Scientific Name: Sciurus niger niger & Sciurus niger vulpinus
Classification: Game
Abundance: Locally common (found in blue counties)
Topics Related to Mammals
Scientific Name: Sciurus carolinensis
Classification: Small game
Abundance: Abundant-statewide
Scientific Name: Glaucomys volans
Classification: nongame
Abundance: Found throughout NC
Photo Credits: Amy Young
This 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 frenata
Classification: Furbearer
Abundance: Common throughout the state
Photo Credits Becky Matsubara
Scientific Name: Canis rufus
Classification: Endangered; state listed as threatened
Occurrence: Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington counties
The red wolf was extensively killed throughout its range in North America for many years.
In 1987, the red wolf was introduced by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists as part of an experiment to examine the feasibility of restoring the population in the wild.
Scientific Name: Procyon lotor
Classification: Game Species and Furbearer
Abundance: Common throughout state
These 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 putorius
Classification: Furbearer
Abundance: Found in the mountains and western Piedmont
Photo Credits: Neil Pearson
Scientific Name: Mephitis mephitis
Classification: Furbearer and game species
Abundance: Occupies most of the state (green); rare to absent in certain Coastal Plain counties
Scientific Name: Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus
Classification: Nongame-Endangered
Abundance: Rare
Photo Credits: Clifton Avery
Scientific Name: Didelphis virginiana
Classification: Game species and furbearer
Abundance: Common throughout state