There are over 4,000 species of mammals in the world! Michigan is home to about 65 species of mammals. Large mammals such as bears, White-tailed deer, moose and coyotes roam our state. Smaller Michigan mammals include flying squirrels, mice and bats.
- Are vertebrates. This means they have a backbone or spine.
- Are “endothermic” or warm-blooded. Endothermic animals can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to live in a variety of habitats on Earth.
- Are covered in hair or fur.
- Produce milk for their young. This allows them to spend more time teaching their babies important skills for survival.
- Have the presence of 3 inner ear bones (hammer, anvil & the stirrup) within the middle ear.
Grayson was adopted by Blandford from the Humane Society of West Michigan in 2011. He is a pet rabbit, not one that you would find in the wild. His job at Blandford is to help educate people that wild animals should not be taken from the wild when there are plenty of domestic breeds of animals that make great pets. If you ever think that a rabbit might be the right pet for you, please read up on their requirements and remember to check your local animal shelter. Never take rabbits from the wild!
Typically, Grayson’s diet consists of hay, carrots, lettuce, celery and broccoli. Sometimes he will get dried banana chips and pellets as a treat!
Large enclosures that provide enough room for them to hop around in.
- The American Rabbit breed was originally created for their meat and fur.
- This breed of rabbit was created by Lewis H. Salisbury in California during the year 1917.
Bob was born in 2002 and purchased as an illegal pet whose owners had him neutered and declawed. He was put out in their backyard and neighbors eventually complained. He was relinquished from the family and taken to the Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee. The zoo was looking to transfer him to an educational facility where he would have his own cage, and so he came to Blandford in 2006. Since he is declawed and depends on humans to feed him, Bob would not be able to survive in the wild.
Meals usually consist of small mammals such as mice, rabbits, and meadow voles. Bobcats will also eat birds, snakes and occasionally will kill and consume sick or injured deer.
Bobcats are adaptable creatures, they are found in woodlots, around land near rivers and streams, and prairie areas. They sleep in hidden areas such as thickets and hollow logs during the day.
- Bobcats play an important part in their ecosystem by maintaining small rodent populations.
- Bobcats are adept climbers. They will lounge in trees, lazily waiting for their next meal to scurry beneath them.
- Bobcats are not social felines. The only time Bobcats interact with one another is during mating season, otherwise they keep to themselves.
- In the wild, bobcats usually only vocalize during mating season with yowls and hisses. Blandford’s bobcat will make a barking meow call when he knows food is coming. He also purrs on occasion.
Status of Bobcats in Michigan
Bobcats are relatively common in Michigan, but are not often seen since they are extremely elusive.
Threats to Wild Bobcats
The main threat to Bobcats is humans.
How Can We Help
Report any harm or unlawful collection of Bobcats to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory at 517-373-1552.