New Hampshire boasts a diverse array of natural environments, from its towering mountains and expansive forests to its numerous lakes, rivers, and a short but significant coastline. These varied landscapes create a mosaic of habitats, each supporting a unique community of animal life. The state’s distinct seasons further contribute to this ecological richness, influencing the behavior and presence of its wild inhabitants throughout the year. This combination of features fosters a thriving ecosystem where numerous species flourish.
Mammals of the Granite State
New Hampshire is home to a wide range of mammals. The moose, the largest member of the deer family, can weigh over 1,000 pounds and stands about six feet at the shoulder, thriving in the state’s forested areas with seasonal snow cover. Black bears enter a state of shallow torpor during winter, relying on fat reserves built during the fall. White-tailed deer are particularly abundant, found across various habitats including forests and even suburban areas, and are New Hampshire’s state animal.
Bobcats are nocturnal and elusive wildcats, while coyotes are also common across the landscape. Red foxes and gray foxes are present, with red foxes being more widespread. Smaller mammals frequently encountered include the North American beaver and the Virginia opossum, which is the only marsupial found in New Hampshire. Other common small mammals include the striped skunk, raccoon, snowshoe hare, and various squirrels like the Eastern chipmunk and Eastern gray squirrel. The fisher, a member of the weasel family, also inhabits the state’s woodlands.
New Hampshire’s Avian Residents
New Hampshire’s diverse habitats are home to a variety of bird species, both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Forested areas support numerous songbirds such as the American Robin, often seen in backyards and forests. Black-capped chickadees, northern cardinals, and blue jays are also common throughout the state. The purple finch, New Hampshire’s official state bird, is primarily found in the northwestern part of the state.
Raptors like bald eagles and ospreys are frequently observed near water bodies where they hunt fish. Great horned owls and barred owls are common nocturnal predators, while smaller raptors such as the American Kestrel, the smallest raptor in New Hampshire, and various hawks like the red-tailed hawk and broad-winged hawk, patrol the skies. Waterfowl are abundant, particularly during migration, with mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, and Canada geese frequenting the state’s lakes, rivers, and coastal wetlands. Many species migrate through New Hampshire.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Aquatic Species
New Hampshire’s aquatic and damp environments host a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The state has 11 native snake species, with the common garter snake and Eastern milksnake being frequently encountered. Northern watersnakes are often seen basking on rocks or logs near slow-moving water, feeding on fish and amphibians. New Hampshire has only one venomous snake, the timber rattlesnake, which is extremely rare and endangered, preferring secluded, rocky, wooded areas.
Turtles are present, with the painted turtle being the most common, often seen sunning itself on logs in calm, shallow waters. Snapping turtles are another large and common species found in various wetland habitats. The state’s amphibians include a range of frogs and salamanders. Common frogs such as the spring peeper, American bullfrog, green frog, and wood frog inhabit wetlands and moist terrestrial areas. Salamanders like the spotted salamander and red-backed salamander thrive in damp forest environments, while the red-spotted newt, New Hampshire’s state amphibian, is widely present in both aquatic and terrestrial stages.
New Hampshire’s freshwater systems, including its numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, support a fish population. Popular coldwater species include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout, which are often found in cooler, well-oxygenated waters. Warmwater fish species are abundant, with smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow and white perch, and various pickerel species inhabiting the state’s warmer lakes and ponds. Other fish like horned pout, walleye, and northern pike contribute to the aquatic biodiversity.
Living Alongside Local Wildlife
Coexisting with New Hampshire’s diverse wildlife requires respectful practices from residents and visitors. Observing animals from a distance ensures minimal disturbance to their natural behaviors. Feeding wild animals is strongly discouraged, as it can lead to dependence on human-provided food and increase human-wildlife conflicts. Animals accustomed to human food may lose their natural fear, posing risks to themselves and people.
Preventing conflicts with wildlife involves securing attractants around homes and campsites. Storing trash in wildlife-proof containers, keeping pet food indoors, and cleaning barbecue grills can deter animals like raccoons, bears, and coyotes from approaching human dwellings. When recreating outdoors, keeping pets leashed protects pets and local wildlife, preventing chases or confrontations. Encountering larger animals, such as bears or moose, requires remaining calm, making your presence known, and slowly backing away. Respecting natural habitats by staying on marked trails and not disturbing vegetation helps preserve the ecosystem.