Viewing New Hampshire Wildlife
Identifying and Finding Animals of the Northeastern United States
Sep 28, 2009
Visiting New Hampshire means the opportunity to see an assortment of wildlife. Here are just a few of the amazing wild animals one might see.
When taking advantage of the many New Hampshire tourism scenic locations like Mount Washington, the White Mountains, the Androscoggin River Valley, or Mount Monadnock, be sure to keep the binoculars and camera handy and one’s eyes peeled for area wildlife. New Hampshire is home to more than 450 species of fish, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles as well as numerous insects and aquatic life. Here are some to look for on a New Hampshire outdoor adventure.
New Hampshire’s Wildlife
- Bats: New Hampshire is home to several species of bats, one of which is the little brown bat. These creatures are glossy brown and only 3-3.5 inches long and weigh in at ½ and ounce. The bat hibernates during the winter months in caves or mines; during the summer female bats shelter their young in barns, caves and hollow trees.
- Bald Eagles: These endangered species are found all over New Hampshire, but are especially in forested areas near open water. The bald eagles live on fish and small animals with carrion. Bald eagles reuse the same nest each year and will have the same mate for many years.
- Bears: It is not unusual to see American black bears and brown bears in the mountains of New Hampshire. The state’s bear population exceeds 4,600. Should one see a bear, remember to watch from a distance as bears move faster than one may realize.
- Beavers: These are North America’s largest rodent and can be seen quite frequently across the state. One is more likely to see beavers in autumn during early morning or evening hours.
- Eastern Coyote: With its long legs, thick fur, pointed black tipped tail, these wild creatures are often mistaken for someone’s pet; however, coyotes run with their tails pointed downward. They are relative newcomers to New Hampshire, having first been sighted in 1944.
- Eastern Wild Turkey: These popular birds can also be found all over the state. Today, there are over 25,000 in New Hampshire. They have a diet of acorns, beechnuts, cherries and grains, as well as insects and plant matter.
- Loons: This endangered bird species is most often seen at Squam Lake. There are only 600 in New Hampshire.
- Moose: New Hampshire is home to nearly 7,000 moose. This large mammal is often seen along Route3, Route 16, and the Kancamogus Highway.
- Whales: When visiting New Hampshire, going on a whale watch is a must. On the coastal trip, whales, minks and Atlantic white sided dolphins are seen over 98% of the time.
- White-tailed Deer: As the official state animal, and more that 90,000 deer state-wide, it is a pretty sure bet that deer will be seen when one visits this beautiful state. They are especially prevalent at daybreak and dusk, so drivers need to be alert.
Where to Spot New Hampshire’s Wildlife
If one is eager to watch New Hampshire wildlife, then knowing where to look is helpful. Here is a brief seasonal guide to help with planning:
- April- May brings out an assortment of frogs, spring peeps, and deer
- June brings bear on the ski slopes of Cannon Mountain
- July and August means the osprey are out and about in the Androscoggin River area
- September and fall temperatures bring hundreds of migratory birds such as the broadwing hawks to Mt. Kearsarge
- Late fall is the time for turkeys. They are often found roosting in trees during the night hours.
New Hampshire, though not a large state, has a wide range of animals. Be sure to enjoy nature to its fullest-it’s worth it!
SOURCES:
New Hampshire Travel Guide
Wildlife.state.nh.us
The copyright of the article Viewing New Hampshire Wildlife in New Hampshire Travel is owned by J. Marie Cunningham-Slagell. Permission to republish Viewing New Hampshire Wildlife in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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