Pike CNHI - Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

Another inhabitant of these well drained areas is the woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum), a common species
which lives in cool forests with rocky substrates and an abundance of mosses and ferns.
The forested tracts of Pike County are also important
habitat for the region’s mammals. The gray fox (Urocyon
cinereoargenteus) is primarily a denizen of forests,
though it may also be found foraging in more open
habitats. This native fox is known to be an adept tree
climber and feeds on rabbits and other small mammals.
Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) roam throughout
portions of Pike County, but changes in habitat and
competition with deer for food have caused declines of
this species. Forested habitats are also important for the
native deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), a very
important species to the ecology of Pennsylvania’s Hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri)
ecosystems, being a main food source for a host of other vertebrates. The porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is
often persecuted for the damage they can do to wooden structures and trees. While they may eventually kill
some trees, it is important to note that the trees killed by porcupines may serve as important habitat for a mix of
other species.
Also living in forested habitats is the woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) and the southern redbacked
vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), both of which serve as an important food source for many other
mammals, as well as birds of prey. The masked shrew (Sorex cinereus) and smoky shrew (S. fumeus) are
found in a number of different habitats, but tend to prefer cool, moist forests and woodlands. These shrews
can also be found close to waterways where insect
populations, the major food source for these species,
are healthy. The northern water shrew (S. palustris
albibarbis), a species of concern in Pennsylvania, is
also found along cool mountain streams where it
actually dives to capture invertebrate prey on the
bottom of these waterways. Pygmy shrews (S. hoyi)
are the smallest mammals in North America, and one
of the smallest in the world. About the weight of a
dime, pygmy shrews live under logs and stumps in
Woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis)
Charlie Eichelberger, PNHP
many of the states forests, from low wet areas to upper
elevation dryer habitats. The rock shrew (S. dispar), as
the name implies, can be found living on rocky slopes
or along waterways with subterranean rocky retreats.
Not collected in Pike County, the species likely exists since ample habitat is available and the species has
been captured in some of the surrounding counties.
Favoring conifer patches, the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is much smaller than the more common
widespread gray squirrel. Though much smaller than it’s larger gray cousin, the red squirrel is highly
territorial, and its loud staccato “cherr” is used to fend off potential predators. The nocturnal southern flying
squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is also known from Pike County, living in mixed forests with adequate tree
cavities, in which they nest. The northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus), a state endangered species, is
specialized to live in conifer forests and two populations are known from Pike County.
Bats are becoming increasingly rare in Pike County, due in large part to the devastating White-Nose Syndrome
(WNS). Bats can be encountered during the summer months along the streams and open bodies of water. The
little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), northern myotis (M. septentrionalis), and
tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) spend the active season foraging along waterways and rearing young in
Pike County Natural Heritage Inventory – Animals of Pike County / 23
Charlie Eichelberger, PNHP