Long Island is home to many different species of small mammals including mice, rats, chipmunks, voles, shrews, flying squirrels, and muskrats. All of these animals are part of the rodent family which means they have one pair of upper and lower incisors that grow continuously. They gnaw on wood, bark, and branches to keep their teeth trimmed down. They eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, leaves, and small invertebrates.

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Did you know?

Not all of these small mammals hibernate. Only chipmunks and muskrats hibernate during the winter. Chipmunks hibernate in underground burrows and muskrats hibernate in dome-shaped lodges only accessible through an underwater entrance. Mice, rats, voles, shrews, and flying squirrels all remain active during the winter.

 

Coexisting with Small Mammals

These small mammals are an important part of our environment here are some ways to easily coexist with them.

• Don't scatter birdseed. Instead, use mammal proof feeders like these

• Never use glue or snap traps. Instead, use humane traps like these, be sure not to relocate animals after trapping them

• Keep garage and shed doors closed and seal up any entrances to your house