5 land mammals at Lake Herrick
NOTE: All illustrations below of land mammals are by Ansley Robinson.
Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus
Eastern chipmunks are common throughout southern Canada and the eastern United States. This species of chipmunk has a warm, brown and red coat on the tops of their bodies, with darker fur on their stomachs. They are found in deciduous forest areas, as well as residential or urban parks, They tend to be an average of one foot in length, weighing an average of 3.8 ounces. They survive off of seeds, nuts, fruit, mushrooms, leafy green plants, and even bird eggs. A big characteristic of chipmunks is how they transport their food- stored in their cheeks! The typical liter of a female Eastern chipmunk is 3-5 babies.
Eastern chipmunks are common throughout southern Canada and the eastern United States. This species of chipmunk has a warm, brown and red coat on the tops of their bodies, with darker fur on their stomachs. They are found in deciduous forest areas, as well as residential or urban parks, They tend to be an average of one foot in length, weighing an average of 3.8 ounces. They survive off of seeds, nuts, fruit, mushrooms, leafy green plants, and even bird eggs. A big characteristic of chipmunks is how they transport their food- stored in their cheeks! The typical liter of a female Eastern chipmunk is 3-5 babies.
White Tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus
This medium sized species of deer is native to North, South and Central America. During the warmer spring and summer months, white-tailed deer sport reddish, brown fur. However, it shifts to darker grey-brown shade during the fall and winter. These deer earn their name from their white underside, which runs all the way down to their tails. The size range of white-tail is quite large, with male bucks in North America weighing up to 400 pounds. However, the average size is closer to 200 pounds for males and 120 pound for females. Bucks regrow spiked antlers every year, but females do not grow antlers (despite a rare 1 in 10,000 case). These antlers tend to begin to grow just before summer arrives, and they shed during the early winter months.
This medium sized species of deer is native to North, South and Central America. During the warmer spring and summer months, white-tailed deer sport reddish, brown fur. However, it shifts to darker grey-brown shade during the fall and winter. These deer earn their name from their white underside, which runs all the way down to their tails. The size range of white-tail is quite large, with male bucks in North America weighing up to 400 pounds. However, the average size is closer to 200 pounds for males and 120 pound for females. Bucks regrow spiked antlers every year, but females do not grow antlers (despite a rare 1 in 10,000 case). These antlers tend to begin to grow just before summer arrives, and they shed during the early winter months.
Little Brown Bat, Myotis lucifugus
The small brown bat is a flying mammal commonly found in the United States and throughout large regions of Canada. Like other bat species, it uses echolocation and can navigate without relying on eyesight. These bats can range from pale to dark brown. The species is known for having a larger average female than male.
The small brown bat is a flying mammal commonly found in the United States and throughout large regions of Canada. Like other bat species, it uses echolocation and can navigate without relying on eyesight. These bats can range from pale to dark brown. The species is known for having a larger average female than male.
Gray Squirrel, Sciurus Carolinensis
The gray squirrel is one of the most commonly spotted mammals at Lake Herrick. These squirrels are tree squirrels native to the Eastern United States. Like other squirrels, they scavenge for food such as tree bark, plant buds, nuts, acorns and seeds. They also hoard their food in order to protect it for later. A female gray squirrel's litter is usually 1-4 babies. They communicate with both noises and body language, often signaling with their posture if not using their raspy squeaking sounds.
The gray squirrel is one of the most commonly spotted mammals at Lake Herrick. These squirrels are tree squirrels native to the Eastern United States. Like other squirrels, they scavenge for food such as tree bark, plant buds, nuts, acorns and seeds. They also hoard their food in order to protect it for later. A female gray squirrel's litter is usually 1-4 babies. They communicate with both noises and body language, often signaling with their posture if not using their raspy squeaking sounds.
Raccoon, Procyon Lotor
Raccoons are most distinctly recognized by their striped bushy tails and dark fur "masks" surrounding their eyes. These medium-sized North American natives rely on tall trees to scale when they feel threatened, therefore they enjoy densely wooded areas with tall trees and hollows to take shelter in. Their diet has a high variety, as they eat everything from plants to fish to other small mammals. The animal is normally nocturnal, occasionally taking advantage of the daylight to help catch food. A typical litter for a mama is 2-5 babies. If you ever run into one a Lake Herrick, keep your distance! Raccoons are known for carrying rabies.
Raccoons are most distinctly recognized by their striped bushy tails and dark fur "masks" surrounding their eyes. These medium-sized North American natives rely on tall trees to scale when they feel threatened, therefore they enjoy densely wooded areas with tall trees and hollows to take shelter in. Their diet has a high variety, as they eat everything from plants to fish to other small mammals. The animal is normally nocturnal, occasionally taking advantage of the daylight to help catch food. A typical litter for a mama is 2-5 babies. If you ever run into one a Lake Herrick, keep your distance! Raccoons are known for carrying rabies.
Below is a link to more land mammals that have been spotted around Lake Herrick (as not all land mammal species were listed on this page):