Native Mammal Guide
Native mammals contribute significantly to ecosystem health. Small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks disperse seeds, aiding forest regeneration, while skunks help control insect and rodent populations. Their activities support biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.
To encourage native mammals, plant native shrubs and trees, leave brush piles for shelter, and minimize artificial lighting. Providing a natural habitat helps these animals thrive, benefiting both local wildlife and the surrounding environment.
This website will help you learn about native mammals to the Easern US and their role in the ecosystem. You'll also find tips on how to attract them to your yard by creating a habitat that meets their needs. On larger acreages, well-planned native landscapes can even attract foxes and other beneficial predators.
Native Mammals of the Eastern US
Related Content
Recommended Wildlife Restoration Books:
Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects
The Xerces Society, 2016
The experts at the Xerces Society offer this guide to creating a pollinator-friendly garden that supports at-risk butterflies. This book teaches why butterflies matter, the threats they face, and how to design habitats where they will thrive, no matter your garden's size or shape.
These books below are by Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and ecologist, widely recognized as the leading advocate for promoting native plantings in yards to support biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard
Douglas W. Tallamy, 2020
In this highly recommended book, Dr. Tallamy proposes a practical conservation approach, encouraging homeowners to plant native species and transform their yards into wildlife habitats with specific strategies that can be easily incorporated into their own yards!
How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard
Douglas W. Tallamy, 2025
Dr. Tallamys newest book is an empowering guide for anyone eager to restore nature at home. With clear, research-backed answers to common conservation questions, Tallamy shows how simple actions can make a real difference. A must-read for backyard conservationists.
