Two kids running in the snow. We all need nature—and nature needs you. Together, we can protect the wildlife and wild lands of Massachusetts for generations to come. Make a tax-deductible donation today.
Two kids running in the snow. We all need nature—and nature needs you. Together, we can protect the wildlife and wild lands of Massachusetts for generations to come. Make a tax-deductible donation today.
red squirrel climbing on tree
Red Squirrel © Ken Conway

Mammals in Massachusetts

Find information about a variety of mammals found in Massachusetts.

A bat flies through sky during the day.

Milbury, MA © Eric Windover

Bats

There are nine species of bats that have historically lived in Massachusetts, several of which are state listed as Endangered.  

black bear
© Matthew Beverly

Bears

The only bear species that makes its home in Massachusetts is the black bear.

A beaver swims through lily pads.

© Rajashree Kotejoshyer

Beavers

Easily recognizable by its long, broad tail, and its noticeably big and sharp front incisor teeth, beavers are most active at night.

Bobcat in the snow by reeds, looking over its shoulder at photographer.
Groton, MA © Scott Eggimann

Bobcats

The bobcat is the only species of wild cat now found in Massachusetts.

Cottontail rabbit nibbles grass.

Wayland, MA © Harris Stein

Cottontail Rabbits

Massachusetts is home to two species of wild rabbit—the native New England Cottontail and the non-native Eastern Cottontail.

Chipmunk with paw raised sitting on a rock on a trail.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick, MA © Andi Blumenau

Chipmunks

The Eastern Chipmunk is an industrious member of the squirrel family found in the United States, mainly east of the Great Plains.

Quincy, MA © Karen Walker

Coyotes

Coyotes are resourceful creatures who have successfully adapted to areas altered by people.

A deer stands amid ferns, grass, and trees on a sunny day.

© Evan Windover

Deer

The white-tailed deer is the most abundant of Massachusetts' large game animals.

A fisher looks over its shoulder by the edge of water.

Groton, MA © Scott Eggimann

Fishers

Although many people call them “fisher cats,” fishers are neither members of the feline family, nor do they catch fish.

fox on sandy dune with grass
© Jim O'Driscoll

Foxes

Learn about foxes in Massachusetts including their life cycle, habits, and how to identify them. 

A moose swims past a beaver lodge.

© Claudia Pommer

Moose

Moose can be found in central and western Massachusetts. Occasionally, a moose may even be spotted in the eastern part of the state.

Mole emerging from the ground
Mole @ Kentish Plumber/Flickr

Moles

While some landowners disdain moles, their benefits are numerous.

Three raccoons lounge in a tree.

© Kwan Cheung

Raccoons

Raccoons typically inhabit wooded areas adjacent to a water source; however, because they can find good food where people live.

North American River Otters
North American River Otters © Charlene Gaboriault

North American River Otters

The charismatic clowns of the weasel family, otters can be found near streams, rivers, lakes, and swamps.

An opossum sits on a tree branch amid red fruits in the middle of winter.

© Laurene Cogswell

Opossums

The Virginia opossum is more closely related to kangaroos than to any other mammal in North America. 

Porcupine sitting in a leafy tree.

Hardwick, MA © Lisa Strout

Porcupines

Porcupines, well known for the quills, are the second largest rodent in North America.

A gray squirrel eats in a tree as snow falls.

© Oliver Lueger

Squirrels

An extremely adaptable species, squirrels are at home everywhere from midtown parks to oak forests.

Three skunks amble through the grass.

© Scott Eggimann

Skunks

With their bold black and white patterning, bushy tails and wobbly gaits, skunks are easy to recognize.

A groundhog (woodchuck) huddles between rocks in a woodsy area.

Douglas, MA © Waddy Stryker

Woodchucks (Groundhogs)

The woodchuck belongs to the marmot family. It goes by many names, including groundhog and whistle pig.