We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Northern Flying Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel Facts
- Leading off this article about these 4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals we present the remarkable wonder named the Northern Flying Squirrel.
- This small mammal most frequently goes by the somewhat informative common name that we’ve used here. The creature also represents one of only three members of its genus, Glaucomys, to make its home in what’s now known as the New World.
- The intriguing creature does have another name by which it’s known, though. That’s because, like all species, it also holds a technical name. Fortunately, this one’s relatively simple to pronounce, as such things go. It’s formally named the Glaucomys sabrinus.
- It received that unique moniker due to the efforts of the respected English zoologist and botanist, George Kearsley Shaw. He accomplished the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy action occured in 1801.
- The surprising animal also remains noteworthy for another, astonishing fact. That’s due to the fact that researchers presently recognize a total of 24 subspecies of this small marvel of Nature! This fact alone distinguishes it from the other members of its Order.
- For the moment, the Northern Flying Squirrel appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizable and stable. This fact also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN, therefore, now lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
- The remarkable animal nevertheless does face some potential threats to its existence. These, however, consist of the same one’s that most species presently face. These include habitat degradation and outright loss, and, of course, climate change.
Northern Flying Squirrel Physical Description
The remarkable Northern Flying Squirrel easily impresses those fortunate to encounter one. It does so, however, for reasons other than sheer size. Although it’s certainly a lovely animal, it’s not just its appearance that distinguishes it. That’s due to other characteristics.
Unlike many animals, yet in keeping with the pattern established by other squirrels, this creature displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism. Distinguishing the genders of specific individuals encountered therefore remains quite difficult for the casual observor.
In terms of physical size, though, it’s somewhat smaller than many of its genetic cousins. Individuals attain an average overall length of 9.8 – 14.6 in (25 – 37 cm). That, however, includes the tail as well. This part of the body often comprises roughly half its length.
The body of the rodent develops as slim and elongated. Most specimens reach an average body weight of only 2.6 – 4.9 oz (75 – 140 gms). Exceptional specimens occur, of course. Even these, though, rarely exceed these measurements by more than a small fraction.
It also displays several adaptations useful for its lifestyle. This includes comparatively large, black eyes. It also has the ability to rotate its hind feet, allowing it to climb down trees head first. Its fleshy membrane, however, remains its most noticeable physical feature.
In coloring, the Northern Flying Squirrel presents a pattern of shades of light brown on the upper body. Yet, it also presents as gray on the flanks of its body. The underside, though, typically manifests a whitish shade. Its tail develops as fluffy, yet somewhat flattened.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Glaucomys
- Species: G. sabrinus
Northern Flying Squirrel Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The fabulous Northern Flying Squirrel evolved as native to a part of the globe well known for its abundance of wildlife. That’s due to the fact that the amazing rodent lives on the continent of North America. There, though, its population remains somewhat disjointed.
As its name implies, the majority of its numbers appear in the northern part of the continent. More specifically, most of its population lives in Canada. It also appears as far north as the state of Alaska, though. The small wonder of Nature also appears in the United States.
In that country, it’s scattered, though. To the west, it’s seen in California and Colorado. From there, it’s also seen to the northeast in Wisconsin and Michigan. In the east, the animal also lives in regions of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains.
In each of these regions, however, it displays identical habitat preferences. Populations most often appear in areas dominated by conifers. Some do, though, make their homes in regions of deciduous or mixed forests. It also prefers dense concentrations of trees, as well.
The Northern Flying Squirrel evolved as a nocturnal animal. It’s also primarily arboreal in nature. On the ground, it’s relatively clumsy. Among the trees, though, it glides from limb to limb gracefully. Its main predators include hawks, owls, martens, and coyotes, among others.
Its diet remains typical of its kind. As a herbivore, it consumes a wide variety of locally available food. This typically includes such staples as nuts, fungi, acorns, lichens, fruits, buds, and tree sap. It does, however, occasionally supplement this with insects and bird eggs.
Cougar
Cougar Facts
- Next uup in this collection of 4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals comes the majestic feline known by the deceptively simple name of Cougar.
- The short term applied here serves as but one of the common names assigned to this magnificent wild feline. It other common names include the mountain lion, puma, painter, panther, and catamount. The variety of names occur due to its wide range.
- Scientists, meanwhile, know the stunning feline by the term Puma concolor. Regardless of the name one uses for it, the animal remains one of the most recognizable of the smaller wild felines. It’s also the most widespread of any in its Hemisphere.
- The renowned Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus, holds the credit for the first acknowledged scientific recognition and naming of the species. This achievement he accomplished in 1771. The name he chose, however, later changed several times.
- This breathtaking feline obviously evolved as a slender and agile member of the cat family. It also holds a unique distinction. That’s because, though not technically one of the so-called big cats, it’s the fourth largest of all known wild felines.
- Even though its population doesn’t compare to past numbers, this appears stable throughout its range. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists it as Least Concern. It does face several threats, including the ever-increasing danger posed by climate change.
Cougar Physical Description
Unlike some species, the breathtaking Cougar actually impresses us with its size, in addition to other factors. The animal also, however, displays the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In this, in fact, it mirrors virtually all know types of feline, wild and domestic.
In its specific case, though, this trait manifests in terms of size, with males of the species attaining slightly greater lengths and weights. Mature adults of both genders, however, vary greatly in height, averaging between 24 -35 in (60 – 90 cm) tall at the shoulders.
In terms of length, meanwhile, is where the size differences appear the most obvious. The males of this feline attain an average nose-to-tail length equaling roughly 7.9 ft (2.4 m). Females, however, generally reach an overall length of about 6.7 ft (2.05 m).
It bears pointing out, though, that of this total measurement, the tail itself comprises 25 – 37 in (63 – 95 cm) of this. The males, meanwhile, typically reach a weight of between 115 – 220 lb (53 – 100 kg). Females, on the other hand, average 64 – 141 lb (29 – 64 kg).
The Cougar also boasts other impressive statistics. Its rounded head displays erect ears. The feline has a jaw and forequarters powerful enough to grasp large prey. It also has five retractable claws on the forepaws, and proportionately the largest hindlegs in the cat family.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Puma
- Species: P. concolor
Cougar Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Pleasantly surprisingly, the gorgeous Cougar inhabits a comparatively large section of the globe. More precisely, it appears in a range that extends from parts of Canada to the Andes in South America. Its greatest concentration, however, is concentrated in North America.
Aiding in its continued existence as a species is the fact that it evolved as a highly adaptable creature. This flexibility allows it to inhabit a wide variety of habitat types within its native range. Most notably, though, these include forests, lowlands, mountains, and arid climates.
Its incredible physique allows the impressive feline some of the greatest leaping and short-sprint ability of any animal. Individuals have the ability to jump as high as 18 ft (5.5 m) in one bound. These also evolved the capacity to leap as far as 40-45 ft (12-14 m) horizontally.
But Nature did not stop there. This animal also boasts some extremely impressive speeds. The top running velocity of the animal also ranges between 40-50 mph (64-80 kph). They remain, however, best capable of short, powerful sprints as opposed to long chases.
The remarkable Cougar also feeds entirely as a carnivore. As a supremely successful generalist predator, the mammal further feeds opportunistically. Specimens therefore eat any animal they can catch, from insects to large ungulates in excess of 1,100 lbs (500 kg).
Investigations in Yellowstone National Park showed that elk, followed by mule deer, were the animal’s primary targets. The mammal further evolved as adept at climbing, allowing it to evade canine competitors. Although not strongly associated with water, it does swim.
Gray Fox
Gray Fox Facts
- Next up among our choices for inclusion in this gathering of 4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals is the remarkable canine named the Gray Fox.
- This somewhat diminutive but still fascinating creation of Nature most frequently goes by the partially descriptive common name for good reasons. It also has several other alternates, though, These include the maned fox, tree fox, and common gray fox.
- Its formal name, however, is significantly harder to pronounce, perhaps even for experienced professionals. That’s because the official term applied to this marvelous mammal in the halls of science is the tongue-twisting term Urocyon cinereoargenteus.
- The visually distinctive species further received this appellation due to the work of the respected German naturalist, Johann Christian Daniel Schreber. He accomplished the first official recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species, in 1775.
- Intriguingly, from a scientific standpoint, the creature represents one of only two members of its genus, Urocyon. Both it and the other member genetically represent the closest known surving species, out of all known canids, to a common ancestor.
- For the moment, the Gray Fox appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List. That holds true despite a reduced population in certain portions of its range.
- This marvel of Nature nevertheless faces some potential threats to its continued existence. Habitat loss, largely due to human encroachment naturally presents a problem. The greatest threat it faces, though, likely consists of ongoing climate change.
Gray Fox Physical Description
The magnificent animal most frequently known as the Gray Fox manages to pack all this awesomeness into a relatively small body. This merely serves to prove the point that physical size remains wholly irrelevant when considering the impressiveness of a species.
Unlike many of its relatives, however, this creature displays little noticeable degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. This fact further applies to both physical size, and color patterns. The precise reason for this, though, remains unknown.
Due to this, distinguishing the separate genders from a safe distance can be difficult, even for trained observors. The average adult, though, reaches a body length of between 19.1 – 26.9 in (48.5 – 78.2 cm). The long tail, though, adds an extra 10.8 – 17.4 in (27.5 – 44.3 cm).
The weight of individual specimens, however, tends to vary significantly. This often ranges from as little as 7.9 lb (3.6 kg), to as much as 15.4 lb (7 kg). Exceptional specimens do occur on occasion, though, These sometimes reach a weight of up to 20 lb (9.1 kg)!
The color pattern of the Gray Wolf presents a striking image to the viewer, as well. The upper parts typically present a grizzled pattern, with a black stripe extending to the end of the tail. It also manifests an off-white on the throat, chest, belly, hind legs, and ears.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Urocyon
- Species: U. cinereoargenteus
Gray Fox Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately for the Gray Fox, as well as those of us who appreciate Nature, the canid evolved as native to a relatively large swathe of the globe. In fact, it’s actually the only known wild canid with a natural range that includes both North America and South America.
More precisely, however, the wild canine natively inhabits a range that extends as far north as the southern portions of the country of Canada. From there, that range extends through most of the United States, excluding the northwestern mountains of that country.
From there, its territory extends throughout Central America, and into the extreme northern portions of Venezuela and Colombia. In all portions of that range, though, it displays a decided preference for certain specific types of habitat in which to make its home.
The fascinating animal also displays a strong preference for regions consisting of wooded, rocky, bushy regions. In some small regions, it further manifests a strong fondness for regions of rocky bluffs possessing a dense covering of brush for its habitat.
Like most of its relatives, the Gray Fox evolved as a primarily nocturnal animal. It typically spends most of its days concealed in either burrows, hollow trees, or stumps. It’s also omnivorous, feeding on small prey, insects, and certain local plants, especially fruit.
In one manner, however, this extraordinary animal remains completely unique. That’s due to the incredible fact that it’s the only known canid to routinely climb trees! There, it often make sits home as high as 30 ft (9.1 m) up in the branches, and climbs like a cat.
Striped Skunk
Striped Skunk Facts
- Closing out this compendium of 4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals we give you the somewhat infamous animal known as the Striped Skunk.
- This beautiful small mammal with the unfortunate reputation most frequently goes by the common name given it here. It does have a few other general monikers, though. Those include common skunk, northern skunk, and prairie polecat.
- Within the scientific community, however, it’s typically referred to by its technical title. That, thankfully is a relatively simple name for the layperson to pronounce. That’s true since the animal bears the official moniker of the Mephitis mephitis.
- The creature received that distinctive formal title due to the efforts of the German naturalist, Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber. He accomplished the first acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. That occured in 1776.
- Regardless of which appellation one uses, it remains one of the most easily recognizable animals in its native range. It’s even become immersed in the local culture, appearing as a character in various cartoons. A total of 13 subspecies also exist.
- Fortunately, the remarkable Striped Skunk seems to be maintaining a sizeable and stable population base. That pleasant trend further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its habitat zone. The IUCN, therefore, now lists it as Least Concern.
- The intriguing creature nevertheless faces some very real potential threats to its continued existence as a species. In this, it’s in the same situation as most species. It’s endangered by the dual perils posed by habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
Striped Skunk Physical Description
The remarkable Striped Skunk presents the viewer with a captivating appearance. It fully deserves appreciation for the beauty Nature gifted it with. It’s not an overly large animal, in terms of pure physical size. Nature, however, blessed it with other attributes.
Like many fauna, the mammal presents a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, this trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical measurements. Due to that tendency, males attain a larger size than females.
That difference remains minor, though. As a general principle, the males grow to about 10% larger than their female counterparts. This includes both weight and length of body. Exceptional individuals do naturally occur, however, completely regardless of their gender.
Overall, individuals attain an average head-to-tail length equaling between 20.5 – 30.3 in (52 – 77 cm). Body mass also varies accordingly. Specimens therefore typically display weights ranging from 4 – 9.9 lb (1.8 – 4.5 kg). Some do reach as much as 12 lb (5.5 kg), though.
The body of the Striped Skunk is perhaps best described as stout. It’s limbs develop as relatively short, while it has a small, conical head. The thickly-furred tail usually accounts for about half the overall length. The front feet have long claws, but the rear one’s are shorter.
Yet its the color pattern of the animal that catches the eye first. The precise nature of this varies widely between individuals, but a basic pattern remains. That generally consists of a deep black background, with the well-known white stripe extending from nose to tail tip.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mephitidae
- Genus: Mephitis
- Species: M. mephitis
Striped Skunk Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The beautiful Striped Skunk evolved as endemic to a comparatively wide expanse of the world. That precise region of the globe doesn’t surprise many people, however. That’s because it developed as endemic to much of what’s now known as North America.
The majority of its natural zone of habitation includes the entirety of the continental United States. To the north, though, it appears in the approximate southern half of the country of Canada. Southerly, the oft-maligned animal lives in a small part of northern Mexico.
Nature blessed this natural marvel with an impressive adaptability in terms of its habitat choices. Due to that flexibility, it appears in a wide range of ecosystems. These include such diverse regions as rocky outcrops, wooded ravines, and moderately brushy corners.
It does, however, show a moderate preference for areas of mixed woodlands. Its adaptability never ceases to amaze, though. As a result of human presence, in some regions, such as the state of Illinois, a few populations actually prefer cultivated areas to uncultivated.
It’s the defensive tactics of the Striped Skunk that gathers the most attention. Two glands near the base of the tail produce an extraordinarily odorous liquid. The animal can spray this at will for a respectable distance. Due to the strength of this, it has few predators.
It’s mainly carnivorous in terms of diet. The animal mostly feeds on insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and caterpillars. Yet, it sometimes eats eggs, voles, mice, as well as fish and small reptiles. Various fruit, such as berries, also form an occasional treat.
4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 4 Magnificent Colorado Mammals. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
Check out our other articles on 7 Intriguing South Carolina Insects, The Mighty Tornado, 5 Terrific United States Trees, Spectacular Dolphins Throughout Our World