Mammals of the Mountain! Sierra Outdoor School is not just a place for students to take a short visit, but it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, in Stanislaus National Forest, many animals, plants, and ecosystems thrive in this area at 4100’ feet. Today we are taking a closer look at the mammals of this mountain community. “What makes mammal a mammal?” Mammals have five main characteristics that classify them differently from other groups of animals (such as birds, amphibians and reptiles). 1) Vertebrates. Mammals have a backbone called a spinal cord that is made of different vertebrae bones. 2) Warm blooded. Using our metabolism and energy from the food we eat, we regulate our body to keep a warm body temperature. 3) Mammals breath air through their lungs. 4) Young mammals nurse (drink milk) from their mothers when they are born. 5) Mammals have hair or fur. Short or long, shaggy o...