Muskrats, Mink and Other Marsh Mammals Lesson Plan

Grades: 8 - 12
Length of Program: 45 minutes
Time of Year: Year round
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/10

Summary:

Due to their secretive nature, mammals are rarely observed in the wild. By examining mammal pelts, students will learn to identify Wisconsin mammals and explore their life histories, distribution, populations, wildlife survey methods and management.

Teacher Preparation:

None

Academic Standards Addressed:

Environmental Education
B.12.4 Analyze the factors that determine the number of organisms that can exist in a given area
B.12.6 Predict population response to changes in environmental conditions.

Special Instructions:

None

Materials:

• Mammal pelts
• Mammal Trunk and pictures (optional)

Procedure:

Through a classroom-style talk, teach basic identification, life history, adaptations, habitat needs, abundance and state distribution of each species. Include a discussion on mammal survey and monitoring techniques and their relation to wildlife management.

Wrap-up:

Discuss Wisconsin mammal population changes over time as a result of changes in the environment and human s perceptions of different species.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management