It’s hard not to be spellbound by the regal prowess of a big cat, or the sheer size of a moose, but let us not overlook the many, easily disregarded members of the mammal class.  What’s more adorable than a chipmunk forcing a few too many acorns into his / her mouth, or a squirrel shredding a pine cone?  Despite being so overlooked, these (often) small creatures provide an important source of food to carnivores (birds, reptiles, and other mammals, alike) and play an important role in distributing plant seeds.  Like so many other creatures, we humans are not always kind to rodents.  The use of poisons can be very effective, short-term, but will ultimately kill the majestic predators providing us with free, non-toxic rodent-control.  This opens the floodgates for much larger infestations down the road!

Armadillo Profile

Armadillos have been and continue to spread their range northward in the US. They are relatively abundant in the mountains of Eastern TN and predicted to eventually spread as far north as Central Pennsylvania. Although sometimes despised on account of their frequent digging, interestingly enough, armadillos are among the few creatures willing to eat the invasive and extremely agressive fire ants, now widespread across the Southern half of the United States. Cherokee National Forest, TN.

Nine-Banded Armadillo

Armadillos have been and continue to spread their range northward in the US. They are relatively abundant in the mountains of Eastern TN and predicted to eventually spread as far north as Central Pennsylvania. Although sometimes despised on account of their frequent digging, interestingly enough, armadillos are among the few creatures willing to eat the invasive and extremely agressive fire ants, now widespread across the Southern half of the United States. Cherokee National Forest, TN.

Ground Squirrel Babies

Despite the creepy eyes and patchy fur, baby ground squirrels are just the cutest! It struck me as though these little ones were getting a lesson on how to forage! In Southeastern Arizona, two species of ground squirrels are often encountered; the round-tailed, and harris's antelope squirrel. I have never seen the round-tailed variety (like these) in any habitat aside from flat, sandy desert. The antelope squirrel, however (more closely resembling a chipmunk) seems almost exclusive to rocky habitat. Tucson, AZ, USA. Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for updates!

Charming Chipmunks

Seemingly accustomed to free food, these adorable creatures had no reservations in approaching strangers. They couldn't have chosen a more captivating vista as foraging ground! Zion NP, UT.
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Young Love

These ground squirrel siblings, although appearing quite sweet, will take any measures to literally steal food from another's mouth. In Southeastern Arizona, two species of ground squirrels are often encountered; the round-tailed, and harris's antelope squirrel. I have never seen the round-tailed variety (like these) in any habitat aside from flat, sandy desert. The antelope squirrel, however (more closely resembling a chipmunk) seems almost exclusive to rocky habitat. Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Leucism

Leucism is a genetic mutation. Not unlike albinism, creatures with this divergence appear very different than their conventionally-attired kin. Unlike albinism, leucism still yields some black pigmentation. Brevard, NC.

White Wonder

This stunning creature was among the most physically beautiful I have met. Believe it or not, this fellow is considered a "gray" squirrel! Brevard, NC.

Prairie Play

These adorable creatures were hilarious to watch! In this case, play consisted of one youngster tackling his / her sibling. Prairie dogs have a complex system of communication that involves different volumes and frequency of squeaks, in addition to jumps and countless other postures that we're just beginning to understand. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, CO.
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Prairie Puppies

When perceived danger has passed, prairie dogs perform a "jump squeak." The name is pretty self-explanatory. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, CO. Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for updates!

Mama Returns

Upon their mother's return, her children all gather around for some pre-photo turbo suckling before dashing off again. Prairie dogs have a complex system of communication that involves different volumes and frequency of squeaks, in addition to jumps and countless other postures that we're just beginning to understand. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, CO. Prints of this image are not currently available for sale. Please check back for updates!

Abert’s Squirrel

A denizen of Arizona's coniferous forests, the Albert's Squirrel is a welcomed campground visitor. Without knowing better, one might think them native inhabitants. Despite their historical residence within nearby ranges, humans introduced these squirrels into the Catalina mountains. Mount Lemmon, AZ, USA.
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Yellow-Bellied Marmot

Allowing me to get absurdly close, this mama marmot must have really, really enjoyed having her pic taken! Having grown up in rural Pennsylvania, I can't help but see the marmot's resemblance to groundhogs. They are closely related, but groundhogs often thrive in flat meadows or agricultural land.
For this reason, they're often despised and persecuted by farmers. The marmot, however, seems to be far more appreciated, likely as a result of their rocky, homelands which don't impact human activities. Despite their bad rep, groundhogs were here long before humans and have every right to live their lives. Grand Teton NP, Wyoming.
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Black-Tailed Jackrabbit

Funny creatures, jackrabbits are! These nocturnal creatures are approximately 5x the size of the beloved cottontail and favor nightlife. When spooked, they rarely run, instead escaping prey by bounding great distances in the most erratic duck-and-weave fashion. Willcox, AZ.