Unit X: Mammals of Kansas Information. Introduction to Mammals Class Mammalia Class Mammalia There are 88 species of mammals native to Kansas. There are

Unit X: Mammals of Kansas Information

Introduction to MammalsIntroduction to Mammals

Class MammaliaClass Mammalia There are 88 species of mammals There are 88 species of mammals

native to Kansas.native to Kansas. Mammals are covered with fur/hair Mammals are covered with fur/hair

and they nurse their young with milk and they nurse their young with milk produced by mammary glands. produced by mammary glands. Males and females have these Males and females have these glands, but they are only functional glands, but they are only functional in females.in females.

Mammals cont.Mammals cont.

Three types of mammalsThree types of mammals Monotremes: egg-laying mammals. They are Monotremes: egg-laying mammals. They are

not very common at all. The platypus is an not very common at all. The platypus is an example.example.

Marsupials: give birth to partially-developed Marsupials: give birth to partially-developed young that then crawl into a pouch on the young that then crawl into a pouch on the mothers belly to nurse and finish development.mothers belly to nurse and finish development.

Placentals: mammals who are born fully Placentals: mammals who are born fully developed (although need further care), and developed (although need further care), and who are attached to the mother by the placenta who are attached to the mother by the placenta in the uterus, which provides nutrients, oxygen in the uterus, which provides nutrients, oxygen and waste removal for the fetus.and waste removal for the fetus.


Mammals have very specialized teeth. Mammals have very specialized teeth. Herbivores eat only plants, and they Herbivores eat only plants, and they

generally have large, flat teeth for grinding generally have large, flat teeth for grinding the plant material.the plant material.

Carnivores eat only meat, and they Carnivores eat only meat, and they generally have very sharp, razor-like teeth generally have very sharp, razor-like teeth for killing and tearing the flesh of their prey.for killing and tearing the flesh of their prey.

Omnivores eat both plants and animals, and Omnivores eat both plants and animals, and they have a combination of both types of they have a combination of both types of teeth.teeth.


Mammals have brains larger and more Mammals have brains larger and more complex than most other animals.complex than most other animals.

Opossums are North Americas only Opossums are North Americas only marsupial. Most marsupials are found in marsupial. Most marsupials are found in Australia.Australia.

Humans are mammals, which means we Humans are mammals, which means we can share diseases with other mammals. can share diseases with other mammals. We can get very sick from rodents, or even We can get very sick from rodents, or even share colds with our dogs or cats.share colds with our dogs or cats.

Mammals, cont.Mammals, cont.

How to identify mammals:How to identify mammals: Tracks are a great way to determine which Tracks are a great way to determine which

mammals have been in the area. You can mammals have been in the area. You can find tracks in dirt, sand, mud and snow.find tracks in dirt, sand, mud and snow.

If you find skulls, you can observe the If you find skulls, you can observe the teeth. There are various keys for mammal teeth. There are various keys for mammal teeth that you can use to determine what teeth that you can use to determine what species you are looking at.species you are looking at.

BadgerBadger

Taxidermy mount at KU Natural History Museum

BadgerBadger

Order: Carnivora, the carnivoresOrder: Carnivora, the carnivores Pound for pound, they are probably the Pound for pound, they are probably the

most powerful mammals in Kansas.most powerful mammals in Kansas. If threatened, they attack explosively.If threatened, they attack explosively. Dig their dens in hillsides and road Dig their dens in hillsides and road

embankments, with a conspicuous dirt embankments, with a conspicuous dirt mound at the entrance.mound at the entrance.

Eat mostly smaller rodents such as Eat mostly smaller rodents such as gophers, prairie dogs, mice, rabbits and gophers, prairie dogs, mice, rabbits and insects.insects.

BeaverBeaver


BeaverBeaver

Beaver skullBeaver skull

BeaverBeaver

Order: Rodentia, the rodentsOrder: Rodentia, the rodents Largest rodent in North America. 30-60 lbs.Largest rodent in North America. 30-60 lbs. Builds stick and mud dams across streams Builds stick and mud dams across streams

or a large conical hut in water for shelter.or a large conical hut in water for shelter. Tail shaped like a paddle.Tail shaped like a paddle. Feeds on small bark and twigs from birch, Feeds on small bark and twigs from birch,

poplar, maple, willow. Has very sharp teeth.poplar, maple, willow. Has very sharp teeth. Lives in family groups.Lives in family groups.

BobcatBobcat


BobcatBobcat

Order: Carnivora, the carnivoresOrder: Carnivora, the carnivores Weighs 15-35 lbs.Weighs 15-35 lbs. Short tail.Short tail. Prefers forest edge habitat, brushy areas.Prefers forest edge habitat, brushy areas. Mostly nocturnal and solitary, very Mostly nocturnal and solitary, very

secretive. secretive. Eats small mammals, birds, carrion if not Eats small mammals, birds, carrion if not

tainted. Is the main predator for deer in tainted. Is the main predator for deer in eastern Kansas.eastern Kansas.

Eastern CottontailEastern Cottontail

Eastern CottontailEastern Cottontail

Order: Lagomorpha, rabbits and haresOrder: Lagomorpha, rabbits and hares Habitat is heavy brush, forest strips Habitat is heavy brush, forest strips

with open areas.with open areas. Feeds on green vegetation in Feeds on green vegetation in

summer, bark and twigs in winter.summer, bark and twigs in winter. Most important small-game mammal Most important small-game mammal

for human hunters.for human hunters.

CoyoteCoyote

CoyoteCoyote

CoyoteCoyote


CoyoteCoyote

CoyoteCoyote

Order: Carnivora, the carnivores.Order: Carnivora, the carnivores. Weighs 20-50 lbs.Weighs 20-50 lbs. Habitat is prairie and open woodlands.Habitat is prairie and open woodlands. Dens in ground.Dens in ground. Has almost always had a bounty on it in Has almost always had a bounty on it in

some part of the country, although hunting some part of the country, although hunting has not reduced its numbers.has not reduced its numbers.

Very adaptable, intelligent animal.Very adaptable, intelligent animal. Eats mostly rodents, an does a great service Eats mostly rodents, an does a great service

by keeping rodent population down.by keeping rodent population down.

Big Brown BatsBig Brown Bats

Big Brown BatBig Brown Bat

Big Brown BatBig Brown Bat

Order: Chiroptera, the batsOrder: Chiroptera, the bats May be the most common bat in Kansas.May be the most common bat in Kansas. Hibernate in caves, buildings, rock crevices, Hibernate in caves, buildings, rock crevices,

mines.mines. May live up to 19 years in the wildMay live up to 19 years in the wild Eat primarily beetles and can eat 1/3 of Eat primarily beetles and can eat 1/3 of

their body weight in insects each night.their body weight in insects each night. Hunt by echolocation, where they emit Hunt by echolocation, where they emit

high-pitched squeaks and hear how the high-pitched squeaks and hear how the sound bounces off of objects and comes sound bounces off of objects and comes back to them. back to them.

Gray SquirrelGray Squirrel



Order: Rodentia, the rodentsOrder: Rodentia, the rodents They are found in the eastern quarter They are found in the eastern quarter

of Kansas, in Oak-Hickory forest and of Kansas, in Oak-Hickory forest and in towns with oak trees.in towns with oak trees.

Build nests out of leaves.Build nests out of leaves. Often seen leaping from tree to tree Often seen leaping from tree to tree

or resting on the tree branches.or resting on the tree branches.

Fox SquirrelFox Squirrel



Order: Rodentia, the rodentsOrder: Rodentia, the rodents Bushy, fox-like tails that have orange fringe Bushy, fox-like tails that have orange fringe

and reddish-orange fur.and reddish-orange fur. Larger than Gray Squirrels and spend more Larger than Gray Squirrels and spend more

time on the groundtime on the ground Builds nests out of leaves.Builds nests out of leaves. Common in oak-hickory woodlands, wooded Common in oak-hickory woodlands, wooded

parks and neighborhoods throughout parks and neighborhoods throughout Kansas.Kansas.

Black-tailed Prairie DogBlack-tailed Prairie Dog




Order: Rodentia, the rodentsOrder: Rodentia, the rodents Live in the western half of Kansas, on the High Live in the western half of Kansas, on the High

PlainsPlains Known for their “barks” when the lookouts spot Known for their “barks” when the lookouts spot

danger.danger. Live in complex network of burrows called Live in complex network of burrows called

“towns”.“towns”. Often they are poisoned out by landowners, but Often they are poisoned out by landowners, but

they provide critical habitat for many High Plains they provide critical habitat for many High Plains animals, such as spiders, salamanders, toads, box animals, such as spiders, salamanders, toads, box turtles, snakes and especially burrowing owls.turtles, snakes and especially burrowing owls.

MinkMink

Taxidermy mount at Taxidermy mount at Prairie Park Nature Prairie Park Nature CenterCenter

Mink running video from Ken Highfill

MinkMink

Order: Carnivora, the carnivoresOrder: Carnivora, the carnivores Small, weasel-like mammal.Small, weasel-like mammal. Lives near streams and rivers.Lives near streams and rivers. Usually dark brown with a white chin-patch Usually dark brown with a white chin-patch

that can be hard to see.that can be hard to see. Very common. Very common. Feeds on fish, small mammals, birds, Feeds on fish, small mammals, birds,

eggs, frogs, crayfish.eggs, frogs, crayfish. One of the most valuable fur animals.One of the most valuable fur animals.

MuskratMuskrat

MuskratMuskrat

MuskratMuskrat

Order: Rodentia, the rodentsOrder: Rodentia, the rodents Tail long and thin, naked like a rat.Tail long and thin, naked like a rat. Lives in streams and ponds, wetlands.Lives in streams and ponds, wetlands. Much smaller than beaver.Much smaller than beaver. 2-4 lbs.2-4 lbs. Builds conical houses out of marsh Builds conical houses out of marsh

vegetation.vegetation. Eats aquatic plants.Eats aquatic plants. Fur extremely soft, thick and waterproof if Fur extremely soft, thick and waterproof if

maintained.maintained.

Virginia Opossu

m

OpossumOpossum Order: Didelphimorphia, the opossumsOrder: Didelphimorphia, the opossums The only marsupial in North America.The only marsupial in North America. Has more teeth than any other Kansas mammal: 50!Has more teeth than any other Kansas mammal: 50! Have prehensile tail that they use to grasp branches Have prehensile tail that they use to grasp branches

for balance (they do NOT hang upside down from for balance (they do NOT hang upside down from their tails).their tails).

Female bears housefly-sized young that crawl across Female bears housefly-sized young that crawl across her belly and into the pouch and attach to a nipple, her belly and into the pouch and attach to a nipple, where they finish their development for the next two where they finish their development for the next two months.months.

The term “playing possum” refers to the opossums The term “playing possum” refers to the opossums habit of freezing and/or passing out when startled, habit of freezing and/or passing out when startled, such as by a car, which is why so many get hit on such as by a car, which is why so many get hit on the roads.the roads.

Opossums are currently being studied for the fact Opossums are currently being studied for the fact that they do not seem to carry the rabies virus.that they do not seem to carry the rabies virus.

RaccoonRaccoon

Taxidermy mount at Prairie Park Nature Center

RaccoonRaccoon

Order: Carnivora, the carnivores.Order: Carnivora, the carnivores. 12-35 lbs. Size of small-med dog.12-35 lbs. Size of small-med dog. Very intelligent and inquisitive.Very intelligent and inquisitive. Feeds mostly along streams and lakes, omnivorous, Feeds mostly along streams and lakes, omnivorous,

prefers crawdads, eggs, insects, fruits.prefers crawdads, eggs, insects, fruits. Extremely sensitive hands—touches and feels Extremely sensitive hands—touches and feels

things.things. Very cute when young, but once they hit puberty, Very cute when young, but once they hit puberty,

they will defend territory. Do NOT make good petsthey will defend territory. Do NOT make good pets—illegal to keep.—illegal to keep.

80% of raccoons in Kansas carry some type of 80% of raccoons in Kansas carry some type of communicable disease.communicable disease.

Red FoxRed Fox

Red FoxRed Fox

Taxidermy mount at KU Natural History MuseumTaxidermy mount at KU Natural History Museum

Red FoxRed Fox

Order: Carnivora, the carnivores.Order: Carnivora, the carnivores. Has the appearance of a small dog.Has the appearance of a small dog. Forest and open country is preferred.Forest and open country is preferred. Eats other animals from insects to rabbits, Eats other animals from insects to rabbits,

and berries and fruit.and berries and fruit. Usually have more than one den and Usually have more than one den and

moves pups around.moves pups around. Have a bounty on them in much of their Have a bounty on them in much of their

range, but it should be removed as they range, but it should be removed as they do more good than harm overall.do more good than harm overall.

Striped Striped SkunkSkunk


Striped Striped SkunkSkunk


Striped SkunkStriped Skunk

Order: Carnivora, the carnivoresOrder: Carnivora, the carnivores Scent glands located near base of tail.Scent glands located near base of tail. Size of house cat.Size of house cat. Lives in semi-open country, prairie and Lives in semi-open country, prairie and

brush.brush. Omnivorous: east grubs, berries, mice, Omnivorous: east grubs, berries, mice,

eggs, insects, carrion.eggs, insects, carrion. Does not hibernate, is active all winter.Does not hibernate, is active all winter.

White-White-footed footed MouseMouse

White-footed MouseWhite-footed Mouse

Order: Rodentia, the rodents.Order: Rodentia, the rodents. Lives in prairies, woodlands, many Lives in prairies, woodlands, many

habitats.habitats. Nests on ground, but sometimes in Nests on ground, but sometimes in

trees.trees. Important part of the cycle for Lyme Important part of the cycle for Lyme

disease and can also carry other disease and can also carry other diseases communicable to humans.diseases communicable to humans.

Important prey item for many animals.Important prey item for many animals.

WoodchuckWoodchuck

WoodchuckWoodchuck

WoodchuckWoodchuck

WoodchuckWoodchuck

Order: Rodentia, the rodents.Order: Rodentia, the rodents. a.k.a. Groundhog or Marmot.a.k.a. Groundhog or Marmot. 5-10 lbs.5-10 lbs. Habitat is open woods, brushy and rocky Habitat is open woods, brushy and rocky

ravines.ravines. Feeds on tender plants. Feeds on tender plants. Burrow with 2 or more openings, may be Burrow with 2 or more openings, may be

4-5 feet deep and 25-30 feet long.4-5 feet deep and 25-30 feet long. Other openings are dug from below and Other openings are dug from below and

concealed on surface. concealed on surface.

PorcupinePorcupine

PorcupinePorcupine

PorcupinePorcupine

PorcupinePorcupine

Order: Rodentia, the rodents.Order: Rodentia, the rodents. Weigh 27-33 lbs.Weigh 27-33 lbs. Have quills on back, rump and tail, but not on Have quills on back, rump and tail, but not on

belly.belly. When threatened, they arch their back and slap When threatened, they arch their back and slap

the aggressor with quills on tail.the aggressor with quills on tail. Live up to 20 years in wild.Live up to 20 years in wild. Live in wooded areas of central and southwestern Live in wooded areas of central and southwestern

Kansas.Kansas. Feeds on cottonwood trees, alfalfa, corn, grasses, Feeds on cottonwood trees, alfalfa, corn, grasses,

forbs.forbs.

White-tailed DeerWhite-tailed Deer

White-tailed Deer rubWhite-tailed Deer rub

White-tailed DeerWhite-tailed Deer

White-tailed DeerWhite-tailed Deer Order: Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulatesOrder: Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates Habitat is forests, open brushy areas, forest edge.Habitat is forests, open brushy areas, forest edge. Eats twigs, shrubs, fungi, acorns, green vegetation.Eats twigs, shrubs, fungi, acorns, green vegetation. Most important big game mammal in East.Most important big game mammal in East. More here now than ever before due to increase in More here now than ever before due to increase in

edge habitat and elimination of predators, and edge habitat and elimination of predators, and safety and cover in urban areas. safety and cover in urban areas.

Many starve in winter due to overpopulation.Many starve in winter due to overpopulation. Deer populations should be thinned out (by hunting) Deer populations should be thinned out (by hunting)

because there is not enough food for them all, so because there is not enough food for them all, so many starve in winter. Also they eat many of the many starve in winter. Also they eat many of the oaks and hickory nuts and saplings, changing the oaks and hickory nuts and saplings, changing the structure of our forests and they out compete many structure of our forests and they out compete many other native animals who depend on the oak-other native animals who depend on the oak-hickory forest.hickory forest.

PronghornPronghorn

PronghornPronghorn

PronghornPronghorn

Order: Artiodactyla, the even-toed Order: Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulatesungulates

Often called antelope.Often called antelope. Can run up to 60 miles per hour.Can run up to 60 miles per hour. Rarely jump fences, but prefer to crawl Rarely jump fences, but prefer to crawl

under them.under them. Found in the western quarter of Found in the western quarter of

Kansas.Kansas.

Nine-banded ArmadilloNine-banded Armadillo

Yes, this armadillo is dead, however this is mostly how they are seen here in Kansas. They get hit at night on the roads. The body decomposes, but the “shell” can stay around for a long time.



Order: Xenarthra, the ArmadillosOrder: Xenarthra, the Armadillos Have two immovable plates near head and tail that Have two immovable plates near head and tail that

are connected by nine movable, smaller plates. are connected by nine movable, smaller plates. Head and tail are also armored.Head and tail are also armored.

Feed at night, primarily on earthworms, larvae and Feed at night, primarily on earthworms, larvae and insects, eggs, birds, fruit.insects, eggs, birds, fruit.

Live up to 4 years in wild.Live up to 4 years in wild. When they are startled they jump straight up into When they are startled they jump straight up into

the air. Often are hit by cars.the air. Often are hit by cars. Habitat is in shrubs and woodlands. Is expanding Habitat is in shrubs and woodlands. Is expanding

its range north, and now can be found in summers its range north, and now can be found in summers as far north as southern Nebraska, possibly as a as far north as southern Nebraska, possibly as a result of global warming. (Many animals and result of global warming. (Many animals and plants are expanding their ranges due to warmer plants are expanding their ranges due to warmer temperatures).temperatures).

American Bison

American BisonAmerican Bison

Order: Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates.Order: Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates. The heaviest land mammal native to North The heaviest land mammal native to North

America, weighing 900-2,000 lbs.America, weighing 900-2,000 lbs. Prior to settlement, there were an estimated 60 Prior to settlement, there were an estimated 60

million.million. Major resource for the Great Plains Indians, Major resource for the Great Plains Indians,

providing food, clothing, shelter, fuel, tools and providing food, clothing, shelter, fuel, tools and dozens of other items.dozens of other items.

Last wild bison in Kansas was killed in 1879, north Last wild bison in Kansas was killed in 1879, north of Elkhart.of Elkhart.

Public and private captive herds are scattered Public and private captive herds are scattered across Kansas.across Kansas.

Can live up to 30 years.Can live up to 30 years.

Mountain Lion


Mountain LionMountain Lion

Order: Carnivora, the carnivores.Order: Carnivora, the carnivores. Classified as “presently extinct” in Kansas, Classified as “presently extinct” in Kansas,

although sightings are not uncommon.although sightings are not uncommon. Originally ranged throughout Kansas, especially Originally ranged throughout Kansas, especially

southern part of the state.southern part of the state. Deer make up 65-80 percent of prey, porcupines Deer make up 65-80 percent of prey, porcupines

20 percent, and other mammals make up the 20 percent, and other mammals make up the rest.rest.

Territories range from 3-15 square miles.Territories range from 3-15 square miles. Last confirmed mountain lion in Kansas taken in Last confirmed mountain lion in Kansas taken in

Ellis County in 1904.Ellis County in 1904.

River Otter


River OtterRiver Otter

Order: Carnivora, the carnivores.Order: Carnivora, the carnivores. At one time River Otters were distributed along At one time River Otters were distributed along

all the major rivers and many permanent streams all the major rivers and many permanent streams throughout Kansas. throughout Kansas.

60 percent of diet is fish, although they’ll also eat 60 percent of diet is fish, although they’ll also eat voles, muskrat, voles, frogs, insects, worms, etc.voles, muskrat, voles, frogs, insects, worms, etc.

Like other members of the Mustelidae family, Like other members of the Mustelidae family, River Otters have anal musk glands which are River Otters have anal musk glands which are

used if the otter is threatened.used if the otter is threatened.

Black-tailed

Jackrabbit


Black-tailed Jackrabbit


Black-tailed JackrabbitBlack-tailed Jackrabbit

Order: Lagomorpha, rabbits and hares.Order: Lagomorpha, rabbits and hares. Although referred to as a rabbit, is actually classified as Although referred to as a rabbit, is actually classified as

a hare because of its long ears and feet, and precocial a hare because of its long ears and feet, and precocial young.young.

The black tailed jack rabbit is found throughout the The black tailed jack rabbit is found throughout the state, but is more common on the prairies of western state, but is more common on the prairies of western Kansas. Open prairie or fields of short cultivated grasses Kansas. Open prairie or fields of short cultivated grasses are preferred to brush or fields of tall cultivated crops. are preferred to brush or fields of tall cultivated crops.

Food of the black-tailed jack rabbit consists of grasses, Food of the black-tailed jack rabbit consists of grasses, herbage, and any available green vegetation. In winter herbage, and any available green vegetation. In winter more dry vegetation is consumed, including cacti, more dry vegetation is consumed, including cacti, shrubs, and the bark of trees. Most of their water is shrubs, and the bark of trees. Most of their water is obtained from plants. obtained from plants.

ReferencesReferences

A Pocket Guide to Common Kansas A Pocket Guide to Common Kansas Mammals, by George Potts and Bob Mammals, by George Potts and Bob GressGress

Mammals of Kansas Website- Mammals of Kansas Website- http://www.ksr.ku.edu/libres/Mammalhttp://www.ksr.ku.edu/libres/Mammals_of_Kansas/list.html#cats_of_Kansas/list.html#cat

http://www.ksr.ku.edu/libres/Mammals_of_Kansas/list.html#cat

http://www.ksr.ku.edu/libres/Mammals_of_Kansas/list.html#cat

Documents

Unit X: Mammals of Kansas Information. Introduction to Mammals Class Mammalia Class Mammalia There are 88 species of mammals native to Kansas. There are