Wildlife and Animals in Pennsylvania

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Types of wildlife in PA

Pennsylvania is a region that is so diverse in wildlife. According to recent statistics, there are some 71 native mammal species found in the state, but 11 of these have become extinct.  Some of the most popular mammals here are; The mountain Lion, Wolverine, Gray wolf, Lynx, bison and Moose. By definition, wildlife should include wild mammals, and wild birds( including game and non-game species) According to the Pennsylvania  Game commission, there are some 480 species of wild mammals and birds in the state of PA, and out of these,  there are some 414 wild bird species alone, and 284 of these are regular habitants of the local habitat, while the remaining 129 are frequent visitors to the state.

Many of the wildlife mammals in PA are scarce or going into extinction, however , most of the bird species are thriving within their natural habitats. The Peregrine falcon is one of the most prominent bird species in PA, and it is often referred to as a “Raptor bird”, or bird of prey. The adult of this bird species do possess blue-gray wings with some darkish-brown back, while their faces are predominantly white. Falconry birds are quite popular in PA, and they are a group of raptors that mostly hunt for other animals for survival.

Peregrine falcon

Wildlife1Fish species of PA include; Chain pickerel, Crappie (black and white), blue gill, Pumpkin seed, walleye, Yellow perch, sun fish (red breasted), Muskellunge, American shad, rock bass, and trout. The availability of these species will depend on the weather conditions or season.

Great Horned owl

Wildlife2Flowers , plants and trees contribute immensely to the survival of wildlife in PA, and there are hundreds of these species either existing or going into extinction. Commonest tree plants include; Red maple, silver maple, River Birch, Bitternut Hickory, Eastern cottonwood, Oak(willow , pin or black), and Pawpaw. Commonest shrubs include ; Buttonbush, silky dogwood, Ninebark, and Rosebay. Commonest flower plants include; Sneeze weed, Turtlehead, Boneset, Closed Gentian, Summer Phlox, Cardinal flower, and Purple stem aster.

  • Humming birds –they are among the smallest birds in the world, and they have iridescent feathers. They are named Hummingbirds because they flap their wings very fast that they create humming sounds.

Wildlife3

  • Bronze Frog (Lithobates clamitans) – They got their names from their skin colour. They are mostly found in swamps and stream sides.

Wildlife4

  • Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)-this is an amphibious frog belonging to the Ranidae family that are also referred to as “True frogs”. It is also referred to as African bull dog or pixie frog. They are quite large and aggressive in nature.

Wildlife5

  • Grey tree frog (Hyla chrysoscelis) – This is a small arboreal frog that is about 2 inches long. It has a predominantly grey or brown colour, with some blotches located on its back. They have granular skins and large toe pads.

Wildlife6

  • Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitus)- these are a group of frogs belonging to species of hylid frog that are native to the United States. Even though , they belong to the tree frog family but they are not arboreal.

Wildlife7

  • The Pickerel frog- This is a small frog with square designs that look like hand-drawn objects located on the frog’s dorsal surface. These are large frogs that measure between 2 and 4 inches in body length. They also have 2 rows of dark-squarish spots on their backs.

Wildlife8

  • Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) – this is a small chorus frog and it is so called by this name because of its chirping call that usually marks the beginning of the spring season. The frog grows to about 1.5 inches in length.

Wildlife9

  • Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)- this is a type of frog that can resist adverse weather conditions especially in winter season when it freezes and thaw literally when temperatures fluctuate. They do have shades of red or brown colours on their skin.

Wildlife10

  • Sphinx Moths aka Hawk Moths- these are a family of moths that are also referred to as “Hornworms”. They are mostly seen in the tropics. They have narrow wings and streamlined abdomens that help them adapt to rapid flight. They normally over in the air while feeing on nectars of flowers, and they can be sometimes mistaken for humming birds.

Wildlife11

  • Broad-headed Skink (Eumeces laticeps)- This is a broad-headed skink that belongs to a family of lizards and they are endemic to South Eastern parts of the United States. These are the largest skinks in the South Eastern part of the country and they usually have orange to red heads with greenish-brown bodies.

Wildlife12

  • Eastern Fence Lizard(Sceloporous undulatus)-these are medium size species of lizard that are mostly found along the forest edges , rock piles, stumps and rotting logs. They have spiny bodies, which mean their skin is rough, with some pointed scales located on their backs and often possess gray to brown colours.

Wildlife13

  • Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)- these species of lizard are also referred to as “Eumecs” and they can grow from 5 to 8.5 inches in length. They are characterized by shorter legs alongside a streamlined body. The exterior part is characterized by a mix of golden brown, black, orange and the tail has a shade of blue.

Wildlife14

  • Italian Wall Lizard(Podorcis sicula)- this lizard is also referred to as ruin lizard or Turkey lizard , it is referred to as a habitat generalist because it can be found in many habitats but mostly prefer a structural complex habitat. The lizard is characterized by shades of green and brown colours.

Wildlife15

  • Northern Coal Skink(Plestiodon anthracinus anthracinus)-This lizard has been in existence since the 1890s and it is endemic to the Northern American region. It can grow to between 5-7 inches in body length, and consumes predominantly insects.

Wildlife16

  • Porcupines- This is a rodential animal characterized by a body coat filled with spines- these ensure that the animal is protected against predators. This is the prickliest of rodents in the world today, and there are about 2 dozens of porcupine species. Porcupines can weigh as much as 30kg, however they are considered to be slow animals.

Wildlife17

 

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Gallery Title:Gallery Description:Sub-Categories.:Total
Photos:
Home4
Animal Tracks
Animal Tracks-Mammals, Birds etc.011
Home5
Bird Nests
Bird Nests, eggs and young in the nest018
Home6
Birds
Song birds, water fowls, herons, cranes, etc.

There are plenty of photos! They are in sub-categories by Species to make then easier to view ^__^ (Why they aren’t counted in “Total photos” is beyond me)

5245
Home7
Birds :Falconry
Falconry birds.
NOTE: This may be graphic
21
Home8
Birds of Prey–Raptors
Owls, hawks, eagles, kestrals etc.
There are plenty of photos! They are in sub-categories by Species to make then easier to view ^__^ (Why they aren’t counted in “Total photos” is beyond me)
1934
Home9
Birds: At the feeders
Just some shots of visiting birds. (not always good shots)03
Home10
Birds: Not Native to PA
Photos taken on vacations or of pets. You might see escaped birds such as Guinea Hens, Peacocks, Parrots etc.09
Home11
Birds:Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds026
Home12
Camouflage & Mimicry
Things that look like other things.012
Home13
Critters YOU find 2010
Photos sent us for ID. These were all found in wild in PA. Normally I wouldn’t do this but I think you’ll find it interesting and useful.011
Home14
Critters YOU find 2011
Photos send to us for identification. All rights to photos belong to the photographers.037
Home15
Crocodilians-Not native to PA
NO Crocodilians are native to PA but are often released by irresponsible pets owners.09
Home16
Fish
Fish Species of PA019
Home17
Fishing
Since we never bring anything home-here’s some of our fishing photos.07
Home18
Flowers & Plants
Flowers, Plants, Trees0723
Home19
Frog: Bronze Frog
Bronze Frog (Lithobates clamitans) (Formerly -Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans melanotus) formerly Northern Green Frog(Rana clamitans melanota033
Home20
Frog: Bullfrog
(Lithobates catesbeianus) formerly(Rana catesbeiana)114
Home21
Frog: Grey Treefrog Complex
Eastern Grey Treefrog(Hyla versicolor) & Cope’s Gray Treefrog(Hyla chrysoscelis)013
Home22
Frog: Midland Chorus Frog
(Pseudacris triseriata)
Formerly Western Chorus Frog*Protected Species
01
Home23
Frog: Mountain Chorus Frog
(Pseudacris brachyphona)

*Protected Species

02
Home24
Frog: New Jersey Chorus Frog
(Pseudacris kalmi)Formerly
(Pseudacris ferairum kalmi)*Endangered
01
Home25
Frog: Northern Cricket Frog
(Acris crepitans) formerly Eastern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans crepitans)

*Endangered Species-2010

03
Home26
Frog: Northern Leopard Frog
(Lithobates pipiens) formerly(Rana pipiens)03
Home27
Frog: Pickerel Frog
(Lithobates palustris)formerly
(Rana palustris)
09
Home28
Frog: Southern Leopard Frog
(Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius.)-
formerly listed by the PA Fish and Boat commission under
as Coastal Plains Leopard Frog (Rana utricularia and Rana sphenocephala) Changed 2010*Endangered
08
Home29
Frog: Spring Peeper
(Pseudacris crucifer)
Formerly Northern Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer crucifer)
021
Home30
Frog: Upland Chorus Frog
(Pseudacris feriarum) formerly(Pseudacris feriarum feriarum)

*Protected Species

03
Home31
Frog: Wood Frog
(Lithobates sylvaticus) formerly(Rana sylvatica)216
Home32
Frogs & Toads-Not Native to PA
Frogs and Toads not native to PA-Photos taken on vacations, or of pets, etc.017
Home33
Insects: Beetles
Beetles29128
Home34
Insects: Butterflies
Butterflies883
Home35
Insects: Caterpillar Look Alikes
Sawfly larvae, Syrphid Fly larvae, etc.017
Home36
Insects: Caterpillars
Moth and Butterfly Larvae plus..

*Also includes eggs, pupa, cocoons, chrysalis, etc.

1241
Home37
Insects: Caterpillars To Adults
Caterpillar and adult (moths and butterflies)016
Home38
Insects: Ants
Ants017
Home39
Insects: Bees, Wasps, Hornets
Bees, Wasps, Hornets, YellowJackets.

Some species are divided into subcategory by species. So there are lots of photos.

1920
Home40
Insects: Flies
Craneflies, Dragon flies, etc.2667
Home41
Insects: Grasshoppers, Katydids, Crickets
Grasshoppers, Katydids, Crickets328
Home42
Insects: Hoppers & Cicadas
Leaf, Tree & Plant Hoppers & Cicadas—-Suborder Auchenorrhyncha – Free-living Hemipterans

Divided into 6 sub-categories.

623
Home43
Insects: Misc. Insects
Aphids, Walking Sticks, True Bugs, Assassin Bugs, Wheel Bugs, Water Bugs, Cockroaches, etc.1612
Home44
Insects: Preying Mantis
Just lots of photos of Mantids082
Home45
Insects: Found Outside of PA
Insects I find on vacations, etc., that are NOT native to PA but really cool!08
Home46
Insects: Insect Eggs
Insect Eggs, Galls, etc.09
Home47
Insects: Insect Killing Fungii
Such as Entomophthora fungus01
Home48
Insects: Moth Art
Art Created With Live Moths-
No moths were killed making this art work
04
Home49
Insects: Moths 2000, 2001, 2002
Moths 2000, 2001, 2002043
Home50
Insects: Moths 2003
Moths 2003018
Home51
Insects: Moths 2004
Moths 200406
Home52
Insects: Moths 2005
Moths 2005033
Home53
Insects: Moths 2006
Moths 20061288
Home54
Insects: Moths 2007
Moths 20071186
Home55
Insects: Moths 2008
Moths 20081330
Home56
Insects: Moths 2009
Moths 20091806
Home57
Insects: Moths 2010
Moths 20101344
Home58
Insects: Moths 2011
Moths 2011193
Home59
Insects: Moths 2012
Moths 20121402
Home60
Insects: Moths :Sphinx Moths
aka Hawk Moths, Hummingbird Moths, Clearwings, etc.093
Home61
Insects: Parasites
Such as wasp larvae and cocoons on caterpillars etc.04
Home62
Lizards: Broadhead Skink
revised common and scientific name for the Broad-headed Skink, Eumeces laticeps, is Broadhead Skink, Plestiodon laticeps 2010

*Protected Species

01
Home63
Lizards: Eastern Fence Lizard
(Sceloporous undulatus)formerly
Northern Fence Lizard (Sceloporous undulatus hyacinthinus)*Protected Species
01
Home64
Lizards: Five-lined Skink
(Plestiodon fasciatus) formerly(Eumeces fasciatus)011
Home65
Lizards: Italian Wall Lizard
(Podorcis sicula) Introduced Species01
Home66
Lizards: Northern Coal Skink
(Plestiodon anthracinus anthracinus) formerly(Eumeces anthracinus anthracinus)

*Protected Species

02
Home67
Lizards: Not native to PA
Lizards not native to PA. Photos taken on vacation, zoos, abandoned pets, etc.02
Home68
Looking for Wildlife
Looking for Wildlife to take photos032
Home69
Mammals-Not native to PA
Photos taken on vacations, zoos,etc. Occasionally you might see escaped or exhibit animals or pets.07
Home70
Mammals: Bats
Bats06
Home71
Mammals: Bears
Bears033
Home72
Mammals: Beaver Family
Beaver01
Home73
Mammals: Canines
Wolves, Coyote, Foxes42
Home74
Mammals: Deer Family
Elk, White-Tail Deer010
Home75
Mammals: Felines
Mt. Lion, BobCat, Lynx06
Home76
Mammals: Groundhog
Marmota monax03
Home77
Mammals: Jumping Mice
Jumping Mice00
Home78
Mammals: Mole Family
Mole Family00
Home79
Mammals: New World Mice and Rats
Deer Mice, Voles, Muskrats, etc.014
Home80
Mammals: Old World Mice and Rats
Norway and Black Rat, and House Mouse00
Home81
Mammals: Porcupine
Porcupines06
Home82
Mammals: Rabbits and Hares
Rabbits and hares-Lagomorpha020
Home83
Mammals: Raccoon
Raccoons04
Home84
Mammals: Shrew Family
Shrew family-Soricidae03
Home85
Mammals: Squirrel Family
Squirrels, Chipmunks527
Home86
Mammals: Weasel Family
Fishers, Weasels, Mink, Badger, Skunk, Otter014
Home87
Marsupialia
Pouched Animals-Opossum012
Home88
Millipedes & Centipedes
Millipedes & Centipedes026
Home89
Mixed Species photos
Photo containing more than one species in the same location such as different turtle and snake species etc.08
Home90
Mushrooms & Fungi
Toadstools and fungi, etc.

*Note-If anyone who comes here can ID any of these-I’ll be grateful for the help.
Some IDed by Roger’s Mushrooms. Thanks!

*A huge Thanks to “Coondog” already!! Awesome

0150
Home91
Range Maps: Frogs
Species by species range maps.013
Home92
Range Maps: Lizards
Species by species range maps.05
Home93
Range Maps: Salamanders
Species by species range maps.023
Home94
Range Maps: Snakes
Species by species Range Maps..where they are supposed to be. Compiled from various sources.023
Home95
Range Maps: Toads
Species by species range maps.03
Home96
Range Maps: Turtles
Species by species range maps.015
Home97
Salamander: Allegheny Dusky Salamander
(Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
Formerly
Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander
06
Home98
Salamander: Blue Spotted
Ambystoma laterale01
Home99
Salamander: Common Mudpuppy
(Necturus maculosus maculosus)01
Home100
Salamander: Eastern Hellbender
(Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)

*Protected Species

02
Home101
Salamander: Eastern Mud Salamander
(Pseudotriton montanus montanus)

*Endangered

02
Home102
Salamander: Eastern Tiger Salamander
(Ambystoma tigrinum)01
Home103
Salamander: Four-toed Salamander
(Hemidactylium scutatum)

*Protected Species

01
Home104
Salamander: Green Salamander
(Aneides aeneus)

*Threatened Species

01
Home105
Salamander: Jefferson Salamander
(Ambystoma jeffersonianum)

*Protected Species

01
Home106
Salamander: Longtail Salamander
(Eurycea longicauda longicauda)015
Home107
Salamander: Marbled Salamander
(Ambystoma opacum)

*Protected Species

02
Home108
Salamander: Mud Puppy
(Necturus maculosus)

*Protected Species

01
Home109
Salamander: Northern Dusky Salamander
(Desmognathus fuscus)020
Home110
Salamander: Northern Ravine Salamander
(Plethodon electromorphus)

*Protected Species

01
Home111
Salamander: Northern Red Salamander
(Pseudotriton ruber ruber)016
Home112
Salamander: Northern Red-backed Salamander
(Plethodon cinereus)030
Home113
Salamander: Northern Slimy Salamander
(Plethodon glutinosus)017
Home114
Salamander: Northern Spring Salamander
(Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus)024
Home115
Salamander: Northern Two-lined Salamander
(Eurycea bislineata)06
Home116
Salamander: Red-Spotted Newt/Red Eft
(Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)013
Home117
Salamander: Seal Salamander
(Desmognathus monticola)01
Home118
Salamander: Spotted Salamander
(Ambystoma maculatum)012
Home119
Salamander: Valley and Ridge Salamander
(Plethodon hoffmani)01
Home120
Salamander: Wehrle’s Salamander
(Plethodon wehrlei)01
Home121
Snails and Slugs
Snails and Slugs017
Home122
Snake: Copperhead
(Agkistrodon contortix mokasen)
(formerly Northern Copperhead)
CNAH still lists Northern Copperhead/PA does not want toVENOMOUS!*Protected Species
032
Home123
Snake: Easily Confused Snakes
Others often confused03
Home124
Snake: Easily Confused Snakes-Venomous VS Non-Veno
Easily Confused Snakes Camparisons
Venomous VS Non-Venomous
010
Home125
Snake: Eastern Earthsnake (aka Smooth)
Virginia valeriae)
formerly Eastern Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae valariae)HARMLESS*Protected Species
02
Home126
Snake: Eastern Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

HARMLESS

1054
Home127
Snake: Eastern Hognose Snake
(Heterodon platirhinos) formerly(Heterodon platyrhinos)

HARMLESS

*Protected Species

733
Home128
Snake: Eastern King Snake
(Lampropeltis getula getula)
No longer listed as PA Species
My listing here is based on Historic data. I’m leaving it here because one was found in Lehigh County several years ago.HARMLESS
07
Home129
Snake: Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
(Sistrurus catenatus catenatus)

VENOMOUS!

*Endangered

04
Home130
Snake: Eastern Milksnake
(Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)

HARMLESS

024
Home131
Snake: Eastern Ratsnake (formerly Black Ratsnake)
Elaphe alleghaniensis (name used by the PA Fish Commission as of 2007) or
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
or Scotophis alleghaniensis (CNAH)(formerly Elaphe obsolete obsolete)HARMLESS
228
Home132
Snake: Eastern Ribbon Snake
(Thamnophis sauritus sauritus)

HARMLESS

*Protected Species

013
Home133
Snake: Eastern Worm Snake
(Carphophis amoenus) formerly(Carphophis amoenus amoenus)

HARMLESS

*Protected Species

07
Home134
Snake: Kirtland’s Water Snake
(Clonophis kirtlandii)

HARMLESS

*Endangered

02
Home135
Snake: Midland Ratsnake
(Scotophis spiloides)
Newly listed speciesHARMLESS
012
Home136
Snake: Mountain Earthsnake
(Virginia pulchra)formerly Mountain Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae pulchra)

HARMLESS

*Protected Species

01
Home137
Snake: Northern Black Racer
(Coluber constrictor constrictor)

HARMLESS

29
Home138
Snake: Northern Brown Snake
(Storeria dekayi dekayi)

HARMLESS

011
Home139
Snake: Northern Red-bellied Snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)

HARMLESS

036
Home140
Snake: Northern Ringneck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)

HARMLESS

042
Home141
Snake: Northern Water Snake
(Nerodia sipedon sipedon)

HARMLESS

021
Home142
Snake: Queen Snake
(Regina septemvittata)

HARMLESS

*Protected Species

06
Home143
Snake: Rough Green Snake
(Opheodrys aestivus)formerly(Opheodrys aestivus aestivus)

HARMLESS

*Threatened Species

016
Home144
Snake: Shorthead Garter Snake
(Thamnophis brachystoma)

HARMLESS

*Protected Species

01
Home145
Snake: Smooth Greensnake
(Opheodrys vernalis)
Formerly Eastern Smooth GreensnakeHARMLESS*Protected Species
020
Home146
Snake: Timber Rattlesnake
(Crotalus horridus)

VENOMOUS!

*Protected Species

522
Home147
Snakes: Not Native to PA
Snakes that are not native to PA. Some photo were taken while on vacations, pets, etc. and some were taken of snakes that were released here by irresponsible pet owners.021
Home148
Sometimes I get bitten
The dangers for the perfect photograph-oops!013
Home149
Spiders and their kin
Spiders and their kin998
Home150
Spiders: Dangerous Spiders of the United States
The ones you really have to worry about being bitten by.03
Home151
Toad: AmericanToad
(Anaxyrus americanus) Formerly(Bufo americanus)640
Home152
Toad: Eastern Spadefoot Toad
(Scaphiopus holbrooki)

*Protected Species*

03
Home153
Toad: Fowler’s Toad
(Anaxyrus fowleri) formerly
(Bufo fowleri)
010
Home154
Turtle: Blanding’s Turtle
(Emys blandingii) formerly (Emydoidea blandingii)

*Protected Species

03
Home155
Turtle: Bog Turtle
(Clyptemys muhlenbergerii) formerly (Clemmys muhlenbergii)

*Endangered

04
Home156
Turtle: Common Map Turtle
(Graptemys geographica) formerly Northern Map Turtle05
Home157
Turtle: Common Musk Turtle
(Sternotherus odoratus)
aka Stinkpot
013
Home158
Turtle: Eastern (Common) Snapping Turtle
(Chelydra serpentina serpentina)014
Home159
Turtle: Eastern Box Turtle
(Terrapene carolina) formerly (Terrapene carolina carolina)

*Protected Species

116
Home160
Turtle: Eastern Mud Turtle
(Kinosternon subrubrum) formerly (Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum)014
Home161
Turtle: Eastern Red-Bellied Turtle
(Pseudemys rubriventris)
Formerly Northern Red-Bellied Turtle or just Red-Bellied Turtle*Threatened Species
06
Home162
Turtle: Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
(Apalone spinifera spinifera)03
Home163
Turtle: Midland Spiny Softshell Turtle
(Apalone mutrica mutrica)01
Home164
Turtle: Musk VS Mud Turtle
Comparison shots04
Home165
Turtle: Northern Painted Turtle
(Chrysemys picta) formerly Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata)& (Chrysemys picta) formerly Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta)025
Home166
Turtle: Red-eared Slider Turtle
(Trachemys scripta elegans) Introduced Species013
Home167
Turtle: Spotted Turtle
(Clemmys guttata)

*Protected Species

013
Home168
Turtle: Wood Turtle
(Glytemys insculpta) formerly (Clemmys insculpta)

*Protected Species

016
Home169
Turtles: Just looking! 2009
Some photos I took while walking.020
Home170
Turtles: Just Looking! 2010
Some photos I took while walking.06
Home171
Turtles: Not Native to PA
Turtles that are not native to PA. So far this only includes escaped and released pets found in PA in the wild.07
Home172
Undetermined Sub-species
Includes: Painted Turtles (Eastern & Midland), Toads (American & Fowlers), Dusky Salamanders, crossbreeds (yes it happens), etc.02
Home173
Wild Places and Scenery
Photos of scenery I’d like to share.063
Home174
Worms
Earthworms, Flatworms, etc.05
Home175
Y Photo Usage: DCNR Photos
Photo Usage01
Home176
Z Photo usage: PA Game Commission Photos
Photo Usage01

 

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