be to thought is trees around and upGray running and squirrels down large in trees. hardwood of expanses found are squirrels Gray color.grayish-white a of more have is belly Its cast. reddish may a that animal give the will that tips orange hairs with Gray Eastern Gray Squirrel

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Sciurus carolinensis Sciurus 34 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description stands upright with its tail over its it. its flicking back, over tail its with upright stands it threatened, is squirrel fox a When weeks. five least at for milk female’s the on rely and helpless are They days. 44 about after born are young three to two of litter A June. and a December in twice year; mate usually squirrels Fox forests. mixed and deciduous inhabit squirrels Fox throughout. hairs or black gray dark of reddish- mixture a a with is orange itself tail The brown. yellowish- are tail its of tips the and belly, reddish-yellow cheeks, and feet. a Tufts behind the ears with gray yellowish a is body squirrel’s fox the the gray squirrel, than larger Slightly

Ohio Division of Wildlife

 Fox Squirrel Sciur us 35 niger RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description be up to 30 feet across and 1.5 feet feet 1.5 deep! and across feet 30 to up be can squirrels red by made middens do. cousins larger their them The like of burying instead or piles, middens, in cones conifer store squirrels Red a after litter per 38 days. of period gestation born seven are to young Two August-September. and April-May breed squirrels Red forests. mixed and are found Red in coniferous squirrels a and coat bushy. is belly. tail The whitish reddish or yellowish uniformly a has It Ohio. in squirrel tree smallest the is squirrel red The

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Tamiasciurus 36 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description squirrel in Ohio because it is is it because Ohio seldom seen. and nocturnal in squirrel common most the is the squirrel flying that realize don’t people Most born. are young six to two days, 40 about May of period between gestation a July. After and again and a March twice and place February between once year, takes Breeding for or trees. deciduous-coniferous of squirrels woodlands ests flying inhabit Southern parts. under on the white and olive-brown parts upper an the on color is fur The tree. to to to glide allows from tree the squirrel wrist skin from this outstretched, When ankle. extends that skin loose of flap a is “gliding which membrane,” a by distinguished Easily deciduous or mixed mixed or deciduous Southern Flying Squirrel -

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Glaucomys volans Glaucomys 37 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description Woodchucks are also called called also are or whistlepigs. groundhogs Woodchucks develop they until own. their of territories them to for continue care will she but burrows, nearby into off young the drive will female grow the that midsummer young By rapidly. seven to two to birth gives female The mate. a male seeks of the spring, out the in coming hibernation after Immediately hawks, or . humans, as and such predators to see iteasy where is grass pastures, open lands, prefer Woodchucks for digging. suited well are and color in black to brown dark typically are feet and legs The cast. reddish grizzled a with usually grayish-brown is fur coarse The woodlands woodlands -

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Woodchuck Marmota monax Marmota 38 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description is the softer growing tissue under under trees. of bark tissue the growing softer the is which cambium, and bark eat They pounds! 60 to up weighing rodent, The beaver is North America’s largest swim to able 24 hours. within are eyes and their open, with furred, are born kits The days. 128 about of period gestation a after July, and April between born are young monogamous; generally are Beavers rivers. and lakes, ponds, forested found in Beavers are aquatic ears; an and existence. for suited nostrils adaptations closable membranes and eye transparent have also They teeth. front huge and tail, with paddle-like flattened, a furbearers feet, webbed large are Beavers American Beaver

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Castor canadensis Castor 39 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description a good good spend a may an and is climber, mouse excellent harvest Eastern The November. May and between born is young five of to two litter a days, 21 about of period gestation a After grasses. shredded on out the ground of are constructed nests spherical baseball-sized, The marshes, mouse fields, vest wet har old and n habits in Easter The are tail the back. the than paler of underside belly the the and but color, brown rich, A vegetation. above ground in dense dense in ground above deal of its time foraging foraging time its of deal meadows. Eastern Harvest Mouse

 R. W. Van Devender / American Soc. Mammalogists humulis humulis Reithrodontomys 40 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description other deer mice. deer other surface; hard to signal may as a serve warning this a against up down rapidly may pawsand front mice their deer drum disturbed, When but develop quickly. very birth at altricial are young The year. to each produced two are Usually litters four young. six or five has averagelitter The buildings. and nest Deer mice in will trees, burrows, brushlands, deserts. and fields, agricultural grasslands, forests, in found be can They range. its within Inhabits nearly every dry-land habitat above. dark and below white it is bicolored; sharply always is tail The brown. reddish a deep a from to gray pale ranges color Their house mouse. common a of size the About Deer Mouse  Gary Meszaros maniculatus Peromyscus 41 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description buzzing. buzzing. a on paws front to produce a long musical their with drumming leaf dry a or white- is reed hollow of mice behavior footed distinctive A days. 28 to a are born after period of gestation 22 young six to two of June. litter A and March between which season, occurs breeding four the during to year per two litters produces mouse This brushy or woody areas. in found often most but areas, of variety a Inhabits body. the of length entire the white. is shorter The than tail usually rich to are feet and pale belly Its reddish-brown. a are parts upper The White-footed Mouse

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus 42 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description they reach the shoulders. This This shoulders. rats. the other from it apart sets characteristic reach back, they pulled when that long so are whiskers woodrat’s Allegheny The ayear. litters three produce usually and crevices rock in nest Woodrats areas. forested caves, in and cliffs as found such outcrops, rocky be in can woodrats Allegheny underneath. white are above, gray blackish is and hair with feet and covered completely is tail The white. undersides the color and in brownish-gray is body the squirrel; gray a of size the Roughly Allegheny Woodrat

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Neotoma magister Neotoma 43 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description Meadow voles are excellent excellent are voles swimmers! Meadow a after nine to 21 of days. period gestation one year-round of litters breed with voles Meadow and lakes, streams, swamps. near other and places meadows, marshes, in grassy found fields, be can the voles; of distributed widely most The and long soft. is fur The tail. bi-colored and belly gray dark or buffy slightly to a silvery color with in brown Dark Meadow Vole

 Gary Meszaros pennsylvanicus Microtus 44 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description utter a chirplike bark that can be be can away. feet six to that three heard bark chirplike a utter voles red-backed disturbed, When 17-19days. is period gestation The litter. per young six to four with October, and March between usually year, a litters three or two produce Females mixed or forests. deciduous, in areas coniferous, damp prefer voles These sides. gray and back by reddish its voles other from Distinguished Southern Red-backed Vole Clethrionomys gapperi Clethrionomys

45

Robert J. Erwin / Photo Researchers Inc. Researchers Photo / Erwin J. Robert RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description Pine voles are also known as as known also are “woodland” voles. voles Pine or logs. stumps under located are Nests litter. days. 21 about per lasts average Gestation young seven an to with three of year, per one fall. litter than the more produce through Females spring the place monogamous in takes mating are and animals voles Pine soil. loose leavesof and layers thick the in floor forest the on live They forests. deciduous Eastern parts. under silvery or whitish with fur colored little This vole has soft, thick, auburn Pine Vole Microtus pinetorum pinetorum Microtus

46

John Serrao / Photo Researchers Inc. Researchers Photo / Serrao John RODENTIA did you know? habitat description from predators. from use them hide to help that tunnels grass voles through systems runway ground, extensive above When they although year. the throughout breed October, and May to birth between an give usually young four or three Females mate. share their with voles nest grass-lined underground, prairie Female reproduction in common places. dry fairly other and are fencerows, voles prairies, Prairie relatively is tail short. its and yellowish or whitish is a belly Its look. it grizzled giving brownish-yellow, tipped with hair brown dark to Grayish old cemeteries, old cemeteries,

 Gary Meszaros Prairie Vole Microtus ochrogaster ochrogaster Microtus 47 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description usually built from dry grasses and and stumps. under hidden grasses dry from built usually runways are Nests tunnels. via underground and travel Bog days.about 23 lasts Gestation litter. per young or four three two with year, a produce litters three to will female An average September. produced and April being between round litters year most place with takes Breeding growth. vegetative damp bogs and meadows with heavy low, in live lemmings bog Southern hair. by extremely is short tail and its ears are nearly a Its concealed belly. and grayish parts upper gray Brownish Southern BogLemming

 L.L. Master / American Soc. Mammalogists Synaptomys cooperi Synaptomys 48 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description catch up them! to catch It hour. to per swimmer Olympic an miles take would three to two to up of speeds at swim can own. on their are and month a within of themselves care take to to able are able They are swim. and fur have muskrats Only two weeks the birth after young hairless. born are and young. breeding after weeks seven four to three born to are Young four containing litter each with to year, per one litters five produce normally Females canals. and rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, as such areas, aquatic in live Muskrats rat-like. long and gets is that tail The throat. brown the around dark lighter a is fur The

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Ondatra zibethicus Ondatra Muskrat 49 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description known to produce up to 12 litters litters been 12 year! per to have up produce to rats known Norway Female are 21-22 young days. 10 of to period gestation a after produced eight of Litters breeder. cooperative a of somewhat species this makes care communal and tend to in breed large animals groups, where social are rats These basements. be and sewers, dumps, garbage can fields, open shelter place woodlands, including and found, any food inhabit where rats Norway its tail. by distinguished scaly long, and color grayish-brown be can that A of member large the mouse family

 Terry Whittaker / Photo Researchers Inc. Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus Rattus 50 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description for them, such as deserts and and deserts as such tundra. them, for that be would inhospitable otherwise with association live can areas mice house in humans, their of Because of 18-21period a gestation after days. young 11 to They three of year. litters produce per litters several with often reproduces mouse house The buildings. live in usually mice house are While humans. with association close in found Generally scaly. is tail belly.The buff-colored or a gray with mouse gray-brown small, A occasionally found in fields, they occasionally House Mouse

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Mus musculus Mus 51 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description on its tail. on its tip white a have not does and color, and in meadow duller smaller, is The mouse jumping confused. mice often and similar are mice jumping jumping woodland Meadow year. per May. litters three or two produce will or Females litter. a in are young five to April four and days 18-21 in lasts Gestation after occurs hibernation season breeding The grasslands. moist low, in found often most but cover, herbaceous with habitats of a variety in found are mice jumping Meadow tail. the of tip at the hair black of tuft tiny a has It feet. hind large and tail long a with color Olive-yellowin Meadow Jumping Mouse

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Zapus hudsonius Zapus 52 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description six feet (1.8 feet m)!six as far as (0.6and m) feet two as high Woodland mice jumping can jump as with litter. per young five to season, three per litters two or produce one Females days. 29 about of period gestation a and after June September, between mate hibernation. born are from Young mice emerging after jumping Woodland in borders. stream and wet bogs including water, live near areas mice brushy jumping Woodland white- long, tail. tipped a and feet, belly, hind white large yellowish back, brownish bright sides, its by Identified Woodland Jumping Mouse

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Napaeozapus insignis insignis Napaeozapus 53 RODENTIA did you know? reproduction habitat description rodent in North America, after the the beaver. after America, North in rodent second-largest the is porcupine The birth. after minutes harden within that quills soft with born is or May.April in offspring young The one seven to birth of gives female a period months, gestation a After home at more ground. onthe than is it where trees, in present often is It areas. brushy and forested in found be the can porcupine Ohio, in uncommon Although spines. yellow on their are to brown black in color of bands with They slow. and clumsy appear coat it spiny makes that its body stout heavy, by and identify to Easy

 Richard Day / Daybreak Imagery Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Erethizon 54 Order

Carnivora hile the term “carnivorous” W means to eat meat, not all carnivorous mammals are included in this order. Nor are all those included in Carnivora strictly carnivores. This extremely diverse group includes dogs, cats, bears, raccoons, and weasels. Most carnivores have excellent senses, relatively large brains, and are strong runners. They also have teeth and claws that are specially adapted to cutting and tearing meat. All of these characteristics are beneficial to this group of efficient hunters. CARNIVORA CARNIVORA reproduction habitat description the watch of the adults. the of watch the under den the leave young the age, of weeks three about At young. feed the and food for later. six hunt months adults about Both two of born are litter young A March. and January late between occurs Mating areas. urban and rural in woodlots forests, and clearcuts, including advantage, its to habitat any most exploit can and it adapt that is strength coyote’s The with tipped usually black. is which tail bushy a has It coloration. off-white gray, are or coyotes brown rusty, a show some though of majority a The wolf, Ohio. a in found currently not than species smaller much and dog in medium-sized a similar to very appearance animal, slender A

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Coyote Canis latrans Canis 56 did you know? Ohio. The other two canids are the fox. the red the fox and gray are canids two other The in Ohio. found family (dog) Canid the of they members three the small, of largest the are are coyotes Although CARNIVORA reproduction habitat description on hunting trips where they learn learn they skills. survival basic where trips hunting on adults the accompany They are weaned. young the until female nursing the to food brings male The spring. the in born is kits 10 a to one and of litter winter the in occurs Mating as areas, including brushlands. as well wooded and cultivated, habitats, variety a in of found are foxes Red the tip. awhite in ends and with red mixed hairs black has tail bushy long, its black; are ears the of outside and its feet, legs, The Its white. are sides. cheeks and from and area, throat back undersides, color its or down face yellow rusty-red a reddish commonly Most mixed, mixed, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Vulpes

57

Ohio Division of Wildlife of Division Ohio did you know? their prey.their stalk they because cats like They hunt also Ohio. in found not wolves, are like which packs in travel not and do animals solitary are foxes Red CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description in North America that can climb climb can that trees. America North in Gray (dogs), foxes only the canids are mature are young own. go out to their on enough the when up of breaks unit year, family same the the fall By food. her bring will male the offspring, her nursing is female the While period. gestation 53-day a after averageAn born are of four kits spring. early in place takes Breeding human open little with partially land and wooded areas mostly in live foxes Gray sides. gray the it from separates band reddish a and white is belly Its the from base of the and tail ends runs in a black tip. stripe black pepper A and gray. salt a is color coat The presence. brush brush

Ohio Division of Wildlife Urocyon cinereoargenteus Urocyon  Gray Fox 58 CARNIVORA reproduction habitat description other year. other every birth give usually their Bears lives. of half a and year first the female for the with denning. cubs remain young while The three winter or the two during to birth gives (adult female) sow The fall. the until July, but of implantation and the egg is June delayed in breed bears Black understory. dense coniferous a with cover wooded prefers forests; and hardwood dry upland to wetlands and swamps ranging from habitats, wooded Heavily in Ohio. found not is which bear, dish-faced grizzly the from it helps is differentiate that profile, characteristic a in straight, face, Its and white. blue-black, even brown, cinnamon brown, chocolate black, include phases that color of range a in Appears

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Black Bear Black Ursus americanus Ursus 59 did you know? and only a small portion of their their of matter. animal of consists portion diet small a only and material, herbaceous bears eat belief, primarily popular to Contrary CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description females are called sows. called are females and boars called are raccoons Male or winter. fall the through female the stay with will raccoons the young to The exceptions rule. be can there but Typically February year, Ohio. each produced is litter one only in from March through mate Raccoons by. waterclose and big trees with areas wooded in live Raccoons rings. brown or dark black six to four has tail raccoon’s The with white. bottom and top mask on rimmed black is The pale underneath. a with gray color in black or Gray

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Raccoon Procyon lotor Procyon 60 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description Another name for the short-tailed short-tailed the “ermine.” is weasel for name Another to due days gestation 280 delayed implantation. a about of after period May and April between born is young eight the to four in of litter A summer. early and mate spring weasels Short-tailed farmlands. and wetlands, grasslands, areas, brushy wide a woodlands, open includes that range have weasels Short-tailed 40 than less is length. body total its of percent tail The length. in inches 13 are to seven They measuring small, winter. the in coat white and summer the coat in a brown Has Short-tailed Weasel

 Dennis Caldwell / World of Stock Mustela erminea Mustela 61 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description aggressive. They will even even will very than themselves. larger They much are animals threaten weasels aggressive. Long-tailed May. or early April in born are eight to and four of Litters 205 days. 337 between period gestation the making March, until develop to begin not does egg the but summer, the in occurs Breeding implantation. delayed exhibit weasels Long-tailed but water, avoid forests. they dense in near habitats found land most are weasels Long-tailed length. 40 more of percent than its body total is tail The tail. winter. bushy long, its of end the the on tip black the and parts under in coat yellowish-white its by Distinguished summer white the in and coat brown a Has Long-tailed Weasel

 Richard Day/ Daybreak Imagery Mustela frenata Mustela 62 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description member of the weasel family and and world. smallest the in carnivore smallest family the the weasel the is of member weasel least The ayear. in produced be may young five to four of litters Multiple they although year. the of time any reproduce may summer, late and spring the in occurs breeding Most open fields. agricultural meadows, and inhabit areas, as brushy marshes, such weasels areas Least tail. short its of end the on tip weasels black a of lack the by other from is It winter. distinguished the in summer coat the white in and coat brown a Has Least Weasel  Ohio Division of Wildlife Mustela nivalis Mustela 63 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description like skunk musk. skunk like somewhat smells that fluid a excrete has scent anal which glands mink can the relative the skunk, its Like distant to due delayed implantation. variable is period gestation The log. or a stump stream a under or a lake, or in of bank den the along a The burrow makes winter. usually the female in occurs Mating in wooded especially or brushy areas. running near waters standing of marshes and lakes, found of waters are Mink Ohio. in do occur not ferrets but wild ferret, large a like much Looks black. a rich almost look can but a brown, chocolate with usually is body fur The narrow tail. bushy long, a Has streams and rivers and the streams

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Neovison vison Neovison Mink 64 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description transparent eye membrane. transparent webbed toes, long claws, and an including extra soil, the in adaptations burrowing for many has badger The at birth. blind and furred lightly are a They in nest. underground lined, spring, grass the in born are five young earlier, to egg One winter. until fertilized delayed is occurs the of implantation mating Though pastures. and fields habitats, as such shortgrass prefer Badgers black. are feet the and colors gray, buff and silvery of black, mix shaggy a is body the of rest The or patches, named. cheek are they which “badges,”for black the and surrounds eyes fur White nose. the over head from back the extends that stripe white a with animal stocky A

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Badger Taxidea taxus Taxidea 65 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description animal’s swimming ability and and length. body ability up makes about 50 of percent its total swimming the in animal’s important is tail otter’s The litter. anew of birth the to prior just until or months at eight or for seven least intact remains group the family but months, six to five are they time the by spring self-sufficient are otters early Young litter. a of in birth the following occurs Breeding habitats, aquatic in marshes. and lakes, rivers, including live Otters and flattened is muscular. tail The completely webbed. are feet large Their fur. a long, tapered body and short, dense with swimming, for adapted Highly

Ohio Division of Wildlife

 River Otter Lontra canadensis Lontra 66 CARNIVORA did you know? reproduction habitat description not discharge the foul smelling smelling do threatened. foul unless glands usually the scent their of contents discharge They not of scent-spraying the system mechanism. mammal, defense any most known the perhaps well has skunk The own. ontheir go off will young will the when fall group the until February This together stay young. 10 late to two from be in can Litters March. through mate Skunks and grasslands, habitats woods, clearings. agricultural of as mixture such a with areas open somewhat in found are Skunks tail. bushy the of base the to way the of may all or way part area extend shoulder the from “V” a forming lines white Twoshoulders. a with and head its black, on white of patch broad and long is hair The Striped Skunk  Richard Day / Daybreak Imagery Mephitis mephitis Mephitis 67 CARNIVORA reproduction habitat description late winter. late and disperse eight and own on in the fall life their begin will at they weaned and weeks fully are The young May. through anytime December from at occur ityear; mostly the occurs throughout may Breeding dens, hidden in crevices. or rocky hollow trees, sleep often land. including brush They and fields, habitats, old forests, of variety A tip tail. on its black a and tufts ear longer has Ohio, in found not is which lynx, the cousin, upper larger bobcat’s the The on surface. banding black (short) bobbed with is tail the and short are tufts ear The brown. reddish and brown, buff, brown, yellowish gray, light include to varies color coat The

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Bobcat Lynx rufus Lynx 68 did you know? The once common bobcat was was bobcat acomeback. made since common Ohio from 1850,in extirpated but has once The ARTIODACTYLA Artiodactyla as “rumination.” “rumination.” as fully be to referred is can process This digested. it before more even or food, it down order to break in cud, again the chews called then form It “cud.” semi-digested a regurgitating in then it it, eating first by food their digest that ungulates herbivorous of consist Ruminants state. the in occurs naturally deer still white-tailed deer. the American white-tailed only Today, the Elk, and bison, once Ohio: ungulates inhabited of species Three may by characterized U are ngulates White-tailed deer are ruminants. ruminants. are deer White-tailed having hooves. Some Some hooves. having also have horns or antlers. antlers. or horns have also O rder ARTIODACTYLA reproduction habitat description the summer. the in fawns ends. two or one has period female The rutting, or breeding, the on before go does more with will will breed to buck two the and the separate to Eventually prior a days mating. six over or five (females) of period does chase deer will among (males) Bucks mid-October. in begin activities Courtship areas, brushy edges. and thickets, dense including farmlands, habitats, woods, of variety A the spot to deer. way easiest the be can high, up flipped tail, white running, large the When legs. and the of (underside), insides tail the belly, on eyes,throat, the around found are patches White coat. winter grayish a and reddish coat and/orsummer a spring tan coats; seasonal two Has White-tailed Deer

 Ohio Division of Wildlife Odocoileus virginianus Odocoileus 70 did you know? but young females often stay with with years. for two mother stay the often females young but year, one after solitary become and mother their leave deer male Young Glossary Altricial – young which are helpless when born, Endothermic - of or relating to an organism Monogamous – having a single mate for one unable to care for themselves at birth that generates heat to maintain its body reproduction event, season or possibly lifespan temperature, typically above the temperature of Carnivore – that which feeds primarily on meat its surroundings; warm-blooded Morphology - the branch of biology that deals with Cervid – animal distinguished by the males the form and structure of organisms without having antlers Extinct – no members of a particular species consideration of function; study of the form and surviving anywhere in the world structure of an organism Coniferous - relating to trees or shrubs bearing cones and evergreen leaves Extirpated – no members of a particular species Nocturnal – most active at night surviving in certain portions of its original range, Courtship - specialized behavior in animals that but surviving elsewhere Omnivore – that which feeds on both vegetable leads to or initiates mating and animal substances Gestation period - the period of carrying young in Crepuscular – most active at dawn and dusk the uterus; the duration of pregnancy Opposable – a digit that rotates at the joint so that it can be placed opposite any of the other digits Deciduous - plants, trees, and shrubs that shed Habitat – an area or environment where a plant or their foliage at the end of the growing season animal normally lives or can be found; the kind Ovulation – discharge of eggs from the ovary Delayed fertilization – in most bats, mating occurs of environment in which an organism is able to Polygamous – one male which mates with several during fall, but the egg is not fertilized until after find adequate food, water, shelter and space for females hibernation in April. This strategy allows female survival bats to use stored energy reserves to survive Precocial – young born with hair or fur, eyes open, Herbaceous hibernation instead of producing a fetus. - green and leaflike in appearance or and the ability to move about immediately after texture; characteristic of a non-woody herb or birth Delayed implantation - in certain animals, the plant part embryo does not implant immediately following Prehensile - adapted for seizing, grasping, or Herbivore – that which feeds primarily on plants fertilization, but remains in a state of suspended holding, especially by wrapping around an growth or a diapause. A diapause allows for birth Hibernation - period of time when an animal object: an opossum’s prehensile tail to occur under the most favorable of conditions. becomes inactive or dormant, usually during Primitive – relating to an early or original stage; winter. Allows an animal to survive harsh Diurnal – most active at day primary or basic conditions using less energy than when active. Echolocation - A sensory system in certain animals, Regurgitate – to cast up partially digested food such as bats, in which usually high-pitched Incisor - a tooth adapted for cutting or gnawing, sounds are emitted and their echoes interpreted located at the front of the mouth Species of concern – species in need of concentrated to determine the direction and distance of objects. conservation efforts; receives no legal protection This system is primarily for finding prey and to Insectivore – that which feeds primarily on insects avoid obstacles in low-light conditions. Taxa - a scientific grouping of living things Litter – the offspring produced at one birth Ecosystem - a system formed by the interaction of Taxonomic order – an order for a list of taxa that Mammary gland - milk-producing glands in a community of organisms with their physical depicts evolutionary relationships environment female mammals that begin secreting milk when young are born Threatened – species that are likely to become Endangered – species is in imminent danger of endangered in the foreseeable future extinction throughout all or a significant portion Marsupial – a mammal of which the females have of its range a pouch where the young are fed and carried Vertebrate – having a backbone or spinal column DIVISION OF WILDLIFE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES W I L D O H I O . C O M REPTILES OF OHI DIVISION OF

WILDLIFE O f i e l d g u i d e

n OHIO identificatio SPORTFISH OFFE DIVISION OF WILDLI g u i d e HIO f i e l d MAMMALS OFE O DIVISION OF WILDLIF MAMMALS OF OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE f i e l d g u i d e

f i e l d g u i d e AMPHIBIANS OF OHIO FE DIVISION OF WILDLI

COMM0N BIRDS OF OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE c d g u i d e b o o k

c d g u i d e b o o k WATERBIRDS EOF OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIF

g u i d e b o o k IO c d IFE OWLS OF OH DIVISION OF WILDL

g u i d e b o o k c d

DS OF OHIO ILDLIFE WATERBIR DIVISION OF W

PUBLICATION FUNDING Funding for this publication was provided by donations to the state income tax checkoff program, sales of the cardinal license plate and Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.

For more information about Ohio native wildlife, please contact the Division of Wildlife: 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-750-0750 Ohio Relay TTY only)

PUBLICATION 5344 (R1012)