West Virginia’s landscape features rugged mountains, dense forests, and numerous rivers and streams. These varied environments support a rich diversity of wildlife across the state. Its topography, from the Allegheny Mountains to the Ohio River Valley, allows for diverse ecosystems to thrive.
Mammalian Inhabitants
West Virginia’s forests and mountains host various mammals. Larger mammals include the American black bear ( Ursus americanus ), found in wooded areas. White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) are widespread in forested and open areas. The bobcat ( Lynx rufus ) inhabits woodlands and rocky areas.
Smaller mammals are also common. Eastern gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) are seen in parks and forests, while raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) are nocturnal and found near water or human areas. The Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginiana ) is common. Rodent species like eastern chipmunks ( Tamias striatus ) and woodland voles ( Microtus pinetorum ) populate forest floors and fields.
Avian Diversity
West Virginia’s diverse habitats support many bird species, including residents and migratory visitors. The northern cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis ) is a common backyard bird. Blue jays ( Cyanocitta cristata ) are frequently observed, while black-capped chickadees ( Poecile atricapillus ) are seen at feeders and in wooded areas.
Birds of prey include the red-tailed hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ), which hunts over open fields. Great horned owls ( Bubo virginianus ) are nocturnal predators. Waterfowl like mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) and wood ducks ( Aix sponsa ) inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands. West Virginia is an important corridor for migratory birds along the Appalachian Flyway.
Reptiles and Amphibians
West Virginia hosts various reptiles. Common non-venomous snakes include the eastern garter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis ) and the black rat snake ( Pantherophis obsoletus ), found in wooded areas. Venomous species, primarily the eastern copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix ) and the timber rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus ), inhabit rocky, forested terrain.
Turtles are found in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. Snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ) are common in ponds and slow-moving rivers. Eastern painted turtles ( Chrysemys picta ) are seen basking on logs. Among lizards, the five-lined skink ( Plestiodon fasciatus ) is common in wooded areas.
Amphibians thrive in West Virginia’s moist, forested environments. Salamanders are diverse, including the eastern newt ( Notophthalmus viridescens ). The hellbender ( Cryptobranchus alleganiensis ) inhabits clean, fast-flowing rivers. Frogs and toads are widespread, with species like the American bullfrog ( Lithobates catesbeianus ) in ponds and tree frogs (e.g., Hyla versicolor) near water.
Aquatic Species
West Virginia’s rivers, streams, and lakes host many aquatic species. Trout species, including rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ), and brown trout ( Salmo trutta ), are found in cooler mountain streams. Bass species, such as smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieu ) and largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), are found in larger rivers and lakes. Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) are abundant in warmer rivers and reservoirs.
The muskellunge ( Esox masquinongy ) is a large, predatory fish in major rivers like the New River and Kanawha River. The waterways also support aquatic invertebrates. Freshwater mussels are filter feeders, helping water quality. Crayfish are common in waterways and serve as food for other animals. These species are integral to West Virginia’s water ecosystems.