Mammals

Whitetail Deer

NPS

The richness and diversity of the mammal population within the Buffalo National River is a product of the complexity and range in habitats. Riparian habitats (lush shrubs and trees) found along the river's edge, rich green open-field environments, wooded hillsides and dry glades and rocky outcroppings are just a few of the unique habitats that provide a niche for the mammal species found within the park.

The Buffalo National River is known to have more than 55 species of mammals.

Three species of bats at Buffalo National River are listed as endangered (Indiana, Gray, and Ozark Big-Eared bats), one threatened (Northern Long-Eared bat), and one currently pending review for protection under the Endangered Species Act (Tri-Colored bat). These species are found within the karst cave networks located on the hillsides and valley draws.

The Eastern Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) was native to the forest and forest-edge habitats of Arkansas. In 1981, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission implemented an Elk Restoration Project. Today, there are approximately 500 Rocky Mountain Elk that call the Buffalo River corridor home.

While not native to Arkansas and the Buffalo National River, wild or feral hogs are here.

Hunting is permitted in the park in accordance with state regulations. During the early fall through late spring, some form of hunting season is in progress. Use caution when hiking in the woods during this time.

Habitat Key:
The following symbols have been used to indicate the type of habitat where mammals can be found:

W	Woodlands
O	Open areas/fields
M	Moist woods
S	Swampy areas/streams
T	Trees/old buildings
C	Caves, bluffs
G	Glades, dry areas
V	Variety of areas
**	Endangered

Mammals Checklist

Category	Species	Habitat
Marsupials	Virginia Opossum (Dedelphis virginiana)	W
Shrews	Southeastern Shrew (Sorex longirostris)	M, S
	Southern Short-Tailed Shrew (Blarina carolinensis)	M
	Least Shrew (Cryptotis parva)	O
Moles	Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)	O
Bats	Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus)	V
	Gray Myotis (Myotis grisescens) **	C
	Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)	V
	Indiana Myotis (Myotis sodalis) **	C
	Small-Footed Myotis (Myotis leibii)	V
	Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)	T
	Tri-Colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)	V
	Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)	T
	Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)	T
	Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)	T
	Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)	T
	Ozark Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) **	C
Armadillos	Nine-Banded Armadillo (Daypus novemcinctus)	W, O
Hares, Rabbits	Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)	V
	Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus)	W, S
	Black-Tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)	O
Squirrels	Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)	W
	Woodchuck (Marmota monax)	O
	Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)	W
	Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)	W
	Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)	W
Pocket Gophers	Baird's Pocket Gopher (Geomys breviceps)	V
Beaver	Beaver (Castor canadensis)	S
Rats, Mice, and Voles	House Mouse (Mus musculus)	V
	Fulvous Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys fulvescens)	O
	Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)	O
	White-Footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus)	W
	Texas Mouse (Peromyscus attwateri)	G
	Golden Mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli)	W
	Hispid Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus)	O
	Eastern Woodrat (Neotoma floridana)	C
	Woodland Vole (Microtus pinetorum)	V
	Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)	S
	Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus)	V
Carnivores	Coyote (Canis latrans)	O
	Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)	O
	Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)	W
	Black Bear (Ursus americanus)	W
	Raccoon (Procyon lotor)	W, S
	Long-Tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)	V
	Mink (Mustela vison)	S
	Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)	W, O
	Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)	O
	River Otter (Lontra canadensis)	S
	Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)	V
	Bobcat (Lynx rufus)	V
Ungulates	White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)	V
	Elk (Cervus canadensis)	V