New Hampshire is defined by a diverse landscape, ranging from the rugged peaks of the White Mountains to a short Atlantic coastline. This varied topography creates habitats including extensive northern hardwood and boreal forests, numerous lakes, and river systems. The state’s natural communities, which encompass everything from alpine meadows to tidal marshes, support a wide array of wildlife species.
New Hampshire’s Large and Iconic Mammals
Moose are the largest land mammals in the state, often reaching weights up to 1,000 pounds and standing six feet at the shoulder. They are primarily found in northern areas, where hardwood-boreal forest and wetlands offer ideal habitat. The population, which peaked near 8,000 in the late 1990s, has since declined to an estimated 3,000–4,000 animals statewide, largely due to winter tick parasitism.
American Black Bears are widespread, inhabiting forested areas with thick understory and wetlands throughout all ten counties. These omnivorous animals, with males typically weighing 200–250 pounds, are not true hibernators but enter a deep winter sleep where their heart rate and breathing drop significantly. They usually den in brush piles or under rock outcrops, emerging in the early spring.
The White-tailed Deer is the most numerous large mammal and is easily spotted in various environments, from deep woods to suburban edges. Smaller predators like the Bobcat, the state’s official wildcat, are more elusive, preferring to hunt in boreal and mixed forests. Bobcats are recognizable by their short, “bobbed” tail and facial ruffs, and their population stability is influenced by the availability of prey like the Snowshoe Hare.
Common Fliers: Birds and Raptors
The state bird, the Purple Finch, is found year-round, particularly in coniferous and mixed forests. The male finch is known for its vibrant raspberry-colored plumage, which helps distinguish it from other finches. This species has faced population declines, possibly due to competition with the non-native House Finch.
New Hampshire’s skies are home to various raptors, including the Red-tailed Hawk and the Peregrine Falcon. The Bald Eagle population has seen a significant recovery, being removed from the state’s threatened and endangered species list in 2017 after decades of conservation effort. This recovery is evident in the rise of territorial pairs nesting along major lakes and rivers, where the eagles primarily feed on fish.
The Great Horned Owl is another prominent raptor, a powerful nocturnal hunter found across the state. Migratory species, such as the Broad-winged Hawk, pass through in impressive flocks known as “kettles” during the fall migration period. These seasonal movements highlight the state’s importance as a stopover point for birds traveling the Atlantic Flyway.
Ground-Level Diversity: Reptiles and Amphibians
New Hampshire’s wetlands and forests host a variety of cold-blooded creatures, including species of turtles, frogs, and snakes. The Painted Turtle, frequently seen basking on logs near ponds and slow-moving water, is one of the most common reptiles. Amphibians like the Wood Frog are abundant and rely on temporary pools for breeding early in the spring.
The state’s only venomous snake is the Timber Rattlesnake, which is extremely rare and protected as a state endangered species. This heavy-bodied reptile is typically found only in a few isolated, rocky, south-facing hillsides. More commonly encountered snakes include the harmless Eastern Garter Snake, which is widespread across various habitats.
Protecting New Hampshire’s Wildlife
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department plays a central role in managing and protecting the state’s diverse fauna, including over 400 species monitored by its Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. This department maintains the official list of Threatened and Endangered species, which includes animals like the New England Cottontail and the Blanding’s Turtle. The New England Cottontail, the only rabbit species native to the region, is the focus of targeted habitat creation plans to stabilize its numbers.
Conservation efforts address human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with Black Bears, which are highly adaptive and often drawn to human-provided food sources. Residents are advised to secure garbage and remove bird feeders from April 1 through December 1 to prevent bears from becoming habituated to residential areas. This practice reduces bear-related complaints and protects the bears from becoming nuisance animals.
Moose-vehicle collisions are a significant concern, especially in northern regions where moose density is highest. Road mortality and the effects of parasites like the winter tick and brainworm are closely monitored to manage the health of the moose population. These management strategies aim to balance population health with public safety and the preservation of New Hampshire’s natural environment.