Acadia National Park, on Mount Desert Island, Maine, is a coastal ecosystem. Varied landscapes, including mountains, forests, rugged coastlines, and freshwater wetlands, support diverse animal species.
Terrestrial Mammals
Acadia National Park hosts about 40 terrestrial mammal species. White-tailed deer are often seen grazing in woodlands and along carriage roads at dawn or dusk. Black bears are present on Mount Desert Island, though rare due to their elusive nature and preference for remote forests. These omnivores forage for berries, nuts, and insects, particularly in spring and fall before hibernation.
Other carnivores include red foxes and coyotes. More secretive animals like bobcats, mink, and fishers reside in the park. Smaller, common mammals include snowshoe hares (known for seasonal coat changes) and rodents like squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, and muskrats. Beavers, noticeable around ponds like Jordan Pond or Witch Hole Pond, build dams, creating wetlands that benefit other species.
Avian Residents
Acadia National Park hosts over 330 bird species, serving as breeding grounds and migratory stopover sites. Bald eagles and ospreys are raptors, seen soaring above coastal cliffs and nesting in tall trees. Peregrine falcons, known for their speed, also nest on the park’s vertical cliffs, with conservation efforts aiding their repopulation.
Diverse avian life thrives in the park’s varied habitats. Seabirds like gulls, cormorants, and Atlantic puffins are found along the coast and offshore islands. Common loons, with their distinctive calls, are observed on lakes and ponds, diving for fish. Forested areas host songbirds including warblers, vireos, and chickadees, while wetlands attract waterfowl like ducks.
Marine and Aquatic Life
Acadia’s coastal location supports abundant marine and aquatic life. Harbor seals and gray seals are frequently sighted offshore, resting on rocky ledges or islands (a behavior known as “hauling out”). Harbor porpoises, though shy, can occasionally be spotted along the coastline.
The park’s waters support various fish species, both saltwater and freshwater. Tide pools along the rocky shoreline provide a glimpse into diverse invertebrate life, including shellfish and crustaceans adapted to the intertidal zone. Freshwater environments, such as lakes and ponds, provide habitats for aquatic creatures.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates
Acadia National Park hosts a smaller population of reptiles and amphibians. The park has seven known reptile species, including five types of snakes and two turtle species. Garter snakes are among the most common, and none of Acadia’s snakes are venomous. Eastern painted turtles and common snapping turtles can be found in the park’s aquatic habitats.
Amphibians thrive in the park’s wetlands, streams, and forest floors. Acadia supports approximately 11 amphibian species, including various frogs, toads, and salamanders. American toads, American bullfrogs, and green frogs are common, with tadpoles often visible along lake and pond edges. Four salamander species, such as the spotted and eastern red-backed salamander, inhabit damp areas under rocks and logs in forested regions.
Invertebrates are numerous and play ecological roles. This group includes insects like butterflies (monarch, eastern tiger swallowtail), bees, and beetles, which are important pollinators.
Observing Wildlife Responsibly
Visitors to Acadia National Park should practice responsible wildlife observation. Maintaining a safe distance from animals avoids disturbing their natural behaviors. Park regulations advise against feeding wildlife, as this can alter diets and habituate them to human presence, potentially leading to adverse outcomes for animals and visitors.
To increase wildlife spotting chances, early mornings and late afternoons are the best times, as many animals are most active then. Utilizing binoculars or a telephoto lens provides closer views without intruding on an animal’s space. Staying on designated trails and roads helps protect animal habitats and ensures visitor safety. Reporting unusual wildlife sightings to park staff contributes to ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.