mammals of ohio field guide

8/12/2019 Mammals of Ohio Field Guide

1/72

MAMMALS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d eDIVISION OF WILDLIFE


2/72

About this Book

ActivityDiurnal Most active during the dayNocturnal Most active at nightCrepuscular Most active at dawn and dusk

A word about diurnal and nocturnal classifications.

In nature, it is virtually impossib le 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

mammals to change due to variations in weather,

food availability or human disturbances. The

designation of diurnal or nocturnal represent the

most common activity patterns of each species.

Tracks & SkullsMany mammals can be elusive to sighting, leavingonly a trail of clues that they were present. Carefulobservation is required to detect their presence. Asignificant sign that a mammal resides or has passedthrough an area are the tracks they leave behind.This guide il lustrates the tracks of the relevant speciesto help identify them in the field.

Method of FeedingCarnivore Feeds primarily on meatHerbivore Feeds primarily on plantsInsectivore Feeds primarily on insectsOmnivore Feeds on both plants and meat

Below are some helpful symbols for quick comparisons and identfication. They are

located in the same place for each species throughout this publication. Definitions for

the scientific terms used in this publication can be found at the end in the glossary.

CARNIVORA

descriptionGray or black in color with a palegray underneath. The black maskis rimmed on top and bottom withwhite. The raccoons tail has four tosix black or dark brown rings.

habitatRaccoons live in wooded areas withbig trees and water close by.

reproductionRaccoons mate from Februarythrough March in Ohio. Typicallyonly one litter is produced each year,but there can be exceptions to therule. The young raccoons will staywith the female through the fall orwinter.

did you know?Male raccoons are called boars andfemales are called sows.

Procyon lotor60

Raccoon

O

hioDivisionofWildlife


3/72

DIDELPHIMORPHIA5

6 Virginia Opossum

INSECTIVORA78 Masked Shrew9 Least Shrew10 Smoky Shrew11 Pygmy Shrew12 Northern Short-tailed Shrew13 Eastern Mole14 Hairy-tailed Mole

15 Star-nosed Mole

CHIROPTERA16

17 Little Brown Bat18 Big Brown Bat19 Rafinesques Big-eared Bat20 Northern Long-eared Bat21 Tri-colored Bat

22 Red Bat23 Hoary Bat24 Silver-haired Bat25 Eastern Small-footed Bat26 Evening Bat27 Indiana Bat

LAGOMORPHA28

29 Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

30 Snowshoe Hare

RODENTIA31

32 Eastern Chipmunk

33 Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

34 Eastern Gray Squirrel

35 Fox Squirrel

36 Red Squirrel

37 Southern Flying Squirrel38 Woodchuck

39 American Beaver

40 Eastern Harvest Mouse

41 Deer Mouse

42 White-footed Mouse

43 Allegheny Woodrat

44 Meadow Vole

45 Southern Red-backed Vole46 Pine Vole

47 Prairie Vole

48 Southern Bog Lemming

49 Muskrat

50 Norway Rat

51 House Mouse

52 Meadow Jumping Mouse

53 Woodland Jumping Mouse

54 Porcupine

CARNIVORA55

56 Coyote

57 Red Fox

58 Gray Fox

59 Black Bear

60 Raccoon61 Short-tailed Weasel

62 Long-tailed Weasel

63 Least Weasel

64 Mink

65 Badger

66 River Otter

67 Striped Skunk

68 Bobcat

ARTIODACTYLA69

70 White-tailed Deer

GLOSSARY71

Table of Contents


4/72

What exactly makes an animal a

mammal? First of all, all mammals

have hair or fur. They also have

endothermic (warm-blooded) bodies,

meaning the body can stay at a nearly

constant temperature, regardless

of the outside environment. Most

importantly, female mammals have

mammary glands that produce milk

for their offspring. Only mammals

can provide nourishment to theiryoung in this way. All of this should

sound familiar because humans are

mammals too!

Although different species of

mammals have certain characteristics

in common, the mammalian class

is still an incredibly diverse group.

Mammals come in all sorts of shapes

and sizes, the smallest being the

pygmy shrew, weighing a mere one-

tenth of an ounce, and the largest

being the blue whale, which can reach

160 tons thats 352,740 pounds! A

vast array of adaptations among

Class Mammaliamammals allows different species

to live very different lifestyles.

Mammals that fly, glide, run, burrow,

jump, or swim have evolved special

morphologies, over time that allow

them to do so. Such adaptations help

them to exploit different habitats, so

much so that mammals can be found

on every continent and in everyocean on earth. In the state of Ohio

alone, the diversity of mammals is

evident and can be seen from the t iny

mouse living in a barn to the big black

bear lumbering through a forest.

In this guide, the mammal orders

appear in taxonomic order, meaning

they are listed according to how they

evolved in relation to each other. Inother words, the more primitive

groups are listed first and the

advanced mammals are last. The

Virginia opossum, a marsupial,

has five fingers and toes, which is a

characteristic that is considered to

be very primitive among mammals.

White-tailed deer, on the other

hand, have a divided or split hoof

considered to be more advanced in

evolution. Fewer toes with hooves

allow ungulates to take longer

strides and run faster than flat-footed

mammals with five toes.


5/72

DIDELPHIMORPHIA

ORDERDidelphimorphiaarsupials are a fascinatinggroup because their mode

of reproduction is unique among

mammals. A chief characteristic

of marsupials is the presence of a

marsupium, or pouch, on the abdomen

of the females. Unlike most mammals,

marsupials, such as opossums, are

not fully developed when born. The

premature young are equipped withtiny front legs so that they can crawl to

the females pouch immediately after

birth, where they will continue to grow

and develop.

Opossums are common inhabitants

of the Western Hemisphere. They are

among the oldest and most primitive

mammals in the world. Opossums

have long and scaly prehensile tails and

an opposable toe on each foot that acts

much like a thumb. These characteristics

allow for a certain dexterity in

opossums, which helps when climbing

trees and invading trash cans.

M


6/72

DIDELPHIMORPHIA

descriptionAn adult is about the size of a housecat, with coarse, grizzled, grayish fur.

It has a long, scaly tail, ears withoutfur, and a long, pointed snout thatends in a pink nose.

habitatQuite adaptable and can also befound in suburbia and the city. Idealhabitat, however, is an area withwoods, wetlands, and farmlandinterspersed.

reproductionA female opossum carries heryoung internally for approximatelytwo weeks before they are born.Opossums are undeveloped and tiny(1/15 ounce) at birth. The offspringmust crawl to a teat in the femalespouch to survive. At about threemonths of age, young opossumsemerge from the pouch for shortperiods and will hitch a ride on theadult females back to get from placeto place. Didelphis virginiana

6

Virginia Opossum

did you know?The opossum is the only marsupialin North America.

OhioDivisiono

fWildlife


7/72

INSECTIVORA

ORDERInsectivoraA


8/72

INSECTIVORA

descriptionThe masked shrew is grayish-brownin color, with the under parts palerthan the upper parts.

habitatMasked shrews can be found in avariety of habitats, including forests,open country, and brushland.

reproductionMasked shrews construct nests outof dry leaves and grasses, usually instumps or under logs. They producemore than one litter per year withtwo to 10 young per litter.

did you know?A shrews heart beats more than

1,200 times per minute!

Sorex cinereus8

Masked Shrew

G

aryMeszaros


9/72


10/72

INSECTIVORA

description

Uniformly dull brown except for abicolored tail that is yellowish belowand brown above. Its feet are pale incolor.

habitatSmoky shrews generally live inthe leaf litter of birch and hemlockforests.

reproductionAfter a gestation period of threeweeks, two to seven naked, blindyoung are born in the spring.Another litter may be produced laterin the summer.

did you know?Smoky shrews travel and forage inunderground tunnel systems, butthey usually nest in stumps or logs.

Sorex fumeus10

Smoky Shrew

G

aryMeszaros


11/72

INSECTIVORA

descriptionThis tiny shrew has a pointed noseand narrow head. The hair is gray-

brown to gray with a lighter coloredunderbelly.

habitatPygmy shrews can live in a varietyof habitats, including woodedand open areas, swamps, grassyclearings, and floodplains.

reproductionPygmy shrews produce one littera year, between June and August,with three to eight young in a litter.The average gestation period is 19days.

did you know?

The pygmy shrew is the smallestliving mammal. Its weight is aboutequal to that of a dime!

Sorex hoyi11

Pygmy Shrew

E.R.Degginger/Photo

Researchers,Inc.


12/72

INSECTIVORA

descriptionShort, dense, slate-gray colored furand a short tail. The snout is short

and heavy.

habitatThese shrews are not restricted to aparticular habitat, but they are mostlikely found in forests, grasslands,marshes, a nd brushy areas.

reproductionThe breeding season occurs fromMarch to September with femalesproducing up to three litters peryear. Gestation periods usually last21 days and five to eight young arein a litter.

did you know?The salivary glands of the Northernshort-tailed shrew produce a toxicmaterial which helps in subduingprey, such as snails and earthworms.

Blarina brevicauda12

Northern Short-tailed Shrew

O

hioDivisiono

fWildlife


13/72

INSECTIVORA

descriptionBroad front feet with the palmsturned outward; lack of external

ears. The tiny eyes are covered witha thin layer of skin. Their soft fur isa silvery to slate-gray color. The tailis hairless.

habitatEastern moles burrow undergroundin areas with moist, sandy loam soilsuch as lawns, golf courses, gardens,

and fields.

reproductionBreeding takes place in the spring.After a gestation period of about sixweeks, four to five young are born.They live in a nest in the tunnelsystem with the female until theyreach maturity at about one monthof age.

did you know?While the Eastern mole may causedamage to lawns and gardens, theyalso aerate the soil and eat unwantedinsects.

Scalopus aquaticus13

Eastern Mole

O

hioDivisiono

fWildlife


14/72

INSECTIVORA

descriptionLooks much like the Eastern mole,except it is smaller and has a

distinctly hairy tail.

habitatHairy-tailed moles are foundin sandy loam soils with goodvegetative cover; they avoid heavy,wet soils.

reproductionHairy-tailed moles breed once ortwice a year. After a gestationperiod of about four weeks, anaverage of four young are born.They live in a nest in the tunnelsystem with the female until theyreach maturity at about one monthof age.

did you know?Underground tunnels may be usedfor eight years or more by manygenerations of these moles.

Parascalops breweri14

Hairy-tailed Mole

D.C.Gordon/AmericanSoc.M

ammalogists


15/72

INSECTIVORA

descriptionEasily identified by its nose, which issurrounded by 22 fingerlike, fleshy

tentacles. The body is dark brown orblack and the tail is hairy.

habitatStar-nosed moles inhabit low, wetsoil near lakes or streams.

reproduction

Male and female star-nosed molespair up in the fall and remaintogether throughout the matingseason. Only one litter per yearis produced with three to sevenyoung being born between Apriland June.

did you know?

Unlike most moles, the star-nosed issemiaquatic, so many of its tunnelsopen under the surface of a streamor lake.

Condylura cristata15

Star-nosed Mole

O

hioDivisiono

fWildlife


16/72

CHIROPTERA

ORDERChiropteraats are especially unique becausethey are the only group of

mammals that have wings and can fly.A few other mammals have glidingmembranes that allow them to soarthrough air for a short time, but theycannot truly fly like bats and birds.

All Ohio bats are insectivorous and eatflying insects that they can catch on thewing, but some species in other parts

of the world may feed on fruit, blood,or other vertebrates. Because bats arenocturnal and it is not easy to see in thedark, they use echolocation to navigateand find food at night. Bats echolocateby making high-pitched sounds whichproduce sound waves that bounce offobjects in the environment. The batslisten to the returning echo to determinedetails about their surroundings.

Bats typically mate in the fall, rightbefore winter hibernation begins.However, ovulation and fertilization ofthe egg are delayed until the femalesawake from hibernation the followingspring. This is referred to as delayedfertilization.

B


17/72

CHIROPTER

A

descriptionThe fur is uniformly dark brownon the upper parts, with slightlypaler, grayish under parts. The wingmembranes are dark brown.

habitatLittle brown bats are found inforested areas along streams and

lakes. They are also found in urbanand/or suburban areas.

did you know?Bats use roosting sites (e.g. ,trees, bat boxes, buildings) forpup rea ring during the summer.

Myotis lucifugus17

Little Brown Bat

R.K.LaVal/AmericanSoc.Mammalogists


18/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionUniformly medium to dark brown onthe upper parts, with slightly palerunder parts. The fur is relatively longand silky in appearance, compared toother Ohio bats. The ears and wingmembranes are dark brown.

habitat

Big brown bats are found in a varietyof habitats, including fields, forestopenings, urban and/or suburbanareas, and around water.

did you know?Some bat species hibernate in caves,mines, or human-made structures,whereas other bat species hibernate

in leaf litter or under tree bark duringthe winter.

Eptesicus fuscus18

Big Brown Bat

O

hioDivision

ofWildlife


19/72

CHIROPTER

A

descriptionThis species has exceptionally longears and two large fleshy lumps onthe nose, bordering the nostrils. Thefur is long and silky.

habitatThese bats are found in forestedareas. They roost in caveentrances, hollow trees, and crevicesbehind bark.

did you know?Most bat pups are weaned and learnto fly at four to six weeks of age.

Corynorhinus rafinesquii19

Rafinesques Big-eared Bat

M

erlinD.Tuttle

/BatConservationInternationalInc.


20/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionThe fur is dull in color and their largeears extend slightly beyond the tip ofthe nose when laid forward.

habitatNorthern long-eared bats inhabitwoods and can be found alongwooded streams.

did you know?During the summer, adult femalebats form maternity colonies andadult male bats roost in solitary

bachelor roosts.

Myotis septentrionalis20

Northern Long-eared Bat

R.K.LaVal/Ame

ricanSoc.Mammalogists


21/72

CHIROPTER

A

descriptionVaries in color from a pale yellowish-brown to a dark reddish-brown.The forearms are pinkish and thewing membrane is black. The earsare longer than they are wide. Thisspecies is the smallest of Ohios bats.

habitatTri-colored bats prefer open woodsnear water.

did you know?Although young bats are altricial,they are able to make a clickingsound to signal the mother.

Tri-colored Bat

Perimyotis subflavus21

OhioD

ivisionofWildlife


22/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionMales are bright red to reddish-brown in color and females areusually yellowish with a reddishtint. Dense, soft fur covers the body,including the uropatagium (the skinconnecting its legs and tail).

habitatRed bats roost among the foliage inforests, forest edges, and hedgerows.

did you know?Some red bats, as well as other forestdwelling bats, travel to warmersouthern states for the winter. The redbats that stay in Ohio for the winterburrow down into the leaf litter orroost within tree cavities. They mayforage for insects on warm, sunnywinter days.

Lasiurus borealis22

Red Bat

M

erlinD.Tuttle/BatConservationInternationalInc.


23/72

CHIROPTER

A

descriptionThe largest bat in Ohio; its frostedappearance is because of its dark,white-tipped fur. Fur covers its body,including the uropatagium.

habitat

Hoary bats roost in the foliage ofdeciduous and coniferous forests.

did you know?Because they are nocturnal, bats feedone hour or two after sunset andbefore sunrise.

Lasiurus cinereus23

Hoary Bat

G

aryRetherfo

rd/PhotoResearchersInc.

S


24/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionCan be easily identified by the frostedappearance made by its white-tippedblack hairs.

habitatSilver-haired bats are found inmature northern forests with pondsand streams nearby.

did you know?Contrary to popular belief, attacksby bats are extremely rare.

Lasionycteris noctivagans24

Silver-haired Bat

M

erlinD.Tuttle/BatConservationInternationalIn

c.

S ll f d


25/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionSmall with a black facial mask,small black ears, and small feet thatmeasure 0.2-0.3 inches (6-8 mm) inlength.

habitatEastern small-footed bats are foundin deciduous and coniferous forestsin hilly or mountainous areas.

did you know?Contrary to popular belief, most batsdo not carry rabies.

Myotis leibii25

Eastern Small-footed Bat

O


E i B


26/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionA medium-sized brown bat thatlooks like a smaller version of the bigbrown bat. The hairs on its back are abronze-brown, whereas the hairs onits underside are slightly lighter. Themuzzle is hairless and black.

habitatEvening bats prefer forest and openhabitats, such as river corridors andwetlands.

did you know?The evening bat is a forest bat and israrely found in caves.

Nycticeius humeralis26

Evening Bat

MerlinD.Tuttle/BatConservationInt

ernationalInc.

I di B


27/72

CHIROPTERA

descriptionSimilar in appearance to the littlebrown bat, but this species hasshorter inconspicuous toe hairs anda keel on the calcar (cartilage nearthe tail).

habitatIndiana bats are found in wooded orsemi-wooded areas along streams.

did you know?Contrary to popular belief, bats arenot blind, nor are they interested inanyones hair.

Myotis sodalis27

Indiana Bat

M

erlin

D.Tuttle/BatConservationInternatio

nalInc.

ORDER h


28/72

ORDERLagomorpha he order Lagomorpha includes

rabbits, hares, and pikas. Rabbitsand hares are stout-bodied animalsthat resemble large rodents withshort tails and long ears. Their big feetand strong hind legs are specializedfor running and quickly escapingdanger. Pikas are a similar animalfound in the western U.S.

Like rodents, rabbits and hares have

two large incisors (front teeth) thatcontinually grow and must be keptshort by gnawing, or else they couldgrow too long and prevent eating.All species in the rabbit family areherbivores that feed on grasses andother plants.

TLAGOMORPHA

E t C tt t il R bbit


29/72

LAGOMO

RPHA

descriptionA large rabbit with a brownish-graybody, long ears, and a small white

tuft of a tail that resembles a cottonball.

habitatOpen areas bordered by thicketsor brushy areas. Rabbits preferold fields with bunch grasses andweeds but will also be found in sub-urban areas if brushy escape cover is

near.

reproductionThe nest is a shallow depressionmade in the ground, lined with drygrass and fur from the females body.The young are born helpless withvery fine fur and closed eyes that donot open for four to five days. Thefemale conceals the young in thenest and only returns once or twiceper day to feed them.

did you know?Cottontails can run at speeds up to18 miles per hour! Sylvilagus floridanus

29

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

O

hioDivision

ofWildlife

S h H


30/72

LAGOMORPHA

descriptionHares are larger than rabbits. Theirhind feet can be up to seven inches

long and have webbing between thetoes. Their feet act like snowshoes toallow the hare to stay on top of thesnow while running and jumping.During the winter, snowshoe hareshave a thick white coat that helpsthem blend in with the snow. In thespring, they shed their winter furand grow thin brown summer fur.

habitatHares are found in open fields, fencerows, swamps, riverside thickets,cedar bogs, and coniferous lowlands.

reproductionFemales may have up to four littersa year, depending on environmental

conditions. The young hide inseparate locations during the dayand only come together for a fewminutes at a time to nurse. Thefemale cares for the young until theyare about four weeks old, when theyare weaned and disperse. Lepus americanus30

Snowshoe Hare

did you know?Hares and rabbits are different inseveral ways: Young hares are bornwith fur, open eyes, and are able torun (precocial), but rabbits are bornalmost hairless with eyes closed(altricial) and dont leave the nest forseveral weeks.

O

hioDivision

ofWildlife

ORDERd


31/72

Rodentia odents are the most numerous

mamma ls, with over 2,000species in the world today. Althoughdiverse, all rodents have incisorsthat grow continuously and mustbe kept short by gnawing.

Many rodents, such as mice andvoles, are important food sourcesfor predators, making them a vitalpart of the ecosystem. Despite their

popularity as prey, rodents areconsidered to be one of the mostsuccessful groups of mammalsbecause of their high reproductiverate and ability to adapt to almostany environment.

R

ROD

ENTIA

East r Chi k


32/72

RODENTIA description

Reddish-brown in color with fiveblack stripes on the back. These

stripes are separated by brown,white, or gray colors.

habitatChipmunks inhabit many deciduousforests and brushy areas.

reproductionLike others of the squirrel family, theEastern chipmunk has two breedingseasons; one in early spring and theother in early summer. Four to fiveyoung are born after a gestationperiod of about 31 days.

did you know?Eastern chipmunks do not hibernatecontinuously. Instead, they keep largestores of food in their burrows thatthey periodically snack on duringthe winter months.

Tamias striatus32

Eastern Chipmunk

O

hioDivision

ofWildlife

Thirteen lined Ground S uirrel


33/72

ROD

ENTIA

descriptionBrown with 13 whitish stripes onthe sides and back. They are small,

measuring about seven to 12 incheslong, including a three-to five-inchlong tail.

habitatThese ground squirrels inhabit openshort to mid-grass prairies and golfcourses.

reproductionSoon after hibernation ends inApril, these squirrels mate. After agestation period of 28 days, sevento 10 young are born. They maturequickly and leave the burrow afterabout a month. Females usuallyproduce only one litter a year.

did you know?The thirteen-lined ground squirrelhibernates about six months out ofthe year!

Spermophilus tridecemlineatus33

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

M

arkDuffy/

WorldofStock

Eastern Gray Squirrel


34/72


Gray with hairs that may haveorange tips that will give the animal

a reddish cast. Its belly is more of agrayish-white color.

habitatGray squirrels are found in largeexpanses of hardwood trees.

reproductionGray squirrels running up and downand around trees is thought to be apart of the courtship ritual. Youngsquirrels are reared in leaf nests,dens, and occasionally bird houses.Squirrels usually breed twice a year;in winter and in summer.

did you know?Squirrels use two types of nests:leaf and den. Leaf nests arelocated in the crotches of treebranches and dens are formed inhollow tree t runks or branches.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis34

O


Fox Squirrel


35/72

ROD

ENTIA

descriptionSlightly larger than the gray squirrel,the fox squirrels body is a yellowishgray with a reddish-yellow belly,cheeks, and feet. Tufts behind the earsand the tips of its tail are yellowish-brown. The tail itself is a reddish-orange with a mixture of dark grayor black hairs throughout.

habitatFox squirrels inhabit deciduous and

mixed forests.

reproductionFox squirrels usually mate twice ayear; in December and June. A litterof two to three young are born afterabout 44 days. They are helpless andrely on the females milk for at leastfive weeks.

did you know?When a fox squirrel is threatened, itstands upright with its tail over itsback, flicking it. Sciurus niger

35

Fox Squirrel

O

hioDivision

ofWildlife

Red Squirrel


36/72

RODENTIA

descriptionThe red squirrel is the smallest tree

squirrel in Ohio. It has a uniformlyyellowish or reddish coat and awhitish belly. The tail is bushy.

habitatRed squirrels are found in coniferousand mixed forests.

reproductionRed squirrels breed April-May andAugust-September. Two to sevenyoung are born per litter after agestation period of 38 days.

did you know?Red squirrels store conifer cones inmiddens, or piles, instead of burying

them like their larger cousins do. Themiddens made by red squirrels canbe up to 30 feet across and 1.5 feetdeep!

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus36

Red Squirrel

O


Southern Flying Squirrel


37/72

RODENTIA

descriptionEasily distinguished by a glidingmembrane, which is a flap of loose

skin that extends from wrist toankle. When outstretched, this skinallows the squirrel to glide from treeto tree. The fur is an olive-browncolor on the upper parts and whiteon the under parts.

habitatSouthern flying squirrelsinhabit woodlands or for-ests of deciduous or mixeddeciduous-coniferous trees.

reproductionBreeding takes place twice ayear, once between February andMarch and again between Mayand July. After a gestation period ofabout 40 days, two to six young areborn.

did you know?Most people dont realize that theflying squirrel is the most commonsquirrel in Ohio because it isnocturnal and seldom seen.

Southern Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys volans37

O


Woodchuck


38/72


The coarse fur is usually grizzledgrayish-brown with a reddish cast.The legs and feet are typically darkbrown to black in color and are wellsuited for digging.

habitatWoodchucks prefer open grass-lands, pastures, and woodlandswhere it is easy to see predators suchas humans, hawks, or coyotes.

reproductionImmediately after coming out ofhibernation in the spring, the maleseeks a mate. The female gives birthto two to seven young that growrapidly. By midsummer the femalewill drive the young off into nearbyburrows, but she will continue to

care for them until they developterritories of their own.

did you know?Woodchucks are a lso ca l ledgroundhogs or whistlepigs. Marmota monax

38

Woodchuck

O


American Beaver


39/72

RODENTIA

descriptionBeavers are large furbearers withwebbed feet, a flattened, paddle-liketail, and huge front teeth. They alsohave transparent eye membranesand closable nostrils and ears;adaptations suited for an aquaticexistence.

habitatBeavers are found in forested ponds,lakes, and rivers.

reproductionBeavers are generally monogamous;young are born between April and

July, after a gestation period ofabout 128 days. The kits areborn furred, with their eyesopen, and are able to swimwithin 24 hours.

did you know?The beaver is North Americas largestrodent, weighing up to 60 pounds!They eat bark and cambium, whichis the softer growing tissue underthe bark of trees.

Castor canadensis39

American Beaver

O


Eastern Harvest Mouse


40/72


A rich, brown color, but the bellyand the underside of the tail arepaler than the back.

habitatThe Eastern harvest mouseinhabits old f ie lds , marshes ,and wet meadows.

reproductionThe baseball-sized, spherical nests

are constructed on the ground out ofshredded grasses. After a gestationperiod of about 21 days, a litter oftwo to five young is born betweenMay and November.

did you know?The Eastern harvest mouse is anexcellent climber, and may spend

a good

deal of its time foragingabove ground in dense

vegetation. Reithrodontomys humulis40

Eastern Harvest Mouse

R.W.VanDevender/AmericanSoc.Mammalogists

Deer Mouse


41/72

RODENTIA

descriptionAbout the size of a common housemouse. Their color ranges from apale gray to a deep reddish brown.The tail is always sharply bicolored;it is white below and dark above.

habitatInhabits nearly every dry-land habitatwithin its range. They can be foundin forests, grasslands, brushlands,agricultural fields, and deserts.

reproductionDeer mice will nest in burrows, trees,and buildings. The average litter hasfive or six young. Usually two tofour litters are produced each year.The young are altricial at birth butdevelop very quickly.

did you know?When disturbed, deer mice maydrum their front paws rapidly upand down against a hard surface;this may serve as a warning signal toother deer mice. Peromyscus maniculatus

41

Deer Mouse

G

aryMesza

ros

White-footed Mouse


42/72


The upper parts are a pale to richreddish-brown. Its belly and feet arewhite. The tail is usually shorter thanthe entire length of the body.

habitatInhabits a variety of areas, but mostoften found in woody or brushyareas.

reproductionThis mouse produces two to fourlitters per year during the breedingseason, which occurs between Marchand June. A litter of two to six youngare born after a gestation period of 22to 28 days.

did you know?A distinctive behavior of white-

footed mice is drumming on ahollow reed or a dry leaf with theirfront paws to produce a long musicalbuzzing.

Peromyscus leucopus42

White-footed Mouse

O


Allegheny Woodrat


43/72

RODENTIA

descriptionRoughly the size of a gray squirrel;the body is brownish-gray in color

and the undersides and feet arewhite. The tail is completely coveredwith hair and is blackish gray above,white underneath.

habitatAllegheny woodrats can be foundin rocky outcrops, such as cliffs andcaves, in forested areas.

reproductionWoodrats nest in rock crevices andusually produce three litters a year.

did you know?The Allegheny woodrats whiskersare so long that when pulled back,

they reach the shoulders. Thischaracteristic sets it apart from otherrats.

Neotoma magister43

Allegheny Woodrat

O

hioDivisio

nofWildlife

Meadow Vole


44/72


Dark brown in color with a silvery toslightly buffy or dark gray belly andbi-colored tail. The fur is long andsoft.

habitatThe most widely distributed of thevoles; can be found in meadows,fields, grassy marshes, and otherplaces near streams, lakes, andswamps.

reproductionMeadow voles breed year-roundwith litters of one to nine after agestation period of 21 days.

did you know?Meadow voles are excellentswimmers!

Microtus pennsylvanicus44

Meadow Vole

G

aryMesza

ros

Southern Red-backed Vole


45/72

RODENTIA

descriptionDistinguished from other voles byits reddish back and gray sides.

habitatThese voles prefer damp areas inconiferous, deciduous, or mixedforests.

reproductionFemales produce two or three l ittersa year, usually between March and

October, with four to six young perlitter. The gestation period is 17-19days.

did you know?When disturbed, red-backed volesutter a chirplike bark that can beheard three to six feet away.

Clethrionomys gapperi45

Southern Red backed Vole

RobertJ.Erwin/PhotoR

esearchersInc.

Pine Vole


46/72


This little vole has thick, soft, auburncolored fur with whitish or silveryunder parts.

habitatEastern deciduous forests. They liveon the forest floor in the thick layersof leaves and loose soil.

reproductionPine voles are monogamous

animals and mating takes placein the spring through the fall.Females produce more than onelitter per year, with an averageof three to seven young per litter.Gestation lasts about 21 days. Nestsare located under stumps or logs.

did you know?Pine voles are also known aswoodland voles.

Microtus pinetorum46

Pine Vole

JohnSerrao/PhotoR

esearchersInc.

Prairie Vole


47/72

RO

DENTIA

descriptionGrayish to dark brown hair tippedwith brownish-yellow, giving it agrizzled look. Its belly is whitish or

yellowish and its tail is relativelyshort.

habitatPrairie voles are common inprai ries, fencerows, old cemeteries,and other fairly dry places.

reproductionFemale prairie voles share anunderground, grass-lined nest withtheir mate. Females give birth tothree or four young usually betweenMay and October, although theybreed throughout the year.

did you know?When above ground, voles useextensive runway systems throughgrass tunnels that help to hide themfrom predators.

Microtus ochrogaster47

Prairie Vole

G

aryMesza

ros

Southern Bog Lemming


48/72


Brownish gray upper parts and agrayish belly. Its tail is extremelyshort and its ears are nearly concealedby hair.

habitatSouthern bog lemmings live in low,damp bogs and meadows with heavyvegetative growth.

reproductionBreeding takes place year roundwith most litters being producedbetween April and September. Anaverage female will produce twoto three litters a year, with three orfour young per litter. Gestation lastsabout 23 days.

did you know?Bog lemmings travel via runwaysand underground tunnels. Nests areusually built from dry grasses andhidden under stumps.

Synaptomys cooperi48

Southern Bog Lemming

L.L.Master/AmericanSoc.Mammalogists

Muskrat


49/72

RO

DENTIA

descriptionThe fur is a dark brown that getslighter around the throat. The tail islong and rat-like.

habitatMuskrats live in aquatic areas, suchas marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, andcanals.

reproductionFemales normally produce one to

five litters per year, with each littercontaining four to seven young.Young are born three to four weeksafter breeding and are born hairless.Only two weeks after birth the youngmuskrats have fur and are able toswim. They are able to take care ofthemselves within a month and areon their own.

did you know?Muskrats can swim at speeds of upto two to three miles per hour. Itwould take an Olympic swimmer tocatch up to them! Ondatra zibethicus

49

Muskrat

O

hioDivisio

nofWildlife

Norway Rat


50/72


A large member of the mouse familythat can be distinguished by itsgrayish-brown color and long, scaly

tail.

habitatNorway rats inhabit any placewhere food and shelter can befound, including woodlands, openfields, garbage dumps, sewers, andbasements.

reproductionThese rats are social animals andtend to breed in large groups, wherecommunal care makes this speciessomewhat of a cooperative breeder.Litters of eight to 10 young areproduced after a gestation period of21-22 days.

did you know?Female Norway rats have beenknown to produce up to 12 littersper year! Rattus norvegicus

50

Norway Rat

T

erryWhittaker/PhotoResearchersInc.

House Mouse


51/72

RO

DENTIA

descriptionA small, gray-brown mouse with agray or buff-colored belly. The tail isscaly.

habitatGenerally found in close associationwith humans. While house miceare occasionally found in fields, theyusually live in buildings.

reproduction

The house mouse reproduces oftenwith several litters per year. Theyproduce litters of three to 11 youngafter a gestation period of 18-21 days.

did you know?Because of their association withhumans, house mice can live in areasthat would otherwise be inhospitable

for them, such as deserts andtundra.

Mus musculus51

House Mouse

O


Meadow Jumping Mouse


52/72


Olive-yellow in color with a long tailand large hind feet. It has a tiny tuftof black hair at the tip of the tail.

habitatMeadow jumping mice are found ina variety of habitats with herbaceouscover, but most often found in low,moist grasslands.

reproduction

The breeding season occurs afterhibernation in April or May.Gestation lasts 18-21 days and fourto five young are in a litter. Femaleswill produce two or three litters peryear.

did you know?Meadow jumping mice and

woodland jumping mice are similarand often confused. The meadow

jumping mouse is smaller, duller incolor, and does not have a white tipon its tail. Zapus hudsonius

52

e o J p g o se

O


Woodland Jumping Mouse


53/72

RO

DENTIA

descriptionIdentified by its bright yellowishsides, brownish back, white belly,large hind feet, and a long, white-

tipped tail.

habitatWoodland jumping mice live inbrushy areas near water, includingwet bogs and stream borders.

reproduction

Woodland jumping mice mateafter emerging from hibernation.Young are born between June andSeptember, after a gestation periodof about 29 days. Females produceone or two litters per season, withthree to five young per litter.

did you know?

Woodland jumping mice can jump ashigh as two feet (0.6 m) and as far assix feet (1.8 m)!

Napaeozapus insignis53

J p g s

O


Porcupine


54/72


Easy to identify by its spiny coatand heavy, stout body that makes itappear clumsy and slow. They are

brown to black in color with bands ofyellow on their spines.

habitatAlthough uncommon in Ohio, theporcupine can be found in forestedand brushy areas. It is often presentin trees, where it is more at homethan on the ground.

reproductionAfter a gestation period of sevenmonths, a female gives birth to oneoffspring in April or May. The youngis born with soft quills that hardenwithin minutes after birth.

did you know?The porcupine is the second-largestrodent in North America, after thebeaver.

Erethizon dorsatum54

p

R

ichardDa

y/DaybreakImagery

ORDERCarnivora


55/72

Carnivora hile the term carnivorous

means to eat meat, not allcarnivorous mammals are includedin this order. Nor are all thoseincluded in Carnivora strictlycarnivores. This extremely diversegroup includes dogs, cats, bears,raccoons, and weasels.

Most carnivores have excellentsenses, relatively large brains, and

are strong runners. They also haveteeth and claws that are speciallyadapted to cutting and tearingmeat. All of these characteristics arebeneficial to this group of efficienthunters.

W

C

ARNIVORA

Coyote


56/72

CARNIVORA description

A slender animal, very similar inappearance to a medium-sized dogand much smaller than a wolf, a

species not currently found in Ohio.The majority of coyotes are gray,though some show a rusty, brown oroff-white coloration. It has a bushytail which is usually tipped withblack.

habitatThe coyotes strength is that it can

adapt and exploit most any habitatto its advantage, including forests,clearcuts, and woodlots in rural andurban areas.

reproductionMating occurs between late Januaryand March. A litter of about sixyoung are born two months later.Both adults hunt for food and feedthe young. At about three weeks ofage, the young leave the den underthe watch of the adults.

Canis latrans56

y

did you know?Although coyotes are small, theyare the largest of the three membersof the Canid (dog) family found inOhio. The other two canids are thegray fox and the red fox.

O


Red Fox


57/72

C

ARNIVORA

descriptionMost commonly a rusty-red orreddish yellow color from itsface down its back and sides. Its

undersides, throat area, and cheeksare white. The legs, feet, and outsideof the ears are black; its long, bushytail has black hairs mixed with thered and ends in a white tip.

habitatRed foxes are found in a varietyof habitats, including mixed,

cultivated, and wooded areas, aswell as brushlands.

reproductionMating occurs in the winter and alitter of one to 10 kits is born in thespring. The male brings food to thenursing female until the young areweaned. They accompany the adults

on hunting trips where they learnbasic survival skills.

Vulpes vulpes57

did you know?Red foxes are solitary animals anddo not travel in packs like wolves,which are not found in Ohio. Theyalso hunt like cats because they stalktheir prey.

OhioDivisionofWildlife

Gray Fox


58/72

C

ARNIVORA description

The coat color is a salt and peppergray. A black stripe runs from thebase of the tail and ends in a black tip.

Its belly is white and a reddish bandseparates it from the gray sides.

habitatGray foxes live in mostly woodedareas and partially open brushland with little hum an presence.

reproductionBreeding takes place in early spring.An average of four kits are born aftera 53-day gestation period. While thefemale is nursing her offspring, themale will bring her food. By fall ofthe same year, the family unit breaksup when the young are matureenough to go out on their own.

did you know?Gray foxes are the only canids (dogs),in North America that can climbtrees. Urocyon cinereoargenteus

58

y

O


Black Bear


59/72

C

ARNIVORA

descriptionAppears in a range of color phasesthat include black, chocolate brown,cinnamon brown, blue-black, and

even white. Its face, in profile, isstraight, a characteristic that helpsdifferentiate it from the dish-facedgrizzly bear, which is not found inOhio.

habitatHeavily wooded habitats, rangingfrom swamps and wetlands to dry

upland hardwood and coniferousforests; prefers wooded cover with adense understory.

reproductionBlack bears breed in June and July,but implantation of the egg is delayeduntil the fall. The sow (adult female)gives birth to two or three cubs

during the winter while denning.The young remain with the femalefor the first year and a half of theirlives. Bears usually give birth everyother year. Ursus americanus

59

did you know?Contrary to popular belief, bearsprimarily eat herbaceous material,and only a small portion of theirdiet consists of animal matter.

O


Raccoon


60/72

C


Gray or black in color with a palegray underneath. The black maskis rimmed on top and bottom with

white. The raccoons tail has four tosix black or dark brown rings.

habitatRaccoons live in wooded areas withbig trees and water close by.

reproduction

Raccoons mate from Februarythrough March in Ohio. Typicallyonly one litter is produced each year,but there can be exceptions to therule. The young raccoons will staywith the female through the fall orwinter.

did you know?

Male raccoons are called boars andfemales are called sows.

Procyon lotor60

O


Short-tailed Weasel


61/72

C

ARNIVORA

descriptionHas a brown coat in the summer andwhite coat in the winter. They aresmall, measuring seven to 13 inches

in length. The tail is less than 40percent of its total body length.

habitatShort-tailed weasels have a widerange that includes open woodlands,brushy areas, grasslands, wetlands,and farmlands.

reproductionShort-tailed weasels mate in thespring and early summer. A litter offour to eight young is born betweenApril and May after a gestationperiod of about 280 days due todelayed implantation.

did you know?Another name for the short-tailedweasel is ermine.

Mustela erminea61

D

ennisCa

ldwell/WorldofStock

Long-tailed Weasel


62/72

C


Has a brown coat in the summerand white coat in the winter.Distinguished by its yellowish-white

under parts and the black tip on theend of its long, bushy tail. The tail ismore than 40 percent of its total bodylength.

habitatLong-tailed weasels are found inmost land habitats near water, butthey avoid dense forests.

reproductionLong-tailed weasels exhibit delayedimplantation. Breeding occurs in thesummer, but the egg does not beginto develop until March, making thegestation period between 205 and337 days. Litters of four to eight areborn in April or early May.

did you know?Long-tailed weasels are veryaggressive. They will eventhreaten animals much larger thanthemselves.

Mustela frenata62

R

ichardDay/DaybreakImagery

Least Weasel


63/72

C

ARNIVORA

descriptionHas a brown coat in the summerand white coat in the winter. It isdistinguished from other weasels

by the lack of a black tip on the endof its short tail.

habitatLeast weasels inhabit openareas such as meadows,marshes, brushy areas, andagricultural f ields.

reproductionMost breeding occurs in the springand late summer, although theymay reproduce any time of the year.Multiple litters of four to five youngmay be produced in a year.

did you know?

The least weasel is the smallestmember of the weasel family andthe smallest carnivore in the world.

Mustela nivalis63

O


Mink


64/72

C


Has a long, narrow body with abushy tail. The fur is usually a richchocolate brown, but can look almost

black. Looks much like a large ferret,but wild ferrets do not occur in Ohio.

habitatMink are found near runningwaters of streams and rivers and thestanding waters of marshes and lakes,especially in wooded or brushy areas.

reproductionMating occurs in the winter. Thefemale usually makes a den in aburrow along the bank of a streamor lake, or under a stump or log. Thegestation period is variable due todelayed implantation.

did you know?Like its distant relative the skunk, themink has anal scent glands which canexcrete a fluid that smells somewhatlike skunk musk. Neovison vison

64

O


Badger


65/72

CARNIVORA

descriptionA stocky animal with a white stripethat extends back over the head fromthe nose. White fur surrounds the

eyes and black cheek patches, orbadges, for which they are named.The rest of the body is a shaggy mixof silvery gray, black, and buff colorsand the feet are black.

habitatBadgers prefer shortgrass habitats,such as fields and pastures.

reproductionThough mating occurs earlier,implantation of the fertilized eggis delayed until winter. One to fiveyoung are born in the spring, in agrass lined, underground nest. Theyare lightly furred and blind at birth.

did you know?The badger has many adaptationsfor burrowing in the soil, includingwebbed toes, long claws, and an extratransparent eye membrane. Taxidea taxus

65

O


River Otter


66/72

C


Highly adapted for swimming, witha long, tapered body and short, densefur. Their large feet are completely

webbed. The tail is flattened andmuscular.

habitatOtters live in aquatic habitats,including rivers, lakes, and marshes.

reproduction

Breeding occurs in early springfollowing the birth of a litter. Youngotters are self-sufficient by the timethey are five to six months, but thefamily group remains intact for atleast seven or eight months or until

just prior to the birth of a new litter.

did you know?

The otters tail is important in theanimals swimming ability andmakes up about 50 percent of its totalbody length.

Lontra canadensis66

O



67/72

Bobcat


68/72

C


The coat color varies to include lightgray, yellowish brown, buff, brown,and reddish brown. The ear tufts are

short and the tail is bobbed (short)with black banding on the uppersurface. The bobcats larger cousin,the lynx, which is not found in Ohio,has longer ear tufts and a black tipon its tail.

habitatA variety of habitats, including

forests, old fields, and brush land.They often sleep in hidden dens,hollow trees, or rocky crevices.

reproductionBreeding may occur at anytimethroughout the year; mostly it occursfrom December through May. Theyoung are fully weaned at eight

weeks and they will disperse andbegin life on their own in the fall andlate winter.

Lynx rufus68

did you know?The once common bobcat wasextirpated from Ohio in 1850, but hassince made a comeback.

O


ORDERArtiodactyla


69/72

ARTIODACTYLA

y ngulates are characterized by

having hooves. Somemay also have horns or antlers.Three species of ungulates onceinhabited Ohio: Elk, Americanbison, and the white-tailed deer.Today, only the white-tailed deerstill naturally occurs in the state.

White-tailed deer are ruminants.Ruminants consist of herbivorous

ungulates that digest their food byfirst eating it, then regurgitatingit in a semi-digested form calledcud. It then chews the food, orcud, again in order to break it downeven more before it can be fullydigested. This process is referred toas rumination.

U

d i i

White-tailed Deer


70/72

ARTI

ODACTYLA

descriptionHas two seasonal coats; a reddishtan spring and/or summer coat anda grayish winter coat. White patches

are found around the eyes, on thethroat, belly, tail (underside), andinsides of the legs. When running,the large white tail, flipped up high,can be the easiest way to spot thedeer.

habitatA variety of habitats, including

woods, farmlands, brushy areas,dense thickets, and edges.

reproductionCourtship activities among deerbegin in mid-October. Bucks (males)will chase does (females) over aperiod of five or six days prior tomating. Eventually the two will

separate and the buck will go onto breed with more does before thebreeding, or rutting, period ends.The female has one or two fawns inthe summer. Odocoileus virginianus

70

did you know?Young male deer leave their motherand become solitary after one year,but young females often stay withthe mother for two years.

O


Altricial young which are helpless when born,unable to care for themsel es at birth

Endothermic - of or relating to an organismth t t h t t i t i it b d

Monogamous having a single mate for oned ti t ibl lif

Glossary


71/72

unable to care for themselves at birth

Carnivore that which feeds primari ly on meat

Cervid animal distinguished by the maleshaving antlers

Coniferous - relating to trees or shrubs bearingcones and evergreen leaves

Courtship - specialized behavior in animals thatleads to or initiates mating

Crepuscular most active at dawn and dusk

Deciduous - plants, trees, and shrubs that shedtheir foliage at the end of the growing season

Delayed fertilization in most bats, mating occursduring fall, but the egg is not fertilized unti l afterhibernation in April. This strategy allows femalebats to use stored energy reserves to survive

hibernation instead of producing a fetus.Delayed implantation - in certain animals, the

embryo does not implant immediately followingfertilization, but remains in a state of suspendedgrowth or a diapause. A diapause allows for birthto occur under the most favorable of conditions.

Diurnal most active at day

Echolocation- A sensory system in certain animals,such as bats, in which usually high-pitchedsounds are emitted and their echoes interpretedto determine the direction and distance of objects.This system is primarily for finding prey and to

avoid obstacles in low-light conditions.

Ecosystem- a system formed by the interaction ofa community of organisms with their physicalenvironment

Endangered species is in imminent danger ofextinction throughout all or a significant portionof its range

that generates heat to maintain its bodytemperature, typically above the temperature ofits surroundings; warm-blooded

Extinct no members of a particular speciessurviving anywhere in the world

Extirpated no members of a particular speciessurviving in certain portions of its original range,but surviving elsewhere

Gestation period- the period of carrying young inthe uterus; the duration of pregnancy

Habitat an area or environment where a plant oranimal normally lives or can be found; the kindof environment in which an organism is able tofind adequate food, water, shelter and space forsurvival

Herbaceous- green and leaflike in appearance or

texture; characteristic of a non-woody herb orplant part

Herbivore that which feeds primari ly on plants

Hibernation - period of time when an animalbecomes inactive or dormant, usually duringwinter. Allows an animal to survive harshconditions using less energy than when active.

Incisor- a tooth adapted for cutting or gnawing,located at the front of the mouth

Insectivore that which feeds primarily on insects

Litter the offspring produced at one birth

Mammary gland - milk-producing glands infemale mammals that begin secret ing milk whenyoung are born

Marsupial a mammal of which the females havea pouch where the young are fed and carried

reproduction event, season or possibly lifespan

Morphology- the branch of biology that deals withthe form and structure of organisms withoutconsideration of function; study of the form andstructure of an organism

Nocturnal most active at night

Omnivore that which feeds on both vegetableand animal substances

Opposable a digit that rotates at the joint so thatit can be placed opposite any of the other digits

Ovulation discharge of eggs from the ovary

Polygamous one male which mates with severalfemales

Precocial young born with hair or fur, eyes open,

and the ability to move about immediately afterbirth

Prehensile - adapted for seizing, grasping, orholding, especially by wrapping around anobject: an opossums prehensile tail

Primitive relating to an early or original stage;primary or basic

Regurgitate to cast up partial ly digested food

Species of concern species in need of concentratedconservation efforts; receives no legal protection

Taxa- a scientific grouping of living things

Taxonomic order an order for a list of taxa thatdepicts evolutionary relationships

Threatened species that are likely to becomeendangered in the foreseeable future

Vertebrate having a backbone or spinal column

O H I O D E P A R T M E N T O F N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E SDIVISION OF WILDLIFE

REPTILESOFOH

DIVISIONOFWIL

W I L D O H I O . C O M


72/72

PUBLICATION 5344 (R1012)

PUBLICATION FUNDING

Funding for this publication was provided by donations to the stateincome tax checkoff program, sales of the cardinal license plateand Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.

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

OHIO f iel d guide

WILDLIFE

SPORTFISHOF

OHIOiden t i f i c a

t i on

DIVISIONOFW

ILDLIFE

i l u

i

AMPHIBIANS OF OHIOf i el d g

ui d e

DIVISIONOFWILDLIFE

COMM0NBIRDSOFOHIO c d g u id e b o o k

DIVISIONOFWILDLIFE

WATERBIRDSOFO

HIO c d g uid e b o o k

DIVISIONOFWILDL

IFE

OWLSO

FOHIO

cdgui

debook

DIVISIO

NOFW

ILDLIF

E

i

MAMMALSOFOHIO field g u ide

DIVISIONOFWILDLIFE

mammals of ohio field guide

Documents