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List of mammals of Idaho facts for kids

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This page is a list of all the wild mammal species found in the state of Idaho, U.S.. It includes animals that naturally live there, as well as five species that were brought to Idaho by people. These introduced mammals are the eastern gray squirrel, Virginia opossum, house mouse, black rat, and the Norway rat. The information on this list comes from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Small Mammals: Shrews and Moles

These tiny creatures are often hidden from view. They are part of a group called Eulipotyphla.

Shrews: Busy Little Hunters

Family: Soricidae Shrews are very small, mouse-like mammals with long snouts. They are always busy looking for food.

Moles: Digging Experts

Family: Talpidae Moles spend most of their lives underground. They have strong front paws for digging tunnels.

Opossums: Unique North American Mammals

This group is called Didelphimorphia. It includes the only marsupial found in North America.

Virginia Opossum: A Clever Survivor

Family: Didelphidae The Virginia opossum is known for "playing dead" when scared. It's an introduced species in Idaho.

Rodents: Gnawing Animals of Idaho

Rodents are the largest group of mammals. They are known for their strong, ever-growing front teeth.

Beavers: Nature's Engineers

Family: Castoridae Beavers are famous for building dams and lodges in rivers and streams.

Pocket Gophers: Underground Dwellers

Family: Geomyidae These gophers have fur-lined pouches in their cheeks for carrying food. They live mostly underground.

Kangaroo Rats and Pocket Mice: Desert Hoppers

Family: Heteromyidae These small rodents are adapted to dry areas. They can hop like kangaroos.

Porcupines: Spiky Defenders

Family: Erethizontidae Porcupines are known for their sharp quills, which they use for defense.

Jumping Mice: Long-Tailed Leapers

Family: Dipodidae These mice have very long tails and large hind feet, which help them jump far.

New World Rats, Mice, and Voles: Diverse Rodents

Family: Cricetidae This is a very large family with many different types of small rodents.

Old World Rats and Mice: Introduced Species

Family: Muridae These species were brought to Idaho from other parts of the world.

Chipmunks, Marmots, and Squirrels: Busy Tree and Ground Dwellers

Family: Sciuridae This family includes many familiar and active rodents.

Lagomorphs: Hares, Rabbits, and Pikas

Lagomorphs look a bit like rodents but have different teeth and digestive systems.

Hares and Rabbits: Fast Hoppers

Family: Leporidae These animals are known for their long ears and powerful hind legs for running and hopping.

Pikas: Mountain Dwellers

Family: Ochotonidae Pikas are small, furry mammals that live in rocky mountain areas. They collect plants to store for winter.

Bats: Flying Mammals of Idaho

Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. They are part of the Chiroptera group.

Vesper Bats: Common Night Fliers

Family: Vespertilionidae This is the largest family of bats. Many use echolocation to find insects in the dark.

Free-tailed Bats: Fast Fliers

Family: Molossidae These bats have thick, leathery tails that stick out beyond their flight membranes.

Carnivores: Meat-Eating Mammals

Carnivora is an order of mammals that mostly eat meat. They have sharp teeth and claws.

Cats: Stealthy Hunters

Family: Felidae Wild cats are powerful and agile predators.

Canines: Wolves, Foxes, and Coyotes

Family: Canidae This family includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and coyotes. They are often social animals.

Bears: Large Omnivores

Family: Ursidae Bears are large, powerful mammals. They can eat both plants and animals.

Skunks: Scented Defense

Family: Mephitidae Skunks are known for their strong-smelling spray, which they use to defend themselves.

Weasels: Agile Hunters

Family: Mustelidae This family includes many sleek and agile predators.

Raccoons: Clever Foragers

Family: Procyonidae Raccoons are known for their masked faces and clever paws. They are very adaptable.

Hoofed Mammals: Artiodactyla

This group includes mammals with hooves that have an even number of toes.

Pronghorns: North American Speedsters

Family: Antilocapridae The pronghorn is the fastest land animal in North America.

Deer Family: Antlers and Grace

Family: Cervidae This family includes deer, elk, and moose. Males often grow antlers.

Bovids: Horned Mammals

Family: Bovidae This family includes bison, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. They have unbranched horns.

See also

  • List of regional mammals lists
  • List of prehistoric mammals
  • Mammal classification
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List of mammals of Idaho Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.