Discover the Mammals of Minnesota
In his field Guide Mammals of Minnesota Wildlife photographer and naturalist Stan Tekiela shares with us his love and knowledge of the mammals that call Minnesota home.
Minnesota is a great place for wildlife-watchers! The state is one of the few places to see magnificent mammals such as the elusive gray wolf. Minnesota also has a small elk population along with an expanding population of Canadian lynx. Bobcats and fleet-footed snowshoe hares make their homes in the coniferous forests of northern Minnesota while flying squirrels and tree-climbing gray foxes are found in deciduous forests in various parts of the state.
The agricultural areas and western prairies are wonderful places to catch a glimpse of a mule deer or, if you are really lucky, hear the bark of a northern grasshopper mouse. No matter where you turn in Minnesota, there is a wide variety of mammals to see and enjoy.
Did you know that the Masked Screw is a very secretive, solitary animal that is rarely seen because of its underground lifestyle? Also called cinereus shrew, it is one of the smallest mammals in Minnesota. It is also one of the most widespread mammals in North America, ranging all across Canada and Alaska and the northern-tiered states.
The Little Brown Bat is one of the smallest and most common bats in the state. Many people construct large wooden bat houses to provide daytime roosts for this species. The genus name Myotis means “mouse ear” in Latin and presumably was given for its small mouse-like ears. Little brown bats typically eats about half its body weight in insects every night. A lactating female can eat up to 110% of her weight in food nightly. The high volume of insect consumption makes this tiny animal desirable to have around. Farmers benefit greatly from its voracious appetite
The Eastern Spotted Skunk is an extremely uncommon species of special concern in Minnesota. It is considered by some to have the finest and softest fur in the animal world. While this small skunk is protected from hunting and trapping, populations are severely declining in the state and may even be extirpated. If seen, the location should be reported to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Eastern spotted skunk is a semi-social animal but secretive. Fast, agile, and adept at climbing trees. It is an expert mouser that, like a house cat, is good at controlling small mammal populations around farms. Constantly on the move, looking for its next meal.
The Caribou is one of the few species of deer in which both male (bull) and female (cow) have antlers. The caribou was a major source of food and clothing for early native people and later for fur trappers and loggers. More than likely, overhunting played a role in the disappearance (extirpation) of caribou from Minnesota. The last recorded caribou was seen in 1935 in the Upper Red Lake and Lake of the Woods areas. Reintroduction was tried in 1938 but failed. Only sporadic sightings of caribou have occurred since; presumably, the animals are those wandering south from Canada.
This second edition includes updated photographs and range maps, expanded information, and even more of Stan’s expert insights. So grab the Mammals of Minnesota Field Guide for your next outing to help ensure that you positively identify the wildlife you see. The book will be available as of March 4th.
About the author: Naturalist, wildlife photographer, and writer Stan Tekiela has published more than 190 field guides, nature books, children’s books, wildlife audio CDs, puzzles, and playing cards, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, trees, wildflowers, and cacti in the United States. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 35 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs.
Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, Stan’s syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers, and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. He can be contacted via www.naturesmart.com.
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