This guide initially displays all common mammals. Use the selectors below to view mammals of a particular shape, include rare mammals, or search for them by name.
Mammals are defined as warm-blooded vertebrates with hair or fur and sweat glands — in the females mammary glands, modified sweat glands, produce milk to nourish the young. Most mammals develop a placenta which enables the feeding of the fetus during gestation and give birth to live young. In addition, although most mammals walk on land, many have specific adaptations that allow them to swim, fly, leap between tree branches or even dig extensive tunnels. Many wild mammals are used for both food and fur. while other have been domesticated for their agricultural and scientific importance.
New Mexico ranks high for mammalian diversity in the states in the US and the Pajarito Plateau is home to many of these species. This guide describes all of the larger wildlife found in the area as well as the more common smaller animals with the most abundant being rodents. Local species range from carnivores like the mountain lion and bobcat to ruminants like elk and deer to to several varieties of bats.
Mammal References
Biota Information System of New Mexico
Bogen et al. 1998 Continued Studies of Bat Species of Concern in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico [PDF]
eNature
Frey et al. 2006 Checklist of New Mexico Mammals [PDF]
New Mexico Tech Mammalian Field Guide
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History North American Mammals
Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Profile – Los Alamos Laboratory Lands [PDF]
Tyrell and Brack 1992 Survey for Bats in the Los Alamos National Environmental Research Park
Subject Area Experts (all guides)
Steve Cary (butterflies)
Beth Cortright (insects)
Terry Foxx (invasive plants)
Leslie Hansen (mammals)
Richard Hansen (fish, mammals)
Dorothy Hoard (butterflies, trees)
Chick Keller (flowers, herbarium)
Shari Kelley (geology)
Kirt Kempter (geology)
Garth Tietjen (reptiles)
David Yeamans (birds)
Web Development and Content Management
Pat Bacha
Jennifer Macke
Graham Mark
Akkana Peck
Contact
Please contact us for local nature questions and sightings. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions to our guides.
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 Photo: Marcin Klapczynski  Photo: Stephen Shankland |  American Beaver(Castor canadensis)Family: Castoridae (Beavers) Size: 36 - 48 in (91 - 122 cm) Status: native; common Habitat: marshes, lakes, ponds Typical location: Rio Grande, Upper Jemez River Drainage, White Rock Canyon The American Beaver is the largest rodent in North America. It is active throughout the year and most likely to be observed in the evening. Beavers are particularly adapted to their semi-aquatic life with a paddle-shaped tail, webbed feet and eye coverings that allow them to see underwater. Although beavers eat a variety of vegetation they do not eat fish. Most of their diet is composed of tree bark and the soft tissue that grows under the bark known as cambium. Gnawed trees near water are indicative of beaver activity. Beavers live in small family groups in a lodge built as part of a dam structure. The dam which helps to provide deep enough water around the lodge to keep it from freezing in the winter and floods areas near the edge of the water to provide safer access to food. In addition, the dam creates a new wetland environment for other species. However, it can also cause the lose of habitat for other species by slowing water flow and flooding low-lying areas. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Featured  |
