Pennsylvania Launches 'Mammal Atlas' To Track State's Wild Animals

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has launched a new project aimed at cataloging the distribution and population of 64 wild mammal species across the state.

The Pennsylvania Mammal Atlas, described by its creators as a “large undertaking,” will take place from 2015 through 2025, aiming to create a snapshot of animal populations in a given time.

“The resulting effort will provide updated species distribution maps, along with a better understanding of elusive or rare mammals,” planners said.

Data is collected using a wide variety of survey techniques, including trail cameras, cage traps, Sherman traps, and snap traps.

Information will also be gathered from biologists conducting mammal research in Pennsylvania, according to the atlas website.

Planning is led by the Game Commission, but many agencies are involved. For a full list of Partners click here.

The atlas also shows specific animal populations by county. Once the study is well underway, the public will be able track densities as they are submitted to the database, searching by animal, county, or both.

Image courtesy Pennsylvania Game Commission.