Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, barred owls, bald eagles, cerulean warblers, and ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the 300 species of birds that live in the state. Virginia's Wildlife | Virginia DWR I have compiled a list of the most common and interesting mammals in West Virginia, with photos, facts, and RANGE MAPS. Logging operations accompanied by road building and settlements steadily reduced the habitat for this large solitary cat. Adults 16 and overChildren 6-15Children 5 and under. 7 Species of Hawks In West Virginia (Pictures) - Wildlife Informer List of fishes of West Virginia - Wikipedia Share this Many shrews, moles, and rodents. Appalachian cottontail. (2023) Do you want to learn about the mammals that live in West Virginia? will only copy the licensed content. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, Family Bovidae (cattle, goats and relatives), Family Mustelidae (otters, weasels and relatives), Family Procyonidae (raccoons and relatives), Order Eulipotyphla (shrews, moles and relatives), Order Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares and pikas), Family Cricetidae (New World mice and rats), Family Muridae (Old World mice and rats) (introduced), Family Erethizontidae (New World porcupines), https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mammals_of_West_Virginia&oldid=448771744, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. District biologists work with local and national advocacy organizations to modify public use facilities and develop innovative programs that address the needs of physically challenged hunters. Three non-native or exotic species have become established. Its habitat is fields in counties bordering the Ohio River. The shrews high metabolic rate drives their round-the-clock search for grubs, insect larvae, worms, spiders, and other soil invertebrates. Interpretive signs help the visitor to learn more about each animals life history, biology and its relationship with humans. Get more stories delivered right to your email. WVU Extension specialists and agents are knowledgeable about wildlife species and how to identify different animals, as well as management practices useful to property owners and residents. Wild onions called ramps are grown in West Virginia in spring. e-WV | Mammals - wvencyclopedia.org The river otter was abundant in most streams in 1925 but exterminated by the 1930s. Several native species present in the early days were eliminated, including the mountain lion, porcupine, bison, elk, gray wolf, and coyote. The red-backed vole, although a boreal species, has adapted to become the most common vole in the mountain forests, occupying the cool forests and extending southward along the north sides of the mountains into Fayette, Raleigh, and Mercer counties. Many thousands of years after these ancient people lived, Native American tribes including the Cherokee, Iroquois, Manahoac, Meherrin, Monacan, Nottaway, Shawnee, Occaneechi, Tutelo, and Saponi populated the land. While they prefer nuts, berries, grasses, and roots, they also eat insects and small mammals, and if nothing else is available, carrion. | Contact Us Fauna of West Virginia; List of West Virginia wildlife management areas; References This page was last edited on 30 June 2022, at 16:23 . Let's take a closer look List of Endangered Species in West Virginia 1. The short-tailed shrew is ubiquitous and probably our most abundant mammal. With its diverse landscapes, West Virginia is a paradise for birdwatchers. Recognizing the importance of preserving its natural heritage, West Virginia has implemented various conservation initiatives. This event was initially celebrated at the Game Farm in 1978 and continued each year until it was moved to the Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in 1996. The essential guide to the Mountain State can be yours today! These deer Flickr/Mike Aren't they cute? Even smaller shrews include the masked, the smoky, and the tiny pygmy shrew. 29 Types of MAMMALS Found in West Virginia! (2023) The parks dense forests and open meadows provide ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. Wildlife | Extension | West Virginia University Taken at Pond Lick Mountain, Randolph County. Please be respectful of copyright. West Virginias forests and mountains provide a haven for numerous mammal species. Atlas of Rare Butterflies, Skippers, Moths, Dragonflies, and Damselflies of Virginia. While the venom of the Northern Copperhead isn't fatal to humans, a bite from a Timber Rattlesnake can kill if not treated immediately. Get information about some of West Virginia's most notable animals. Deep, stream-cut gorges and a wall of mountains called the Allegheny Front separates the states two regions. West Virginia Pictures and Facts - National Geographic Kids West Virginias diverse landscapes, ranging from lush forests to tranquil wetlands, provide habitats for a wide range of wild animals. The abundant white-footed mouse is found statewide and is easily recognized by the golden wash of its fur. There are 22 types of snakes that live in West Virginia, only 2 of which are considered dangerous to humans. "Mammals." First weekend of August, National Hunting Fishing Days in Summit Bechtel Snakes in West Virginia [20 Species] - SnakeTracks.com Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, State Symbols: West Virginia Legislature for Kids, Official State Symbols of West Virginia: WV Legislature, Email Print Quick Black Bear Facts: North American Bear Center, Black bear and cubs in hibernation - BBC wildlife. Its network of trails provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Step outside and explore West Virginias incredible abundance of plants, animals and fungi. ashen masked shrew. The black bear is also the state mammal of Louisiana and the state animal of New Mexico. Downy Woodpecker Length: 5.5-6.7 in Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the short-tailed weasel, is a mammal of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip. 1. Virginia Freshwater Mussel Restoration Strategy: Upper Tennessee River Basin. Restaurant & Gift Shop hours are 9 AM 3 PM. Some of West Virginias most common trees include hemlock, red spruce, cedar, ash, pitch pine, hickory, and cucumbertree, which has cucumber-shaped fruit. Black bear cub in tree;photo Benjamin Olson on Flickr (all rights reserved;used by permission). The coyote depends for food mostly upon medium and small preyyoung turkeys, cottontails, and voles. Its bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in the north; Maryland and Virginia in the east; Virginia and Kentucky in the south; and Kentucky and Ohio in the west. Buffalo from Oklahoma were added to the exhibit in 1954 and attracted additional visitors. This owl Sonja/Flickr This was also taken at the Three Rivers Avian Center. Woodpeckers in West Virginia (7 Species With Pictures) West Virginia State Wildlife Center - Wikipedia Black bear photo Roy Mac on Flickr (all rights reserved; used by permission). (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Three other uncommon species, the spotted skunk, Rafinesques big eared bat, and golden mouse, are part of a southern fauna and reach their northern limits in southern West Virginia. The prairie vole, our only small mammal of Midwestern origin, has spread eastward across the Ohio River into the state. PDF Return For America's Red Wolves - Biological Diversity Just outside of Charleston, Kanawha State Forest offers a convenient escape into nature. 13 Photos Of West Virginia Wildlife That Will Drop Your Jaw How many of these guys have you seen in the wild? American Bullfrog. Create portfolios to assist with research. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility displaying native and introduced state wildlife. The parks rugged terrain provides habitats for white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, foxes, and a variety of bird species, including raptors like bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Bounties were paid for gray wolves until about 1822, and the species was exterminated by 1900. The black Bear is a solitary creature (except females with cubs). These species were used in an attempt to reintroduce wildlife throughout the state. Welcome to West Virginia - Almost Heaven - West Virginia : Almost I always love to hear these guys in the spring. West Virginia Day Celebration | Our Sponsors A gift shop is available to satisfy your souvenir and refreshment needs. After the British arrived in the 1600s, the area that now encompasses West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York was all called Virginia. Salamanders, such as the Northern dusky (Desmognathus fuscus), the Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), and the Red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), thrive in the states freshwater streams. If you are one of the The prairie vole, found in drier fields of counties along the Ohio River, is relatively common even though at the eastern edge of its range. The first column of the table is for those denoted as the state mammal, and the second shows the state marine mammals. As our understanding of wildlife biology and habitat requirements increased, it became evident that farm-raised animals failed to develop the necessary skills for survival in the wild and these programs were discontinued. West Virginia State Animal | Black Bear - State Symbols USA Reptiles, such as the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), and various species of snakes, including the Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), are also found in West Virginias diverse landscapes. The big bridge over the New River Gorge was once the biggest arch bridge in the world. From the beginning, the recreational and educational values of the Game Farm were recognized by area residents. quarter: Pancaketom | Dreamstime rhodondendron: Maya Bunschoten | Dreamstime cardinal: Wildphotos | Dreamstime. West Virginia has an annual regulated trapping season where coyotes can be harvested, along with a continuous open hunting season on coyotes. Some people think this states shape looks like a leaping frog, with its nose in the southwestern corner. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. This spring peeper This shot of a buck was taken near Blackwater Falls. Ph. Within the next 10 years, the Wildlife Resources Section plans on developing an additional 20 trails on WMAs for the use and enjoyment by the states physically challenged. Hiking trails take you to places such as the Point, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet for a view of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia at the same time! Interesting Wild Animals in West Virginia: Where to Find Them? Feral swine make up one of the two populations of wild pigs that exist within West Virginia; the other population is wild boar. They can run up to 30 mph and are good swimmers. Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm, How to Become a Whitewater Outfitter & Guide. This golden eagle Jason Means This was taken during a birds of prey photography workshop at the Three Rivers Avian Center in Brooks, W.Va. 3. Populations of the rock vole are declining as the more aggressive meadow vole invades the higher elevations, and as its cool, moss-covered rock and woodland glades habitat dries from global warming. Last updated on April 6, 2023. The states Department of Natural Resources, alongside environmental organizations, works to protect and manage wildlife habitats. Common mammals include groundhog, raccoon, opossum, gray and fox squirrel, chipmunk, and white-tailed deer. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. 2023 West Virginia University. The common muskratis a relatively large, semi-aquatic rodent found in wetlands, streams and other aquatic areas across West Virginia. San Francisco Wild Animals Population: Where and When to See Breathtaking Wildlife? Black bear populations declined as timbering reduced habitat and poaching was uncontrolled. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it In 1984, monies from the Land and Water Conservation Fund of the U.S. Department of Interior were used to begin construction on new exhibits. Red foxes occur all over Virginia except the areas of the southeast corner. Following the demise of large predators and over-population of managed game species, the coyote moved in to fill the vacant large predator niche. The ruffed grouse is a popular game bird found throughout West Virginia. In addition to exhibits, there is a large wooded picnic area with grills and a shelter. The black bear population in West Virginia is now considered statewide. 3 See also. One of the most iconic and elusive creatures found here is the black bear (Ursus americanus). Once common throughout the southeastern United States, red wolves have experienced a steep decline, especially over the past decade. The Wildlife Center is the perfect setting for a family outing. This woodpecker Jason Means/Flickr This was taken in Dunbar. However, even though the region separated from Virginia, officials still wanted that as part of its new name. As its name implies, several species such as quail, pheasant, turkey and deer were raised on the area. It hardly matters. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility displaying native and introduced state wildlife. The state is home to a variety of butterfly species, including the Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and the Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes). Its relative, the least shrew, a very small brownish short-tailed shrew of old field habitat, is rare. A mating pair may stay together for one to several days, then part ways. This page was last edited on 5 September 2020, at 16:54. 03 October 2016. The students, teachers, and sportsmen of West Virginia chose the black bear as the animal symbol for their state by a large margin. See all state mammals. These areas are known for their populations of black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species, including warblers, thrushes, and raptors. Call (304) 924-6211 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All rights reserved. Hours of operation are subject to change due to weather conditions. A few other speciesthe northern . Its wiggly western border is created by the Ohio River, while its winding eastern border is created by the Appalachian Mountains. West Virginias wetlands and rivers provide habitats for numerous amphibians and reptiles. So discover the 9 animals that lurk atop West Virginia's tallest mountain. The life zones of West Virginia allow for a diversity of habitats for fauna (animal life), varying from large lowland farming valleys bordered with forest and meadow to highland ridge flats and heavy forestland, some with rocky ridge-line peaks. When left unmanaged, bird feeders can cause disease spread, attract exotic species, such as European Starlings. Among the rabbits and hares, the eastern cottontail is the common species below 3,000 feet. Author and civil rights activist Pearl S. Buck, Confederate general Thomas Stonewall Jackson, and pilot Chuck Yeager (the first person to break the sound barrier in flight) were all born in West Virginia. This native species was quickly extirpated by the early European settlers but returned in recent years. This was taken during a birds of prey photography workshop at the Three Rivers Avian Center in Brooks, W.Va. The beaver, our largest rodent, was exterminated soon after first settlement but reintroduced in the 1930s. West Virginia Humanities Council | 1310 Kanawha Blvd E | Charleston, WV 25301, Ph. Native deer, elk, bear, bison, mountain lion, fisher, otter, and rabbit populations were reduced dramatically, and all but bear, deer, and rabbit were extirpated. On the other hand, the shy and seldom seen bobcat, which subsists on smaller game, is relatively common in large wooded tracts in the state. Restaurant & Gift Shop hours are 9 AM 3 PM. Black bears are omnivores with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. This Article was written by Mary Etta Hight. Long-term effects of timber harvest on ephemeral pool and occupancy of The British won that battle, so West Virginia was still part of Virginia during the Revolutionary War of 1775 to 1783. Hours are subject to change with weather conditions. Todays largest mammalian predator is the coyote, a recent newcomer. As a result, Native Americans homelands were taken, and tribes began supporting the French in a land war against the British (often called the French and Indian War) from 1756 until 1763. Today salt deposits are still mined for rock salt, which is then used to create chemicals such as chlorine. Restaurant & Gift Shop hours are 9 AM 3 PM. It can be divided into two geographical regions. A state mammal is the official mammal of a U.S. state as designated by a state's legislature. The states forests attract a variety of woodpeckers, including the vibrant Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and the iconic Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). The Statewide Wildlife Management Program is designed to conserve and manage high quality habitats for a variety of wildlife species and to improve public access to these resources. Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander. Olympic marmot (endemic mammal) (2009) West Virginia: American black bear (animal) (1973) Wisconsin: American badger (animal . From majestic mammals to vibrant bird species, West Virginia offers a unique and thriving ecosystem that captures the imagination of nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This shot was captured in Morgan County. In addition to conserving and managing high quality wildlife habitat, development projects improve public access and recreational opportunities. Its biodiversity is a testament to its thriving ecosystems. Voles are semi-fossorial (partly or sometimes found digging and living underground) and are most often noticed by runways through grass, thatch, mulch or leaf litter above the soil layer instead of by the raised tunnels produced by the burrowing moles.
