Small Mammals

Like birds, our small mammals are often easier to spot and photograph...who hasn't had a raccoon in their back garden or tearing through the trash? From the ubiquitous back yard squirrels and cottontail rabbits to the beaver and muskrat found farther afield, our small mammals offer endless opportunities for interesting photographs.

Busy beaver
A beaver in Algonquin Provincial Park has just climbed onto the snowy stream bank to forage for dam building materials in the nearby woods.
Beaver on the move!
This beaver is intent on heading into the woods to fell more trees and bring back some lumber. Unfortunately, when doing so, beavers are most vulnerable to attacks from wolves, bears and other predators, as they are far from the safety of the beaver lodge.
Pine Marten
This American Marten (also known as the Pine Marten) was 'caught in the act' on one of its prowls in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Marten on alert
The Marten is a member of the weasel family (therefore related to the mink and the larger Fisher). Unlike the Fisher, the Marten is found in most of Canada with the exception of the Prairie provinces.
Marten on alert
The Marten is a fierce predator that feeds mainly on deer mice, voles, and rabbits. In turn, it is preyed upon by others of its kind, as well as by foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey like owls and hawks.
Marten in pine tree
The Marten is largely arboreal and was once thought to inhabit mostly coniferous forests of the north - hence the common name Pine Marten.
Marten grooming
When I look at these photos of a Marten grooming itself, I can't help but be reminded of my pet dog.
Marten grooming
When I look at these photos of a Marten grooming itself, I can't help but be reminded of my pet dog.
Marten grooming
When I look at these photos of a Marten grooming itself, I can't help but be reminded of my pet dog.
Clearly a predator
For such a small animal (weighing up to 3 pounds or so), those fangs are nothing to be trifled with!
Surveying the forest below
From its perch high in a tree, a Marten may be easy to miss on a hike through the woods - perhaps this is one reason they are so rarely seen.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is an agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is a agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is a agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is a agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is a agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is a agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Marten on the prowl
The Marten is a agile hunter that can move with lightning speed.
Winter hunt
Although it is more active in summer, the Marten can still be seen out on winter forays in seek of prey.
Winter hunt
Although it is more active in summer, the Marten can still be seen out on winter forays in seek of prey.
Winter hunt
Although it is more active in summer, the Marten can still be seen out on winter forays in seek of prey.
Beaver swimming across a lake
This busy beaver was traversing Mew Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada.
Beaver plying tranquil twilight waters
This Beaver's swim cuts through the stillness of Mew Lake at dusk in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Beaver enjoying lunch
This beaver in Algonquin Provincial Park is enjoying a juicy twig for lunch.
Industrious beaver
This beaver is dragging some twigs to help complete the construction of a new beaver lodge for the family.
Enjoying the summer bounty
This beaver in Algonquin seems to be enjoying his pond-side bounty of fresh summer grasses. I suppose bark and wood get boring after a while.
Enjoying the summer bounty
This beaver in Algonquin seems to be enjoying his pond-side bounty of fresh summer grasses. I suppose bark and wood get boring after a while.
Curious Mink
In many years of walking the woods I have seldom had an opportunity to photograph Mink; this fellow seemed extra curious.
A cute predator
The mink may seem cute, but to small animals it is a voracious and ferocious predator; it kills rodents and birds by biting the back of the head and neck. It also feeds on reptiles and amphibians.
Mink
This fellow is peering out from the safety of cover.
Wary Mink
The normally elusive Mink is actually quite common in most of North America, though it is seldom seen in broad daylight and in the open.
Curious Mink
Like other members of the weasel family, the Mink has a very high metabolism and is constantly on the search for food.
Wary Mink
Fortunately for the wild Mink, the demand for its luxurious fur seems to have diminished somewhat, at least in North America.
Fish on the menu
This River Otter seems almost indignant at having an audience as it feasts on a freshly-caught fish.
Otter breakfast
This Otter is enjoying a freshly caught fish on a beautiful fall morning in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Otter breakfast
This Otter is enjoying a freshly-caught fish on a beautiful fall morning in Algonquin Provincial Park.
River Otter dive
Seeming almost like a Canadian Loch Ness monster, a River Otter hoists its tail in the air during an early morning breakfast dive.
Peaceful morning swim
An Otter enjoys an early-morning swim in an Algonquin beaver pond.
River Otter: now I see you!
This cute River Otter (how else can you describe him/her?) is finally satisfying its curiosity.
Three River Otters swimming up to investigate
These three members of an otter family were so curious, they just had to swim up together to check me out.
Muskrat at work
This Muskrat in Algonquin Provincial Park seems to be hard at work transporting nesting material.
Opossum
In recent years the opossum, which once ranged only in the warmer parts of North America, has moved into southern Canada, like this Toronto resident.
Raccoon entering den
This raccoon seems almost offended at my presence, as it prepares to enter its den to escape the midday summer heat!
Raccoon kit (1)
This young raccoon kit timidly peers out from the safety of his den in late summer.
Raccoon kit (2)
Let's take a closer look at this stranger...
Raccoon kit (3)
All it takes is a little courage and lots of curiosity to venture outside that den...
Raccoon kit (4)
He's finally out of the den and checking out the brave new world! It doesn't hurt that mother is close by...
Raccoon in forgetful moment
'Okay, I just know I put that food somewhere around here!' This southern Ontario raccoon seems to be at a loss about something...

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