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List of mammals of New Mexico facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

New Mexico is a state in the southwestern United States. It's home to an amazing variety of animals, especially mammals! From tiny shrews to large deer, New Mexico has many different kinds of furry creatures. This list will introduce you to some of the cool mammals that live in or have lived in New Mexico. Some of these animals were once found here but are now gone (this is called extirpated). Others were brought here by people (these are introduced species).

Black bear Yellowstone NP 2008
The American black bear is the state mammal of New Mexico.

Opossums: Amazing Marsupials

Family: Didelphidae

Opossums are unique mammals because they are marsupials. This means the mothers carry their babies in a pouch, just like kangaroos!

Armadillos: Little Armored Tanks

Family: Dasypodidae

Armadillos are known for their tough, bony armor that protects them. They are skilled diggers and often look for insects to eat.

Armadillo en Montemorelos
Nine-banded armadillo

Shrews: Tiny Hunters

Family: Soricidae

Shrews are some of the smallest mammals around. They have long snouts and tiny eyes. Even though they look a bit like mice, they are actually more closely related to moles. Shrews are very active and need to eat almost constantly to stay alive.

Merriam's shrew
Merriam's shrew

Bats: Flying Mammals of the Night

Family: Molossidae (Free-tailed Bats)

Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly! They use a special skill called echolocation to find their way and hunt insects in the dark. Free-tailed bats are known for their long, thick tails that stick out beyond their flight membrane.

Side view of spotted bat -Euderma maculatum- by Paul Cryan
Spotted bat

Family: Phyllostomidae (Leaf-nosed Bats)

Leaf-nosed bats often have unique nose shapes that help them with echolocation. Some species in New Mexico are important for pollinating plants.

Family: Vespertilionidae (Common Bats)

This is the largest family of bats. Many of these bats live in caves or trees and eat insects.

Lagomorphs: Hares, Rabbits, and Pikas

Family: Leporidae (Hares and Rabbits)

Lagomorphs are often confused with rodents, but they are a separate group. They have two sets of incisor teeth in their upper jaw, which is different from rodents. Hares are generally larger than rabbits and have longer ears and legs.

Lepus americanus 5459 cropped
Snowshoe hare

Family: Ochotonidae (Pikas)

Pikas are small, furry mammals that live in rocky mountain areas. They are known for collecting plants and drying them into "haypiles" for winter food.

Rodents: Gnawing Mammals

Family: Castoridae (Beavers)

Rodents are the largest group of mammals. They are known for their continuously growing front teeth, which they use for gnawing. Beavers are famous for building dams and lodges.

Family: Geomyidae (Pocket Gophers)

Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents with large cheek pouches they use to carry food. They spend most of their lives underground.

Family: Heteromyidae (Kangaroo Rats and Pocket Mice)

These rodents are well-adapted to dry environments. Kangaroo rats can jump long distances and rarely need to drink water, getting moisture from their food.

Family: Cricetidae (New World Mice, Rats, and Voles)

This is a very diverse family, including many types of mice, voles, and woodrats. They play important roles in their ecosystems.

Family: Muridae (Old World Mice and Rats)

These are common species that were introduced to New Mexico by humans.

Family: Dipodidae (Jumping Mice)

Jumping mice have long tails and large hind feet, which help them make impressive leaps.

Family: Erethizontidae (New World Porcupines)

Porcupines are famous for their sharp quills, which they use for defense against predators.

Family: Echimyidae (Spiny Rats and Relatives)

The coypu is an introduced species in New Mexico, originally from South America.

  • Coypu, Myocastor coypus (introduced)

Family: Sciuridae (Squirrels, Chipmunks, Marmots, and Prairie Dogs)

This family includes many familiar and active rodents. They are often seen in trees or digging burrows.

Cliffchip
Cliff chipmunk

Carnivorans: Meat Eaters

Family: Canidae (Dogs, Wolves, and Foxes)

This family includes many well-known predators. They are often social animals and hunt in packs or pairs.

Mexican Wolf 2 yfb-edit 1
Mexican wolf

Family: Ursidae (Bears)

Bears are large, powerful mammals. While they are carnivores, many bears also eat plants, fruits, and insects.

Family: Procyonidae (Raccoons and Relatives)

These animals are known for being clever and adaptable. Many have distinctive facial markings.

Family: Mephitidae (Skunks)

Skunks are famous for their strong-smelling spray, which they use to defend themselves.

Family: Felidae (Cats)

This family includes all types of cats, from small bobcats to large jaguars. They are skilled hunters with sharp claws and teeth.

Family: Mustelidae (Weasels, Badgers, Otters, and Martens)

Mustelids are often long-bodied and agile predators. Many are known for their valuable fur.

Even-toed Ungulates: Hoofed Mammals

Family: Antilocapridae (Pronghorn)

Ungulates are mammals with hooves. The pronghorn is unique because it's the fastest land animal in North America.

Family: Bovidae (Cattle, Goats, Sheep, and Antelopes)

This family includes many grazing animals. Some species, like the Barbary sheep and gemsbok, were introduced to New Mexico.

Family: Cervidae (Deer, Elk, and Moose)

Cervids are known for the antlers that males usually grow and shed each year.

Mule buck doe elk creek r myatt (5489811074)
Mule deer

Family: Suidae (Pigs)

Wild boars are an introduced species in New Mexico.

Family: Tayassuidae (Peccaries)

Peccaries are pig-like animals found in the Americas.

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List of mammals of New Mexico Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.