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: male by PEEC  Photo: female by Hari Viswanathan - Crittercam |  Mule Deer(Odocoileus hemionus)Family: Cervidae (Ruminants) Size: 47 - 79 in (119 - 201 cm) Status: native; common Habitat: edges of mixed forests, mountains, foothills, towns Typical location: Los Alamos The Mule Deer, the common deer in the area, received its name from its large ears that resemble those of a mule. Larger ears, a black-tipped tail and the forked antlers distinguish them from White-tailed Deer. Small groups of deer often migrate to higher elevations during the warmer months looking for new-grown grasses, twigs, and shrubs; they then return to lower elevations during winter where they come together in larger groups in open meadows. Their diet varies greatly depending on the season and region. Males (upper photo) compete for the opportunity to mate in early fall. Soon after mating, their antlers fall off and begin to grow again soon thereafter. The females (lower photo) do not have antlers and are smaller than the males. Newborns are spotted for camouflage. Tracks Info Photos Distribution Featured  |