BUCK-TOOTHED MAMMALS: RODENTS
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
About 18″ long Bushy tail, less than half the total length Gray fur, white on underside
The Gray Squirrel easily adapts itself to any environment. The large treetop nests constructed of leaves are made by this squirrel. A brood of two to six young is raised once or twice each spring.
Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
About 14″ long Bushy tail, about half the total length Rusty-red fur, underside white
This little squirrel will often be heard before it is seen, scolding its terrestrial enemies with a loud clatter from a perch high in a protective tree. In late spring its yearly brood of four or five is raised in a nest of shredded bark built high in a tree.
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
8″ or 10″ long Reddish-brown fur with two white stripes on back White stripes on back are margined with black
The Chipmunk is a squirrel that keeps to the ground and seldom climbs trees except to collect nuts. It packs the nuts in two large cheek pouches, and when these are full they look like a very bad case of mumps. The Chipmunk’s nest is found underground.
Common Woodchuck (Marmota monax)
Large, fat animal over 2′ long Grayish- to reddish-brown fur Bushy tail, 5″ or 6″ long
The Woodchuck has many common names; “Chuck,” “Marmot,” or “Ground Hog” are the ones used in our area. “Chucks” live in deep burrows underground and there is always a great mound of earth in front of their opening. Frequently the “Chuck” is seen standing upright on its hind feet surveying its territory from the top of this mound. The same tunnel probably has several other more concealed openings which are used as escape hatches. The Woodchuck hibernates far below the ground during the winter months, and in the northern United States never comes out on February 2, “Ground Hog Day.”
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethica)
Resembles a large rat About 2′ long Tail ratlike, flattened from side to side
The Muskrat is an aquatic mammal and is always found in association with water. It is very common in the marshy areas of the beach and may frequently be seen swimming about in such spots. The Muskrat’s fur has become specialized for its aquatic existence and is water-proofed with a heavy layer of oil. Muskrats feed extensively on the marsh plants. In late fall they construct large dome-shaped homes that protrude above the water.
White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus)
Feet and legs are white Large eyes; prominent ears
These mice are common all over the Neck. They are nocturnal and may be discovered in the daytime hiding under boards that have washed onto the shore, or they may be found in the wooded areas behind the main beach. Their small nests are constructed out of fur and grass and are located in depressions in the ground, frequently under a board or log. When the original owners vacate these nests they are often taken over by Bumblebees, Centipedes, Earwigs, and other secretive creatures.
Eastern Meadow Mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Very small eyes Tail short, about one-third total length Brown fur, gray on underside
The Meadow Mouse is by far the most common mammal of Castle Neck. Its burrows may be seen just under the grass in all areas having ground cover. It feeds on many of the trees in the area, chewing the bark around the base. This girdling will eventually kill the tree. While this habit makes Meadow Mice undesirable, they fortunately prefer the smaller herbaceous plants when they are available. Although common, Meadow Mice are seldom seen because their days are spent running through their burrows. These may extend over an area of many square yards.
Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius)
Tail longer than body, sparsely haired White underside, olive-yellow back
Occasionally when one is walking in the grassy fields, a Jumping Mouse will suddenly bound away in leaps averaging three or four feet. If it is really frightened, these leaps may carry the mouse as far as ten feet. In the United States the Jumping Mouse is much more closely related to the Porcupine than to true mice. Un-mouse-like, it hibernates in an underground nest during the winter months. Jumping Mice eat both insects and plants.