5 Terrific Texas Mammals

We sincerely hope that each of you, our readers, will thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Terrific Texas Mammals. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the pertinent information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

These few species listed herein obviously represent only a tiny 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 numerous other articles for similar marvels.

Gray Fox

Gray Fox Facts

• Leading off this article about these 5 Terrific Texas Mammals we present the elusive marvel understandably named the Gray Fox.
• This somewhat diminutive but still fascinating creation of Nature most frequently goes by the partially descriptive common name we’re using. The marvel also has several other alternates, though, These monikers include the maned fox, tree fox, and common gray fox.
• Its formal name, however, remains significantly harder to pronounce, perhaps even for experienced many professionals. That’s because the official term applied to this marvelous mammal in the halls of science lists as the tongue-twisting term Urocyon cinereoargenteus.
• The visually distinctive species further received this hard to utter 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 the year 1775.
• Intriguingly, at least from a scientific standpoint, the creature represents one of only two members of its genus, Urocyon. Both it and the other representative genetically constitute the closest known surving species, out of all known canids, to a single common ancestor.
• For the moment, the beautiful Gray Fox appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists the canine as Least Concern on its Red List. That holds true despite a reduced population in certain portions of its range.
• This marvel of Nature and evolution nevertheless faces some potential threats to its continued existence. Habitat loss, predominantly due to human encroachment naturally presents a problem. The greatest threat it faces, though, most 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 fact merely serves to prove the point that physical size remains wholly irrelevant when considering the impressiveness of any species.

Unlike many of its relatives around the world, 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 frequently proves to 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 quite significantly. This measurement 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 most common color pattern of the Gray Wolf also presents a striking image to the viewer, as well. The upper parts typically display a somewhat 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 amazing Gray Fox, as well as those of us who appreciate Nature, the canid evolved as native to a relatively large swathe of the surface of the globe. In fact, it’s the only known wild canid with a natural range that actually includes both North America and South America.

More precisely, however, the wild canine natively inhabits a territorial range that extends as far north as the southern portions of the country of Canada. From there, that area additionally extends through most of the United States, excluding the northwestern mountains of that country.

From there, the wonder’s native territory extends throughout all of Central America, and into the extreme northern portions of Venezuela and Colombia. In all portions of that expanse, though, it displays a decided preference for certain specific types of habitat in which to make its home.

The fascinating animal also displays a decidedly strong preference for areas consisting of mostly wooded, rocky, bushy regions. In some small locations, it manifests a markedly strong fondness for sections of rocky bluffs also possessing a relatively dense covering of brush for its habitat.

Like most of its many known 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 known to be omnivorous, feeding on small prey, insects, and certain local plants, especially fruit.

In one manner, however, this extraordinary animal remains completely unique among its many kindred. That’s due to the fact that it’s the only known canid to routinely climb trees! There, it often sits and makes itself at home as high as 30 ft (9.1 m) up in the branches, and climbs like a cat.

White-Nosed Coati

White-Nosed Coati Facts

• Here, in this compilation of 5 Terrific Texas Mammals, comes one that might surprise some people, the animal named the White-Nosed Coati.
• This remarkable mammal is frequently referred to by this common name due to its appearance by those individuals who know of it. The amazing creature also has yet another common name, though. That’s because some people refer to it by the similar name of the coatimundi.
• In the primary language of the section of the world in which this marvel of Nature appears, however, it’s referred to by several other common names, however. Those include the varying terms antoon, the pizote, and the tejón, depending upon the individual’s exact local region.
• Researchers, meanwhile, typically refer to the awesome animal by its formal scientific name. That’s the relatively easy to pronounce term, as such things go, of the Nasua narica. By either title one chooses to use to refer to it, the animal remains a truly fascinating species.
• The unique animal received that formal name at the hands of Carl Linnaeus himself. The highly esteemed Swedish zoologist accomplished the first formal acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that scientifically noteworthy deed in the year 1776.
• Fortunately, both for it and those who appreciate the marvels of Nature, the species seems to be maintaining a population base that continues to be both sizeable and stable. That situation also appears to hold true thoughout the entirety of its known natural zone of habitation.
• Due to this situation, the IUCN currently lists the White-nosed Coati as Least Concern on its Red List of Threatened Species. Given the nature of its habitat, though, the mammal could face threats in the future. These include habitat loss and the looming threat of climate change.

White-Nosed Coati Physical Description

Scientists classify the magnificent White-Nosed Coati as a member of the Procyonidae family, actually making it a relative of the raccoon. Due to that relationship, the marvelous mammal shares many attributes with the raccoon, both physically and in terms of its general behavior.

Physically, however, it displays a larger degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism than most of its known relatives. In the case of this specific species, that trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical size, with the genders displaying the same basic coloring.

More specifically, the males of this fascinating species attain a significantly larger average size than their female counterparts. That’s due to the fact that individuals of this gender weigh as much as 27 lb (12.2 kg). The smaller females, meanwhile, frequently weigh as little as 5.5 lb (2.5 kg).

It’s also well known for its somewhat over-sized tail. Between the two genders, an average body length equals roughly 1.5 – 2 ft (0.46 – 0.91 m). The remarkable tail, though, typically measures around 2 ft (0.91 m) itself! The combination gives the mammal an extremely recognizable look.

The visually memorable creature also possesses relatively long, sharp claws, small ears, and an elongated snout. This feature further tilts up at the end. Both genders evolved a black mask, with white showing around the nose, eyes, and inside the ears. Its fur has a brownish background.

Mixed in with the brownish fur of the captivating White-Nosed Coati develops a mixture of yellow and red on the upper side of the animal. Underneath, though, it displays a notably lighter brown shade. The tops of its feet and lower legs, meanwhile, usually develop as brownish-black in color.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Procyanidae
• Genus: Nasua
• Species: N. narica

White-Nosed Coati Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Fortunately for it, the amazing White-Nosed Coati evolved as native to a comparatively extensive swathe of the surface of the globe. That’s because the mammal appears in a zone of habitation that includes Central America, as well as portions of both North America and South America, too.

That natural range extends as far north as the states of New Mexico and Arizona, within the borders of the United States. The southern portion of that range, however, extends all the way to the country of Colombia. There, it appears in the northwestern region, near the border with Panama.

A small population of the wonder, however, also appears in the state of Florida. Experts, however, consider that population grouping to be an artificially introduced one. The time frame for that introduction remains uncertain, though the earliest recorded sight happened in 1928.

This species displays a decided preference for inhabiting wooded areas. This includes both moist and dry forests. It further appears to not discriminate in terms of altitude. That’s due to the fact that specimens appear at heights ranging from around sea level to as high as 9,800 ft (3,000 m).

The White-Nosed Coati evolved as fully omnivorous in terms of its feeding habits. The prickly pear ranks as one of its favorite foods. Otherwise, the flexible animal consumes a rather wide range of prey. This includes varieties of ants, termites, spiders, grubs, beetles, and even scorpions!

It also employs its comparatively long, powerful claws to dig into the soil for underground prey. These consist of a wide range of species, including lizrads, rodents, nuts, fruits, snakes, and on occasion carrion. It’s truly opportunistic, showing no great preference, other than the prickly pear.

It also evolved to be mostly active in the daylight hours. Males generally remain solitary in nature, while females and their young generally move about in packs. These sometimes even number as many as 40 individuals. It’s also both a strong swimmer and climber, usually sleping in trees.

Striped Skunk

Striped Skunk Facts

• Our next choice for inclusion in this gathering of 5 Terrific Texas Mammals is the well known creature bearing the name of the Striped Skunk.
• This beautiful small mammal with the very unfortunate reputation most frequently goes by the common name for obvious reasons. It does have other generally used monikers, though. Those include the distinctive tags common skunk, northern skunk, and prairie polecat.
• Within the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps more frequently referred to by its technical title. That, thankfully remains a relatively comparatively 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. The respected researcher accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that noteworthy feat in 1776.
• Regardless of which appellation one chooses to employ, the marvel remains one of the most easily recognizable animals in its native range. It’s even become immersed deep 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 on its published Red List.
• The intriguing creature nevertheless faces some very real potential threats to its continued existence as a species. In this, it finds itself in the same situation as most species on the earth today. It’s endangered by the dual perils posed by habitat loss and ongoing climate change.

Striped Skunk Physical Description

The remarkable Striped Skunk never fails to present the viewer with a captivating appearance. It fully deserves appreciation for the beauty Nature gifted it with. Yet, it’s not an overly large animal, in terms of pure physical size. Nature, however, blessed the mammal with other attributes.

Like many of earth’s fauna, the beautiful animal usually presents a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical measurements. Due to that tendency, the males attain a larger size than females.

That difference remains relatively 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 measuring somewhere 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 of them do reach as much as 12 lb (5.5 kg), though.

The body of the Striped Skunk is perhaps best described as stout in form. It’s limbs develop as relatively short, while it also evolved a small, conical head. The thickly-furred tail typically accounts for about half the overall length. The front feet have long claws, but the rear one’s are shorter.

Yet its the eye-catching color pattern of the animal that grabs 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 surface of our beautiful 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 presently known as North America.

The majority of its natural zone of habitation includes the entirety of the continental United States. To the north, though, the mammal appears in the approximate southern half of the country of Canada. Southward, the oft-maligned animal lives in a very small part of northern Mexico.

Nature blessed this natural marvel with an impressive adaptability in terms of its habitat choices. Due to that remarkable degree of flexibility, it appears in a wide range of ecosystems. These include such highly 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 the viewer, though. As a result of human presence, in some regions, such as the state of Illinois, a few populations actually prefer cultivated areas over uncultivated one’s.

It’s the defensive tactics of the Striped Skunk that undoubtedly gather the most attention, though. Two glands near the base of the tail produce an extraordinarily odorous liquid. The animal has the ability to spray this at will for a respectable distance. Due to the strength of this, it has few predators.

It also evolved as principally carnivorous in terms of diet. The animal mostly feeds on various 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.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrel Facts

• Appearing now in this compendium of 5 Terrific Texas Mammals is the lithe, fluffy wonder appropriately named the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
• That extremely informative and descriptive term serves as the most frequently used common name for this beautiful product of evolution. The adorable mammal does have another, very similar title, though. That’s simply the moderately shorter term of the gray squirrel.
• Among scientific professionals, however, it’s generally referred to by its more formal title. Unfortunately, that technical moniker remains somewhat difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it bears the official name of the Sciurus carolinensis.
• The rodent received that tongue-twisting appellation due to the efforts of Johann Friedrich Gmelin. The respected German naturalist accomplished the first acknowledgement of the animal as a separate and distinct species. He managed that noteworthy deed in 1788.
• No matter which of these monikers one chooses to use, though, the mammal remains an interesting fauna. Despite its comparatively small stature, it plays a pivotal role in its region. In fact, the creature represents perhaps the most important regenerator of forests in its range.
• It’s therefore fortunate that the Eastern Gray Squirrel seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant situation also appears to hold true throughout its territory. Accordingly, the IUCN lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
• The marvel of Nature nevertheless still faces numerous potential threats to its continued existence as a species. Most of those, though, mirror the situation of many species. It faces the possible dangers of habitat degradation and loss, and of course, that of climate change.

Eastern Gray Squirrel Physical Description

The remarkable Eastern Gray Squirrel rarely fails to capture the attention and appreciation of those who encounter it. The delicate animal does so for various reasons, of course. Sheer physical measurements, however, rarely factor into the general degree of respect it’s usually accorded.

In that regard, the creature follows the pattern established by the majority of its kindred around the world. That’s true since it displays no noticeable degree of the phsyiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. The genders, therefore, can be hard for the layperson to distinguish simply.

Individuals of both sexes of the animal attain a body length that averages somewhere between 9.1 – 11.8 in (23 – 30 cm). The tail, however, grows comparatively lengthy in relation to body size. This versatile appendage typically reaches lengths equaling between 7.5 – 9.8 in (19 – 25 cm).

Weights for this species remain surprisingly light, again among both genders. Mature adults usually reach a mass equaling between 14 – 21 oz (0.4 – 0.6 kg). Exceptional specimens do occur, of course. These, though, rarely exceed either of these categories by more than a very minor amount.

In overall appearance, likewise, both genders of the beautiful Eastern Gray Squirrel present the same overall patterns. Like all known squirrels, it also develops four toes on its front feet, but five on the hind feet. Intriguingly, its small teeth commonly grow throughout the life of the small rodent.

But it’s undeniably the coloring of the gorgeous creature that stands out the most, though. The fur usually presents a predominantly light gray shade. Some, however, present a light brown. Its underside shows an off-white hue. Also gray, the tail typically possesses a dense, fluffy coat.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Sciuridae
• Genus: Sciurius
• Species: S. carolenensis

Eastern Gray Squirrel Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The distinctive Eastern Gray Squirrel evolved as native to a moderate portion of the earth’s surface. The precise location of that specific zone of habitation likely won’t surprise many people, though. That’s true since it developed as endemic to a section of the continent of North America.

Its very name provides a strong clue into which portion of that greater area it lives in, too. As that indicates, the beautiful mammal mainly lives in the general eastern part. Some do live in the midwest, however. It lives from southeast Canada, to Florida and Texas, in the United States.

Though quite adaptible, the impressive animal does show decidedly clear preferences regarding its choice of habitat. The great majority of observed specimens prefer to make their home in large areas of dense, mature woodland ecosystems. These usually comprise mostly deciduous trees.

Although it does adapt well, the rodent nonetheless shows another strong preference for certain varieties of trees. The forests where it makes its home generally contain a fairly large percentage of hickory and oak trees. These regions, can, though, sometimes include larger parks and yards.

Like its numerous relatives, the Eastern Gray Squirrel evolved as herbivorous in nature. Its diet covers a wide range of local food sources. These include such things as flowers, tree buds and bark, berries, and seeds. It does show a strong preference for various nuts, which it often saves for later.

It also developed as a primarily solitary species. The gentle creature typically builds its nest in the forks of trees. The male and female of the species generally only share a nest during breeding season or exceptionally cold periods. It also makes use of dens in trees vacated by former occupants.

Ring-Tailed Cat

Ring-Tailed Cat Facts

• Closing out this article about these 5 Terrific Texas Mammals comes another product of nature that may surprise a few readers, the Ring-Tailed Cat.
• That uniquely descriptive term excellently serves as one of several common names for a remarkable variety of mammal. This distinctive creature does have a few other general titles, though. Those include such terms as the miner’s cat, ringtail cat, and the bassarisk.
• Within the halls of science, however, the marvel’s perhaps better known by its technical designation. Unfortunately, like many formal tags, that’s somewhat difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because the unique animal holds the formal moniker Bassariscus astutus.
• The intriguing animal received that tongue-twisting name due to the efforts of Martin Heinrich Carl Lichtenstein. The respected German zoologist recorded the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that scientifically noteworthy feat in 1830.
• The most frequently applied of the general epithets for this fascinating animal’s nonetheless quite deceptive. Despite that title, the creature holds absolutely no relationship to felines. The impressive product of Nature and evolution’s actually as a member of the Raccoon Family.
• Most fortunately, the marvelous animal also presently appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sufficient and stable. This further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. The IUCN, therefore, presently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
• The remarkable mammal nonetheless must be considered to be facing at least some risks, though. Given mans increasing encroachment on its territory, habitat loss poses a very real threat. Its greatest danger, though, no doubt comes in the form of ongoing climate change.

Ring-Tailed Cat Physical Description

The fabulous Ring-Tailed Cat rarely, if ever, fails to capture the attention and interest of those individuals fortunate enough to encounter one in the wild. The mammal does not typically do so, however, due to any impressive physical dimensions. In fact, it’s actually a diminutive creature.

Where its appearance remains concerned, it also sets itself somewhat apart from many other mammals in one interesting manner. That’s manifested by the fact that this particular creation of evolution displays virtually no detectable degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism.

Among specimens of both sexes, the body of the amazing carnivore displays the same approximate body shape and design. That excludes, of course, the reproductive organs. As a general principle, not including gravid females, it possesses a slender body and the noted comparatively outsized tail.

Mature adults of both genders attain an average total length equaling roughly anywhere between 24 – 32 in (61 – 81 cm). However, in most instances, the tail of this biological marvel accounts for nearly half of that! This characteristic provides the species with a difficult to miss visual appearance.

Weights among examples of this member of its Family, meanwhile, also vary equally widely, completely regardless of gender. As a general principle, though, this typically ranges from 1.5 – 3.3 lb (0.7 – 1.5 kg). These statistics denote a size for it that’s slightly less than the average house cat.

Yet, it’s without doubt the patterns of color the Ring-Tailed Cat displays that usually garner the most attention. Individuals present a yellowish-brown to grayish-brown coat on the back and a pale or whitish underside. The same fur also develops as relatively short, dense, and surprisingly soft.

The previously mentioned tail also grows quite bushy in nature, and displays alternating black and white rings, usually 14 – 16 in number. Its face shows a pointed snout, large rounded ears, and prominent dark eye rings. It legs also develop as short but strong, with sharp, semi-retractable claws.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Procyonidae
• Genus: Bassariscus
• Species: B. astutus

Ring-Tailed Cat Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

This magnificent fauna, the Ring-Tailed Cat, evolved as indigenous to a moderately broad swathe of the surface of the earth. The exact location of that zone of habitation might surprise some of you, though. That’s because its territory covers a large portion of the continent of North America.

The impressively intrepid cousin of the raccoon inhabits a large portion of the country of Mexico. There, it appears throughout much of the country, including Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and further south. No evidence exists of its habitat range reaching into Central America, though.

It’s also found within the confines of the United States, as well. Inside the borders of that country, its present in Oregon, California, and Nevada in the west. From there, it also appears through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, and even into some small parts of Kansas.

Within this comparatively extensive habitation zone, though, the animal evolved as highly adaptable. As a result, the resourceful animal inhabits a wide range of habitat types. These include such regions as deserts, semi-arid areas, pine and oak woodlands, conifer forests, and chapparal.

The remarkable creation of Nature also appears within a very broad range of altitudes. Individuals occur at heights of as much as 9,514 ft (2,900 m). Most though, live from sea level to around 4,593 ft (1,400 m) above sea level. It also prefers many areas of canyons, rocky outcroppings, and talus.

Like the previously mentioned cousings, the awesome Ring-Tailed Cat evolved as omnivorous in nature, like related species. Although it does display a decided preference for meat, it also consumes a moderate amount of vegetation. Its prey mainly consists of small animals, such as birds and frogs.

Its own predators, meanwhile, consist of several different species. These include such varied animals as coyotes, actual raccoons, bobcats, owls, and hawks. It does, however, have one means of defense. It evolved a gland that releases a highly pungent musk when threatened, similar to a skunk.

5 Terrific Texas Mammals

We hope that each of you completely enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning something from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Terrific Texas Mammals. It’s also our fervent hope that doing so has left you with either a new or greatly renewed appreciation for such amazing 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 continue to do all we can to protect and preserve them all.

Check out our other articles on 4 Novel New Guinea Reptiles, Earth’s Amazingly Abundant Avians, 3 Wondrous South American Waterfalls, The Mighty Tornado, 5 Stunning Pacific Ocean Sharks