Black Bear -Ursus Americanus. While classed. as a carnivore, the black bear’s diet is mainly twigs, buds, leaves, grubs, ants, fruits. berries, and similar matter.

Bobcat - Felis rufus. These handsome members of the cat family are the largest ,true predators left in the Southern mountains. Slightly larger than a big house cat, they hunt for small mammals, primarily from dusk to midnight, and again just before dawn.

Eastern Chipmunk -Tamias striatus. A constant food gatherer, it prefers acorns or hickory nuts, Burrow entrances can be seen around stumps, rocks, logs, etc.

Eastern Cottontail -Sylvilagus floridanus. These rabbits can produce 3 to 4 litters of young, per year, but most do not survive to adulthood. Thickets and brush piles are favorite haunts.

Eastern Mole - Scalopus aquaticus. Most active at dawn and dusk, it’s long, pushed-up burrow can be seen in open areas. Likes earthworms.

Groundhog -Marmota momax. Sometimes mistaken for beaver, this large rodent can be seen feeding during the day around it’s den opening. Loves to eat kudzu.

Gray Fox - Urocyon cinereoargenteus . These canines have grayish pelts with a black-tipped tail. Occasionally seen during the day.

Gray Squirrel -Sciurus carolinensis . Dens in hollow trees, or builds large leafy nests. Spends considerable time on the ground searching for or burying nuts.

House Mouse - Mus musculus . An immigrant brought over on European sailing vessels, this mouse is found throughout the U.S.

Little Brown Bat -Myotis lucifugus. This flying mammal can be seen at dusk swooping through open areas catching insects on the wing. Other similar bats are found here are the Big Brown Bat. All these beneficial mammals are harmless to humans.