The Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, characterized by rugged plateaus, vast forests, and numerous waterways, serve as a diverse sanctuary for wildlife. This region encompasses nearly 2,000 square miles of habitats, supporting a wide array of fauna, from large terrestrial mammals to various avian species and smaller reptiles. The landscape includes unique ecological features such as rocky outcrops, glacial lakes, and dense deciduous and evergreen forests. These features allow for a high level of biodiversity across the region.
Major Terrestrial Mammals
The most prominent large mammal in the Poconos is the Black Bear, which has a healthy population across northeastern Pennsylvania. These powerful omnivores use their excellent sense of smell to locate food. This often leads to conflict with human settlements when unsecured garbage is present. Some individuals in the region are known to reach substantial sizes, occasionally exceeding 800 pounds.
White-tailed Deer are the most commonly sighted ungulate, frequently observed grazing in meadows and along wooded edges. They are particularly active during dawn and dusk, which is when they are most likely to cross roadways. The region’s forests also support adaptable predators, including the Eastern Coyote and the Red Fox. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal hunters, while the elusive red fox patrols forest edges for small rodents. The Bobcat, a solitary and stealthy hunter with a bobbed tail, is also native to the area, though it is rarely seen.
Avian Species and Waterfowl
The Poconos host an estimated 260 different bird species throughout the year. Raptors are a notable presence, with Bald Eagles frequently seen soaring above major water bodies like the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers, especially during winter. Ospreys, characterized by their white heads and dark plumage, also thrive near the region’s lakes and rivers as they hunt for fish.
The forest floor is often dominated by Wild Turkeys, which have successfully repopulated the area after historic declines. These large game birds can be spotted in small flocks, known as rafters, foraging for seeds, nuts, and insects. Smaller, vibrant forest dwellers include neotropical migrants like the Scarlet Tanager and the Indigo Bunting, which establish nests in the summer months. Other common residents are the Black-capped Chickadee and various woodpecker species, found year-round in the forest canopy.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Note
The diverse habitats of the Poconos, ranging from wetlands to rocky slopes, support numerous cold-blooded species. Common non-venomous snakes include the Eastern Garter Snake and the Northern Water Snake, the latter often seen near ponds and streams. The region is also home to a variety of amphibians, with Spotted and Jefferson Salamanders utilizing vernal pools and bogs for breeding in the spring.
Venomous Pit Vipers
Two species of venomous pit vipers are native to the region, primarily inhabiting specific, localized environments.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a large, stout-bodied snake that can reach up to five feet in length. It is typically found in remote deciduous forests and on rocky outcrops. It appears in two color phases: black, or yellow with dark, V-shaped crossbands. It is identified by its characteristic rattle and a tail that is often entirely black.
The Northern Copperhead is the more widely distributed venomous species. It is distinguishable by its pale tan or reddish-brown body marked with dark, chestnut-brown crossbands shaped like an hourglass. The head is typically an unmarked coppery-bronze color. Both venomous species prefer to avoid human contact, but they utilize rocky scree and sunlit ledges for basking and denning, requiring extra caution in these areas.
Responsible Wildlife Viewing and Safety
Adopting a respectful approach to wildlife observation ensures both human safety and animal well-being. The primary principle is to maintain a safe distance from all animals, refraining from any attempt to approach, touch, or feed them. Feeding wildlife can lead to habituation, causing animals to lose their natural fear of humans, which often results in negative outcomes.
Black Bear safety is a primary concern, and proper food storage is the most effective preventative measure. All food items, garbage, and anything with a strong scent, such as toiletries, should be secured in bear-proof containers or stored inside a vehicle. This is necessary because the bears’ powerful sense of smell makes them highly curious. In areas known for Timber Rattlesnakes or Northern Copperheads, hikers should stay on marked trails. Avoid stepping over large logs or rocks without first looking where feet are placed. If a snake is sighted, observe it from a distance and allow it to move away naturally.