In the wilderness of eastern American forests, life thrives, primarily in the form of small creatures. A wildlife census conducted by ecologist V. E. Shelford reveals that within a ten-square-mile area, an impressive number of mammals exist, highlighting the prominence of small species. The census indicates the presence of approximately 300,000 mammals, with a vast majority being small rodents, underscoring the ecological significance of these tiny inhabitants.

This concentration of small wildlife includes around 220,000 mice and related rodents, along with thousands of squirrels and chipmunks. Larger mammals are far fewer, with counts showing only a handful of deer, foxes, and bears. This distribution shows how diverse and abundant small mammals are in comparison to larger species, pointing to the complexity of forest ecosystems and the critical roles these small animals play in maintaining ecological balance.