This page lists 88 mammals: 8 from Nevada Legislature's NAC 503.020-.035, combined with the 2022 SGCN List and the NDOW Species Information database and 80 named in other official sources.
1 is nonnative.
Which mammals can hurt you
Official sources single out these mammals in Nevada, in their own words:
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Allen’s Big-eared Bats are found in southern Nevada in ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, pine-oak woodland, and riparian areas above 3,000 feet. However, they can sometimes be found across many different elevations and as high as 10,000 feet! The availability of water is a significant factor in habitat selection. (NDOW)
“They may sometimes get to the point where they are a public safety risk and have to be killed to avoid a dangerous encounter.” NDOW
Size
Smokies: males average about 6 ft long, 3 ft at the shoulder and 250 lb in summer; females usually just over 100 lb. Missouri: 46 to 78 inches long, 86 to 600 lb.
How to recognize it
Straight facial profile, rounded erect ears, very short tail
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Black Bears are found in the mountainous areas and foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe areas. Rivers and streams provide a source of food, while forested areas offer cover. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Black-tailed Jackrabbits live in desert scrubland, farmlands, dunes, and open prairies; especially favoring arid regions and agricultural areas with short grasses and crops. (NDOW)
Photo: National Marine Sanctuaries · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Total length 18 to 50 inches, tail 3 to 8 inches, weight 8 to 49 pounds (Missouri). About twice the size of a house cat.
How to recognize it
Short 'bobbed' tail, 4 to 8 inches, with a black tip and white underneath (Arizona). New Mexico instead describes black bars on top, white underneath and a white tip.
Pointed ears with tufts at the tips, often with cheek tufts
Backs of the ears are black with a light central spot
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Bobcats thrive in a wide variety of habitat types. Within Nevada, Bobcats typically choose rocky areas with high prey abundance and plenty of coverage. Depending on suitable habitat availability, Nevada residents may spot a Bobcat in their neighborhood! (NDOW)
NV state status: Priority Species; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The California Bighorn Sheep is found in the slopes of the Sierra Nevada and prefers rugged, open areas with vegetation and grasses. They often move across their range as the seasons change. (NDOW)
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Cave Myotis is found primarily at lower elevations in arid habitats that are dominated by creosote bush, palo verde, brittlebush, cactus, and desert riparian shrubs. (NDOW)
“If an incident with a human does occur, please call 911 or our dispatch 775-688-1331 immediately.” NDOW
Size
About 3.5 to 4 feet long including the tail and roughly 2 feet tall at the shoulder; weight varies by region: Arizona 20 to 30 lb, Florida average about 28 lb, Georgia 25 to 45 lb
How to recognize it
Large pointed ears, long narrow nose, bushy black-tipped tail
Like a slender medium-sized dog, much smaller than a wolf
Paw track about 2 inches long (Florida)
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
JFMAMJJASOND
74 records by month.What the sources say
Habitat: Coyotes are found in about any type of habitat where they can find food and a place to hide. They seem to show some preference for brush covered rolling hills and flats. Coyotes have perhaps the most varied habitat of any animal in Nevada and they thrive in both wild areas and urban settings. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Dark Kangaroo Mice inhabit dry desert areas with lots of loose sand and gravel; especially the Great Basin in Nevada and sand dunes between 4000 and 6800 feet. They create underground systems throughout the sand dunes that protects them from extreme temperatures and predators. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: This species of Bighorn Sheep prefers the rough and rocky habitat of mountains in Southern Nevada. Steep rocks offer protection against predators, who are unable to navigate and climb up after the bighorn sheep. Although residents of deserts, they do require freestanding water to help them get through the hot summers. (NDOW)
No confirmed photo of Desert Cottontail
Desert Cottontail
Sylvilagus audubonii
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Desert Cottontails live in a wide range of habitats including open upland, sagebrush, grasslands, shrublands, riparian areas, and pinyon-juniper forests. They rarely stray far from their birthplace area. (NDOW)
NV state status: Priority Species; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Desert Kangaroo Rat lives in the desert flatlands, creosote scattered flats, and sandy soils in desert washes. They burrow into the loose soil to escape the harsh heat and dangerous desert environment. (NDOW)
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Venom: “Some species of shrews are actually venomous, the Desert Shrew is not, however.” (NDOW)
Habitat: Desert Shrews are found across the southwestern United States from California to Texas. In Nevada, they live in a wide range of habitats, including deserts, shrublands, and grasslands in the southern part of the state. These tiny mammals are secretive and rarely seen, spending most of their time hidden under vegetation, rocks, or loose soil. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Gray Foxes can be found in open habitat such as woodland brush and mixed forests. Dense vegetative areas serve as resting places and cover from predators. They escape predators by finding cover rather than outrunning them. They will even climb trees! (NDOW)
Adults about 40 to 175 pounds depending on sex and region; on average about five to six feet long (Isle Royale), up to 6 feet including the tail (Washington), and 26 to 34 inches at the shoulder. Twice the size of a coyote.
How to recognize it
Longer legs, larger feet, wider head and snout, shorter ears, narrow body and straight tail compared with most coyotes and dogs.
Tracks about 5 inches long by 4 inches wide, with claws showing.
Long, drawn-out howls, audible up to five miles.
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Nevada currently does not have an established gray wolf population but sporadic sightings have occurred. Gray Wolves can habituate almost any habitat including tundra, woodlands, forests, grasslands, and high deserts; their habitat depends on prey availability and human disturbance. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Kit Foxes can be found in the southwestern United states and into central Mexico. In Nevada, they live in the Mojave Desert where there are flat, arid lands with abundant bushes and desert scrub. (NDOW)
No confirmed photo of Little Brown Bat
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Not Evaluated
What the sources say
Habitat: Little Brown Bats love to roost in buildings, caves, trees, rocks, and wood piles. They will also migrate hundreds of miles to move from their summer habitats to their winter or hibernacula roost sites. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Mexican Free-tailed Bats will find roost sites near water and mostly in caves, but will also find refuge in mines, bridges, and even tunnels and abandoned buildings. The largest known summer colony in Nevada consists of approximately 100,000 bats that have established their summer home under a bridge that crosses the Truckee River in Reno. (NDOW)
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Moose prefer areas with streams and lush vegetation. They can sometimes be spotted in northeastern Nevada from Idaho. These areas consist of sagebrush and other shrubs, providing food and shelter in the summer. (NDOW)
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Mountain Goats were first introduced into the Ruby Mountains in the mid-1960’s with the release of 12 goats from Washington state. In Nevada, they can be found only in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt range. Mountain Goats prefer steep rocky cliffs, projecting pinnacles, ledges, and talus slides. (NDOW)
“Encounters with mountain lions are rare and the risk of an attack is extremely small.” NDOW
Size
Total length 5 to 8.5 feet including a 21 to 37.5 inch tail; males 79 to 265 lb, females 64 to 141 lb (Missouri Department of Conservation).
How to recognize it
Very large, slender cat with a small head, small rounded ears without tufts and a long, heavy tail.
The tail may be one-third of the total length; much larger than a bobcat or lynx.
Tracks: 2.75 to 3.75 inches wide, three lobes at the bottom of the heel pad, claw marks usually absent.
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Mountain Lions are adapted to a wide variety of habitats and environmental conditions found throughout Nevada. They prefer dense cover or rocky, rugged terrain, and also occur in low desert areas. In Nevada, Mountain Lion habitat is commonly associated with pinyon pine, juniper, and mountain mahogany. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Muskrat is an aquatic rodent who is commonly found throughout Nevada’s waterways. They habituate wetland areas with ample vegetation where they can construct their conical-shaped houses and bank dens out of plant matter. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Not Evaluated
What the sources say
Habitat: The North American Beaver prefers habitat with adequate water and rich vegetation to forage for food and fell trees. They can be found in the streams and tributaries of the Snake River, the Humboldt River basin, and along the Colorado River. (NDOW)
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The North American River Otter lives in slow moving water with abundant riparian plants and fish. They have been found to use the dens of other animals rather than creating their own. (NDOW)
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Endangered
What the sources say
Habitat: The Northern Flying Squirrel ranges from the treeline in Alaska and Canada southward in the west to northern California and Colorado, in the middle of the continent to central Michigan and Wisconsin, and in the east to northern North Carolina and Tennessee. Island populations exist in areas of high elevation in other parts of the United States, including the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Black Hills, and our very own Sierra Nevada. (NDOW)
No confirmed photo of Northern Grasshopper Mouse
Northern Grasshopper Mouse
Onychomys leucogaster
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Northern Grasshopper Mouse can be found from southwestern Canada throughout the western United States into northwestern Mexico. Thrives in Nevada’s deserts. (NDOW)
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Pikas live primarily in rocky slopes near alpine meadows and rolling hills, but are also sometimes found along streams in rocky areas and in lava fields that are near a great food source. (NDOW)
Adults about 30 inches including a 6- to 10-inch tail, 9 to 15 pounds, older adults up to 20 pounds (Pennsylvania). Massachusetts: 25-31 inches, averaging 12 pounds in early spring to 20 in fall. Minnesota: 24 to 40 inches, 18 to 35 pounds.
How to recognize it
Coat of quills; up to 30,000
Only North American mammal with coat hairs modified as quills
Short legs, long claws, high-arching back
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Although they are not very common, North American Porcupines can be found throughout Nevada. In this state, they prefer high-altitude forests, especially areas near water. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Not Evaluated
What the sources say
Habitat: Pronghorn prefer gentle rolling to flat, wide-open topography. These habitats allow the Antelope to spot predators from far distances and quickly escape. They are primarily found in the mountain ranges of northern and central Nevada. (NDOW)
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Pygmy Rabbits depend highly on sagebrush and sagebrush-steppe habitat for food and shelter. They are usually found in areas with tall, dense sagebrush and will make burrows in relatively deep and loose soil near water. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The adaptability of the Raccoon gives them plenty of options when it comes to suitable habitat. However, they prefer forested areas near water sources that offer plenty of food and lots of holes in which they can make a den. They are no stranger to cities, however, and can easily find a place to live. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Red Foxes have increased their range in Nevada, particularly inhabiting areas in the western region of the state. They live in open woodlands and mountain meadows near treeline. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Ringtail are common in the southwestern portions of the United States and Mexico. In Nevada, they are found mostly in the southern parts of the state with small portions stretching up into the east and west. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species, State Protected, Threatened; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Spotted Bat prefers to live near water sources such as springs, creeks and rivers. Spotted Bats roost in vertical cliffs and ledges until they can come out in the night and hunt. These bats are distributed throughout the state, but in very patchy occurrences. (NDOW)
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: A Striped Skunk will make a home in abandoned burrows, hollowed trees or logs, or under brush that offers cover. They prefer areas that are near water sources, but have been seen in the drier desert areas of southern Nevada. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: The Western Long-eared Bat’s range stretches from southwestern Canada to the western United States and into Baja California. The species is found across the state of Nevada, typically in coniferous-forested habitats and elevations from 7,000 – 8,500 feet. (NDOW)
No confirmed photo of Western Red Bat
Western Red Bat
Lasiurus blossevillii
Conservation
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (2022 SWAP)
No confirmed photo of Western Small-footed Myotis
Western Small-footed Myotis
Myotis ciliolabrum
Conservation
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (2022 SWAP)
No confirmed photo of Western Spotted Skunk
Western Spotted Skunk
Spilogale gracilis
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: These little mammals can be found throughout Nevada. They are often seen near towns and neighborhoods, but out in Nevada’s wide-open spaces, they prefer rocky cliffs and riparian areas. (NDOW)
No confirmed photo of Western water shrew
Western water shrew
Sorex palustris
Conservation
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (2022 SWAP)
No confirmed photo of White-tailed Antelope Squirrel
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel
Ammospermophilus leucurus
Where in Nevada
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Their range extends north to south from southwestern Oregon to New Mexico, and east to west from western Colorado to Baja California, Mexico. A true desert species that prefers rocky, dry areas with rocks and cactus. (NDOW)
NV state status: State Protected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: White-tailed Jackrabbits prefer open grasslands, pastures, and fields and can also be found living in forested areas and high alpine tundra. (NDOW)
Statewide (NDOW page map: eastern, southern, western regions) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say
Habitat: Yellow-bellied Marmots are distributed widely in the western United States and Canada. They range as far north as southcentral British Columbia and Alberta in Canada and as far south as the Sierra Nevada. (NDOW)
No confirmed photo of Yuma Myotis
Yuma Myotis
Myotis yumanensis
Conservation
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (2022 SWAP)
Mammals people confuse
Bobcat or Mountain lion (cougar)?
Photo: National Marine Sanctuaries · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Cougars are one color (yellow-brown to light cinnamon) with a long tail. The bobcat's tail is short and its coat is spotted. TWRA says cougars are many times larger and longer, with a very long tail.
NY DEC: gray wolves are much larger (females typically 50-100 lb, males 70-145 lb, 5-6 ft nose to tail, 27-33 in at the shoulder); eastern coyotes rarely exceed 50 lb and generally stand under 2 ft at the shoulder. Wolves have small rounded ears and a short blocky snout; coyotes have larger, more pointed ears (can look rounded in winter coat) and a long, narrow, pointed snout. Coyote tracks are typically 3 x 2 in, wolf tracks about 5 x 4 in. NY DEC says most wolf reports in New York were coyotes, dogs or wolf-dog hybrids.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When mammals are active in Nevada
Records of mammals in Nevada peak in April to August. They show when people record mammals, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
1,465 records of mammals in Nevada by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from NDOW:
Do not handle bats, dead or alive, where it can be avoided. NDOW
What official sources say
Are there bears in Nevada?
Yes. Black bears only, in the mountains and foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe areas. NDOW
“Black Bears are the only species of bear that live in Nevada.”
Are there grizzly bears in Nevada?
No. NDOW says black bears are the only bear species living in Nevada. NDOW
“Black Bears are the only species of bear that live in Nevada.”
Are there mountain lions in Nevada?
Yes. They live in rocky terrain throughout Nevada; NDOW says the risk of attack is extremely small. NDOW
“Mountain lions occupy areas with rocky terrain throughout Nevada, especially where mule deer live.”
Are there moose in Nevada?
Yes. NDOW calls the Shiras moose the newest resident to inhabit Nevada. NDOW
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
