Pennsylvania is defined by its diverse landscapes, which support a remarkable array of wildlife, including approximately 800 vertebrate species. The state’s geography includes the Appalachian Mountains cutting diagonally through the middle, extensive deciduous forests covering over 60% of the land, and numerous rivers and wetlands. This combination of mountains, forests, and waterways, such as the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers, fosters a rich biodiversity unique to the northeastern United States. This ecological variety makes Pennsylvania a home or migratory stopover for a significant number of animals, from large mammals to hundreds of bird species.
Pennsylvania’s Iconic Large Mammals
The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most widespread and abundant large mammal in Pennsylvania, thriving in habitats ranging from dense woodlands to suburban edges. This species is easily recognizable by the white underside of its tail, which it raises when alarmed. Its status as the state animal reflects its deep historical and ecological significance. Deer are browsers that feed on a variety of leaves, twigs, and shrubs. Although the species was nearly wiped out by the late 1800s, a restocking program beginning in 1906 successfully restored the population, which is now managed across all 67 counties.
The Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species found in Pennsylvania, with a population estimated to be over 16,000 animals. These secretive, omnivorous mammals are found in over 50 counties, primarily in contiguous forests that provide abundant mast. Black bears are most active at dusk and dawn, and they climb and swim well. While dormant in their winter dens, they enter a state of torpor and do not urinate or defecate.
The reintroduction of the Elk (Cervus canadensis) is a celebrated conservation success story in Pennsylvania. The native Eastern Elk were extirpated by the late 1870s, but Rocky Mountain Elk were transported from western states starting in 1913. This created a herd that now numbers between 900 and 1,400 animals. The elk range is concentrated in the north-central region, primarily across parts of Elk, McKean, and Cameron counties. This species, the second-largest member of the deer family, is managed through habitat work and the creation of herbaceous food plots to support their grazing needs.
Predators and Common Woodland Species
The Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly effective, adaptable predator that has expanded its range throughout Pennsylvania, inhabiting both rural and increasingly suburban areas. They prey on small mammals and occasionally fawns. Another widespread predator is the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), frequently sighted in open farmlands and wooded edges. The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is also present, distinguished by its ability to climb trees.
Common nocturnal residents like the Raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) are highly visible in both woodland and residential environments due to their opportunistic feeding habits. Raccoons often utilize tree cavities for dens, while skunks are known for their distinctive defense mechanism involving musk spray. The North American Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the only marsupial native to the continent, is another frequent nocturnal sight, known for its ability to “play dead” when threatened.
Pennsylvania’s woodlands are home to a variety of rodents that serve as a base for the food chain, including several species of squirrels. The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is ubiquitous in forests and urban parks. The smaller, more secretive Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is strictly nocturnal and uses flaps of skin to glide between trees. Small mammals like voles and shrews thrive in the forest understory, providing a food source for secondary predators, including weasels and hawks.
Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians
Pennsylvania is a significant stopover on the Atlantic Flyway. Among the most impressive avian residents are the raptors, including the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), both commonly seen near large bodies of water. Smaller birds of prey, such as the Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), have successfully adapted to wooded suburban areas where they often hunt songbirds near feeders.
Songbirds are abundant, with the brightly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) being common year-round residents. Other frequent visitors to feeders and backyards include the Tufted Titmouse and the Black-capped Chickadee. The state’s forests are also home to breeding birds like the American Robin and the Song Sparrow. Pennsylvania’s varied habitats, from deep woods to open fields, support this diversity, which also includes the Scarlet Tanager.
Pennsylvania is home to over 20 native snake species, including three that are venomous: the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), and the endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus). Timber Rattlesnakes rely on their rattle to warn of their presence. Copperheads are identified by their hourglass-shaped crossbands and a copper-colored head. Non-venomous snakes like the Eastern Garter Snake and the Black Rat Snake are much more commonly encountered.
The state’s reptiles also include several species of turtles, most notably the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), a terrestrial species with a highly domed shell. Amphibians are represented by various frogs and salamanders, including the massive Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). The Hellbender is the state’s official amphibian and lives in clean, fast-flowing rivers. These species are reliant on healthy wetland and riparian habitats throughout the state.
Safe Wildlife Viewing and Conservation
Observing Pennsylvania’s wildlife requires adherence to practices that ensure the safety of both humans and animals. Maintaining a respectful distance from all wild animals is important; binoculars or a zoom lens should be used to view wildlife without causing disturbance. Never attempt to feed wild animals, as this can cause them to lose their natural wariness of humans and lead to increased human-wildlife conflict.
Practical awareness is necessary when living in or visiting areas with large mammals, especially black bears. Simple actions, such as removing bird feeders and securing garbage cans at night, can significantly limit the attraction of bears to residential areas. If an animal appears sick, injured, or exhibits unusual behavior, contacting the appropriate state agency, such as the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is the correct response rather than attempting to intervene.
Pennsylvania’s wildlife is managed through state agencies like the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. These agencies oversee conservation efforts and use scientific data to manage populations, protect habitats, and address issues like habitat loss and invasive species. Conservation efforts often involve public-private partnerships and community science opportunities, allowing residents to contribute to the long-term health of the state’s natural heritage.