Calgary's critters: A hinterland who's who on wildlife in the city

Each week in May we'll be taking a look at some of the wildlife of all shapes and sizes that share our city.

This week we look at rodents a gnawing mammaldistinguished by strongincisors and no canine teeth.

• Get to knowCalgary's mammals here
• Alberta squirrels may not survive warm winter, expert says
• Have a photo of a rodentin Calgary that you can't see below?Send your pictures tocalgaryphotos@cbc.ca.

Eastern greysquirrel

While it comes in many colours, the most common is black in Calgary. Theintroduced species themost dominant of its typein the cityis quite large and may have grey, black or brown coloured fur.

Red Squirrel

A red squirrel, pictured in January, plots his next move. The city says Calgary is home to three species of tree squirrels: red squirrel, eastern grey squirrel and the rarenorthern flying squirrel.

Richardson ground squirrel

This is one very surprised Richardson ground squirrel, pictured here in Fish Creek.

13-lined ground squirrel

This 13-lined ground squirrel, pictured in Calgary's Weaselhead, is known for its fancy striping down the back.

Golden-mantled ground squirrels

While it may look like achipmunk, the golden-mantled ground squirrel can befound in mountainous areas of western North America. This one was capturedin Shannon Terrace in Fish Creek Park.

Porcupine

This prickly rodent doesnot shoot quills, but instead musttouch their target and can be a painful experience for curious canines.

Beaver

Beaversare often considered pests due to their seemingly destructive nature, but the city saysthey are highly beneficial to the environment as their dams create habitats for other wild speciesto flourish.

Muskrat

A large semiaquatic rodent that can be seen across North American, the muskrat has a musky smell and was once highly valued for its fur. This one, however, takes a break in the city's Carburn Park near the Bow River in southeast Calgary.

There are plenty of other rodents not pictured above, like the many varieties of voles and mice, so send us your pictures at calgaryphotos@cbc.ca if you have an image to share.

Stay tuned as we bring you more wildlife pictures throughout Mayas spring continues torampup. Have a picture you're particularly proud of from Fish Creek Park?Enter it into theFriends of Fish Creek Photography contest starting in July.