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How to Identify a Mammal

Mammals are found throughout the world, from the polar bears of the northern arctic to the monkeys and apes residing in the hottest rain forests near the equator. Mammals are warm-blooded creatures that can live in extremely cold environments that would kill creatures such as cold-blooded reptiles. Humans are mammals. Identifying whether an animal is a mammal or other type of animal involves observing the creature closely (when safe to approach) and from a variety of different angles.

Instructions

- 1
  Observe the animal to see if it has mammary glands. All mammals have these structures. Typically, these glands are on the chest, stomach or abdomen of the animal, and use nipples to distribute milk to young.
- 2
  Look for hair. Nearly every land mammal has at least some hair. Examples of mammals with hair include dogs, cats, bears and rodents.
- 3
  Search for a blowhole in marine animals, usually located on the top surface of the creature and often near the head. Every sea animal with a blowhole is a mammal that must breathe air. Examples include whales and dolphins. Manatees do not have blowholes, but they can be seen breathing air when poking their noses above the water.

Animals & Science