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We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Yosemite Valley 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.
Cougar
Cougar Facts
- The first species appearing in this article about 5 Yosemite Valley Mammals is the breathtaking feline known as the Cougar.
- The short term used 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.
Snowshoe Hare
Snowshoe Hare Facts
- Next up in this collection of 5 Yosemite Valley Mammals is the amazingly camouflaged species best known as the Snowshoe Hare.
- This beautiful small mammal is most frequently referred to by the appealing common name we’re using here. Yet, it also has several other, alternate names. Though less often used, it’s sometimes called either the showshoe rabbit or else the varying hare.
- Among scientific professionals, however, such as researchers, it’s typically referred to by its formal name. Thankfully for us, that’s a relatively simple term, as such things go. That’s because the delightful animal bears the technical name of Lepus americanus.
- It received that technical name due to the work of the respected German naturalist, Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben. That researcher made the first acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. He further accomplished this in the year 1777.
- Regardless of which term one uses to refer to it, though, it remains an intriguing animal. In addition to its sheer visual appeal, it holds a scientific interest in certain circles. In fact, due to aspects of its ecology, it’s a frequent subject of study of biology students.
- Fortunately, for the moment the population of the Snowshoe Hare still appears to be holding steady, and at sufficient numbers. This further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its territory. The IUCN, therefore, presently lists it as Least Concern.
- The awesome animal nevertheless does face several potential threats, at least. Habitat degradation, or outright loss, due to human acttivites poses a possible future threat. Its greatest threat, however, most likely comes from the effects of ongoing climate change.
Snowshoe Hare Physical Description
The remarkable Showshoe Hare easily captivate those fortunate enough to encounter it. It does so, however, due more to its pure appearance, than because of physical size. That’s because, like most of its relatives, it remains a comparatively small variety of mammal.
It also displays a small degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. The small leporid further does so in terms of simple size. Once again following the pattern common to its kind, the male of the species averages a slightly maller size than the female.
Overall, however, mature individuals generally reach a total length that measures between 16. 3 – 20.4 in (41.3 – 51.8 cm). The animal’s tail develops as relatively short, though. This small appendage, in fact, only contributes about 1.5 – 2.05 in (3.9 – 5.2 cm) to that length.
The hind feet of the creature also develop as extremely long, relative to body length. In this, it stands out even among its kindred. These average between 4.6 – 5.8 in ( 11.7 -14.7 cm) long. Each of these also evolved as comparatively quite broad, forming the source of the name.
Despite the slight difference it size, individuals of the aptly-named Snowshoe Hare appear virtually identical. This trait also extends to the pattern of coloring. In this, too, it stands out from many mammals, though. That’s true since its colors vary according to the seasons.
During the summer, the basic colors consist of combinations of rusty-red and grayish brown. It also presents a whitish stomach, along with a cinnamon shade on the face and legs. But during the winter, this pattern alters significantly. Then, it becomes almost entirely white.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Family: Leporidae
- Genus: Lepus
- Species: L. americanus
Snowshoe Hare Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately, the gorgeous Snowshoe Hare evolved as endemic to a relatively broad swathe of the globe. That’s due to the fact that it appears natively across a respectable portion of North America. Yet, that range only includes a portion of the northerly sections of the continent.
More precisely, however, the animal only lives in parts of Canada and the United States. The vast majority of its territory lies within the confines of Canada, though. There, the animal lives in most of the country, from Newfoundland in the east, all the way to the western coast.
But, in the United States, that territorial range is broken and widely scattered. Outside the contiguous part of the country, it inhabits most of Alaska. Within the borders, it appears in central California, the Rocky Mountains, southern Utah, and the Appalachian Mountains.
In all regions it appears in, however, it displays decided preferences for its choice of habitat. Although individual exceptions do occur, of course, the majority appear in one of two types of ecosystems. These consist solely of boreal forests or higher regions of montane forests.
In both types of habitat, though, the animal prefers the presence of dense areas of shrub. This serves the dual purpose of protection from predators, and a ready source of food. It consumes green vegetation during the warm months, and bark, twigs, and needles in winter.
Regrettably, the Snowshoe Hare serves as prey for a variety of predators. The Canadian Lynx forms its primary threat, in that regard. Others, however, include bobcats, martens, weasels, wolves, cougars, and black bears. Even a few domestic cats and dogs sometimes prey on it.
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear Facts
- The third entry into this particular gathering of 5 Yosemite Valley Mammals is the remarkably impressive powerhouse named the Grizzly Bear.
- Perhaps most notably, the powerful and majestic creature actually represents a subspecies of brown bear. At one time there a total of five separate recognized species of Grizzly Bear existed. Each of these, furthermore, had their distinct range.
- Previously, two other subspecies of this magnificent creature existed in North America alone. Very sadly, however, the California Grizzly became extinct in 1924. The majority of experts now believe that the Mexican Grizzly has also become extinct.
- In a fascinating situation, individual bears living closer to the coast tend to be larger than those living inland. That appears to be due to the richer diet. Not surprisingly, this often leads people to believe that these bears represent separate species.
- Perhaps incidentally, these magnificent animals possess one of the longest natural lifespans of any ursine. Males of the species live an average of 22 years in the wild. The longer-lived females, meanwhile, often live to as much as 26 years of age.
- Its population and prevalence isn’t what it once was. The IUCN, nevertheless, currently lists the awesome Grizzly Bear as Least Concern. The countries it inhabits list it differently, though. Factors such as climate change also now threaten it.
Grizzly Bear Physical Description
One of the most noteworthy facts about the Grizzly Bear remains its tendency to display a significant degree of the characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, however, this evolutionary trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical size.
More specifically, the males of the species grow to much greater average sizes than the females. For their part, males attain an average weight of 790 lb (360 kg). The females, though, rarely exceed 400 lb (180 kg). Among large mammals, that’s a large difference.
Overall, though, an average individual attains a body length of about 6.5 ft (198 cm). This same average individual has a shoulder height of 3.35 ft (102 cm). Exceptional individuals do exist, however, with some attaining weights reaching as much as 1,500 lb (680 kg).
While coloring ranges from light tan to nearly black, a typical individual will display dark brown fur. The species also remains distinguished by the presence of a pronounced hump on the shoulders. This distinctly sets the animal apart from the smaller black bear.
The Grizzly Bear presents a powerful and dominating presence, indeed, but not just due to its body size. The magnificent animal also possesses extremely long, dangerous claws. Those on its hind paws average 2 in (5 cm) in length, but the front ones reach 4 in (10 cm).
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Ursidae
- Genus: Ursus
- Species: U. arctos
Grizzly Bear Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The stunning Grizzly Bear evolved as native to a somewhat smaller range than its cousin, the Black Bear. That zone of habitation nonetheless covers a respectable portion of the globe, at least compared to most of the large land mammals. It once extended further, though.
Presently, the gorgeous animal still inhabits a respectable portion of North America. This particular subspecies of Brown Bear appears as far east as Hudson Bay, in Canada. In the United States, it dwells from Alaska, through much of the northwest parts of the country.
Its population, however, unfortunately continues to decline. This trend occurs more due to hunting and habitat loss, despite protection, than to other factors. Thankfully, though, this powerful ursine enjoys federal protection in the contiguous parts of the United States.
While it technically evolved as omnivorous, this ursine primarily has a carnivorous diet consisting of large quantities of small game, fish, and various plants. The precise diet of individuals varies, of course, depending on the specific area in which it lives.
Habitats also vary, sometimes quite significantly. This further, though naturally, depends on its territory. But that range most typically consists of plains or forests. Wherever it appears, the Grizzly Bear tends to avoid humans, unless threatened or disturbed.
The animal also spends an average of 5-7 months each year in hibernation. In an amazing development of Nature, pregnant females actually give birth during this period. The bears also typically live solitary lives, like many ursines, except while raising the young.
Hoary Marmot
Hoary Marmot Facts
- Now appearing in this article about these 5 Yosemite Valley Mammals is the intriguing product of evolution named the Hoary Marmot.
- The most notable things about the remarkable animal might surprise many of you. That’s because this animal actually represents a variety of ground squirrel. This incredible creature further ranks as the largest in its range, surprising one again.
- This amazing mammal additionally remains a surprisingly intelligent creature. This statement remains evidenced by its demonstrated patterns of behavior. That’s due to the fact that while the colony feeds, a few individuals watch for predators.
- As, a result of this behavioral pattern, if a threat appears, the ever vigilant sentry quickly emits a high-pitched warning cry. Due to the nature of this outcry, in some parts of its range the Hoary Marmot has been given the name of whistle pig.
- Quite thankfully, its numbers appear to be both sufficient and stable, at least for the moment. For this reason, the IUCN currently ranks the beautiful creature as Least Concern. That could potentially change, however, due to the actions of man.
- Sadly, numerous factors related to human civilization now threaten the species. Habitat loss certainly ranks as one of these, of course, due to human expansion. Its greatest threat, however, must be considered to be the ongoing effects of climate change.
Hoary Marmot Physical Description
Quite amazingly, that the impressive Hoary Marmot represents a large type of ground squirrel determines much. It has a bulky build, with a broad head, and also short, but powerful limbs. It also, however, displays a marked degree of sexual dimorphism.
In its specific case, though, this manifests itself in the fact that the males grow much larger than females. That applies to both it and its subspecies. Mature males average a body length of 22 in (55.9 cm). These same individuals also have a tail of about 9.8 in (25 cm).
The females, meanwhile, only average roughly 17.3 in (43.9 cm) in body length. These further possess a tail of 6.7 in (17 cm). The same females also tend to be somewhat less stocky in build. Weights for both genders vary significantly, depending on the season.
The term hoary remains a reference to the fur on the upper back and shoulders of the fabulous Hoary Marmot. That’s because this part of its fur displays a silvery-gray color. This remains in stark contrast to the tan or reddish-brown color the rest of the body shows.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Marmota
- Species: M. caligata
Hoary Marmot Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Perhaps most notably, the fabulous Hoary Marmot only inhabits a comparatively limited portion of northwest North America. This region includes parts of Idaho, Washington, and Alaska, in the United States, and also British Columbia in Canada.
Even more precisely, the intrepid rodent also displays highly specific preferences regarding its choice of habitats. These primarily consist of mountainous alpine ecosystems. It also thrives best at altitudes ranging from sea level up to as much as 8,200 ft (2,500 m).
Within that range, however, individuals frequently live in either areas of grasslands and sedge, or rocky regions. It also inhabits several small islands near Alaska, however. There, the animal tends to live near the shoreline, having proven itself to be adaptable.
The Hoary Marmot further appears to be entirely herbivorous in terms of its dietary nature. Although exact diets vary, this fascinating large rodent mainly consumes grasses, sedge, leaves, and flowers. It also evolved as diurnal in nature, like many mammals.
Remarkably, the animal additionally has a highly prolonged hibernation period. In point of fact, it commonly spends 7-8 months of the year in this state. This period it spends in large, deep burrows, commonly shared by a colony of as many as 36 individuals.
Striped Skunk
Striped Skunk Facts
- Closing out this compendium of 5 Yosemite Valley Mammals we present the often maligned animal named the Striped Skunk.
- This beautiful small mammal with the unfortunate reputation most frequently goes by the common name given 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.
5 Yosemite Valley Mammals
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Yosemite Valley 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.
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