Since the undergraduate campus of Lewis & Clark is located right next to Tryon Creek State Natural Area, students are privileged to encounter many animals in everyday life. Squirrels dart across pathways, birds call from the treetops and at night sometimes even deer will wander by. From the resident Holmes house mouse to the lovely wood duck couple by the reflecting pool, embark on this journey with me to discover some of the species native to our campus.
Brush Rabbit
Brush rabbits are small cottontail rabbits found in western coastal regions of North America. They have short legs, a short tail and grey-brown fur. Like their name implies, they require a habitat of dense, brushy vegetation which they use to conceal themselves. Fun fact: If a brush rabbit has a white tail, it is likely mixed with eastern cottontail, an invasive species to Oregon.
House Mouse
Found on almost every continent (and in Holmes Residence Hall), the house mouse thrives in many habitats. They are noted for their small size relative to other mice, large ears and a wide variety of coat colors ranging across grey, brown, spotted, black and albino. Typically most active at night or in dark locations, these mice spend most of their time hiding and dashing between objects that provide cover.
Western Grey Squirrel
Often spotted jumping from tree to tree on the residential side of campus, the western grey squirrel is the largest of four native squirrel species in Oregon. Ranging from 19-24 inches in length and a tawny grey in color, these squirrels are recognized for their shy demeanor, letting out a birdlike chirping call when disturbed. Western greys are forest dwellers who forage, then store their bounty in multiple food caches.
Pacific Treefrog
Serenading Frank Manor Lawn with a chorus of croaks, the Pacific treefrog is a species found only in the Pacific Northwest. They can live in many types of habitats, but will always reproduce in aquatic settings, such as the Reflecting Pool. These frogs grow up to two inches long and have the ability to morph their colors between green and brown. Fun fact: Some Pacific treefrogs have a rare, recessive blue morph likely caused by an inability to create yellow pigment, just like a shiny Pokémon.
Pacific Banana Slug
Growing up to 9.8 inches long, the Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species of terrestrial slug in the world. Found across the Pacific coast, these slugs are known for their banana-like appearance. Most often bright yellow, they also can be found in green, tan and white. Pacific banana slugs primarily live in moist and damp areas of the forest floor, though they occasionally slither their way onto campus.
Common Raccoon
The common raccoon is found all across North America. In Oregon, they are most often found near areas with trees and a water source. Raccoons range from two to three feet long and are known for their grey fur with distinctive black markings around their eyes and tails. Notorious for getting into Fowler’s garbage bins, a daytime encounter with these nocturnal creatures is unlikely. Interestingly enough, raccoons are a part of the group procyonidae, which consists of tree-climbing mammals closely related to bears. Fun fact: It is illegal to relocate a raccoon in the state of Oregon.
Wood Duck
The wood duck is found across the United States, and most often lives in timbered wetlands. The bird is known for its sexual dimorphism. Male wood ducks have very distinct plumage — bright green head, a brown body and a distinctive pattern. Female wood ducks have a simple brown plumage. Both sexes have purplish-blue iridescence on their wing coverts. Ranging from 18-21 inches in length, these ducks are among the most colorful in North America.
The next time you go down to the ravine to “take a breather,” be sure to take in the beautiful nature around campus with your newfound appreciation for its diversity of life.
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