There are several different criteria, based on weight and size, for classifying small mammals. We chose all mammals weighing less than one kilogram, plus those closely related (such as the hare) which may weigh more. In this context, small mammals include bats, rodents, insectivores, and hares. They form an important part of the terrestrial food web by eating large amounts of seeds, plants and insects, and then themselves becoming a vital food resource for larger predators (except that bats are not often prey for other animals).

The province has 6 species of bats, 5 species in the squirrel family, 7 common mice and shrews, 2 species of hare, Beaver and Muskrat, plus a few other uncommon species.

This Document Includes:

Shrews, Moles and Small Rodents
Disjunct Species
Bats
Hares

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Additional Keywords:
Little Brown Bat, Hayes Cave, Snowshoe Hare, Arctic Hare, beaver, muskrat, porcupine

Associated Topics

T8.2 Freshwater Environments
T11.8 Land Mammals

Associated Habitats

H3 Freshwater
H4 Freshwater Wetlands
H5 Terrestrial Unforested
H6 Forests