Visitors to local parks this fall may encounter a variety of wildlife, according to park rangers in the area. The county’s deciduous forests provide habitats for many species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Common sightings reported by park rangers include gray squirrels, American crows, and northern cardinals. “Some wildlife you see at one park you may not see at another,” notes one park ranger.
At Neabsco Regional Park and the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, visitors might observe beavers, muskrats, American bullfrogs, red-winged blackbirds, ospreys, bald eagles, great blue herons, common snapping turtles and other species. Lake Ridge Park and its marina are home to red foxes, box turtles, barn swallows nesting around the marina area, painted turtles, red-bellied sliders and cormorants.
George Hellwig Memorial Park offers opportunities to spot American crows, northern mockingbirds, gray tree frogs, raccoons, bluebirds or even a black bear. “Silver Lake Regional Park offers the opportunity to see wild turkey, coyote, black bear, kill deer [killdeer], numerous species of woodpeckers and maybe a timber rattlesnake,” says Senior Ranger Matt Sale.
Park officials encourage responsible wildlife watching. Guidelines include not feeding or disturbing animals; observing from a distance; leaving no trace while visiting; keeping dogs on leashes; and preventing pets from chasing wildlife.
Photography is encouraged as long as it does not disturb animals. “Wildlife viewing and photography has increased in popularity,” says Senior Park Ranger Matt Sale. But he reminds us “it is best to view wildlife from a safe distance.”
Sale adds: “Always stay on the main established trails and practice the ‘tread lightly’ concept. Some wildlife have become accustomed to humans especially in parks where human/wildlife encounters are more common but please resist the temptation to get too close.”
If visitors find an injured animal or suspect young wildlife has been abandoned they should notify a park ranger rather than intervene directly. Sale advises: “When observing young wildlife that looks like it has been abandoned it is best to leave it alone. In most cases mother is close by so just contact a park ranger.” Rangers work with animal control officers and rehabilitation specialists when needed for sick or injured animals found in parks.
Rangers remind patrons that these animals live in the parks year-round while people are only visiting temporarily. Staff members are available on-site for questions about both safety practices and local natural history.
More information about minimizing impact can be found through resources such as Leave No Trace (https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/) guidelines.
