Due to ecological and sociological changes, some species are few in number and location. Although endangered, the Delmarva fox squirrel and Assateague pony, for example, both are limited to the Chesapeake area, and attest to Maryland's diverse fauna. Making a home in Elkton (Cecil County), Maryland, is a population of White squirrels, a leucistic (differ from albino, as eyes contain pigment) variant of Gray squirrels.
In the listing below, all mammals noted are native to Maryland with the exception of the Nutria, and the Sika Deer.
Bat, Eastern Red (Lasiurus borealis)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; migratory (present: April-Oct.); 4 to 5 inches long, 11 to 13 inch wingspan.
Bat, Eastern Small-Footed (Myotis leibii)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; hibernates during winter months; 2.5 to 3.75 inches long, 8.5 to 9.75 inch wingspan.
Bat, Evening (Nycticeius humeralis)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; migratory; short-lived (two to five years).
Bat, Hoary (Lasiurus cinereus)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; migratory; 5 to 6 inches long; 15 to 16 inch wingspan.
Bat, Indiana (Myotis sodalis)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; hibernates during winter months.
Classified as Endangered.
Bat, Little Brown (Myotis lucifugus)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; hibernates during winter months; 2.4 to 4 inches long, 8.5 to 11 inch wingspan.
Bat, Northern Long-Eared (Myotis septentrionalis)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; hibernates during winter months; approx. 3.5 inches long.
Bat, Silver Haired (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; hibernates during winter months; approx. 4 inches long, approx. 11 inch wingspan; primary flight time is early-late evening, as to avoid competition from other bat species.
Bear, American Black (Ursus americanus)
Omnivore; crepuscular; ursidae; hibernates during winter months; 5 to 6 feet long, 2.5 to 3 feet tall at shoulder (approx. 7 feet tall when up on two legs), up to 660 lbs.; can reach speeds up to 30 mph. Most common bear species native to North America.
Beaver, American (Castor canadensis)
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; approx. 3.5 feet long, 33 to 77 lbs.; semi-aquatic; lives ten to twenty years. Largest rodent, and only beaver species found in North America.
Bison, American (Bison bison)
Herbivore; diurnal; bovine; approx. 6 feet tall, 10 feet long; 900 to 2,200 lbs.; short, curved horns; herd animal; can reach speeds up to 39 mph. Endangered status is under review; classified as regionally extinct (no wild herds) in Maryland.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Carnivore; crepuscular; feline; 20 to 24 inches tall, 28 to 40 inches long; capable of climbing and swimming.
Cottontail, Appalachian (Sylvilagus obscurus)
Cottontail, Eastern (Sylvilagus floridanus)
Coyote (Canis latrans)
Deer, White-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus)
Ermine (Mustela erminea)
Fox, Gray (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Fox, Red (Vulpes vulpes
Horse, Feral (Equus caballus)
Lion, Mountain (Felis concolor)
Mink (Mustela vison)
Mole, Eastern (Scalopus aquaticus)
Mole, Hairy-tailed (Parascalops breweri)
Mole, Star-nosed (Condylura cristata)
Mouse, Deer (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Mouse, Eastern harvest (Reithrodontomys humulis)
Mouse, House (Mus musculus)
Mouse, Meadow jumping (Zapus hudsonius)
Mouse, White-footed (Peromyscus leucopus)
Mouse, Woodland jumping (Napaeozapus insignis)
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
Rat, Black (Rattus rattus)
Rat, Marsh rice (Oryzomys palustris)
Rat, Norway (Rattus norvegicus)
Shrew, Long-tailed (Sorex dispar)
Shrew, Masked (Sorex cinereus)
Shrew, Northern short-tailed (Blarina brevicauda)
Shrew, Pygmy (Sorex hoyi)
Shrew, Smoky (Sorex fumeus)
Shrew, Southeastern (Sorex longirostris)
Shrew, Water (Sorex palustris)
Skunk, Eastern spotted (Spilogale putorius)
Skunk, Striped (Mephitis mephitis)
Squirrel, Delmarva fox (Sciurus niger cinereus)
Squirrel, Eastern fox (Sciurus niger)
Squirrel, Eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis)
Squirrel, Red (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Squirrel, Southern flying (Glaucomys volans)
Vole, Rock (Microtus chrotorrhinus)
Vole, Southern red-backed (Clethrionomys gapperi)
Vole, Woodland (Microtus pinetorum)
Weasel, Long-tailed (Mustela frenata)
Wolf, Gray (Canis lupus)
Woodchuck (Marmota monax)
Woodrat, Allegheny (Neotoma magister)
Chipmunk, Eastern (Tamias striatus)
Omnivore; diurnal; rodent; hibernates during winter months; 5 to 6 inches long; capable of burrowing and climbing; striped back; prefers deciduous forests and urban parks.
Herbivore; crepuscular; leporidae; 15.5 to 17 inches long; 1.75 to 2.5 lbs.; almost indistinct from Sylvilagus floridanus: most distinct seperating feature is the dark patch of fur between the ears; can reach speeds up to 18 mph.
Herbivore; crepuscular; leporidae; 15.5 to 17 inches long; 1.75 to 2.5 lbs.; almost indistinct from Sylvilagus obscurus; can reach speeds up to 18 mph.
Carnivore; nocturnal; canine; 23 to 26 inches tall at shoulder, 30 to 34 inches long; can reach speeds up to 43 mph; pack hunter; burrowing animal, yet primarily uses existing burrows and dens; thrives in human occupied areas.
Deer, Sika (Cervus nippon)
Herbivore; diurnal; cervidae; introduced to America from Japan; 4 to 5.8 feet long, 2.3 to 4 feet tall at shoulders; dark stripe from head to tail; antlers found on males, 1 to 2.2 feet long; found in dense forests and at freshwater marshes in Maryland.
Herbivore; diurnal; cervidae; 5.2 to 7.3 feet long, 2.7 to 3.3 feet tall at shoulders; 130 to 300 lbs.; characteristic white underside to tail; antlers found on males; prefer dense forests.
Elk, American (Cervus elaphus)
Herbivore; diurnal; cervidae; 6.3 to 8 feet long, 4.5 to 5 feet tall at shoulders; 500 to 700 lbs.; antlers found on males; herd animal; once extinct on the east coast, elk were reintroduced in states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. These populations spread into Maryland.
Carnivore; nocturnal; mustelid; up to 12 inches long; capable of burrowing, climbing, and swimming; distinct black tip to tail. Also known as stoat, or short-tailed weasel.
Fisher (Martes pennanti)
Carnivorous; diurnal; mustelid; 26 to 49 inches long; capable of burrowing and climbing; prefers coniferous and mixed forests.
Carnivore; crepuscular; canine; 31 to 41 inches long; 8 to 15 lbs.; skilled climber; solitary hunter; distinct black-tipped tail.
Carnivore; crepuscular; canine; 18 to 35 inches long; 8 to 17 lbs.; can reach speeds up to 45 mph; solitary hunter; distinct black-tipped feet, and white-tipped tail.
Hare, Snowshoe (Lepus americanus)
Herbivore; crepuscular; leporidae; 14.5 to 15.5 inches long; fur turns white in winter, and brown in warmer months; black-tipped ears all year round; prefers farmlands and meadows.
Herbivore; diurnal; equine; 4.4 to 5.4 feet tall at shoulders; found primarily on Assateague Island, with a herd protected at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Worcester County. The National Park Service maintains the horses in Maryland. Also known as Assateague pony, and Chincoteage pony.
Lemming, Southern bog (Synaptomys cooperi)
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; approx. 5.5 inches long (including tail); capable of burrowing.
Carnivore; crepuscular; feline; 5 to 9 feet long (including tail), 2 to 2.5 feet tall at shoulders; 64 to 198 lbs.; skilled climber; can reach speeds up to 45 mph; can leap up to 18 feet vertical, 40 feet horizontal; classified as regionally extinct (no wild occurrences) in Maryland. Also known as cougar, panther, and puma.
Marten, American (Martes americana)
Carnivore; nocturnal; mustelid; skilled climber; prefers coniferous and mixed forests.
Carnivore; nocturnal; mustelid; 18.4 to 28 inches long; semi-aquatic.
Omnivore; diurnal; talpidae; approx. 5.1 to 8.4 inches long (including tail); solitary.
Omnivore; diurnal; talpidae; approx. 6.5 inches long; solitary; primarily subterranean.
Omnivore; diurnal; talpidae; 6 to 8 inches long; primarily subterranean; semi-aquatic; distinct pink tentacles on snout.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 5 to 8.5 inches long (including tail); distinct multicolored tail.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 4 to 5 inches long (including tail); prefers damp, open habitats.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 5 to 8 inches long (including tail); thrives in close proximity to humans.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 7 to 9.5 inches long (including tail); capable of swimming and burrowing; can leap up to 12 feet horizontal; prefers damp, open habitats.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 6 to 8 inches long (including tail); prefers mixed forests; distinct feet (including ankles) are completely white.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; hibernates during winter months; 8 to 10 inches long (including tail); capable of burrowing; can leap up to 10 feet horizontal.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 16 to 24 inches long; semi-aquatic, burrower; long, narrow, scaled tail.
Nutria (Myocastor coypus)
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; 16 to 24 inches long; semi-aquatic, burrower; long, round, scaled tail. Introduced from South America, Nutria are an invasive species that has led Maryland to work with federal, interstate and private agencies in extermination efforts.
Opossum, Virginia (Didelphis virginiana)
Omnivore; nocturnal; marsupial; 15 to 20 inches long; skilled climber; distinct white face; known for "playing possum" when frightened. Also known simply as possum, or North American opossum.
Pipistrelle, Eastern (Pipistrellus subflavus)
Insectivore; nocturnal; chiroptera; hibernates during winter months; 2.7 to 3.5 inches long, 8.5 to 9.7 inch wingspan; distinct tri-colored hair (dark brown-yellow-black). One of smallest bat species in North America.
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; skilled climber; prefers coniferous and mixed forests; distinct covering of barbed quills. Also known as Canadian porcupine, and North American porcupine.
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Omnivore; nocturnal; procyonidae; 16 to 28 inches long, 9 to 12 inches tall at shoulders; skilled climber; prefers deciduous or mixed forests with access to water; adapted to urban areas; distinct "bandit mask" coloring around eyes.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 6 to 8 inches long; approx. 8 inch long tail; skilled climber; may be colors other than black.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 8.2 to 9 inches long; semi-aquatic; prefers marshes and swamps.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; approx. 16 inches long (including tail); burrower. Also known as brown rat, common rat, Hanover rat, Norwegian rat, and wharf rat.
Shrew, Least (Cryptotis parva)
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; 3 to 3.5 inches long (including tail); burrower; venomous saliva (painful, but not lethal to humans). Also known as small short-tailed shrew and bee shrew.
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; 2.5 to 7 inches long (including tail); burrower; prefers forested, mountainous regions. Also known as rock shrew.
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; approx. 3.9 inches long (including tail); burrower; prefers moist forest areas, and marshlands. Also known as common shrew.
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; 4.3 to 5.5 inches long (including tail); capable of burrowing, and climbing; venomous saliva (painful, but not lethal to humans).
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; 3 to 3.5 inches (including tail); weighs 2 to 3 grams; can jump 4.5 inches vertical; primarily nests in ground debris, or rotted logs; prefers deciduous and mixed forests. Smallest mammal (by weight) in North America.
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; 4 to 5 inches long (including tail); primarily nests in ground debris, or rotted logs; prefers deciduous and mixed forests.
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; approx. 4 inches long (including tail); primarily nests in ground debris, or rotted logs; prefers deciduous and mixed forests.
Insectivore; nocturnal; soricidae; 5 to 6.7 inches long (including tail); semi-aquatic; can “walk” on water; prefers deciduous forest near streams or ponds.
Omnivore; crepuscular; mephitidae; 16 to 23 inches; sprays an odorous secretion as a defense mechanism; distinct "broken" pattern to stripes, giving impression of spots.
Omnivore; crepuscular; mephitidae; 13 to 18 inches long (excluding tail); 6 to 8 lbs.; sprays an odorous secretion as a defense mechanism; distinct stripe pattern running from head to tail.
Granivore; diurnal; rodent; approx. 15 inches long (excluding tail); skilled climber; can jump more than 15 feet horizontal; primarily nests in tree hollows; prefers mixed forests. Subspecies of eastern fox squirrel.
Classified as Endangered.
Granivore; diurnal; rodent; 10 to 14.5 inches long (excluding tail); skilled climber; can jump more than 15 feet horizontal; prefers deciduous forests.
Granivore; crepuscular; rodent; approx. 9.7 inches long (excluding tail); skilled climber; builds nests in trees; prefers deciduous and mixed forests; fur is varying shades of gray, with occasional hints of brown.
Granivore; diurnal; rodent; 7 to 8 inches long (excluding tail); capable of climbing and swimming; prefers coniferous forests; distinct white belly.
Omnivore; nocturnal; rodent; 11.5 to 14.2 inches long (including tail); skilled climber; distinct membrane connecting front and rear legs; prefers deciduous and mixed forests; can glide great distances, uses tail to steer in midair. Also known as eastern flying squirrel.
Vole, Meadow (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; approx. 6.3 inches long (including tail); burrower; prefers farmlands and meadows. Also known as field mouse, or meadow mouse.
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; approx. 8 inches long (including tail); burrower; distinct yellow-tipped nose. Also known as yellow-nosed vole.
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; 4.3 to 6.7 inches long (including tail); burrower; distinct chestnut brown stripe running from head to tail.
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; 4 to 6.2 inches long (including tail); burrower; prefers deciduous and mixed forests.
Weasel, Least (Mustela nivalis)
Carnivore; both diurnal and nocturnal; mustelid; approx. 9 inches long (including tail); burrower; prefers farmlands and meadows; distinct short tail. Also known as dwarf weasel, pygmy weasel, and mouse weasel.
Carnivore; both diurnal and nocturnal; mustelid; 14 to 48 inches long (including tail); capable of climbing and swimming; solitary hunter; distinct black-tipped tail.
Carnivore; both diurnal and nocturnal; canine; 3.5 to 5.5 feet long, 2 to 3 feet tall at shoulder; pack hunter; can reach speeds up to 40 mph.
Classified as Endangered, the gray wolf is regionally extinct (no wild occurrences) in Maryland.
Omnivore; crepuscular; rodent; hibernates in winter months; capable of burrowing, climbing, and swimming. Also known as groundhog.
Herbivore; nocturnal; rodent; 8 to 10 inches long, 7 to 8 inch tail; prefers caves, mines, and rocky areas; distinct furred tail.
Maryland State Symbols
Maryland Government
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance
Maryland Manual On-Line
Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us