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Gray Squirrel A very common woodland, suburban and urban species, the gray squirrel is the most readily recognized of New York’s mammals, and a frequent visitor at backyard bird feeders. Adults weigh about 1 pound and feed on nuts, seeds and other plant material. They build nests constructed of a bulky collection of leaves fairly high in trees, or they may den in tree cavities and buildings. Females have two litters of 2-4 young per year. The black squirrel is a color variation of the gray squirrel. |
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Muskrat Often mistaken for a beaver or large rat, this very common aquatic animal can be distinguished by its long, vertically flattened tail. Actually a giant “mouse” closely related to meadow voles and lemmings, adult muskrats average 2 feet in length and 1-3 pounds in weight. They burrow into stream and pond banks to build dens, and construct food caches (“houses” or “lodges”) of cattail stems and roots, reeds, rushes and grasses for use during the winter. Females produce 2-4 litters of 2-5 kits per year. |
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Chipmunk A sprightly, tiny squirrel with a “bottlebrush” tail, the chipmunk is a common sight in woodlands and suburban backyards. Weighing just 3-4 ounces, this small mammal is equally adept at scampering up a tree, burrowing in the ground or panhandling snacks at camps or bird feeders. It feeds on seeds, nuts, insects and flowerbed bulbs, often filling its cheek pouches and carrying the food to an underground den where it spends the winter. In early spring, females have one litter of 4-5 young. |
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Woodchuck A farm field and roadside resident, the woodchuck is a very large, squat squirrel that can survive deep in the woods. Adults grow to be about 2 feet long and 10-12 pounds in weight. They feed on farm crops, grasses, herbs and garden produce. They prefer to hibernate for the winter in a burrow located inside a forest edge. Each spring, females produce one litter of four young. Woodchuck holes in farm fields can be a hazard to livestock and farm machinery. |
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River Otter A large, semi-aquatic weasel, the river otter is a graceful swimmer and excellent fisherman that lives near bodies of water. It appears to enjoy life immensely and frequently slides on snow and mud into the water. Adults grow to be 3-4 feet long and 6-25 pounds, and eat fish, crayfish and other aquatic animals. Each year, females produce on litter of 1-4 young usually in underground dens. Nowhere common in New York, the otter is now being restored to many former habitats across the state. Seeing one is a rare treat. |
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Raccoon A common mammal across New York State, the raccoon is easily recognized by its familiar “masked” face and bushy ringed tail. Adults grow to be about 2 1/2 feet in length and up to 30 pounds in weight. While they will eat almost anything, including garden produce and garbage, in the wild raccoons eat fruits, insects and a variety of aquatic animals. They will catch crayfish, frogs and other water life by probing with their front paws in the water and then manipulating the catch in a “washing “ action. Raccoons den in hollow trees, burrows, rock ledges and buildings. Females produce on litter of 3-7 cubs per year. While cute, raccoons can be a nuisance around houses and carry diseases such as rabies. |
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Little Brown Bat The most common of New York’s nine species of bats, the little brown bat is most often seen flying through he last glow of sunset. A small mammal, its 3 1/2 inch body weighs just slightly more than a quarter ounce; its wingspan measures 8 inches. The little brown bat eats flying insects generally about the size of a mosquito. This bat has a big appetite, with pregnant and nursing females consuming nearly one half of their body weight in insects per night. Males and young eat less. Females produce one young per year. Hibernates in caves and abandoned mines during winter. |
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Red Fox Equally at home in farm fields and woodlots, the red fox is widely distributed in New York State. Prized by some for its thick, lustrous late autumn fur, the red fox has many color variations, including yellowish-red, black and silver. Adults average 3 feet in length and 10 pounds in weight. They are champion mouse-catchers, but also eat other small rodents, birds, insects and fruits. Females produce one litter of 5-6 kits per year in underground dens. |
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Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District - Home |
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Mammals of New York |
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Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District 1200A Scottsville Road, Suite 160 Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 585-473-2120 x3 Fax: 585-473-2124 |
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Page updated: July 2007 |
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Providing Today, Protecting Tomorrow |