Scientific Name: Sciurus niger niger & Sciurus niger vulpinusClassification: GameAbundance: Locally common (found in blue counties)
Topics Related to Mammals
Scientific Name: Sciurus carolinensisClassification: Small gameAbundance: Abundant-statewideThe eastern gray squirrel is the most common and frequently observed of North Carolina’s five tree squirrel species. The gray squirrel is found in every county and was adopted as the state mammal in 1969. Gray squirrels are enjoyed by wildlife-watchers and hunters alike, but they can be a nuisance when they cause property damage.
Scientific Name: Glaucomys volansClassification: nongameAbundance: Found throughout NCPhoto Credits: Amy YoungThis diminutive rodent with the big saucer-like eyes is probably the most common mammal never seen by humans in North Carolina. It occupies habitat similar to that of the gray squirrel and, to a lesser extent, the fox squirrel, yet because it is a nocturnal species, it is not seen as often as the other two.
Scientific Name: Mustela frenataClassification: Furbearer Abundance: Common throughout the statePhoto Credits Becky Matsubara
Scientific Name: Canis rufusClassification: EndangeredAbundance: Observed in Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington countiesThe red wolf was extensively killed throughout its range in North America for many years, primarily to protect livestock. Europeans settling in the New World brought with them an ingrained fear of wolves.
Scientific Name: Procyon lotorClassification: Game Species and Furbearer Abundance: Common throughout stateThese charismatic mammals are highly intelligent and resourceful. In folk stories, raccoons often outwit humans or other animals. Their great adaptability has allowed them to flourish throughout history and in almost all environments. They are common in cities and other urban areas, and many people have surprised a raccoon on a nocturnal raid of their garbage cans.
Scientific Name: Spilogale putoriusClassification: FurbearerAbundance: Found in the mountains and western PiedmontPhoto Credits: Neil Pearson
Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitisClassification: Furbearer and game speciesAbundance: Occupies most of the state (green); rare to absent in certain Coastal Plain counties
Scientific Name: Glaucomys sabrinus coloratusClassification: Nongame-EndangeredAbundance: RarePhoto Credits: Clifton Avery
Scientific Name: Didelphis virginianaClassification: Game species and furbearer Abundance: Common throughout state