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Mammal Species of Bayberry Beach

Note: These photos were not taken at Bayberry Beach, but from Google images. However, these species have been observed at or near Bayberry Beach. For the wildlife lover I recommend the field guide, "Mammals of North America," by Roland W. Kays and Don E. Wilson. If you are interested in what other mammal species exist in our area, contact Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge (631-286-0485) or South Shore Nature Center. The website for Long Island's refuges is longislandrefuges.fws.gov (no "www.").

Red Fox

That's right, there were red fox sightings at Bayberry Beach. However, they are nothing to fear. The largest males are only 82 centimeters (2'8") and weigh less than 15 pounds (Kays, Wilson, "Mammals of North America") and most are smaller, not to mention they will never attack you. Foxes eat squirrels, rabbits, insects, and a lot of small rodents, which, along with deer, are responsible for the spreading of ticks. They make a high pitch "rarh" sound at night, which was heard coming out of Bayberry in the beginning of June. For more information about foxes, check out this website, http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/www/schoolhouse/boreal_library/animals/fox.htm

Eastern Gray Squirrels

Extremely common everywhere you go in the Eastern United States.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

They have an ability to reproduce rapidly which enables the species to survive even though they are bottom of the food chain.

White-tailed Deer

Wolves and Native American hunters used to exist on Long Island, but with wolves gone and hunting no longer popular, their populations have exploded. Also,  habitat loss on the island has increased human interaction with them. Regardless of how often you see them, you can't help but admire their beauty.

Raccoon

They are extremely intelligent, adaptable animals that come out at night.

Opossum

They may not be adorable, but they are amazing. They have existed since the age of the dinosaurs, have an ability to play dead, and carry around their babies like a kangaroo. If you don't like cockroaches, beetles, slugs, and mice, than you'll love opossums since those animals are their diet.

Small Rodents

You may not see them that often, but they are everywhere (and it's a good thing considering how vital they are to the food chain.) No matter how much you landscape your back yard, they are there. The particular species in this picture is a meadow vole.

Bats

I cannot decide on a picture to put up because I do not know which species in particular I've seen, but I have seen bats near Bayberry Beach. Just like foxes, they are nothing to fear and a group of bats can eat several thousand mosquitoes in one night. Another interesting fact: bats are the only flying mammal.