Maryland’s tallest mountain, Catoctin Mountain, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. From bobcats to peregrine falcons, the mountain is home to a variety of animals that prowl its forests and rocky outcroppings.
In this article, we will discover 12 animals that call Catoctin Mountain home. These animals are not only fascinating to learn about but also play an important role in the ecosystem of the mountain.
You are reading: Discover 12 Animals That Prowl Atop Maryland’s Tallest Mountain
12 Animals That Prowl Atop Maryland’s Tallest Mountain
Bobcat
The bobcat is a wild cat found in Maryland and is the only type of wild cat found in the state. Recent sightings of bobcats in Catoctin Mountain Park indicate that populations of these mammals have returned to the area.
Bobcats are elusive and solitary animals that are difficult to spot in the wild. They are known to be active at dawn and dusk and are often found in rocky outcroppings and ledges. The forested areas around Catoctin Mountain Park provide an ideal habitat for bobcats, where they can hunt for small mammals and birds.
Copperhead Snake
The copperhead snake is one of the two venomous snakes found in Catoctin Mountain Park. Copperheads are known for their distinctive copper-colored head and hourglass-shaped markings on their bodies. They are generally found in wooded areas and rocky outcroppings, where they can blend in with their surroundings.
Copperheads are not aggressive and will usually try to avoid humans, but they will bite if they feel threatened or cornered. If you encounter a copperhead, it is best to give it plenty of space and avoid disturbing it.
Coyote
Coyotes have been spotted in Catoctin Mountain Park, according to several sources. While coyotes are not native to Maryland, they have been expanding their range in recent years and are now found throughout the state.
Coyotes are opportunistic predators and will eat a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and even deer. They are most active at night and are generally not a threat to humans, but it is important to keep a safe distance if you encounter one.
It is also important to note that feeding wildlife, including coyotes, is prohibited in Catoctin Mountain Park and can be harmful to both the animals and the ecosystem.
Little Brown Bat
The little brown bat is a species of microbat found in North America, including Catoctin Mountain Park. They are small in size, weighing between 5.5-12.5 g and measuring 8.0-9.5 cm in length.
Little brown bats are sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males on average. They have a wingspan of 22.2-26.9 cm and a forearm length of 36-40 mm. The little brown bat is known for its glossy brown fur, which can range from pale tan or reddish to dark brown.
These bats are known to vary their body temperatures greatly, being able to cool down to 6.5 degrees Celsius and heat up to temperatures of 54 degrees Celsius without harm.
The little brown bat is an important species in the ecosystem, as they are insectivores and help control populations of insects such as mosquitoes.
Peregrine Falcon
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The peregrine falcon is a bird of prey that can be found in Catoctin Mountain Park. These birds are known for their incredible speed and agility, which allows them to catch other birds in mid-air.
Peregrine falcons are also known for their distinctive appearance, with dark blue-gray feathers on their backs and wings and white feathers on their chests and bellies.
They are a conservation success story, as their populations were once threatened by the use of pesticides such as DDT, but have since made a comeback due to conservation efforts.
In Catoctin Mountain Park, there have been recent sightings of peregrine falcon chicks taking flight. However, it is important to note that there may be closures in certain areas of the park during the breeding season to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
Visitors to the park should be aware of any closures and follow park regulations to ensure the safety of both the birds and visitors.
Red Fox
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE – June 23, 2017 — Red fox. (Photo by /Friends of Acadia)
Red foxes are found in Catoctin Mountain Park, according to several sources. These foxes are known for their distinctive red fur and bushy tails. They are opportunistic predators and will eat a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and insects.
Red foxes are also known for their adaptability and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas.
It is important to note that a recent rabid fox was found in Catoctin Mountain Park, according to. Visitors to the park should be aware of the potential for encountering wildlife and take precautions to avoid contact with animals that may be sick or aggressive.
Ruffed Grouse
The ruffed grouse is a ground-dwelling game bird found in the forests of Western Maryland, including Catoctin Mountain Park. These birds are known for their distinctive fan-shaped tails and mottled brown and gray feathers, which provide excellent camouflage in their forest habitat.
Ruffed grouse are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including insects, berries, and seeds.
Ruffed grouse can be found in Catoctin Mountain Park, along with other birds such as barred owls and turkey vultures.
Over 200 species of birds are thought to occur in the park during some part of the year, including the wild turkey, which has started to reoccupy its old habitat in the area. A sighting of ruffed grouse was recorded in Catoctin Mountain in May 1967.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is one of two venomous snakes found in Catoctin Mountain Park. These snakes are known for their distinctive rattles, which they use as a warning to potential predators or threats.
Timber rattlesnakes are generally shy and will try to avoid humans, but they will bite if they feel threatened or cornered.
Timber rattlesnakes are an important part of the ecosystem, as they help control populations of rodents and other small mammals. However, it is important to be aware of their presence and take precautions when hiking in areas where they are known to occur.
Visitors to Catoctin Mountain Park should stay on designated trails, wear sturdy boots, and avoid reaching into areas where they cannot see what is hiding. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, it is important to give it plenty of space and avoid disturbing it.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are a common sight in Catoctin Mountain Park. These deer are an important part of the ecosystem, but their overpopulation can have negative effects on the forest habitat.
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In order to manage the deer population, the National Park Service has implemented a deer management plan that includes culling and other methods. The goal of the plan is to bring the deer population to a level that allows for successful forest regeneration within the park.
According to, white-tailed deer are a very adaptive species with a relatively high reproductive rate. As such, they have become a very popular game animal in Maryland. However, hunting is not allowed in Catoctin Mountain Park, and visitors are prohibited from feeding or approaching wildlife in the park.
Visitors should also be aware of the potential for deer-vehicle collisions when driving through the park, especially during the fall and winter months when deer are more active.
Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys are a common sight in Catoctin Mountain Park. These birds are known for their distinctive feathers and are an important part of the park’s ecosystem. Over 200 species of birds are thought to occur in the park during some part of the year, including the wild turkey, which started to reoccupy its old habitat in the area.
Visitors to the park may also have the opportunity to see other birds such as barred owls and turkey vultures.
While hunting is not allowed in Catoctin Mountain Park, licensed hunters in Maryland may harvest bearded turkeys during the spring turkey season, which runs from April 18 to May 23.
Visitors to the park should also be aware of the potential for wildlife-vehicle collisions when driving through the park, especially during the fall and winter months when deer and other animals are more active.
Woodchuck
The woodchuck, also known as the groundhog, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae. They are a common sight in Catoctin Mountain Park and are known for their reddish-brown fur mixed with gray guard hairs with a yellow tip.
Woodchucks have short, muscular legs designed for digging, and large front teeth that they must wear down by chewing to curb tooth growth. These rodents are an important part of a healthy, thriving ecosystem, but they can also cause damage to gardens and crops.
Predators of woodchucks include coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Visitors to Catoctin Mountain Park should be aware of the potential for wildlife-vehicle collisions when driving through the park, especially during the fall and winter months when animals are more active.
Woodland Jumping Mouse
The woodland jumping mouse, also known as Napaeozapus insignis, is a species of jumping mouse found in North America. Here are some key facts about the woodland jumping mouse:
– The woodland jumping mouse can jump up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) using its extremely strong feet and long tail.
– This species occurs throughout northeastern North America, with populations most dense in cool, moist boreal woodlands of spruce-fir and hemlock-hardwoods where streams flow from woods to meadows with bankside touch-me-nots (Impatiens) and in situations where meadow and forest intermix and water and thick ground cover are available.
– The woodland jumping mouse is a medium-sized rodent that is darker in the south.
– This species has adaptations to live in cold climates and can be found living in either nests or burrows.
– Woodland jumping mice are mostly safe from predators during hibernation, but predators can include timber rattlesnakes, broad-banded copperheads, screech owls, bobcats, minks, striped skunks, and domestic cats.
Overall, the woodland jumping mouse is an important part of the ecosystem and is locally abundant in some areas, such as the southern Appalachian mountains.
FAQS
1. What animals can be found in Catoctin Mountain Park?
Catoctin Mountain Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bobcats, copperhead snakes, coyotes, little brown bats, peregrine falcons, red foxes, ruffed grouse, timber rattlesnakes, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, woodchucks, and woodland jumping mice.
2. Are there any endangered species in Catoctin Mountain Park?
Some animals found in Catoctin Mountain Park are rare or endangered in Maryland, such as the timber rattlesnake. However, the park is also home to many common species that are important to the ecosystem.
3. Can visitors hunt in Catoctin Mountain Park?
Hunting is not allowed in Catoctin Mountain Park. However, licensed hunters in Maryland may harvest bearded turkeys during the spring turkey season.
4. What should visitors do if they encounter wildlife in the park?
Visitors should be aware of the potential for encountering wildlife and take precautions to avoid contact with animals that may be sick or aggressive. It is important to give animals plenty of space and avoid disturbing them. Visitors should also follow park regulations to ensure the safety of both the animals and visitors.
5. What is the deer management plan in Catoctin Mountain Park?
The National Park Service has implemented a deer management plan in Catoctin Mountain Park that includes culling and other methods to manage the deer population. The goal of the plan is to bring the deer population to a level that allows for successful forest regeneration within the park.
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Category: Animals
