Mammal Study Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Outdoor observation, indoor study
Best For: Scouts interested in animals, wildlife, nature
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The Mammal Study merit badge gives you a chance to learn about the mammals that share our world. You will explore what makes an animal a mammal and how mammals are grouped. You will also learn how different species live and survive.

As you work on the badge, you will observe mammals and look for signs of their activity. You may study tracks, habitats, behavior, or other clues. These activities help you pay closer attention to the wildlife around you.

You will also learn about the problems mammals can face and why their habitats matter. The Mammal Study merit badge helps you understand how people affect wildlife and what you can do to help protect animals and the places where they live.

The requirements for the Mammal Study merit badge were updated on January 1, 2026.

Download the Mammal Study Merit Badge Requirements

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Help with Answers for Mammal Study Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Mammal Study merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Terms
• Requirement 2: Classification
• Requirement 3: Study
• Requirement 4: Experience
• Requirement 5: Project
• Requirement 6: Outdoor Ethics
• Requirement 7: Careers
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Animal Terms and Mammal Traits

What You Need To Do

Define animal, invertebrate, vertebrate, and mammal. Then name three traits found in mammals and not in all other animals.

Helpful Tips

• An animal is a living thing that gets energy by eating other living things.
• An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone.
• Insects, spiders, worms, and jellyfish are invertebrates.
• A vertebrate is an animal with a backbone.
• Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are vertebrates.
• A mammal is a vertebrate with hair or fur at some point in its life.
• Female mammals produce milk for their young.
• Mammals control their body temperature from inside their bodies.
• Hair or fur, milk production, and body temperature control are three key mammal traits.

Resources

• Characteristics and Categories of Mammals (video)
• 10 Traits of Mammals (video)
• Mammals—Traits and Groups of Warm-Blooded Animals (video)
• Vertebrate Diversity in Mammals (General Characteristics) (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts to give examples for each term.
• Use pictures of different animals for sorting practice.
• Have Scouts group animals as vertebrates or invertebrates.
• Ask Scouts to name the three main mammal traits in their own words.

Requirement 2: Classifying Mammals

What You Need To Do

Describe how scientists group animals from broad categories to specific species. Show where mammals fit, then classify three mammals from phylum through species.

Helpful Tips

• Classification organizes living things into groups with shared traits.
• The main levels are kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
• Kingdom is the broadest level in this requirement.
• Species is the most specific level.
• Mammals belong to the kingdom Animalia.
• Mammals belong to the phylum Chordata.
• Mammals belong to the class Mammalia.
• Order, family, genus, and species depend on the mammal.
• Use three different mammals for your classification examples.
• Check each scientific name and classification with a reliable source.
• Write genus and species names correctly, such as Homo sapiens.

Resources

• The 5 Kingdoms in Classification (video)
• Animal Classification (video)
• The Three Types of Mammals, Differences, and How to Tell (video)
• Mammal Species of the World Database (website)

Leader Tips

• Give Scouts a simple classification chart to follow.
• Let each Scout choose mammals of personal interest.
• Check the order of the classification levels before reviewing details.
• Ask Scouts to compare similarities and differences among their three mammals.

Requirement 3a: Study Two Habitats

What You Need To Do

Spend three hours in each of two different natural habitats or at two different elevations. Record each mammal species you identify by sight or sign, count how many you find, and describe why mammals live in different habitats.

Helpful Tips

• Choose two places with clear differences, such as a forest and a meadow.
• You can also use two areas at different elevations.
• Spend a full three hours in each location.
• Look for mammals as well as tracks, scat, burrows, nests, fur, and other signs.
• Record the species and number of mammals you identify.
• A field guide can help with tracks and other signs.
• Mammals need food, water, shelter, and enough space.
• Different species need different kinds of food and shelter.
• Climate and temperature also affect where mammals can live.
• Stay quiet and move slowly so you do not scare animals away.

Resources

• How to Find Mammal Signs (video)
• Animal Tracks Identification Guide | Animal Footprint ID Charts (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose two locations with clear habitat differences.
• Review safe ways to identify tracks, scat, and other signs.
• Encourage careful notes during each visit.
• Check the time record and species list before the Scout finishes.

Requirement 3b: Study One Area Over Five Days

What You Need To Do

Spend three hours on five different days in an area of at least four acres. Record every mammal species you identify by sight or sign.

Helpful Tips

• Choose an area at least four acres in size.
• Use the same study area for all five visits.
• Spend three hours there on each day.
• Your total study time will be 15 hours.
• Look for live mammals and signs such as tracks, scat, burrows, nests, and fur.
• Keep a list of every species you identify.
• Record the date and time of each visit.
• Visits at different times of day may reveal different mammals.
• Early morning and evening are active times for many species.
• Bring a field guide, notebook, binoculars, water, and proper clothing.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout confirm the study area is large enough.
• Encourage visits at different times when possible.
• Review the record after each visit instead of waiting until the end.
• Guide Scouts toward safe viewing without disturbing wildlife.

Writing a Life History for a Nongame Mammal

What You Need To Do

Write a simple life history of one nongame mammal from your area. Cover its habitat, food, reproduction, life before major human changes, connections with plants and animals, and its relationship with people.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a nongame mammal that lives in your area.
• A nongame mammal is generally not managed mainly for hunting or sport.
• Possible choices include bats, moles, shrews, voles, chipmunks, and some other local mammals.
• Describe the habitat the mammal used before major human changes.
• Include where it lives and the shelter it uses.
• Include what it eats and how it gets food.
• Include how it reproduces and cares for its young.
• Describe the plants and animals it depends on.
• Describe plants, animals, or people that depend on it.
• Include ways people have benefited from the mammal.
• Include ways the mammal has benefited, or not benefited, from living near people.
• Use reliable books, nature organizations, or government wildlife sources.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a local species with enough reliable information available.
• Guide the Scout toward sources focused on the exact species.
• Use questions to help fill gaps in the life history.
• Check that every part of the requirement appears in the final work.

Requirement 4a: Make Study Skins

What You Need To Do

Under the guidance of a nature center or natural history museum, make two study skins of rats or mice. Describe the uses of study skins and mounted specimens.

Helpful Tips

• Work under the guidance of trained staff from a nature center or museum.
• Follow all safety rules and local laws.
• A study skin is prepared for scientific research and storage.
• Study skins help researchers compare size, color, fur, and other features.
• A mounted specimen is prepared in a lifelike position.
• Mounted specimens are often used for displays and education.
• Keep records for each specimen as directed by the staff.
• Follow instructions for tools, cleaning, and safe handling.

Resources

• Skinning Your Rat (video)
• Preparing Mammal Specimens (video)
• Natural History Museums in the US (website)

Leader Tips

• Contact a nature center or museum before starting this option.
• Leave specimen preparation to trained staff and their procedures.
• Review the difference between research specimens and display specimens.
• Make sure all work follows local rules and Scouting safety practices.

Requirement 4b: Photograph Wild Mammals

What You Need To Do

Take good pictures of two kinds of mammals in the wild. Record the conditions for each photo and any factors affecting the animal’s activity or behavior.

Helpful Tips

• Choose places where wild mammals are often active.
• Take photos from a safe distance.
• Do not chase, feed, touch, or corner wildlife.
• Record the date and time for each photo.
• Write down the weather conditions.
• Estimate the distance between you and the mammal.
• Describe the habitat around the animal.
• Include other conditions linked to its activity or behavior.
• Use binoculars or a zoom lens when possible.
• Stay quiet and avoid changing the animal’s normal behavior.

Resources

• Top 10 Wildlife Photography Shortcuts (video)
• The Most Important Wildlife Photography (video)
• The Ultimate Wildlife Photography Tutorial (website)
• Wildlife Photography (website)

Leader Tips

• Guide Scouts toward safe places for wildlife photography.
• Help them plan for good viewing times and safe distances.
• Review their notes along with the photos.
• Keep wildlife safety ahead of getting a better picture.

Requirement 4c: Write About A Game Mammal

What You Need To Do

Write a life history of one native game mammal from your area. Cover the same topics listed in Requirement 3c and list your sources.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a native game mammal found in your area.
• Game mammals are species managed for legal hunting or harvest.
• Local examples may include deer, rabbits, squirrels, or other species.
• Describe its natural habitat before major human changes.
• Include its food, reproduction, and shelter.
• Cover its connections with plants, animals, and people.
• Include ways people benefit from the mammal.
• Include ways the mammal benefits, or does not benefit, from people.
• Use sources focused on the exact species.
• List every book, website, or other source used.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a local game species.
• Guide the Scout toward wildlife agencies and other reliable sources.
• Check for every topic required in Requirement 3c.
• Make sure the source list is included.

Requirement 4d: Make A Tracking Pit

What You Need To Do

Make and bait a tracking pit. Check it for tracks and report the mammals and other animals attracted to the bait.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a place where animal activity is likely.
• Get permission before making a tracking pit.
• Check local rules before using any bait.
• Prepare a smooth surface where tracks will show clearly.
• Place the bait as directed by your counselor.
• Check the pit regularly without disturbing nearby wildlife.
• Take pictures or make sketches of the tracks.
• Measure tracks when size can help with identification.
• Use a field guide to compare track shapes.
• Report mammals and other animals found at the pit.

Resources

• Build Animal Track Station (video)
• Creating a Backyard Animal Track Trap With Household Items (video)
• Animal Tracking Basics – Track Traps, Measurements, Following Sign (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a safe and legal location.
• Check rules for bait and wildlife before starting.
• Guide the Scout in track identification without giving every answer.
• Make sure the site is left in good condition afterward.

Requirement 4e: Visit A Natural History Museum

What You Need To Do

Visit a natural history museum and report how specimens are prepared and cataloged. Describe the purposes of natural history museums.

Helpful Tips

• Check for exhibits with mammals or other preserved specimens.
• Ask museum staff about specimen preparation when possible.
• Find out how each specimen receives an identification record.
• Catalog records may include species, date, place, and collector.
• Museums protect specimens for future study.
• Scientists use collections to compare species and changes over time.
• Museums also support education and public exhibits.
• Take notes during the visit.
• Record examples from the museum for your report.
• Ask before taking photos.

Resources

• Natural History Museums in the US (website)

Leader Tips

• Help arrange the visit or locate a suitable museum.
• Encourage the Scout to prepare questions before going.
• Let the Scout gather information directly from exhibits and staff.
• Review the report for both specimen work and museum purposes.

Requirement 4f: Report On A Mammal Book

What You Need To Do

Read a book about one mammal species. Write a report of 500 words about the book.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a book focused on one mammal species.
• Check the book choice with your counselor.
• Take notes while reading.
• Record facts about the mammal’s habitat.
• Include details about food and behavior when covered in the book.
• Include information about reproduction and young when available.
• Cover major ideas from the book.
• Use your own words in the report.
• Keep the report focused on the book and mammal species.
• Check the word count before finishing.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a book with enough useful information.
• Encourage note-taking during reading.
• Review the report for clear coverage of the book.
• Check for a total of at least 500 words.

Requirement 4g: Trace Two Food Chains

What You Need To Do

Trace two possible food chains ending with carnivorous mammals. Each chain must start with the soil and pass through four stages before reaching the mammal.

Helpful Tips

• A food chain shows how energy moves from one living thing to another.
• Start each chain with nutrients in the soil.
• Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow.
• Plant-eating animals get energy by eating plants.
• Small predators may eat plant-eating animals.
• A carnivorous mammal eats other animals.
• Count four stages between the soil and the final mammal.
• Make two different possible food chains.
• Choose animals found in the same habitat when possible.
• Check whether each animal really eats the one before it in the chain.

Resources

• Animal of the Week: Food Chains (video)
• Food Chains & Food Webs (video)
• Tundra Food Chain (website)

Leader Tips

• Have the Scout map each food chain one step at a time.
• Check the feeding link between every two stages.
• Use local species when possible.
• Let the Scout correct missing or weak links through research.

Requirement 5: Complete A Mammal Project

What You Need To Do

Work with your counselor to choose and complete a project that affects the number of one or more mammal species. The project may help increase, decrease, or keep a population stable.

Helpful Tips

• Choose the project with your counselor before starting.
• Focus on one mammal species or a small group of related mammals.
• Find out what the mammals need for food, water, shelter, and space.
• A project may improve habitat or reduce a problem affecting the animals.
• Possible projects include installing a bat house or planting native shrubs.
• Brush piles may provide shelter for some small mammals.
• Some projects may help keep mammals away from roads or other dangers.
• Make sure the project fits the needs of mammals in your local area.
• Get permission before working on land you do not own.
• Follow local wildlife rules and safe work practices.
• Keep notes and photos of the project when possible.
• Be ready to describe how the project may affect mammal numbers.

Resources

• Brushpiles With Game Commission Biologist Dan Mummert (video)
• Create a Wildlife Habitat Garden (video)
• How to Make a WILDLIFE GARDEN! The FOUR Things You MUST INCLUDE! (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a useful project with a clear link to mammal numbers.
• Check local needs before approving a habitat project.
• Guide the Scout through planning and problem-solving.
• Let the Scout take an active role in carrying out the work.

Requirement 6: Practice Outdoor Ethics

What You Need To Do

Discuss why the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code matter during Mammal Study. Give examples of how you followed them during field observation, specimen collection, and identification.

Helpful Tips

• Plan ahead and check the rules for each natural area.
• Travel on durable surfaces and stay on trails when possible.
• Pack out trash, food scraps, bait, and other materials.
• Leave plants, bones, fur, nests, and other natural items where you find them unless collection is allowed.
• Watch mammals from a safe distance.
• Never chase, feed, touch, or corner wild mammals.
• Move slowly and quietly so animals can continue normal behavior.
• Keep food stored so wild mammals cannot reach it.
• Avoid damaging plants or shelters used by mammals.
• Use notes, sketches, and photos when collection is not allowed.
• Remove tracking materials or other project items when finished.
• Follow the Outdoor Code by being clean, careful with fire, considerate, and conservation-minded.

Resources

• The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (website)
• The Outdoor Code (website)
• Leave No Trace Basics (video)
• Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics (video)

Leader Tips

• Review outdoor ethics before each field activity.
• Ask Scouts to connect each principle with a real choice they made outdoors.
• Guide Scouts to describe their own actions instead of giving general answers.
• Model safe and respectful behavior around wildlife and natural areas.

Requirement 7a: Explore A Mammal-Related Career

What You Need To Do

Choose one career connected to mammals, wildlife, or conservation. Research the training, education, costs, job outlook, salary, duties, and chances for advancement, then discuss your findings with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose one career that matches your interests.
• Find out what education or training the job requires.
• Check the cost of college, technical training, or special licenses.
• Research current job prospects for the career.
• Find a typical salary range for new and experienced workers.
• List the main duties people perform in the job.
• Look for ways workers can advance to higher positions.
• Use library sources, trusted websites, or interviews with professionals.
• Get parent or guardian permission before using online research methods.
• A visit to a workplace may provide useful firsthand information.
• Be ready to discuss what makes the career interesting to you.

Careers Related To Mammal Study

• Animal behaviorist
• Wildlife biologist
• Mammalogist
• Park ranger
• Conservation scientist
• Wildlife rehabilitator
• Zoo or wildlife park educator
• Environmental educator
• Game warden
• Veterinary technician
• Wildlife veterinarian

Resources

• 10+ Wildlife Biology Careers You Should Know About (& Salaries) (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout narrow the topic to one career.
• Guide the Scout toward reliable sources and current information.
• Encourage direct contact with a professional when possible.
• Ask the Scout to connect the career with personal interests.

Requirement 7b: Explore A Hobby Or Healthy Lifestyle

What You Need To Do

Choose a hobby or healthy activity that uses skills from Mammal Study. Research needed training, costs, and groups that support the activity, then discuss short-term and long-term goals with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose an activity that fits your interests and available time.
• Find out whether classes, workshops, or other training would help.
• List the basic gear or supplies needed.
• Estimate the cost to get started.
• Look for clubs, nature centers, or other groups that support the activity.
• Some activities require little equipment or cost.
• Outdoor activities can support fitness and regular time in nature.
• Set one goal you can complete soon.
• Set one larger goal for the future.
• Keep your goals clear and realistic.
• Be ready to discuss how the activity could fit into your life.

Hobbies Related To Mammal Study

• Citizen science projects
• Wildlife photography
• Animal tracking
• Hiking and nature observation
• Nature journaling
• Volunteering at a nature center
• Wildlife habitat projects
• Mammal watching
• Trail walking or running
• Conservation club activities

Resources

• Top Tips to get into Wildlife Photography (video)
• A Look Inside the Life of a Wildlife Rehab Volunteer (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose an activity with a clear link to the badge.
• Guide the Scout in setting useful short-term and long-term goals.
• Encourage a realistic look at costs and time.
• Let the Scout choose an activity based on personal interest.

Wildlife Management Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Wildlife Management program feature shows how keeping wildlife healthy takes more than biology. It involves many STEM fields, like ecology, engineering, chemistry, and technology. Scouts learn how science and math help balance habitats, protect species, and manage resources. For example, building a habitat may involve engineering, while studying animal populations uses math and data.

This program connects to the Mammal Study merit badge, where Scouts explore how mammals live and how humans affect their environment. Wildlife management is a great way to see how STEM skills can solve real-world problems and protect nature for future generations.

Nature and Environment Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

The Nature and Environment troop program feature helps Scouts explore plants, animals, and our connection to nature. Scouts learn how ecosystems work and how to care for the environment. The program includes hands-on activities like observing wildlife, studying habitats, and planting trees. It also offers ideas for troop meetings, such as identifying local species or learning about conservation efforts.

This program ties in with the Mammal Study merit badge, where Scouts focus on mammals, their roles in ecosystems, and how to protect them. It’s a great way to understand nature and how our actions impact the world around us.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Mammal Study merit badge helps Scouts learn how mammals live, survive, and interact with their habitats. It fits well in the merit badge program because it teaches observation, research, and respect for nature. Scouts see how animals fit into larger ecosystems. This adds a strong science option to the wide range of merit badges, giving Scouts another way to explore the natural world.

This badge also connects to others that focus on animals and the outdoors. A Scout who enjoys Mammal Study might also try Bird Study, Nature, or Environmental Science. These badges build knowledge step by step and help Scouts develop curiosity about the world around them. The variety encourages Scouts to explore many interests.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Mammal Study merit badge supports the larger Scouts BSA program by teaching careful observation and patience. Scouts learn to gather facts, compare information, and think through what they see. These skills help them grow in leadership and personal development.

It also supports citizenship and stewardship. Scouts learn how human choices affect wildlife and habitats. They see how caring for the environment protects communities and supports healthy outdoor life. This helps them understand their role in making responsible choices.

What is the Mammal Study merit badge?

The Mammal Study merit badge helps Scouts learn about mammals and their role in the natural world. Scouts study how mammals live, how they interact with their environment, and why they are important.

Why should I earn the Mammal Study merit badge?

The Mammal Study merit badge is a fun way to learn about animals and nature. It helps you understand mammals and their habitats. You also gain skills in observing wildlife, which can be useful for school, hobbies, or future careers.

Do I need to see live mammals to complete the Mammal Study merit badge?

Yes, part of the Mammal Study merit badge involves observing mammals in the wild or in a zoo. If you can’t see live mammals, you can also study signs of mammals like tracks or nests.

How long does it take to earn the Mammal Study merit badge?

It depends on how much time you spend on the activities. Some Scouts complete it in a day at a merit badge workshop. Others take longer if they study mammals in the wild or write detailed reports.

Is the Mammal Study merit badge hard?

The Mammal Study merit badge is not hard if you are interested in animals and enjoy learning about nature. It involves some observation, reading, and writing. Most Scouts find it fun and interesting.

What do I need to start the Mammal Study merit badge?

You need a signed merit badge card from your Scoutmaster and you’ll need to contact a counselor. You’ll also need a place to observe mammals and time to complete the requirements.

Can I earn the Mammal Study merit badge at a camp?

Yes, many Scout camps offer the Mammal Study merit badge. It’s a popular badge to earn during summer camp or weekend workshops.

The Mammal Study merit badge helps Scouts discover the world of mammals. Mammals are a group of animals that share traits like fur or hair and the ability to produce milk for their young. By earning this badge, Scouts explore how these animals live, survive, and adapt to their environment.

This badge also teaches Scouts to observe wildlife carefully. They learn how scientists study mammals, from tracking their movements to classifying different species. These skills help Scouts better understand the natural world and the role mammals play in it.

Scouts working on the Mammal Study merit badge also learn about conservation. They explore why it’s important to protect mammals and their habitats. Whether studying local wildlife or exotic species, Scouts gain a deeper appreciation for animals and the challenges they face in the wild.

The Mammal Study merit badge is perfect for anyone who enjoys nature and wildlife. Scouts get to connect with the outdoors, build new skills, and learn how to make a positive difference for the environment.