Class Mammalia
INTRODUCTION: Encountering wild mammals is common in Shelter Cove. Residents and visitors alike may see black-tailed deer feeding on the side of a pathway or road, or a fox scurrying along, or chipmunks and squirrels moving around in bushes or trees. Possibly a California black bear will be sighted in the early morning. There is also much evidence that mammals live here even if you can't immediately see the animals themselves. You may find openings to underground burrows or mounds of dirt dug by ground squirrels and moles, respectively, or you can find feces of different size and composition, or footprints, that tell you which species left them.
Finding and identifying the many different mammals is interesting and fun, but also can be challenging since most mammals avoid humans and will hide or run away before you see them. When attempting to find and identify mammal species, particularly the more secretive ones, it is helpful if you know some things about their biology. Their specific habitat requirements are important to consider. Some species live high up in trees (some may never touch the ground throughout their entire life!). Others may need bodies of water with the insects or fish that they eat, while some use open areas with grasses, flowers and green plants. If they hibernate in winter or migrate, then you might not find them for several months. Also, evidence that mammals have been present includes burrows, nests, foot prints, and the type of feces (also called 'scat')! Regarding the scat, see this and this! Once you know some of these things, you may find it a bit easier to see different mammals or evidence that they are indeed living here in Shelter Cove!
The Descriptions and Pictures provided below highlight several of the mammalian species found in and around Shelter Cove, as well as species that may be of interest and which live in California generally. The Descriptions offer some characteristics and habits of different mammals that can help you to find and identify them. Also, links to the photo and other sites are provided for further information.
When you go out to find mammals, make sure to have the following information:
1. In what type of habitat will the mammal most likely be found? (find out below!)
2. Is this the right time (season) of year that they should be present in our region? (find out below!)
3. What evidence might they leave behind, like particular kinds of scat, burrows, or nests? (find out below!)
4. Is there a typical sound to listen for? (find out below!)
5. Do you know the coloration patterns of males and females? (find out below!)
6. Bring your binoculars and camera
Quick-Links for each mammal listed in the Shelter Cove Wild Animals Guide given here:
Order Insectivora (shrews and moles)
Shrews: Sorex spp.
https://baynature.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/15%20shrew%20mole.jpg (pic)
Fog Shrew (Sorex sonomae)*: present along the California north coast and Coast Ranges, from western Marin County north to the Oregon border; prefers coastal Douglas fir and redwood forests with damp brushy ground cover or meadow/wetland habitats; burrows and shelters using ground cover and decaying logs; active nocturnally, year-round resident, and shares environment with other shrews (Trowbridge’s Shrew, Vagrant Shrew); feeds on slugs and snails, centipedes, amphibians and insect larvae, sometimes seeds and fungi
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2287&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2288&inline=1 (range map)
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/1960472/medium.JPG?1433478775 (pic)
http://cameratrapcodger.blogspot.com/2010/11/bewitching-fog-shrew.html
GO BACK... to Shelter Cove mammals QUICK-LINKS
Trowbridge’s Shrew (Sorex trowbridgii)*: present along California coast, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada and Cascades south to Monterey Bay and north to the Oregon border; not found in California valleys or deserts; prefers mature coniferous forests with well developed understories and ground cover used to develop burrows and runway systems; unlike many other shrews, its distribution is not closely tied to water, suggesting that they may not need to drink to remain hydrated; feed on insects, spiders, centipedes, worms, and sometimes tree seeds; owls, weasels and giant salamanders are predators
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2297&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2298&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.mammalogy.org/uploads/imagecache/library_image/library/2722.jpg
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/1978613/medium.JPG?1433819957
Vagrant Shrew (Sorex vagrans)*: present along California coast, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada and Cascades south to Santa Barbara County and north to the Oregon border; not found in California valleys or deserts and typically tied to moist habitats and water; prefers foothill to mountain riparian and wet meadow habitats, grasslands and fresh and saline wetlands, from sea level up to 12,000 feet (3750 m) elevation; typically nocturnally active, in dense ground cover and leaf litter habitats, using vole runways to move around; feeds mainly on invertebrates including insects, snails, slugs, worms, spiders, and sometimes seeds, young plant shoots and roots; as compared with the Trowbridge’s Shrew and Coast Mole, the Vagrant Shrew will more likely be found in open grassy areas; predators include owls
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2283&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2284&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.mammalogy.org/uploads/imagecache/library_image/library/2724.jpg
http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/efauna/photoGallery/ShowImage.aspx?index=37365&size=StandardPhoto
Marsh Shrew/Pacific Water Shrew (Sorex bendirii)*: present along the California coast and Coast Ranges from Sonoma County north to British Columbia; usually found in marshy areas/freshwater wetlands, and during winter rains may frequent moist forests up to 3300 feet (1000 m) from water; feeds on earthworms, sowbugs, spiders, centipedes, termites and other invertebrates; forages above water as well as underneath water where it swims and probes with its snout and whiskers; active nocturnally, under logs and other cover
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2295&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2296&inline=1 (range map)
http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/efauna/Images/mammal/Big/Sorex%20bendirii1.jpg
Moles (Scapanus spp. & Neurotrichus spp.):
Coast (“Pacific”) Mole (Scapanus orarius)*: present along the California coast and Coast Ranges from Mendocino County north through the Oregon border; prefers wet meadow, grasslands, mountain riparian, and redwood, Douglas fir, mixed conifer, and mountain hardwood-conifer forests; prefers forest to a greater extent than Townsend’s Mole; active year-round at any time of day, appears more active in winter, when soil is wet and loose; almost entirely subterranean (like most moles) using a system of shallow burrows; forages just below the surface and mostly feeds on earthworms, insects, centipeded and millipedes, snails and slugs; predators includes owls, rubber boas, and cats
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2307&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2308&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.mammalogy.org/uploads/imagecache/library_image/library/346.jpg
http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/efauna/Images/mammal/Scapanus%20orarius1.jpg
https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/mammal-life-expectancy-coast-mole
Broad-footed (“Broad-handed”) Mole (Scapanus latimanus)*: broadly found across northern California, south through the California coast, Coast Ranges, and Sierra Nevada up to 9800 feet (3000 m) elevations, excluding the hot deserts and central valley areas; preferred habitat include grasslands, pasture, riparian and aspen habitats, but also found in wet meadow and open forest habitats; needs soil that allows burrowing (friable, moist but not flooded) and is mostly subterranean, uses a tunnel system; typically feeds just below the ground surface by burrowing, detects vibrations of prey in the soil –eats earthworms, insects, spiders, centipedes, and some plant materials; predators include owls
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2309&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2310&inline=1 (range map)
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/mammals/Insectivora/IMG_0105b.jpg
https://www.santacruzmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mole-815x1024.jpg
Townsend’s Mole (Scapanus townsendii)*: found in the moist north coast forests from Oregon border to Humboldt County just north of Punta Gorda, so it is unlikely to exist in the King Range and Shelter Cove areas (where Coast Mole will be found); prefers grassland, wet meadow and mixed conifer forest with well-drained soil that supports underground burrow systems; leaves mounds of fresh dirt; feeds preferentially on earthworms, but also on insects, snails, slugs, leaves and roots; predators include barn owls, rubber boas, weasels and skunks
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2305&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2306&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/migration/sara/CCDE984C-6790-43C1-B658-D69E45F4EF74/fig00.jpg
Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)*: present in northern California forests from the Oregon border south to Monterey County, with additional populations in Shasta and Plumas Counties; prefer Douglas Fir, redwood, mixed-conifer and riparian habitats with dense, moist understory; prefers forest habitats to a greater extent than other moles; generally found below 800 feet (250 m) elevation; uses shallow burrows, moist undercover and logs for shelter, and forages fore earthworms, insects, other invertebrates, and small amounts of vegetation; active year-long, both nocturnal and diurnal; predators include owls, giant salamanders, and rubber boa
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2303&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2304&inline=1 (range map)
https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/8235_3181/2553/0039.jpeg
https://www.mammalogy.org/uploads/imagecache/library_image/library/727.jpg
https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/images/Shrew-Mole_ISF06867_crp_sml.jpeg
Order Chiroptera (bats)
Many bats use sonar and echolocation to locate prey like flying insects!
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)*: widespread, abundant species found throughout California and all of its diverse habitats, except hot desert or highest alpine meadows and slopes; roosts (resting on a perch) primarily in cracks in caves, trees, and human-made structures; forages over open areas, water, and less dense forest, capturing on a variety of flying insects (preferably scarab beetles); foraging flight is slow, straight, and steady, using up to 12” wingspans (thus the “Big” in its name!); activity is nocturnal from dusk to full darkness; hibernates in winter, surviving on stored fat (up to 30% of body weight); may carry rabies; predators include snakes, owls and hawks
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2337&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2338&inline=1 (range map)
https://cmns.umd.edu/sites/default/files/images/news/flying_bat_0.jpg
https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/PublishingImages/bigbrownbatlarge1.jpg
https://www.exploringnature.org/graphics/mammals/bat_big_brown_diagram.jpg
https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/sites/default/files/taxa/22652_orig_0.jpg
BACK... to Shelter Cove mammals QUICK-LINKS
Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)*: present in coastal and mountain forests from Oregon border south to Monterey County and along the Sierra Nevada to Inyo County; when migrating (in spring to summer feeding areas and in fall to hibernation locations), may be found anywhere in California; summer habitats include coniferous forests, foothill woodlands and mountain riparian, generally below 9000 feet (2750 m) elevation; most active in dusk, feeding on moths (classified as a “moth strategist” using echolocation to find and capture moths) as well as other soft-bodied insects; foraging flight is slow and fluttery with short glides over water and open brushy areas; although populations of Big Brown Bats are numerically superior, Silver-haired Bats are typically active later, avoiding competition for prey; roost in hollow trees, rock crevices, caves and under bark; predators include owls and skunks
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2333&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2334&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.nps.gov/labe/learn/nature/images/California_Myotis_BCI-resized_1.jpg
https://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/mammals/midsize/lasionycteris-noctivagans.jpg
California myotis (Myotis californicus)*: widespread, common species found throughout California and all of its diverse habitats, including hot desert and mountain forests up to 6000 feet (1875 m) in elevation; a crevice-roosting species that changes roosting locations commonly, often choosing nearest available sites after feeding; feeds on a variety of flying insects; foraging flight is slow and highly maneuverable, flying low over ground or water, or among shrubs and trees; activity is nocturnal, but is reduced in winter and by heavy precipitation or strong winds; most hibernate, emerging on warm days to forage; predators include owls, snakes, and small mammals; may carry rabies
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2329&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2330&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.exploringnature.org/graphics/color_diagram/Bat_california_myotis72.jpg
http://www.batsoftexas.com/images/species/Myotis-californicus.jpg
https://www.nps.gov/labe/learn/nature/images/California_Myotis_BCI-resized_1.jpg
Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evotis)*: widespread in California but generally not common over most of its range; avoids hot deserts and arid central valley; found from sea level to 9000 feet (2700 m) elevation, preferring coniferous woodlands and forest; roosts in caves, buildings, crevices, under bark and in snags; nocturnal, later in evening than in other bats in its range; forages along habitat edges and in open land and water, catching in prey in flight; eat more beetles than other bats, but also eat moths, flies and spiders; foraging flight is slow and maneuverable and they can hover; hibernate in winter
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2323&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2324&inline=1 (range map)
https://climbersforbats.colostate.edu/sites/default/files/Myotis%20evotis%20side.JPG
Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)*: present from the Oregon border south along the coast and Coast Range to Monterey County and south through the Sierra Nevada, but otherwise not present the central valley or in central and southern California; fairly common throughout its range, and abundant in some areas particularly in sagebrush and desert scrub, meadows and chaparral; least common in coastal scrub, grasslands, redwood and foothill woodlands (thus it is less likely to see them in Shelter Cove and King Range); populations appear to be limited by availability of roost sites, but they are quick to find new sites; nocturnal with peaks in activity 2.5 hour after dusk and before dawn; prefers to forage over water or open habitats, catching small flying insects using echolocation; flight is maneuverable; migrate to winter hibernation sites which may be located up to several hundred kilometers away; aggregations of up to 300,000 individuals have been observed; predators include birds, snakes, and small carnivorous mammals; note: some populations have seen severe declines, possibly related to pesticide contamination in the environment
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2315&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2316&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/speciespics/little_brown_bat.jpg
https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/PublishingImages/littlebrown.jpg
Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes)*: present throughout California, except in the arid central valley and dry southeast California desert habitats; abundance appears to be irregular throughout its range, but may be common in several locales; occurs in a wide variety of more open habitats from sea level to 9350 feet (2850 m) elevation, most commonly at 4000-7000 feet (1300-2200 m) in pinyon-juniper, foothill hardwood, and hardwood-conifer habitats; roosts in caves, crevices, and human structures; active nocturnally early after sunset; feed mostly on beetles and also on moths and spiders; slow, maneuverable flight, and capable of hovering, but also may be found on ground foraging among foliage; hibernation in winter; predators include snakes and owls
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2325&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2326&inline=1 (range map)
http://beavercreek.nau.edu/Animal%20and%20Plant%20pages/species%20images/Mammals/Myotis%20T.jpg
Long-legged Myotis (Myotis volans)*: common in California through the Coast Ranges from Oregon to Mexico, Cascade/Sierra Nevada ranges to southern California and in desert mountain ranges; prefers woodland and forest habitats above 4000 feet (1200 m) elevation, while uncommon in desert and arid grassland habitats; trees are most important day roosts, while caves and mines are used as night roosts; active nocturnally, foraging on flying insects, primarily moths; capable of detecting prey at a long distance (30 feet), their flight is strong, direct (not very maneuverable) as they capture their prey, typically over water and open habitats
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2327&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2328&inline=1 (range map)
http://beavercreek.nau.edu/Animal%20and%20Plant%20pages/species%20images/Bats/Myotis%20Vo.jpg
https://gf.nd.gov/gnf/conservation/images/species/tmb-long-legged-bat.jpg
Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis)*: widespread and common across California, except for the dry desert habitats of southeastern California; wide variety of habitats are used between sea level to above 8000 feet (2560 m) elevation, preferably open forest and woodlands with sources of water over which to forage; roosting in caves, crevices and human structures; feeds on a wide variety of small flying insects, detected by echolocation and caught mid-air; active nocturnally, early after sunset; difficult to distinguish this species from Little Brown Bat (M. lucifugus)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2319&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2320&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.nps.gov/labe/learn/nature/images/Yuma_Myotis_BCI-resized_1.jpg
https://steamboatisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Yuma-myotis.jpg
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)*: once considered common in California, now considered uncommon, but it has a wide distribution across all habitats except alpine; principally forages for small moths, but also other insects and beetles, using echolocation during slow, maneuverable flight or with hovering; nocturnally active; roosting sites are a limiting resource for this species –they will use caves or human structures; migrate relatively short distances, less than 20 miles (32 km), to hibernate in winter; note: this species is extremely sensitive to disturbance of roosting sites, with a single disturbance leading to abandonment –all known nursery colonies in limestone caves in California have been abandoned; numbers in California have strongly declined and they are a California Species of Special Concern
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2347&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2348&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/images/960-Corynorhinus-townsendii-BUS-f_1.jpg
https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/townsendsbigearedbatannfroschauerusfws.jpg
Western Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevilii)*: range does not include Humboldt County north to California border
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2339&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2340&inline=1 (range map)
https://fortbragglibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bat.jpg
http://norcalbats.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/BAT_Western_Red.jpg
Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus)*: common yearlong resident of low elevations across California, with a wide range of habitats including grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and forests from sea level up through mixed conifer forests; most commonly seen in open, dry habitats with rocky areas for roosting; nocturnal, with activity during 90-190 minutes after sunset and shortly before dawn; small home range --doesn’t travel more than a few miles from day roost; hibernates in winter near the summer day roost area; hibernates in roosts of 20-160 individuals, in clusters where young individuals are in the warmer center; forages over open ground, more often taking prey from the ground, including beetles, flies, moths, spiders, scorpions and crickets; stout skull and teeth allow taking of large, hard-shelled prey; uses echolocation mainly for avoidance of obstacles while flying; has slow flight with frequent dips, swoops and short glides; day roosting occurs in caves, crevices, hollow trees, and human structures
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2349&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2350&inline=1 (range map)
http://norcalbats.org/2017/12/01/pallid-bat/ (pic)*
https://news.ucsc.edu/2013/03/images/pallid-bat-350.jpg
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/f2013/korte_lydi/Photo%203.jpg
BACK... to Shelter Cove mammals QUICK-LINKS
Hoary Bat (Aeorestes cinereus)*: most widespread North American bat, found across most of California except the southeastern deserts; during winter, found along the coast and in southern California, while in warmer months they are found in woodlands and forests ranging from sea level to 13,200 feet (4125 m) elevations; migrations between summer and winter ranges can be over long distances; individuals wintering in cold locations hibernate but may still show some activity on warmer days; generally roost in trees in dense foliage; nocturnal, typically most active later at night, 3-5 hours after sunset; moth specialist, but will eat other flying insects, using a fast and straight flight combined with echolocation; relatively high rate of rabies
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2341&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2342&inline=1 (range map)
https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/PublishingImages/hoarybat2.jpg
http://fwp.mt.gov/mtoutdoors/images/Portraits/2014/hoarybat.jpg
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)*: present throughout California, but less common in the north coastal region (including Humboldt County) and high Sierra Nevada; largest colony is in Lava Beds National Monument in Modoc County (NE corner of state); diverse habitats used, from grassland to woodland and forest; as the name implies, it has a little tail; uses echolocation to hunt for small flying insects, primarily small moths; nocturnal activity shortly after dusk, forages high above ground, typically over 100 feet (30 m); fast flyers, averaging 25 miles per hour when travelling to and from roosting sites (up to 99 mph top speed!); uses caves, crevices, and human structures for both roosting and hibernation; some carry rabies
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2351&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2352&inline=1 (range map)
https://www.exploringnature.org/graphics/mammals/Bat_Mexican_free-tailed_diagram72.jpg
http://museum2.utep.edu/chih/theland/animals/mammals/tadabras.jpg
Order Lagomorpha (rabbits & hares)
Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani)*: ppp
Ranges throughout the coast and Coast Ranges from Oregon to Mexico; also found in the Sierra Nevada foothills, but not in the dry Central Valley, deserts, or higher elevations above 3000 ft (2050 m). Commonly seen, herbivorous, year-round residents, active in or along dense brushy areas of oak and conifer forests. Feed on grasses, clovers, foxtails, thistles, Douglass Fir seedlings. December to May breeding season, producing 2-4 litters per year, each of 3-4 offspring.
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2364&inline=1 (range map)
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR/Life-History-and-Range (species info)
https://esrp.csustan.edu/publications/pdf/Matoq_etal_2017_RBR_PopGenStruct.pdf
http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/MTYrabbits.html
BACK... to Shelter Cove mammals QUICK-LINKS
Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus): Broadly distributed throughout California, except in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Year-round herbivores that graze and browse in and around shrubs and grassy areas near canopy and shrub cover; feed on grasses, forbs and shrubs. Breeds throughout the year, with highest activity in April and May; produce up to four litters a year, of 3-4 young each. Because of their adaptability and reproductive output, they can become pests known to carry disease (plague, tularemia, skin diseases)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2376&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2375&inline=1 (species info)
http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/MTYrabbits.html
https://alchetron.com/Black-tailed-jackrabbit
BACK... to Shelter Cove mammals QUICK-LINKS
The Species Descriptions below will be updated soon
...follow the links below to learn more on mammals!!
Order Rodentia (rodents)
Mountain Beaver (Aplodonia rufa humboldtiana)*:
Distantly related to actual North American Beaver, Castor canadiensis)
https://www.coniferousforest.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Mountain-Beaver-Images.jpg
Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)*: More recently Humboldt’s Flying Squirrel (see next description) is considered its own distinct species
https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/images/NrthnFlyingSquirrel_0051_crp_cc.jpeg
Humboldt’s Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis)**:
Jumps and glides from tree to tree
https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/553059-Glaucomys-oregonensis (pic)*
https://www.careerride.com/mchoice/new-species-of-flying-squirrel-discovered-30257.aspx
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Douglas’ Squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii)*: brown and yellowish colors and white ring around eyes
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2432&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2431&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/willapa/wildlife_and_habitat/douglas_squirrel.html
BACK... to Shelter Cove mammals QUICK-LINKS
Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2428&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2427&inline=1 (species info)
https://myodfw.com/big-game-hunting/species/western-gray-squirrel
Alien:
Fox Squirrel (S. niger):
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Squirrel_Success.jpg
Allen’s Chipmunk (Tamias senex)*: ppp
Siskiyou Chipmunk (Tamias siskiyou)*: ppp
https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/uinta-chipmunk-neotamias-umbrinus-fremonti-wyoming-70566165.jpg
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/174133/large.jpg?1444572327
California (“Beechey”) Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi)*: Genus used to be Spermophilus
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2418&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2417&inline=1 (species info)
https://copr.nrs.ucsb.edu/natural-resources/mammals/california-ground-squirrel
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Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis): black-bordered white stripe down each side; not a coastal species…in Sierra Nevada Mountains
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2424&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2423&inline=1 (species info)
Yellow-cheeked Chipmunk (Neotamias ochrogenys or Tamias ochrogenys): also known as "Redwood Chipmunk"
Only lives along Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt coastal forests, hard to see but you may hear its shrill double-syllable, low-pitched “chuck-chuck”
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2386&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2385&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/46221-Tamias-ochrogenys
https://faculty.ucr.edu/~chappell/INW/mammals/YPchipmunk81.jpg
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North American Beaver (Castor canadensis)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2494&inline=1 (range map) …not in Southern Humboldt
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2493&inline=1 (species info)
https://bioparc.ca/wp-content/uploads/castor-Shutterstock-mr.jpg
https://www.mountainvalleyliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Beaver-Dam-photo-11.jpg
Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2436&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2435&inline=1 (species info)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botta%27s_pocket_gopher
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Northern Pocket Gopher (Thomomys talpoides)**: not in coast range or coast, more present east of Sierra Nevada Mountains
California Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys californicus): yes-jumps like a kangaroo; not present along north coast
VOLES:
White-footed Vole (Arborimus albipes)*: rare and hard to catch, semi-arboreal preferably in red alder trees of the northwest coast; research on this species at Humboldt State University by Dr. Tim Bean
Sonoma Tree Vole (Arborimus pomo)*: also called California red tree mouse, lives primarily in Northcoast California old-growth Douglas Fir forests, studied by HSU Professor Stephen Sillett, Inst. Redwood Ecology; more or less restricted to fog belt; hard to find, since they are in trees
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2534&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2534&inline=1 (species info)
Oregon Red Tree Vole (Arborimus longicaudus)*: live up in Douglas Fir trees, eat needles, often spend their life in one tree
https://eugeneweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Red_tree_vole_Stephen_DeStefano_USGS_FPWC.jpg
https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/media/Red-Tree-Vole-Michael-Durham.jpg
Western Red-backed Vole (Myodes californicus)*:
[Clethrionomys californicus], reddish stripe on back, lives mainly in coniferous forests
California Vole (Microtus californicus)*: common and widely distributed
https://riverotterecology.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/california-vole.jpg
Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus)*: widely distributed, often near streams, common in disturbed habitat
https://www.naturebob.com/zenphoto/cache/mammals/voles-mice-and-shrews/long-tailed-vole-2_595.jpg
Creeping Vole (Microtus oregoni)*: Humboldt is southern part of range
https://a4.pbase.com/g3/62/942562/2/121208925.yfXswZ6I.jpg
Townsend’s Vole (Microtus townsendii)*: ppp
https://deltafarmland.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/glsa-vole1.jpg
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)*: likes wetlands, spend a lot of time in water, semi-webbed hind feet
https://www.ducks.ca/assets/2017/06/20150213_muskrat_ZZA_6470.jpg
Dusky-footed Woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes)*: prefer dense ground cover (chaparral, juniper, mixed conifer forest)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2524&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2523&inline=1 (species info)
https://openspacetrust.org/blog/woodrats/ (pic)
https://openspacetrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/dusky-footed-woodrat_nest_POST-1.jpg
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Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes)*: ppp
https://bisonquest.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/sept09-055.jpg
Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)*: common and broadly distributed across North America
Pinyon Mouse (Peromyscus truei)*: ppp
https://www.mammalogy.org/uploads/imagecache/library_image/library/2058.jpg
Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis)*: common and broadly distributed
Pacific Jumping Mouse (Zapus trinotatus)*: lives in moist northcoast regions to Mendocino County its south part of range, jumps
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2558&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2557&inline=1 (species info)
https://shadowhabitat.org/native-animal-of-the-month-4/ (pic)*
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_jumping_mouse#/media/File:Pacific_jumping_mouse.jpeg (pic)
https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/811/flashcards/792811/jpg/dipodidae1323208604415.jpg
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House Mouse (Mus musculus): ppp
https://biology.ucr.edu/people/faculty/images/california_mouse01.jpg
Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus): ppp
https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/0000_0000/0215/3868.jpeg
Black Rat (Rattus rattus): ppp
https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/0000_0000/0704/0067.jpeg
Order Carnivora (carnivores)
Coyote (Canis latrans)*: ppp
http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/ca/facts/mammals/coyote.html (pic)
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Gray Wolf (Canis lupis): extirpated in 1924, but two packs now in Lassen County (2017) and evidence of wolf in Modoc County
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2016/01/07/18781603.php 1-7-2016 article: New Wolf Detected in California's Modoc County
https://www.indybay.org/uploads/2016/01/07/or_25_california_gray_wolf_oregon_imnaha_pack.jpg (pic)
Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)*: omnivore and only American canid that can climb trees.
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2568&inline=1 (range map)’
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2567&inline=1 (species info)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grey_Fox_(Urocyon_cinereoargenteus).jpg (pic)
http://www.spyglassinnatsheltercove.com/images/fox.jpg
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American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2580&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2579&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.kdrv.com/content/news/Ashland-Police-The-bears-are-back-in-town-569544491.html (pic)
https://gohunt-assets-us-west-2.s3.amazonaws.com/media/California-black-bear-top.jpg
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Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos californicus): not found in California, .extirpated 1931
https://www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/images/Standing-Bear-460_2YOfemale_092903_1-225-px.jpg
Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)*: can be found in the Lost Coast region, but not as likely in Shelter Cove
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2582&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2581&inline=1 (species info)
http://online.sfsu.edu/bholzman/courses/Fall02%20projects/Ringtail.htm (pic)*
https://oregonwild.org/wildlife/ringtail (pic)**
https://baynature.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/article-feature-captionimage(296).jpg
.jpg)
Fisher (Pekania pennanti)*: weasel family, unlikely to be seen, Mendocino/Sonoma Co. is southern end of range along coast
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2588&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2587&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.nps.gov/redw/learn/nature/fisher-and-humboldt-marten.htm (pic)
https://www.biographic.com/forgotten-but-not-gone-the-pacific-fisher/ (pic)
Racoon (Procyon lotor)*: you might see them around houses when it is dark outside, looking through trash for human food
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2584&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2583&inline=1 (species info)
http://www.raccoonremovalexperts.ca/images/raccoon1.jpg
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Humboldt Marten (Mares americana humboldtensis)*: is a subspecies of American Pine Martin (M. americana) and is endangered (only a few hundred remaining) apparently due to trapping allowed in Oregon and habitat loss from marijuana farming, Humboldt County is southwestern part of its range
https://oregonwild.org/wildlife/coastal-humboldt-marten (pic)
https://clearcreekcounty.org/marten/ (pic)
https://abizinaboxcannabis.com/humboldt-marten-review/ (pic)
Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)*: uncommon
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2592&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2591&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2015/09/page/2/ (pic)
https://faculty.ucr.edu/~chappell/INW/mammals/longtailedweasel124.jpg
.jpg)
Stoat or Short-tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea)*: Humboldt is southern part of its range
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Mustela.erminea.jpg
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/22689376/medium.jpg?1545844257
American Mink (Neovison vison)*: [alsoMustela vision]; uncommon; semi-aquatic
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=44719&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=44718&inline=1 (species map)
https://kymkemp.com/2019/07/12/we-have-baby-minks-on-the-south-fork-of-the-eel-again-in-2019/ (pic-both)
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2602&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2601&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/06/14/seemingly-benign-skunk-deterrent-can-be-dangerous-to-cats/
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Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2600&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2599&inline=1 (species info)
https://lygsbtd.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/sohum-vactation-guide/
Northern River Otter (Lontra canadensis): semiaquatic, eats various fish, salamanders, frogs, snails, turtles, burrows are close to water’s edge both freshwater and marine shores
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2604&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2603&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/wild/Content?oid=13172159 (pic)
https://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/otter-spotter/Content?oid=2516458
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)*: ppp
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2610&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2609&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.siskiyoudaily.com/article/20150317/NEWS/150319727 (pic)
https://kymkemp.com/2018/03/25/bobcat-beauty-2/ (pic)**
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Jaguar (Panthera once): removed from California, extirpated in 1826
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b2/af/e9/b2afe9387d5c7dce18869fa0304e176a.jpg
https://nature.ca/notebooks/images/img/151_i_panthera_onca_a_p.jpg
Cougar or Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)*: prefer to eat deer but will hunt and eat many types of animals
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2608&inline=1 (range map)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2607&inline=1 (species info)
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/environment/article213968974.html (pic)
https://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/lion-stories/Content?oid=2654715 (pic)
https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2015/jul/2/two-mountain-lions-stalk-campers-near-redwood-cree/
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Order Artiodactyla (Deer and Elk):
Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus)*: a mule deer subspecies commonly seen throughout Shelter Cove region; characterized by black hair on top of tail
https://kymkemp.com/2020/08/04/disease-outbreak-strikes-california-deer-herds/ (pic)
https://sciencing.com/kind-deer-live-northern-california-8773100.html (pic)
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Roosevelt Elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti)*: have been known to visit Shelter Cove! (but don't count on it); more likely to see them if you visit the Sinkyone State Wilderness, south of Shelter Cove
https://www.northcoastjournal.com/NewsBlog/archives/animals/?page=2&topic=2330479 (pic)
https://www.nps.gov/redw/learn/nature/roosevelt-elk.htm (pic)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roosevelt_elk.jpg (pic)
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Order Didelmorpha (oppossums)
Alien species
Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana): introduced into San Jose in 1910 and now commonly found in a variety of moist woodlands and brushy habitats, mostly at low elevations, including along the entire California coast; less common in dense conifer forests, and not seen in Sierra Nevada or higher elevations; an opportunistic feeder, with diet ranging from fruits to berries to green vegetation to earthworms; solitary and often “plays dead” when it feels threatened, but can be aggressive; yearlong activity that may be reduced in cold of winter; nocturnal.
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2279&inline=1 (species info)
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2280&inline=1 (range map)
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/wildlife
https://www.pugetsound.edu/files/pages/virginia-opossum-a3848a.jpg
