Field Guide
Explore the Field Guide to learn about more than 350 species of birds, fish, insects, algae, invertebrates, mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chesapeake Bay region.
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Showing: 8 of 8American mink
Neovison visonThe American mink is a semiaquatic mammal that can be found in most of North America. This animal is a key predator of small mammals, fish, amphibians and insects.
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Beaver
Castor canadensisThe beaver is a large, brown, semi-aquatic mammal with a distinctive flattened, paddle-like tail. It lives in lakes, streams and forested wetlands throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Harbor Seal
Phoca vitulinaWith one of the largest territories of any seal, the harbor seal will visit the Chesapeake Bay region during the winter for warmer weather and access to fish.
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Marsh Rabbit
Sylvilagus palustrisThe marsh rabbit is a brownish, medium-sized rabbit. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, it is only found in the marshes and swamps of southeastern Virginia.
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Marsh Rice Rat
Oryzomys palustrisThe marsh rice rat is a grayish-brown rodent with a long tail. It lives in tidal marshes near the Chesapeake Bay in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
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Muskrat
Ondatra zibethicusThe muskrat is a semi-aquatic mammal with brownish fur and a long, rudder-like tail. It is found in marshes and other shallow-water areas throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Nutria
Myocastor coypusNutria are large, brown, semi-aquatic rodents that live in marshes and wetlands on the Delmarva Peninsula and other parts of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They are an invasive species.
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River Otter
Lontra canadensisThe river otter is a large, brown, weasel-like mammal found along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. It can be found along lakes, streams, rivers and marshes throughout the Bay watershed.
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