If you have low ridges across your lawn, then that is a sign that you have a mole problem. They cause much damage to your lawn by moving just below the surface of the ground. They also dive deep into softer soil, sometimes moving at a speed of a foot per minute! They eat earthworms, grubs, slugs, insects, and sometimes mice. In the Carolinas, the Starnose Mole is common, and can grow to up to 8 ½ inches long. It’s often seen above ground.

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is probably the most familiar mammal in the Eastern U.S. This squirrel likes to eat nuts, seeds, fungi, and fruit, and can destroy small trees by stripping the bark to reach the sap. It stores nuts and acorns in the ground, and these will sometimes sprout. They can become pests by feeding from birdfeeders and gnawing into buildings and homes during the colder months.

Flying Squirrels, which don’t really “fly,” (they glide) are also prevalent in the area, and spend time in attics, walls, storage houses, and the like until they come out to eat, mostly insects and seeds.

Bats come in many different species, and most common to this Coastal area is Mexican free tail bat and small brown bat, which often roosts in clumps of Spanish moss. Bats are nocturnal animals, and they are considered the only “flying” mammals.

Bats can cause a number of issues, especially if they make a home in your attic. Damage and odor from their droppings (guano), are unmistakable.

The Opossum is a house-cat-sized nocturnal animal which can grow to about 40 inches long, including the tail. They feed on nuts, fruits, bird eggs, insects, and carrion (dead animals). When frightened, the Opossum will “play dead,” often using the anal glands to produce a smell similar to rotting carrion. Opossums can be pests, as they root through garbage cans and other residential nooks to find food.

The Bobcat is the southern cousin to the Lynx, and is sometimes referred to as a “Wildcat.” Bobcats usually sport dark spots around their legs and small ears. They range in color, depending on seasons from light brown to gray. They prey upon small mammals such as rabbits, mice, and squirrels. They can also be heard making loud yowls and screams.

Raccoons are also nocturnal animals with the distinctive striped tail and “bandit” masked face. Like the Opossum, they are increasingly being found in urban areas raiding garbage cans and pet food left out on patios and porches.

Rodents outnumber almost all other mammals in species and individuals. They are very active, have high birth rates, and supply the food chain for most predatory mammals.