Mammals

African Civet

The African Civet is a small mammal that weighs 15 to 44 pounds. It is a stocky animal with sturdy and powerful hind legs often used for digging or climbing.

This animal is a nocturnal omnivore that often feeds on things such as eggs, carrion, and vegetables. It is even capable of catching and consuming venomous snakes and small invertebrates. - I. Trent

Baby Javelina

Tayassuidae

3-C-I

Another name for this Javelina is Skunk Pig, mostly because it is as small as skunk. These type of pigs are really small, kind of cute, and most of their species has gone extinct. In fact there are only 3 other species left alive in the world, and they are all in south america. H. McEwen

fRUIT bAT

Megachiroptera

3-C-O

The Fruit Bat is actually a lot different than your common bat. Fruit bats are herbivores, and do not have echo location. What that means is that they can not travel in darkness and not hit something. So instead of roosting in caves like normal bats, these little guys roost in tree's. They can also come off as a pest to orchard farmers, because they also eat the fruit on the tree's as well. - H. McEwen

Black Bear Skeleton

Ursus americanus

3-C-O

Black Bears are a very non aggressive species of bear. Their first instinct when confronted with danger is to run away from it, not to attack or defend themselves. Because of this Black Bears are known to live up to 30 years. -H. McEwen

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

3-C-I

The American Black bear is not inherently black. Sure they do come in black, but they also come in a range of brown as well. These type of bears are also medium in height, and are omnivores. Omnivore means plant and meat eater. - H. McEwen

Cougar

Puma Concolor

3-B-I

A cougar is commonly known as a Mountain Lion, Pumas, a Panther, or Catamount. It ranges from the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes of South America. Also, they are likely found in most American habitat types. A cougar is the biggest cat in North America and its the second heaviest cat right after the Jaguar.

-J. Del Toro

Bull Skeleton

Bos taurus

3-B-O

Bull is the name of a male, non castrated, cow. They tend to be more aggressive than females, and tend to not like having other males hanging around the herd. With this aggressive temperament, they are more muscularly built and the horns that grow on their heads serve to protect them from predators and competition. -H. McEwen

Wildebeast

Connochaetes

3-A-I

The Wildebeast belongs to the Bovine family, which means they are related to other cattle like beasts. They are most common in East Africa, but what makes this beast interesting is that it is a very nomadic creature. They never stay in one spot for very long. Always grazing, and always trying to stay one step ahead of predators. -H. McEwen

Ram Skull

Ovis Canadensis

3-A-I

This skull is identified as a skull of a Ram. A ram is actually the name of a male bighorn sheep. These animals live up in the mountains and often settle any arguments by ramming their heads into each others. Bighorn sheep can be known by their long, curved horns, long fur, and split hooves. They are also bovines, so they are related to antelopes, bison, buffalo, cattle and goats.

-J. Del Toro

Two HEaded RAbbit

Oryctolagus Cuniculus

3-B-O

Rabbits are in the Leporidae family along with other small mammals. They also have different types of genera, such as Oryctolagus and Sylvilagus. Oryctolagus has over 305 breeds of domestic rabbits that includes the European rabbit. Sylvilagus, has 13 wild rabbit species and with in those 13 there are seven types of cottontail rabbits.

Red Panda

Ailurus fulgens

3-B-O

Red Panda's originated from the Himalaya's and parts of South Western China. Much like its cousin this mammal mainly eats bamboo, with the exception of eggs, insects, and small creatures. Surprisingly the Red panda is a Sedentary creature, which means that it spends most of its time hunting in daylight and sleeping at night. -H. McEwen

Feline Skulls

Felis Catus

3-B-I

These are the skulls of felines, they all may be different types of cats, from the biggest skull in the image to the smallest. Fun facts about cats: Cats can make about 100 different sounds while a dog can make only 10. A group of kittens are called a Kindle, and a group of adult cats are a Clowder. Tigers can live up at 20 to 26 years, ten years more than the average domestic house cat.

-J. Del Toro

Wolverine

Gulo gulo

3-B-O

The Wolverine is a predator that is most commonly found in Alaska, like where this one was found. Their fur is short and thick to keep out the cold and snow. Much like Bears they walk on the pads of their paws. - H. McEwen

Javelina

Pecari tajacu

3-C-I

They are found throughout Central and South America and in the southwestern area of North America. Peccaries usually measure between 3.0 and 4.3 ft in length, and a full-grown adult usually weighs about 44 to 88 lb. By rubbing the tusks together, they can make a chattering noise that warns potential predators not to get too close.

-J. Del Toro

Beaver Skeleton

Castor canadensis

3-A-O

Castor canadensis, otherwise known as the North American Beaver is a nocturnal mammal. Beavers are the second largest rodents in the world. They are known for forming colonies with other beavers and taking the wood from the surrounding area to build multiple dams. These dams protect the other beavers from predators. - H. McEwen

Lion

Second building

Lions are actually smaller than how a few people think. One person thought they would be as tall as 6 feet or slightly bigger in size. However, female lions can be about 3 to 4 feet tall and the males about 4 to 5 feet from shoulder to ground.

Fun fact: The lion kings lion roars are actually made by destroying trash cans. The reason is because the roars from actual lions weren't loud enough to get good audio so they used trash cans to help.

-J. Del Toro

Blue Wildebeest

Also known as the common wildebeest. A large antelope and is one of the two species of wildebeest. Young blue wildebeests are born tawny brown, and begin to take on the coloration of an adult at the age of two months. A bluish grey or light grey color enhances as they age. Both sexes have a large pair of curved horns. They are herbivores, and prefer to feed on primarily short grasses. Blue wildebeests are native to the southern and eastern part of Africa. - C. Boettcher

IMPALA

Aepyceros melampus

section 4-B-O

The impala is an antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. They are considered the most common and graceful of Africa's antelope. Impalas are known for their jumping prowess, being able to leap as far as 33 feet and as high as 10 feet. They are also known as being adaptable creatures, having been known to change eating habits with season and availability of food. -D. Tribe

Nine-banded armadillo

Dasypus novemcinctus

Section 2-B-O

The Nine-banded Armadillo is the only species of armadillo indigenous to the United States. Its habitat extends to the forests and scrublands of Central America, continuing into Argentina and Uruguay. The Spanish term "little armored one" refers to the characteristic scutes – its greatest defense. The low immune system and low body temperature make this mammal ideal for research in Hansen's Disease (leprosy). -- T. Jeske

Human

Homo sapiens

Humans naturally inhabit every continent except Antarctica. This species exhibits an enormous diversity of habitat, diet, appearance, and language. Pictured on the left is Mr. Richard Olsen – an American Caucasian male. He is a hunter and survivalist. He grows mushrooms in a cave and dry packs foods. Humans, among the most celebrated of all animals, are intelligent and resourceful. But few have mastered those qualities so skillfully as Mr. Olsen. Mr. Olsen shares the beauty of the world and its inhabitants through several small businesses including Idaho’s Mammoth Cave and Shoshone Museum of Natural History.

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Section 2-A-O

Mule Deer of N. America typically breed during the late-fall. The dominant male deters his competitors with a threatening stance or by engaging in violent jousting contests using his antler weaponry.

These unlucky bucks were discovered in Carey, ID. In the heat of battle, their antlers interlocked. Unable to access water, they eventually died of dehydration. -- T. Jeske

Black Bears

Ursus Americanus

6-A-I

Quite the opportunistic mammals, black bears diets mainly consist of berries, grasses, insects, fish, and sometimes other mammals. They use this type of feasting to create a foundation of fat used during hibernation. Upon greetings of Richard Olsen’s pack of wild black bears, one may be scared out of their socks. Thankfully, these solitary bears are usually only ravenous when given the role of a mother or when offered human foods; not to mention Mr. Olsen prefers his bears taxidermied. --E. Sharp

BOBCATS

Lynx rufus

Section 4-B-O

Anyone who went to Burley High can instantly recognize a bobcat. These are the most common wildcat in North America, being found from Canada to Mexico. They are called bobcats because their tails are short and "bobbed." Bobcats are most closely related to lynxes, looking similar but being smaller in appearance. They are solitary and territorial, and have even been known to cover up their kills. Bobcats are very adaptable and can live in forests, deserts, or even swampland. -D. Tribe

SABLE

Hippotragus niger

Section 4-B-O

Sables are some of the world's most beautiful antelope. They inhabit wooded savannas in southern Africa and may weigh up to 600 pounds! They usually like to live in herds of about 10 to 30 led by one bull. Sables are named because of their dark coats. When threatened, sables will use their large, scimitar shaped horns to battle. Many predators have died thanks to these horns. There are four subspecies of sable: Zambian, common or southern, eastern, and giant or Angolan. -D. Tribe

Caribou

Rangifer tarandus

6-B-A

These Caribou, also known as our beloved Reindeer that guide Santa during Christmas, can be found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland. Caribou are massive herbivores that weigh from 240 to 700 pounds, and live around 15 years. They will eat 12 pounds of vegetation a day! These animals will migrate every season, traveling 600 miles or more on good ground.

FUN FACT: Female Caribou will start migrating weeks before the males, who follow behind along with the last year's offspring. - I. Trent

Albino Beaver

Castor canadensis

6-A-I

Seeing an albino beaver is a very rare occurrence. There is about one albino beaver for every 400,000 beavers. Beavers are the largest rodent in North America. They are active during the night, and very good swimmers. They are known for building dams across streams. Beavers live all around North America, but in the past they almost became extinct due to trappers wanting their fur during the 1600's. -G. Pirtle

Albinism; a condition of having a lack of pigment in hair, skin, and eyes; can effect a very wide variety of mammals and non mammals, not just humans. I learned this after seeing the albino beaver. -Dylan Tribe

Spanish wild horse skulls

Equus ferus caballus

6-B-O

Spanish wild horses first came over to the Americas from the Iberian Peninsula. Among the next couple hundred years, they were used to trade between different cultures. They stand from 54-60 inches tall and weigh between 650-1100 pounds. They are known for their stamina and hardiness. -G.Pirtle

- J. Manderscheid

Russian Wolverine

Gulo gulo

1-A-O

It is the largest land-dwelling species of the family Mustelidae. It is a stocky, muscular carnivore, closely resembling a small bear. Can be found in certain areas of the Northern Hemisphere, Northern Canada, Alaska, Europe, and throughout western Russia and Siberia. Since the 19th century, the wolverine population has steadily decreased. The wolverine is essentially absent from the southern parts of Europe. -C.Boettcher

Giant ground sloth leg bone

Megatherium

1-A-O

The Giant Ground Sloth is also known as the Megatherium. The Megatherium was discovered in 1788 by Manuel Torres, on the bank of the Lujan River in Argentina. They lived from the early Pliocene through the end of the Pleistocene times. Among land mammals, its size was exceeded by only a few other species, including Mammoths and the much older Paraceratherium. -C. Boettcher

Possums 2-A-O

Possums are marsupials, with about 272 species. They come in many different forms and live in many different ways. Marsupials include possums, opossums, wombats, koalas, kangaroos, bandicoots, wallabies, sugar gliders, Tasmanian devils, and Tasmanian wolves. They range in size from small, shrew-like animals to red kangaroos, which weigh up to 90 kg. Most marsupials are found in Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Tasmania, and in Central and South America. One species of marsupial, the American opossum, has spread throughout much of North America. M Caldera

Two Bodied lamb

6-B-O

This is a two bodied, one headed, lamb. Two bodied creatures are created by a fertilized egg not dividing properly. It is very rare as you can see, which leads to not a lot of information on it. So that means come see this fascinating creature and let it take your imagination on a ride! - G. Pirtle

Four legged Chick

6-B-O

Four legged chicks are very rare as well, but with a short drive you can see one here at the Mammoth Museum! Researchers aren't sure if the extra legs are caused by stress, radioactivity, or shock. Another cause could be from the embryo may have started as conjoined twins where one twin degenerated completely except for their limbs, and then attached to the other twin. -G.Pirtle

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Two headed chick

Gallus gallus domesticus

6-B-O

Two headed chicks are created by having twin embryos. If healthy, both sides of twins can coordinate and control the body. But are often dizzy and disoriented, due to the brain arguing with itself. This unique creature is quite the sight to see at the Mammoth Museum! -G. Pirtle

male giraffe

Giraffe

6-C-O

Giraffes live in the African Plains in the savannas. They are the tallest animal in the world. Males stand around eighteen feet tall and weigh up to 3,000. Their necks alone can grow to be six feet tall, while their tongues can stretch to 21 inches. They are super social creatures, and don't have any territories. They only sleep for 20 minutes out of the day, and get their energy from short couple minute power naps. - G. Pirtle

ram horns

Ovis Canadensis

1-A-O

The bighorn sheep or ram is a species that is native to North America. The population of bighorn sheep in North America peaked in the millions. By 1900, their population decreased to only several thousand due to diseases brought through European livestock and over hunting. A bighorn sheep can weigh up to 300 pounds. The horns themselves can weigh up to 30 pounds. -C. Boettcher

KUDU

Tragelaphus strepsiceros

section 4-B-O

The unusual name Kudu comes from the name given to the antelope by the Khoikhoi people. These are large antelope from various regions in Africa ranging from Ethiopia to South Africa. Kudu are well recognizable for their large, twisty horns. These horns are often made into Jewish shofar horns, and Kudu dung spitting is a popular sport in Africa. Kudu are peaceful creatures, but are very strong and cheetahs and leopards don't stand a chance against a full grown bull. -D. Tribe

GENET

Genetta genetta

section 4-A-I

This creature may look somewhat like a cat, but it's actually a genet and is not related to a cat. Found in the Sahara and other African regions, Genets have retractable claws and can climb well. They are closely related to civets. Genets are omnivorous, but they prefer meat, particularly rodents, shrews, bats, birds and their eggs, frogs, millipedes, centipedes, and scorpions. They will eat fruit as well. They are very helpful with pest control. -D. Tribe

AMERICAN BADGER

Taxidea taxus

section 4-A-O

The badger is one of North America's fiercest predators, in spite of mostly just eating small mammals such as rodents. Since their bodies are not really built for chases, badgers have other methods of catching their prey. Preferring to live in open areas such as plains, badgers' main tool of the hunt is their sharp, strong claws. These are useful in digging prey right out of the ground. Sometimes they will play especially dirty and dig into the animal's burrow, waiting for dinner to come home. Occasionally badgers have been known to actually team up with coyotes to hunt! -D. Tribe

Bull Elephant

Loxodonta

1-A-I

Elephants are the largest mammals of the family Elephantidae. Elephants are scattered throughout Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Elephants have several features to them that are distinct, but the most noticeable being a long trunk. An elephant trunk is also called a proboscis. African elephants have larger ears and a back that concaves. Asian elephants have smaller ears and their backs are level. -C. Boettcher

African Lion

Panthera leo

Building 2- Talk to Mr. Olsen to see it

The lion is the second largest cat in the world, and have the largest roar. They are very social animals and stay in big packs called prides. These massive cats keep track of each other by their roar that can be heard from five miles away. The males protect the pride, and the females are the primary hunters. Lions are the laziest of the cats, and sleep for about 16-20 hours of the day. -G. Pirtle

Porcupine

Erethizon dorsatum

Building 2- Contact Mr. Olsen to see it!

Porcupine's are rodent covered in sharp spines or quills. There are two types of porcupines, Old World Porcupines which live in Africa, Europe, and Asia, and New World Porcupines which live in Central, North, and South Africa. They live in about any terrain such as deserts, grasslands, forests, and rain forests. Quills cannot shoot out at people, instead they are loosely attached. A porcupine can have up to more then 30, 000 quills! -G. Pirtle

Muskox

Ovibos moschatus

Building 2- Contact Mr. Olsen to see it!

This Muskox is from Nunivak Island. These intriguing and brawny animals have a thick coat and a strong odor. This musky odor is used to attract females during mating season. These animals can stand up to 6.6 feet tall and have large curved horns. They live in Greenland, Canadian arctic, Northwest territories in Nunavut, and of course Alaska. -G. Pirtle

Mammoth Leg Bone

Mammuthus primigenius

1-A-I

A Mammoth is an extinct mammal and close relative to the modern elephant. The Northern, Wolly, and the Siberian mammoths are by far the most well known mammoths. Some scientific evidence suggest that a small population of mammoths survived in North America about 10,000 years ago! It is also very clear that mammoths were hunted by North American hunters. -C. Boettcher

Bear Skeleton

Famlily: Ursidae

5-A-O

The skeletal system of bears looks very much like that of dogs, with the only substantial difference being the size and weight of the bones and the teeth of the bear. The bear's teeth are not as well-adapted to biting and shearing as are the the dog's teeth. Due to their immense size and strength, however, they are not in as great need of teeth specialized for this. -Alex

Ancient Longhorn Bison

Bison Latifrons

1-A-I

Bison latifrons, also known as giant bison or long-horned bison. The word “Latifrons,” comes from the Latin word meaning big forehead. They are now an extinct species of bison native to North America during the Pleistocene epoch. These bison thrived in North America for roughly 200,000 years. They officially became extinct around 20,000 years ago. -C. Boettcher

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

5-A-O

Raccoons are native to North America. They can even be found in most of Canada! Raccoons are very hardy animals that can adapt to and thrive in a huge variety of habitats. They originally lived in forests, but now live in such environs as marshes, mountains, and cities. Raccoons were brought to Germany in 1920 to breed for their pelts and were subsequently released into the wild 14 years later. Now in 2018 they are found all over Germany and Denmark as well as in parts several other European countries. They have been so successful that the EU recommends killing them before they kill off species native to Europe and destroy biodiversity there. -Alex

Moose Antlers

Alces alces

5-A-O

Antlers start out as cartilage which is then replaced by bone. While the bone is growing the horns are covered with a type of skin called "velvet". Velvet contains a rich abundance of blood veins to ensure that the antlers grow as fast and large as possible. After the antler has reached its full size, the velvet disappears and the antlers actually die. The place where the antlers connect to the skull is called the "pedicle". -Alex

Baboon

Papio

Building 2- Contact Mr. Olsen to see!

Male Baboons are twice the size of females, and can way between 50-100 pounds.Although bigger, males are not the dominant gender. Baboons make 30 different types of noises to communicate including grunting, screaming, and yawning. They normally live up to 30 years in the wild! -G. Pirtle

Warthog skull

Phacochoerus africanus

Building 2- Contact Mr. Olsen to see!

Contrary to belief warthogs aren't the cute, spunky creatures Disney makes them out to be. Instead they are burly creatures with thick growths of skin on their face. These protect them like a padding. These strong creatures live in the grasslands and woodlands of Africa. Warthogs are vegetarians and eat nuts, berries, roots, and bark. -G.Pirtle

Sea otter

Enhydra lutris

Building 2- Contact Mr. Olsen to see!

A sea otter lives on the coast of the Northern and Eastern North Pacific Ocean. They can survive its whole life without coming out of the water. These interesting creatures have the densest fur in world. In order for them not to float away while they are sleeping, they hold paws with their buddies. -G.Pirtle

Gray Wolf

Canus Lupus

East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access.

This beautiful canine also goes by the names Timber Wolf and Western Wolf. They can be found in North America and Eurasia. It is the largest living species in the family, weighing between 79 and 99 pounds, depending on the gender. Gray wolves usually live up to 16 years old in the wild, with and age of 7 being considered relatively old. These predators will hunt many large mammals as a pack, and possibly smaller mammals when alone or in small groups. The average litter is 5 to 6 pups, while 14 to 17 pups are extremely large and rare, even when prey is abundant. - I. Trent

Alaskan wolf

Canis lupus pambasileus

5-B-O

Called the Yukon wolf in Canada, it was often hunted for its pelt. Their main prey are the moose, caribou, and dall sheep. The average pack has 7-9 wolves.

Arctic Wolf

Canis lupus arctos

5-A-I

Subspecies of the grey wolf and is native to several of the Queen Elizabeth Islands in Northern Canada, especially defined by its white color.They are not particularly afraid of humans and will often approach cautiously. They mainly live of muskoxen and arctic hares. -J. Manderscheid

ERMINE

Mustela erminea

section 4-B-O

The species name is actually stoat or short-tailed weasel. An ermine is just a stoat with its winter coat. It is a member of the weasel family. The coat of an ermine/stoat depends on the season. If you catch one of these guys in the summer, the only white will be on the belly, and most of the animal will be reddish brown. However, in winter, the ermine will be pure white, in order to camouflage with the snow. Ermines are valued because of their beautiful and soft coats, often used as luxury fur. They typically eat rodents and birds. -D. Tribe

two-headed lamb

6-B-O

Genetic deformations such as these cause various questions to arise such as: "Is the being comprised of two animals with one body or one animal with two heads?" or "Do both minds have control over the body, and, if so, do they fight for control?" The occurrence of an organism having two or more heads is referred to as polycephaly. In this very rare condition, it is difficult for the whole to survive--seeing that it is often controlled by competing mindsets. This usually results puzzled hobbling-and-bobbling actions along with dysfunction or disorientation. Considered a novelty to our society, one may even find one of these creatures upon searching on eBay--so keep your eyes peeled! --E. Sharp

BLACK BEAR SKULLS

Ursus americanus

4-B-I

These are the skulls of the American black bear. These are the smallest and most common bears in North America. They prefer to live in forested areas, only leaving forests for food. Black bears are omnivores, as can be seen by the teeth on the skull. If a creature has both sharp and flat teeth, rather than having just one shape, you can know the animal is an omnivore. Unlike the brown bear, black bears try to avoid fighting humans, and retreat is their first instinct. Despite this, a black bear is fully capable of man-killing. While there are more recordings of black bear attacks than brown, this is simply because there are more blacks than browns. -D. Tribe

GEMSBOK

Oryx gazella

4-B-O

The gemsbok is an antelope found in southern Africa and part of the oryx family. Oryx antelope can be easily distinguished thanks to their pale fur, dark marking on the face and legs, and long, straight horns. Gemsbok are the largest oryxes. Interestingly, both male and females have horns, but use them for different purposes. Females use them to defend themselves and their young from predators, while males use them for territorial protection. Gemsbok also appear on the Namibian coat of arms. -D. Tribe

Porcupine Skeleton

Erethizon dorsatum

4-A-I

The skeleton of a porcupine sure looks different without all those quills, doesn't it? Native to North America, these are actually large rodents. The quills are actually made of especially thick hair. The average porcupine has 30,000 quills. When quills stick in skin, they sink in at a rate of one millimeter an hour. Porcupines prefer to flee predators, but if particularly threatened, they are not above swinging their barbed tails. They are also good climbers and swimmers. -D. Tribe

Albino Marmot

Genus: Marmota

6-B-O

Closely related to ground squirrels and prairie dogs, the marmot is well suited for colder living conditions with its efficient pelt and teacup-like structure (short and stout, that is.) It is quite unusual to find an albino marmot, or any albino species, seeing that they commonly have a brown-gray pigment to their fur. This albinism is understood as the lack of production of melanin in specific skin cells and is often associated with vision impairment. --E. Sharp

vervet Monkey

Chlorocebus pygerythrus

Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access

These pesky monkeys are mostly found in Southern Africa, but have been introduced to Florida, Cape Verde, and a few other places. They live in social groups of anywhere from 10 to 70 monkeys. The males of the group move to another around the time they reach full maturity, often with a brother or peer to help protect themselves from the other males in the new group. There is a hierarchy within the groups, between the genders. The males are at the top depending on their age, aggression, fighting abilities and allies. The females are at the top depending on their maternal social status. The lower on the hierarchy a monkey is, the more aggressive the others are with it. - I. Trent

PAINTED BAT

Kerivoula picta

4-B-I

The painted bat lives in woodlands found in much of Southeast Asia, particularly: Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. They can be easily identified by their bright orange color scheme, long hair, and funnel shaped ears. They like to roost solitary or with small groups. Like many bats, they are insectivores. These bats are elusive and seldom seen. The colors are used as camouflage or to scare off predators. -D. Tribe

Skull of the Common Sheep

Ovis aries

5-A-O

Sheep have been with humans since the beginning of recorded history; it is suspected that they were the first ruminant animal to be domesticated. Sheep have played an important role in religious history as well having been sacrificed for many thousands of years. Skulls of rams like this one were often placed in shrines as part of the Ancient Egyptian religion, Çatalhöyük. -Alex

Skulls of the Jacob Sheep

Ovis aries

5-A-O

The Jacob sheep shares a scientific name with the common sheep, but has several distinguishing features. The most obvious from these pictures is that they are "polycerate", which means that they have more than two horns. They can in fact have up to six horns! The other distinguishing feature is that they have spots. This is actually how they got their name. Genesis 30:31-35 tells about how the patriarch Jacob received payment from his father in law in the form of spotted sheep. -Alex

Deer Skull

Family: Cervidae

5-A-O

There are 43 species of deer. They are native to all continents, except Australia and Antartica and have been artificially introduced to even more area than they originally inhabited in order to be hunted as game. There is one species of deer in which the females have antlers, Rangifer tarandus more commonly known as reindeer. Antlers are an extension from the skull of solid bone and are shed annually. They are different from horns because horns are covered by a special sheath made from specialized hair follicles. Only the pronghorn sheds its horns. -Alex

ROCK CHUCK (aka Yellow-Bellied Marmot

Marmota flaviventris

4-C-I

The rock chuck, is a large, stout-bodied ground squirrel in the marmot genus. They live in burrows in colonies of up to twenty individuals with a single dominant male. Yellow-bellied marmot lives in southwestern Canada and western United States , including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.

A. Blackwell-Besse

SILVER FOX

4-C-I

The silver fox is a melanistic form of the red fox. Historically, silver foxes were among the most valued furbearers, and their skins were frequently worn by nobles in Russia, Western Europe, and China.

In the richness and beauty of its splendid fur the Silver-gray Fox surpasses the beaver or sea otter, and the skins are indeed so highly esteemed that the finest command extraordinary prices, and are always in demand. — John James Audubon, quoted from The Imperial Collection of Audubon Animals, 1967

A.Blackwell-Besse

RACCOON

Procyon lotor

4-C-I

The word "raccoon" was adopted into English from the native Powhatan term, as used in the Colony of Virginia. The most important sense for the raccoon is its sense of touch. The hyper sensitive front paws are protected by a thin horny layer that becomes pliable when wet. Raccoons are thought to be color blind or at least poorly able to distinguish color, though their eyes are well-adapted for sensing green light.

A.Blackwell-Besse

AMERICAN BISON BULL SKULL

4-A-I

They became almost extinct by a combination of hunting and slaughtering in the 19th century. They have long shaggy dark-brown coat for the summer, and a lighter weight light-brown summer coat. Female Bison's can wight from 701-2,205 LBS.

A.Blackwell-Besse

PRONGHORN

Antilocapra americana

4-A-O

The pronghorn is unique among mammals. Native only to North American prairies, it has no close relatives living anywhere on earth! It is often understandably mistaken as a species of antelope, but is different enough to have its own taxonomic family. The horns have qualities of both horns and antlers, being made of the keratin that makes up horns yet shedding annually and being multi-pointed like antlers. When danger is near they release an alarm odor from a gland on the posterior. They can run up to 53 mph, which is only a little bit slower than a cheetah. However, pronghorns have londer endurance than a cheetah. They are not good jumpers. -D. Tribe

Jacob Sheep Skull 2-B-O

The Jacob is a British breed of domestic sheep. It combines two characteristics unusual in sheep: it is piebald—dark-coloured with areas of white wool—and it is often polycerate or multi-horned. It most commonly has four horns. The origin of the breed is not known. The Jacob is a small, multi-horned, piebald sheep that resembles a goat in its conformation. However, it is not the only breed that can produce polycerate or piebald offspring. Jacobs are typically hardy, low-maintenance animals with a naturally high resistance to parasites and hoof problems. M Caldera

Fisher

Pekania pennanti

Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access

This animal is found in and native to North America. It is closely related to, but larger than the American Marten. They enjoy residing in the larger forests of North America. They weigh between 8 and 13 pounds and their fur tends to be thicker and glossier during the winter. The little omnivores like to chow down on small mammals, mushrooms, and fruits. In fact, they love snowshoe hares and are one of the few successful in obtaining a porcupine for dinner. Despite the name, Fishers rarely eat fish. In the spring the females birth three to four kits and leave them in late summer when they are old enough to provide for themselves.

FUN FACT: Fishers are often referred to as Fisher Cats, but they are not feline. This often confuses it with the Fishing Cat, who is feline, and resides in Southeast Asia. Imagine confusing the two and thinking a new species of feline is on the loose in the forest! - I. Trent

North American Brown Bear

Ursus arctos ssp

1-A-I

The largest population of brown bear in North America. Among scientists, the generally do not use the name grizzly bear but call it the North American brown bear. Because brown bears are found in North America, Asia, and Europe, this makes them the widest range of bear species. Females grizzlies can weigh up to 400 pounds, while adult males can weigh up to 790 pounds -C. Boettcher

Dik-dik

Madoqua

1-A-I

Dik-dik is the name of any four species of small antelope. They live in the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa. Dik-diks are named for the obscure calls of the females. Both males and females make a shrill whistling sound. These calls are to alert others about a nearby predator. Dik-diks stand about 15 inches at the shoulder, and weigh up to 13 pounds. They can live up to 10 years. -C. Boettcher

BATS

Chiroptera

4-B-I

Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. Any other "flying mammals" such as flying squirrels or sugar gliders only glide, but bats can actually fly like a bird. The name chiroptera, the taxonomic order bats are part of, means "hand wing." Bats are perhaps the most misunderstood animals on the planet. Most people think of bats as blood-sucking monsters that always carry rabies. The truth is that bats are gentle and actually quite useful to humans. There are over 1000 species of bats, and only three of them drink blood, preferring cattle blood. Bats help pollinate plants and control insect pests. Plus, some microorganisms found in guano (bat droppings) have medical uses. If any creature needs more love, it's bats. - D. Tribe

Skunks

Mephitis mephitis

6-A-I

Skunks are notorious for their stench. Their smell is also known as musk, which smells less like the smell of your grandfather’s cologne and more noxious than roadkill (which skunks, unfortunately, often end up being.) So what signs are given so we can avoid having to take a bath in tomato juice? Here’s just a few:

-Fur pattern. Skunk appear to have the iconic white stripe down their black back—which in and of itself is a warning sign to anyone who may harm this creature.

-Foot stomping. Not quite like square-dance-foot-stomping—a lot more intimidating than that. (Well, as intimidating as a skunk can get.)

-Growling.

-Raising of their tail. This is more of an obvious one seeing that it’s spray glands are located right beneath it’s tail.

--E. Sharp

Porcupines

Hystricidae Erethizontidae

6-A-O

Living on all continents except for Antarctica, this creature is well ready to be protected from the dangers of these lands. Its quills, perhaps what the porcupine is most commonly known for, are used as a defense mechanism weaved throughout its soft hair. Despite contrary notions, these quills cannot be thrown as a defense, yet they do release when put in contact with another object. This species is compiled of great climbers, and due to that, many of them live in trees as herbivores who eat wood. --E. Sharp

Ermine

Mustela erminea

6-B-I

Stoat, short-tailed weasel, ermine, or Bonaparte weasel are the various names given to this very creature. “Ermine” relates particularly to the stoat when it appears to have its white, winter coat opposed to its usual brown or partially white pigment. This species is widely distributed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Eurasia, and its white fur became especially popular with European trade as the ermine color came into fashion with fur clothing and accessories. --E. Sharp

two-Headed Calf

6-B-O

Ring-Tailed Cat 2-A-O

The ring-tail is a mammal of the raccoon family. native to arid regions of North America. It is also known as the ring-tail cat, ring-tailed cat, miner's cat or bassarisk. The ring-tail is buff to dark brown in color with pale underparts. Ring-tails have a pointed muzzle with long whiskers resembles that of a fox and its body resembles that of a cat. These animals are characterized by a long black and white "ringed" tail with 14–16 stripes, which is the about the same length as its body. The claws are short, straight, and semi-retractable, and are perfect for climbing. Ring-tails are primarily nocturnal, with large eyes and upright ears that make it easier for them to navigate and forage in the dark. It uses its long tail for balance,The rings on its tail can also act as a distraction for predators. M Caldera

BIGHORN SHEEP

Ovis canadensis

4-A-I

Bighorn sheep live in the Rocky Mountains, running from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They change where they live depending on the weather. They like mountains slopes in warmer months, but in the colder months they prefer to stay in valleys. Females like to live in groups of five to fifteen usually, but will join together in the winter so their numbers reach a hundred. Males stay in groups of two to five, joining females in mating season. In order to establish their dominance, male bighorn sheep literally butt heads with each other. These contests can carry on for along time, some even reaching a ridiculous 20 hours. The rings in a bighorn's horns can tell you the age of the sheep. -D. Tribe

common Duiker

Sylvicapra grimmia

Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access

The Common Duiker, also known as the Grey or Bush Duiker, can be found in Africa. They enjoy living in areas with plenty of vegetation to hide them, particularly in savannas or hilly areas, including the edges of human settlements. Only the males grow horns, which can reach approximately 11 inches long, and are very territorial. Females will birth one fawn after 6 - 7.5 months of gestation. These little antelope creatures can go for long periods of time without water and love to browse on flowers, leaves and fruits. Sometimes, if they have plenty of fruit and moist vegetation, they will go without drinking water. I don't blame them, I love my apple juice too! - I. Trent

California Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensis

1-C-I

Bighorn sheep are large mammals that are relatives of goats. They can go weeks or months without water. They have adapted to life in the desert, for example they use their horns to break up cacti for food. These sheep are so hardy, in fact, they can lose up to 30 percent of their body weight and still survive! -C. Boettcher

Hog-Nosed Skunk

Conepatus leuconotus

5-C-I

This species of skunk is also known as the hooded skunk and the rooter skunk in Texas. Scientists used ot believe that there were two species of hog-nosed skunk, the other being Conepatus mesoleucus. In 2008, it was officially decided that the two species were actually just one. The Hog-nosed skunk is one of the World's largest skunk species, reaching up to 2.7 feet in length. The word skunk comes from a Native American word, "seganku", which was derived from the words meaning urinate and fox. -Alex

CAVE Bear Skull

Ursus spelaeus

Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access

This bear lived in the area of Europe and Asia during the Peistocene Period approximately 24,000 years ago. The Cave Bear is known to have a similar structure to that of a Brown Bear. The average weight is estimated to be 495 to 550 pounds for a female and 770 to 1,320 pounds for a male, however there are some specimens that look to have weighed 2,200 pounds. That is a big bear! Because of the wear on the teeth of the skeletons, it is believed that these bears actually ate more vegetation than modern bears do today. Some scientists believe that they did more scavenging as well, feeding on more bones and eating things that may have passed during the winter. Either way, they were still giant omnivores just like the ones we see around today, but maybe a little more giant. - I. Trent

PoleCat (known on the street as the Zorilla)

Ictonyx striatus

5-C-I

First name pole last name cat,

Dry and arid climates are where I thrive at.

I'm a lone wolf, a solitary critter.

You come in my zone, I might get bitter

at you and spray some stink in your direction

such a nasty concoction!

Just like a owl I'm up all night

catchin' sight of animals to get a bite.

My homie the skunk acts a lot like me,

but we're just brothers from another mother you see.

-DJ Alex

Black Bear

Ursus americanus

5-C-I

*Wait... that's a brown bear!*

Black bears got their name from ignorant European settlers. It is true that most black bears East of the Great Plains are black, but that does not mean that all are! There is actually a lot of diversity in coloring. Black bears can be brown, blonde, or even creamy white! Over half of all black bears living in Western states are colors other than black. -Alex

North American Beaver

Castor canadensis

5-C-I

The North American Beaver is the official animal of Canada and the state animal of Oregon. The North American beaver is tied with the European beaver (Castor fiber) for being the second largest rodent worldwide. The largest is the South American Capybara. Beavers possess a transparent third eyelid that allows them to see underwater. Its official name is the "nictitating membrane". -Alex

Badger

Family: Mustelidae

5-C-I

The word badger originates from the middle English word "bageard" which means marked with a badge, in reference to the white stripe on the European badger's head. Another, less common, name for the badger is "brock". This comes from a Celtic language and means "grey". It is possible to tame badgers and keep them as pets, but in 1992 this was outlawed in the UK. Back in the day, American Indians and the settlers would use badgers as a primary source of meat. -Alex

Deer

Cervidae

4-A-O

Deer grow and shad their new antlers each year. Deer have played a role in mythology, religion, and literature throughout history. their economic importance includes the use of their meat, their soft skins, strong buckskin, and their antlers as handles for knives. Deer hunting has been popular since thee middle ages. A Blackwell-Besse

African Porcupine

Hystrix cristata

1-C-O

The African porcupine, or crested porcupine is a species of rodent in the family Hystricidae. Found in Italy, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. The more common name for this species is the crested porcupine. The average adult size of the crested porcupine has an average body and head length of around 30 inches. -C. Boettcher

American Porcupine

Erethizon dorsatum

1-C-O

The North American porcupine also known as the Canadian porcupine, or common porcupine is a large rodent. The only larger rodent than the porcupine, is the beaver. Porcupines are typically black or dark brown in color. They have stocky bodies, small faces, short legs, and short bulky tails. The average size of the North American porcupine, including the head and body, is about 2.5 feet in length. -C. Boettcher

Idaho Mountain Lion

Puma concolor

1-C-O

The mountain lion is the biggest species of cat native to the mountains in America. The mountain lion is highly adaptive, so they are able to withstand the conditions in the Rocky and Andes mountains. Because mountain lions do not hibernate, they have to undergo uncompromising winters. The mountain lion has no real natural predators however, they must watch out for bears. -C. Boettcher

Moose Antlers

Alces alces

1-C-I

Moose are distinguished by the broad,open-handed shaped antlers. Males or bulls, have the antlers. Currently most moose are found in Canada, Alaska, and Russia. The most common moose predators are grey wolves, bears, and humans. Although they are generally slow moving, moose can easily become aggressive and move quickly if angered or startled. -C. Boettcher

muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

4-A-I

Muskrat's average size is 16-25 inches long and stand 8-11 inches tall, they weigh 2-5 lbs. They do not have a long lifespan, they only live 1-3 years in the wild. They have dense brown fur, rounded bodies with a long hairless black tail. They have webbed back feet for swimming, and smaller front feet for digging. They have small beady eyes and small ears. They are native to North America, with a rang that extends from Canada, and down to some northern parts of Mexico. they eat cattails, water lilies, sedge, ferns, freshwater mussels, snails, crayfish, and frogs. A. Blackwell-Besse

Elk skeleton

Cervus canadensis

4-A-O

Elk is one of the largest species within the deer family. They have a lifespan of 10-13 years in the wild. Male's weigh between 710-730 lbs, and female weigh between 500-530 lbs. Male's are 4.9 ft tall at the shoulder, and female's are 4.3 ft at the shoulder. Elk have a home range of approximately 600 square miles. Elk are also called Wapiti, a Native American word that means "light-colored deer".

A. Blackwell-Besse

Gazelle

Gazella

1-A-O

Gazelles are swift animals. Some can run up to 60 miles per hour. Gazelles are found mostly in deserts and grasslands. Often found in Africa, central Asia, southwest, and is some parts of India. They tend to live in a herd, and eat leafy greens. Gazelles are pretty small. The only stand about 3.5 feet, from shoulders to the ground. -C. Boettcher

Wild Boar

Sus scrofa

1-A-O

The wild boar, wild swine, Eurasian wild pig, or wild pig is native to much of Eurasia, North Africa, and the Sunda Islands. Due to human involvement, they have distributed much further in the world. This makes them one of the wildest ranged mammals in the world. As of 1990, there have been up to 16 different subspecies discovered. -C. Boettcher

Coyote

Canis latrans

Section 2-A-I

Scarcely 2 ft at the shoulder and no more than 50 lbs, they are small enough to be inconspicuous but large enough to wreak serious havoc, particularly on domestic sheep farms. The USDA developed "cyanide bombs" to curb this frenzy, but these devices have been terminated in some states (including Idaho) due to their non-target hazards. -- T. Jeske

Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensis

Section 2-B-I

They may be vegetarians, but those super greens power these 5 ft tall mammals into mountain climbing machines! Bighorn Sheep possess balance-aiding split hooves with a natural grip (texture similar to rock climbing shoes). Rugged adaptations never cease from the ram's 30 lb horns affixed to his double-layered skull to the fragrant pheromones of the female in heat, these animals are truly awesome to behold! -- T. Jeske

WHale Vertebra

Suborders: Odontoceti (toothed) & Mysticeti (baleen)

Section 2-B-I

All whales own smooth skin, flippers, and flat tails called "flukes" which propel them through the water. These mammals of the sea are divided into two groups: toothed and baleen (69 & 13 species respectively). Toothed whales have one adapted nostril "blowhole" atop their head and hunt via echolocation. The larger baleen whales have a double-blowhole. Scientists are still studying whether or not baleen whales use echolocation. -- T. Jeske

Humpback whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

East Building – Contact Mr. Olsen for access

This is an exact replica of a Humpback Whale vertebra. The humpback requires a couple dozen more vertebrae than humans in addition to a bulkier construct to support its 60 ft long, 40-ton body. The baleen net of its enormous mouth filters water and collects small sea creatures for food. Giant but gentle, mothers are known to caress their calves with their flippers as they migrate along polar and tropical waters. A newborn humpback doubles its length the first year, before slowing and finally reaching its final length in 10 years. -- T. Jeske

RIVER OTTER

Lontra canadensis

4-A-O

Despite their name, river otters are actually found in all types of aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, marshlands, and even coastal shorelines, all in North America. Young otters are known to play by wrestling and chasing each other in order to practice survival skills like hunting and self-defense. Their diet primarily consists of fish, but they will also eat whatever prey is easy to find, including frogs, crayfish and other invertebrates , rodents, birds, and even turtles. Otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes and dive up to 60 feet under the water. They even wash themselves after meals! -D. Tribe

mammoth tusk

4-B-O

Mammoth have long curved tusks. They lived from the Pilocone epoch into Holocene at about 4,500 years ago in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. The longest mammoth tusk come from an adult male and it measure 8 to 9 feet long.

A. Blackwell-Besse

ANTLERS

4-A-O

Ever wonder what the difference is between antlers and horns? It's actually quite simple. Antlers only grow on members of the deer family, they are made of bone, and shed and regrow annually. Horns, on the other hand, are made of ceratin, very similar to your own fingernails. Horns are also permanent, with the exception of the ones found on the pronghorn. Each year's new set of antlers are generally larger than the previous year's pair. Typically antlers are shed in the winter after the breeding season, except elk, who keep theirs through the winter and shed in March. Animals use their antlers as tools to fight, impress mates, and show dominance. -D. Tribe

BATS

Chiroptera

4-B-I