Last Update: July 23, 2025: Nashville (TN), Flowers
Mammals are warm-blooded animals with backbones, and most of them have fur or hair. One of their coolest features? They nurse their babies with milk produced by the mother. Mammals come in all shapes and sizes—from tiny bats to massive whales—and they live just about everywhere: in oceans, forests, deserts, and even your backyard. Whether it’s a playful dolphin or a sleepy bear, mammals are some of the most familiar and fascinating animals on Earth!
Squirrels are quick, clever little mammals known for their bushy tails and acrobatic moves. They’re expert climbers and spend much of their time leaping through trees, searching for nuts, seeds, and berries. You’ll often see them burying food to snack on later—though they don’t always remember where they hid it! Squirrels are super curious and always seem busy, making them fun to watch whether you're in the city, a park, or deep in the woods.
Chipmunks are tiny, energetic members of the squirrel family, easily recognized by the stripes on their backs and cheeks stuffed full of snacks! These ground-dwellers are busy foragers, gathering seeds, nuts, and berries to stash in their underground burrows. They’re quick, chatty, and full of personality—often seen darting around with their tails held high. Despite their small size, chipmunks are big on charm and always seem to be on a mission!
Prairie dogs are social, burrowing rodents that live in large underground "towns" across the grasslands of North America. They’re not actually dogs, but they got their name from their sharp, barking calls! These little critters love company—they live in tight-knit families and greet each other with nose kisses. Standing upright on their hind legs, they keep watch for predators and sound the alarm if danger's near. With their big eyes, chubby cheeks, and busy behavior, prairie dogs are full of personality and fun to watch!
Elk are one of the largest members of the deer family, known for their impressive antlers and bugling calls. Males grow huge, branching antlers each year, which they use to impress females and challenge rivals during the fall mating season. These powerful animals roam forests, meadows, and mountains in herds, grazing on grasses and plants. Despite their size, elk are graceful and fast, able to run up to 40 miles per hour when needed. Spotting one in the wild is always a majestic sight!
Horses are fascinating mammals known for their strength, speed, and deep connection with humans. Unlike many animals, they form strong social bonds and can even recognize human emotions. As mammals, they give birth to live young and nurse them with milk, just like we do. With their powerful muscles, sharp instincts, and expressive eyes, horses have been our companions in everything from farming to warfare to sport—proving they’re not just majestic creatures, but incredibly smart and adaptable too.
