If you have ever heard someone swear they saw an armadillo in Indiana or insist that there is a flying squirrel living in the tree in their backyard, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources now has a way to separate wildlife fact from folklore.
What The Indiana Mammal Reports Map Shows
The Indiana DNR has launched a new Indiana Mammal Reports map, which shows confirmed and credible sightings of rare or elusive mammals across the state. The interactive map pulls data from the agency’s Report A Mammal tool and highlights verified sightings by biologists, organized by location and species.
Which Rare Mammals Are Being Tracked Across Indiana
According to DNR, the map includes mammals of interest that are not commonly seen or are often misidentified. That includes animals like armadillos, flying squirrels, river otters, badgers, and other species that tend to stay out of sight. While armadillos are more commonly associated with southern states, their range has slowly expanded northward over time. Armadillo sightings in Indiana are becoming less rare and very real, and the new map shows where those reports have been confirmed.
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Why Flying Squirrels Are Real But Rarely Seen
Flying squirrels are another animal many Hoosiers are surprised to learn live in Indiana. They are nocturnal, small, and rarely seen during the day, which is why sightings often come with a healthy dose of skepticism. The DNR map helps validate which reports are credible and where these animals are actually being documented.
The map will continue to be updated as biologists review new reports and confirm both species and locations. DNR says public participation plays a key role in tracking wildlife trends and understanding how animal populations shift over time.
How Hoosiers Can Report Unusual Mammal Sightings
If you believe you have spotted an unusual mammal, you can submit your own sighting through the Report A Mammal tool. Photos and detailed location information help biologists confirm reports…