Mammals

The woodchuck (Marmota monax) is known by a wide variety of names including earth pig, groundhog, and whistle pig. The name woodchuck is believed to have derived from the Cree Indian word wuchak.

The woodchuck is a medium sized rodent. It is related to the ground squirrel and marmot. It is known for its excavating ability, which allows it to create an extensive network of tunnels and burrows beneath open fields and meadows.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) are one of the most studied and talked about species in the state. The importance Vermonters place on deer is evident in looking at the state seal. It is a deer, not an eagle or other mythical creature that sits atop the state seal!

Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to North America. Although the opossum is not endemic to Vermont, a stable population has been established here.

The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a highly adaptable animal that can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from open fields to urban areas. It is well known for its ability to spray an unpleasant scent to ward off potential threats.

Habitat

Striped skunks are found in a variety of habitats, including fields, open areas, and along the edges

The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is also called the "varying hare" because its color changes from brown to white in the winter. The snowshoe hare is often mistakenly referred to as a rabbit, but it is not. Although closely related, the hare has characteristics that are very different from the cottontail rabbit.

The short-tailed weasel (Mustela richardsonii) is the second smallest member of the weasel family. Like the long- tailed weasel and its other relatives, the short-tailed weasel, also known as the ermine, is a predator. The short-tailed weasel occupies a wider variety of habitats than the long-tailed weasel, which includes wetlands, forests, and fields. It is trapped for its fur, but not avidly.

The river otter (Lutra canadensis) is the best swimmer of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family. It is at home in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes and is well-adapted for its aquatic lifestyle.

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is one of the most common medium-sized mammals in North America. Originally, the raccoon occupied habitats in hardwood forests with close proximity to a water source. Today, the raccoon is found in a wide variety of habitats and is commonly found in suburban and urban environments.