List of Mammals of Massachusetts - Carnivorans

Carnivorans

• Canadian Lynx Lynx canadensis (EX) (Originally central and western mass) - Once occurred in Central and western Massachusetts. Reported in Hampshire county (1866) and Worcester county (1884-1885). Questional reports in the 1930s were probably misidentified Bobcats. At least 2 records in 1991 were wandering Lynx from a New York release.

• Bobcat Lynx rufus (Northeast, central, and western mass) - Common in Forests. Now the only Native cat found in Massachusetts. Thought to be the animal most confused with the larger Canadian Lynx.

• Mountain Lion Puma concolor (EX) - The extinct Eastern cougar once lived in Massachusetts. Last known record was in 1858.

• Coyote Canis latrans (Statewide except Martha vineyard and Nantucket) - Population has increased, with sightings in Boston. Found in Elizabeth island. Although absent from Martha Vineyard and Nantucket.

• Gray Wolf Canis lupus (EX) - Once lived in Western Massachusetts.

• Red Fox Vulpes vulpes (Statewide except Martha vineyard and Nantucket) - Once rarely seen. Although more have been introduced from Europe, making them more common. Now found all over the state except Martha Vineyard and Nantucket.

• Common Gray Fox Urocyon cineroargentatus (Statewide except Dukes, Nantucket and possibly Suffolk counties) - Lives mostly in areas with thick trees. Although common in farms, it is unusual to see these in the suburbs. Frequently seen climbing trees, also called the tree fox. Absent from Suffolk county due to urban environments.

• Black Bear Ursus americanus (Northeast, central, and western mass) - Rarely seen. These animals usually run away from people. Although seen in farms, these animals don't occur in suburbs.

• Common Raccoon Procyon lotor (Statewide except Nantucket County) - Adaptive to living in urban and suburban environments. Feeds on garbage.

• Northern River Otter Lontra canadensis (Statewide except Nantucket and possibly Suffolk counties) - Absent from Suffolk county due to cities. Found in forests that have streams and rivers. 2 records in Nantucket. One was a beached carcass (1984). The others were tracks and tail mark (2007).

• Wolverine Gulo gulo (EX) (Western mass) - Extirpated. Reported to occur in Western Mass prior to 1835.

• American Marten Martes americana (EX) - Extirpated. Formerly occurred in Central and western Massachusetts. Last known record, Worcester county (1880). One vagrant from a Vermont release was taken to Worcester county in 1992. A 1993 Worcester county record was believed to be an escape from a fur farm.

• Fisher Martes pennanti (Statewide except Dukes and Nantucket counties) - Once extirpated from the state. Made a recovery after farmers went to the Midwest. Range has extended to Plymouth and Barnstable counties in 2006. Now found in all counties except Dukes and Nantucket counties.

• Ermine Mustela erminea (Statewide except Dukes and Nantucket counties) - Common and abundant throughout most of the state. Found mostly in Forests and meadows. It is extremely rare in Barnstable county.

• Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata (Statewide except Dukes and Nantucket counties) - Like the Ermine, this Weasel is found throughout most of the state. Also is found in forests and meadows. Common throughout the state.

• American Mink Mustela vison (Statewide except Nantucket County) - Common throughout all of Massachusetts except Nantucket county. Found in Forests with streams, where it hunts fish and crabs. The extinct Sea Mink, is thought to be a subspecies.

• • Sea Mink Mustela v. macrodon(considered here to be subspecies of American Mink. Other experts consider as separate species-Mustela macrodon) (E) - Once found throughout coastal Massachusetts. Became extinct due to overhunting for its fur.

• Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis(Statewide except Nantucket) - Adapive into living in urban environments. Due to trash left by people, the Striped Skunk is now rare in forests, and common in urban and suburban environments.

• Walrus Odobenus rosmarus (A) - Annual Vargrant. Reported from Essex (1937) and Plymouth (1734) counties.

• Bearded Seal Erignathus barbatus (A) - One record. Essex county (2002).

• Hooded Seal Cystophora cristata (A) - Annual Vagrant. Reported from Essex, Plymouth, Dukes, Nantucket, Barnstable, and Suffolk counties.

• Harbor Seal Phoca vitulina - The most common seal in Massachusetts. Found in Coastal areas, including Barnstable, Suffolk, Essex, and Plymouth counties. Breeding areas are found in Cape cod bay.

• Ringed Seal Phoca hispida (A) - Rare vagrants in the Northern coast of Massachusetts. Uncommon in Massachusetts.

• Harp Seal Phoca groenlandica (A) - Annual vagrant. Reported from Plymouth, Suffolk, Essex, and Barnstable counties.

• Gray Seal Halichoerus grypus - Found in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties.