Mammals Kishwaukee River



a muskrat moves through waters of kishwaukee river. muskrat 1 of many mammals found in , around river.


74% of state s mammal species occur in kishwaukee river basin. rabbit, woodchuck , skunk common along river. once common martin , prairie wolf no longer occur in area. white-tailed deer numerous on of state of illinois. 1 of smallest , fiercest mammals in illinois shrew. shrew not hesitate go after prey twice size , 4 of state s 6 shrew species can found around kishwaukee river. though none of shrew species endangered tiny pygmy shrew has been called rarest shrew in illinois. have been collected along kishwaukee , abundance suggests may more common assumed.


river otters

before 1987 idnr s records show no signs of river otter in kishwaukee river. reason kishwaukee , tributaries wandered through prairies little or no tree cover. once prairies farmed trees began thrive along shores of river, creating ideal habitat river otters. today kishwaukee provides enough food, water, shelter , space river otters inhabit it.


by 1997 river otter had been sighted along south branch kishwaukee river. in addition tree cover river otters find ideal habitat in northern illinois when isolated main river channel, has extensive vegetation, open water in winter, water quality, suitable den sites , minimal human disturbance.








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