Mammal Residents

Sligo is home to many mammals, big and small. During the day, you might catch a glimpse of a red squirrel quickly hopping between branches in the canopy, but most of our mammals roam the woodlands during the night time: from badgers and foxes to hedgehogs and wood mice, and even the elusive pine marten.

The secretive pygmy shrew has also been recorded along the margins of Lough Gill.

They are Ireland’s smallest mammal, with adults reaching a length of about 10 cm, from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.

This little creature mostly consumes invertebrates and needs to eat more than its own body weight every day!

Otters are some of the most famous residents of the Garavogue. They can often be seen swimming in the river or hopping along bridges and banks, especially during dusk and dawn.

Downstream, common seals and grey seals can be seen in Sligo Bay. Occasionally some of these marine mammals venture up the river, and have even been spotted right in the middle of town.