The Pocono Mountains, with their sprawling forests, lakes, and rich ecosystems, are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking through a trail, relaxing by a lake, or exploring a nature reserve, the Poconos offer endless opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife all year round. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fascinating animals that call the Poconos home, regardless of the season.

Perhaps the most iconic wildlife in the Poconos, white-tailed deer can be seen throughout the year. These graceful creatures are often spotted grazing in meadows, along roadsides, or wandering through the forest. During the winter months, they grow thicker coats to survive the cold, but they remain active and are just as likely to cross your path on a snowy hike.

Where to spot them: State parks, wooded areas, and around the outskirts of towns.

Black bears are another well-known resident of the Poconos. Although they are most active from spring to fall, some bears can remain visible in the winter, especially during mild weather or when emerging briefly from hibernation. These intelligent and adaptable creatures are most often spotted in forested areas and near food sources, but it’s always best to admire them from a distance!

Where to spot them: Delaware Water Gap, Promised Land State Park, and areas near dense forests.

The wild turkey population in the Poconos has made a significant comeback over the years. These large, impressive birds roam the forests year-round, often seen foraging for acorns, seeds, and insects on the forest floor. In the winter, you can spot their tracks in the snow as they search for food, often in small groups.

Where to spot them: Forest edges, open meadows, and fields near wooded areas.

Bald eagles are a majestic sight in the Poconos, and they can be seen soaring high above rivers, lakes, and forests throughout the year. In the winter, their presence becomes even more pronounced as they gather near open water to hunt for fish. The sight of an eagle gliding over a frozen lake or perched on a tree is breathtaking.

Where to spot them: The Delaware River, Lake Wallenpaupack, and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

The red fox is another year-round resident of the Poconos. These small but elusive predators are often seen darting through fields or crossing roads, especially at dawn or dusk. With their thick fur and bushy tails, they are well-adapted to the Poconos’ cold winters. Keep an eye out for them hunting small animals or trotting gracefully through meadows.

Where to spot them: Meadows, forest edges, and occasionally in suburban areas.

A common but delightful sight in the Poconos is the gray squirrel. These agile climbers can be seen year-round, scampering through trees, collecting food, or foraging on the ground. In winter, they often retreat to nests made of leaves or find shelter in tree cavities, but they stay active throughout the cold months, searching for hidden stashes of acorns.

Where to spot them: Forested areas, parks, and even residential neighborhoods.

The Poconos is home to a wide variety of songbirds that can be observed year-round. Some of the most common species include the northern cardinal, black-capped chickadee, and blue jay. In the winter, these birds stand out even more against the snowy landscape, and their songs can brighten even the coldest of days.

Where to spot them: Wooded areas, parks, and backyards with bird feeders.

If you’re near a river or stream in the Poconos, keep your eyes peeled for river otters. These playful mammals can be seen year-round, swimming in the water or sliding down muddy or snowy banks. They thrive in the region’s clean waterways and are often spotted hunting for fish or frolicking with family members.

Where to spot them: Lakes and rivers like the Lehigh River and Delaware Water Gap.

The Eastern coyote is another adaptable predator in the Poconos. Although mostly nocturnal, they can be seen during the day, especially in less populated areas. Year-round, coyotes hunt small mammals and scavenge for food, and their eerie howls can often be heard at night echoing through the forest.

Where to spot them: Remote forests, fields, and areas away from human activity

One of the more elusive yet thrilling animals to spot in the Poconos is the bobcat. These solitary and stealthy predators are active year-round and can adapt to various habitats, including forests, swamps, and mountains. Bobcats are mostly nocturnal, so spotting one is a rare treat, but their tracks or signs of activity are easier to find, especially in the winter snow.

Where to spot them: Dense forests, swamps, and rocky areas

The Poconos is home to several turtle species, making them a delightful sight for nature enthusiasts. These reptiles inhabit various aquatic and terrestrial environments, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Commonly seen species in the region include the painted turtle, snapping turtle, and box turtle.

Turtles in the Poconos are most active during the warmer months, often basking on logs or rocks near water sources. They can be observed foraging for food, which typically includes aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. In the spring, you might even witness female turtles nesting on sandy or gravelly banks, laying eggs that will hatch later in the summer.

Where to spot them: Look for turtles along the shores of lakes and rivers, basking in the sun on rocks or fallen trees, or wandering near wetlands.

One of the many charms of the Poconos is that no matter the season, there’s always an abundance of wildlife to observe. Whether it’s the white-tailed deer roaming in the summer sun, a red fox hunting in the snow, or a bald eagle soaring high above, the diverse ecosystem of the Poconos guarantees that nature enthusiasts will always find something captivating.

The Poconos’ year-round wildlife makes it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. Grab your binoculars, camera, and a sense of adventure—there’s always something waiting to be discovered in the wilds of the Pocono Mountains!

Written on: October 23, 2024  |  Written by: Meghan D., Marketing Intern.