This section covers Mammals that have been documented in the state of Arkansas. As images are added there will be details for the species along with the media. This is one area that in the future I try hope to focus more on and be able to bring amazing images and video to others that enjoy wildlife in the Natural State.
Fox Squirrel ~ The fox squirrel, also known as the eastern fox squirrel or Bryant's fox squirrel, is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America.
Eastern Chipmunk ~ Small, Lively, and a lot of fun to watch play with others in a brush pile along the Arkansas River. For being such a common species in the Eastern US I don't see these guys that often anymore.
The Groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a large rodent native to North America. It has a stout body covered in coarse brown fur, measuring about 16-27 inches long and weighing 4-14 pounds. Groundhogs are skilled burrowers, creating extensive underground tunnels for shelter and hibernation. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, plants, and crops. Known for their association with Groundhog Day, they are believed to predict the arrival of spring based on their emergence from hibernation. Typically found in open fields, forests, and suburban areas, groundhogs play an important role in their ecosystem by aerating the soil through their digging.
White Tailed Deer ~ A common North American mammal known for the white underside of its tail, which it raises as a warning signal. They have reddish-brown coats in summer that turn grayish-brown in winter for seasonal camouflage. White-tailed deer are adaptable, thriving in forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. They are herbivores, feeding on leaves, twigs, fruits, and crops. Males, called bucks, grow antlers annually, which they shed after the breeding season. As a key prey species, white-tailed deer play a significant role in their ecosystem.
Swamp Rabbit ~ The Arkansas Swamp Rabbit is a large, semi-aquatic cottontail rabbit native to the wetlands and bottomland forests of the southeastern United States. It has a stocky build, brownish fur with a rusty tint, and a short, rounded tail. Swamp rabbits are excellent swimmers, often taking to the water to escape predators. They feed on grasses, aquatic plants, and bark, primarily foraging at night. Known for their elusive nature, they play a crucial role in wetland ecosystems while also being a key prey species for various predators.
Raccoon ~ (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable and intelligent mammal native to North America, known for its distinctive black "mask" of fur around the eyes and bushy ringed tail. Raccoons have grayish-brown fur, nimble front paws, and a curious, nocturnal nature. They thrive in a wide range of habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban neighborhoods, where they often rummage through garbage or explore attics and crawl spaces. Omnivorous and opportunistic, raccoons eat fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and human food scraps. Their problem-solving skills and dexterous paws make them both fascinating and occasionally troublesome to people.