Mammals
Media
![Photo of badger](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2009/12/2819/badgergc.jpg?itok=oPLncKD7)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Taxidea taxus
Description
An excellent digger, the American badger is a powerful predator of rodents in grasslands and other open areas. Note its brawny build, impressive digging claws, and the black and white facial pattern.
Media
![Image of mink](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2011/11/mink_11-15-11.jpg?itok=z90HrvSI)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Neogale vison
Description
The American mink is a semiaquatic predator and a member of the weasel family. It is famous for its durable, soft, valuable fur.
Media
![Photo of long-tailed weasel](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2013/10/long-tailed_weasel_10-29-13.jpg?itok=8ITwgSm9)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Mustela frenata
Description
Long-tailed weasels are small but voracious predators. They are rare in our state but are most common in the south-central and southwestern portions. In summer, they are brown with yellow beneath. In winter their fur is paler or white. The tail has a black tip.
Media
![Photo of least weasel](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2013/10/least_weasel_10-29-13.jpg?itok=UM44d_Ru)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Mustela nivalis
Description
This mouse-sized weasel is found only in Missouri’s northern counties, and abundance varies locally and seasonally, depending on fluctuating rodent numbers — their favorite food.
Media
![photo of river otter](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2009/12/2855/river-otter22.jpg?itok=B58qvNxN)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Lontra canadensis
Description
The North American river otter was once nearly eliminated in Missouri, but thanks to restoration efforts, these powerful swimmers are once again found throughout most of the state.
See Also
About Mammals in Missouri
More than 70 species of wild mammals live in Missouri: opossums; shrews and moles; bats; rabbits; woodchuck, squirrels, beaver, mice, voles, and other rodents; coyote, foxes, bear, raccoon, weasels, otter, mink, skunks, bobcat, and other carnivores; deer and elk; and more. Most of us recognize mammals easily — they have fur, are warm-blooded, nurse their young, and breathe air.