Small Game
Small game animals usually have a shorter lifespan than big game. they will give birth at least once a year, and usually have larger litters than big game. In most cases it is nearly impossible to distinguish males from females. This category is very diverse, and most of these animals can be found in almost any type of habitat, including highly-urbanized areas.
Small Game in Delaware
Red Fox
- Generally between 7 and 16 lb.
- Vast range of habitat including open fields and country, forests, or farmland.
Gray Fox
- Approx 5-14 lb.
- Habitat similar to that of the red fox.
Beaver
- Usually between 25 and 65 lb.
- Found in wet environments - marshes, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.
- Has webbed feet and a long, flat tail for quick and easy movement in water.
Otter
- Weighs up to 30 lb.
- Resides close to a water source. Generally lakes, ponds or rivers.
- Is known to burrow under soil or under fallen logs
Cottontail Rabbit
- Snout-to-tail length is 12-18 inches
- Ears 2-3 inches
- Approx. 1-4 lb.
- Prefers cover close to open areas: forest edges, brush, thickets, farmland.
Striped Skunk
- Averages 8-11 lb.
- Snout-to-tail up to 30in.
- Found in almost any habitat
Raccoon
- Primarily nocturnal
- Snout-to-tail can reach to 50in.
- Between 19 and 50 lb.
- Usually found in med. to heavy cover, close to a water source.
Opossum
- Primarily nocturnal
- Between 5 and 12 lb.
- Prefers light cover near open areas (edges of forests or farmland).
- Usually will "play dead" when startled.
Gray Squirrel
- Snout-to-tail is 16-20 inches
- Tail is as long as body & head.
- Between 12 and 26 oz.
- Found in forests where mut trees can be found (hickory, oak, etc.). Often found in urban areas.
Fox Squirrel
- Snout-to-tail is 26 to 40 inches.
- Relative tail length is shorter than Gray Squirrel.
- Weighs from 16 to 40 oz.
- Usually resides in large trees, habitat is similar to that of gray squirrel. Also found around swamps.
Woodchuck
- Also known as the common groundhog or the eastern marmot.
- Weight significantly varries between 4 to 14 lb.
- Will often climb trees to escape predators, however it will never stray far from its burrow.
- Found mainly in open country, pastures, meadows and some lightly wooded areas.
Photo courtesy of Chris Bennett, DE State Parks.
