Reptiles & Amphibians Birds Trees Invertebrates Mammals

36 Pages·2017·3.82 MB·English

E K O K I D S : S C H O O L Y A R D
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EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
M a mma ls
Mammals are a diverse
group of warm-blooded
creatures that have fur or hair,
give birth to live young, and
have mammary glands (females) for
feeding their young.
Many mammals in the U.S. are nocturnal (active at
night) or crepuscular (most active at dawn or dusk).
Fewer are active during the day (diurnal). Because
mammals can be difficult to spot, scientists often
use signs, such as tracks, scrapings, rubbings, or
other clues, to learn what species live in an area.
This guide describes a few of the more common
mammals found in neighborhoods and on farmland.
How many do you think live near you?
Northern Raccoon
(Procyon lotor)
DESCRIPTION
• Other names: coon
• Body length: 16–28 inches
• Tail length: 8–16 inches
• Overall gray-brown body
• Characteristic black fur or “mask”
around the eyes
• Ringed tail
HABITAT
The northern raccoon is native to the eastern and
M a m m a l s midwestern U.S. It prefers sparsely wooded areas,
lowland forests, and marshes, but it is also a common
NORTHERN RACCOON resident of suburban areas.
FUN FACT
Northern raccoons are thought to be able to make more
than 40 different sounds, ranging from hisses and
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES growls to purrs and screams.
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Eastern Gray Squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis)
DESCRIPTION
• Smaller member of the tree
squirrel group
• Body length: 9–12 inches;
tail length: 8–10 inches
• Gray upper parts
• Large, bushy tail that is gray
above and white below
HABITAT
The eastern gray squirrel is one of the most widely
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forested parks and neighborhoods in suburban and
EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL urban areas.
FUN FACTS
• The eastern gray squirrel builds a nest, or “drey,” made
of dry leaves and twigs in the forks of branches.
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
• Unlike most mammals, eastern gray squirrels can
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descend a tree head-first.
Eastern Fox Squirrel
(Sciurus niger)
DESCRIPTION
• Large member of the tree squirrel group
• Body length: 17–28 inches;
tail length: 8–13 inches
• Brown-gray upper body with burnt orange
under body
• Strong claws for climbing
HABITAT
The eastern fox squirrel is native to the U.S. and can
most commonly be found in open pine and oak forests
M a m m a l s lacking dense undergrowth.
FUN FACT
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EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Striped Skunk
(Mephitus mephitus)
DESCRIPTION
• Male body length: 20–30 inches;
females are 10 percent smaller
• Body dominated by long, black fur with
parallel white stripes running lengthwise
from neck to tail. In some regions, white
fur is confined to the head area.
• Long, curved claws on forefeet for
digging up prey
• Emits a foul smell to deter potential
predators
M a m m a l s HABITAT
The striped skunk is a native species that prefers mixed
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FUN FACT
Striped skunks stamp their front feet as a warning before
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
spraying.
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Red Fox
(Vulpes vulpes)
DESCRIPTION
• Member of the Canid (dog) family and
largest of all fox species
• Height: 14–20 inches; body length: 18–35
inches; tail length: 12–22 inches
• Long, rusty-red fur over most of the
upper body with white chin and chest;
silver and black variations can occur
• White fur on tip of the tail is common
HABITAT
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urban areas.
RED FOX FUN FACT
Red foxes can be found almost everywhere in the
Northern Hemisphere, except in extreme habitats such
as the Arctic and deserts.
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Deer Mouse
(Peromyscus sp.)
DESCRIPTION
• Rodent in a genus of New World mice
• Body length: 4½–6 inches;
tail length: 2–4 inches
• Large, round ears; large, black eyes;
long whiskers
• Rich brown to reddish-brown fur on upper
parts; white fur on the belly and
underside of tail
HABITAT
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suburban settings.
DEER MOUSE FUN FACT
In the wild, a deer mouse has a life expectancy of only a
year, but, in captivity, they can live up to 8 years.
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Mississippi State University Extension Service
House Mouse
(Mus musculus)
DESCRIPTION
• Rodent in a genus of Old World mice
• Body length: 3–4 inches;
tail length: 2–4 inches
• Relatively uniform gray-brown body,
including belly; some with lighter-
colored underbelly
• Ears and tail have sparse coverings
of fur
HABITAT
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outbuildings, and surrounding cover.
HOUSE MOUSE FUN FACT
The hind legs of house mice are so strong that they can
jump vertically up to 18 inches.
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Southern Flying Squirrel
(Glaucomys volans)
DESCRIPTION
• Body length: 8–10 inches;
tail length: 3–5 inches
• Gliding membrane extending from wrist
to ankle on both sides of the body
• Gray fur; large eyes for nocturnal vision
HABITAT
The southern flying squirrel is native to the U.S. It prefers
hardwood forests with seed-producing trees for food and
cavities for shelter.
M a m m a l s FUN FACT
Despite their name, southern flying squirrels don’t fly.
SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL Ilonwsteera ldo, ctahteiyo ngsli.de through the air from high perches to
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Eastern Mole
(Scalopus aquaticus)
DESCRIPTION
• Body length: 4–6.7 inches;
tail length:0.5–1.5 inch
• Thick, velvety fur ranging in color
from silver to black
• Large feet with webbed toes to aid
in digging
• No external eyes or ears
HABITAT
This native species is found in the eastern U.S. and can
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EASTERN MOLE FUN FACTS
• Eastern moles are expert diggers and can dig up to
14 feet in 1 hour in their search for grubs, worms,
and other prey.
• With no ears or eyes, the eastern mole relies on
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
smell, touch, and vibration to find its way around.
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Eastern Cottontail
(Sylvilagus floridanus)
DESCRIPTION
• Common member of the rabbit group
• Body length: 15–19 inches
• Upper body is mixed shades of brown,
gray, and black; the belly is white
• Characteristic round, white, fluffy tail
HABITAT
The eastern cottontail is native to the eastern and
midwestern U.S. It prefers brushy habitats with good
groundcover. It can be found in orchards, farmlands,
M a m m a l s hedgerows, and suburban neighborhoods.
FUN FACT
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EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Mississippi State University Extension Service
White-tailed Deer
(Odocolieus virginianus)
DESCRIPTION
• Males (bucks) are larger than females
(does); average male weight: 150 pounds
• Males and females look similar:
reddish-brown summer coat; gray-brown
winter coat
• White belly, throat, and underside
of tail
• Males annually grow antlers starting
in early spring, shedding them in
winter after the breeding season
M a m m a l s HABITAT
White-tailed deer are native to the eastern and midwestern
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FUN FACT
White-tailed deer use their tails to signal danger, flashing
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
the bright white underside to signal other deer in the area.
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For more information on common wildlife and plants or incorporating nature into the
classroom, please contact [email protected] or [phone].
EkoKids is produced by the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife,
Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the MSU Extension Service for use by educators and
youth leaders.

Photos from canstockphoto.com.
Publication 3044–A (07-17)
Mammals
By Leslie Burger, Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.
EKO KID S:
Copyright 2017 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for
SCH OOLY ARD
nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the
Mississippi State University Extension Service. NAT URE GUIDES
Produced by Agricultural Communications.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status,
protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914.
GARY B. JACKSON, Director
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
Tr ees
One of the largest
groups of living
organisms is the Plant Kingdom,
and trees are perhaps the
most visible members. With the
exception of extreme habitats
like polar regions and deserts,
trees can be found in terrestrial
ecosystems around the planet.
Trees are either evergreen or deciduous. Evergreens
such as pines and magnolias have needles or leaves
throughout the year. In contrast, deciduous trees lose
their leaves or needles over winter and grow new ones
in spring. Biologists use the shape, size, color, and
arrangement of leaves to identify tree species. Trees
also can be identified by their fruit, seeds, bark,
tree shape, and habitat. How many of the trees in this
booklet can you find in your neighborhood?
Lobolly Pine
(Pinus taeda)
DESCRIPTION
• Other names: Arkansas pine, oldfield
pine
• Evergreen conifer
• Leaves: three dark-green needles
per group (fascicle); needles are
6–9 inches long
• Bark: varies with tree age from
reddish-brown to nearly black; plates
are large, flat, and rectangular
• Seeds: reddish-brown cones are
3–6 inches long
Tr e e s
HABITAT
LOBLOLLY PINE The loblolly pine, native to the southeastern U.S., is very
adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil and forest
types.
FUN FACT
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
The loblolly pine can grow more than 3 feet each year.
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This is an important tree that is grown and used for
lumber and paper.
Bald Cypress
(Taxodium distichum)
DESCRIPTION
• Other names: southern cypress,
swamp cypress
• Deciduous conifer
• Leaves: flat, feathery, yellow-green
needles
• Bark: ashy to reddish-brown with thin,
scaly plates
• Seeds: green, spherical cones about
1 inch in diameter
HABITAT
Tr e e s
The bald cypress is native to wetlands and bottomlands
along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the Mississippi
BALD CYPRESS River drainage basin. It is also used in landscaping.
FUN FACT
Unlike other trees with needles, the bald cypress is
deciduous; it loses its needles in winter. The wood of the
EKOKIDS: SCHOOLYARD NATURE GUIDES
bald cypress is highly valued in construction because it
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is resistant to decay.