The Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching from southern Pennsylvania down to Georgia, boast some of the most stunning peaks in the United States. Georgia’s highest point, Brasstown Bald, is a breathtakingly spectacular mountain that offers visitors a chance to explore its cool scenery, nature trails, visitor center, and weekend programs.
For those interested in wildlife, Brasstown Bald is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and bobcats. In this article, we will take a closer look at these five animals prowling atop Georgia’s tallest mountain.
You are reading: Discover 5 Animals Prowling Atop Georgia’s Tallest Mountain
5 Animals Prowling Atop Georgia’s Tallest Mountain
Black Bears
Black bears are not uncommon in the mountainous areas of Georgia, including around Brasstown Bald. The area supports a large black bear population, and visitors may have the opportunity to see them while hiking or exploring the mountain.
In fact, one reviewer on Tripadvisor reported seeing a black bear while hiking on Brasstown Bald. To educate visitors on black bears and how to avoid bear conflict, the Appalachia Georgia Friends of Bears hold an event called “Bear Day” at Brasstown Bald.
Additionally, black bears are often featured in artwork and souvenirs related to Brasstown Bald, such as the Brasstown Bald, GA Elevation Black Bear print by Mill Wood Art.
White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are another common animal found in the wooded areas around Brasstown Bald. These deer are named for the noticeable white fur on the underside of their tail, which they raise when alarmed to signal danger to other deer in the area.
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Visitors to Brasstown Bald may have the opportunity to see white-tailed deer while hiking or exploring the mountain. In fact, the area was once devoid of deer due to overhunting, but they were reintroduced in the 1930s by a man named Arthur Woody. Today, they are a common sight in the area and are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys, also known as Eastern turkeys, are plentiful at Brasstown Bald. These birds are native to North America and are known for their distinctive plumage and vocalizations.
Visitors to Brasstown Bald may have the opportunity to see wild turkeys while hiking or exploring the mountain. In fact, eBird, a website that tracks bird sightings, lists wild turkeys as one of the species seen at Brasstown Bald. The area’s forested landscape provides an ideal habitat for these birds, which feed on a variety of nuts, seeds, and insects.
Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed Grouse are medium-sized birds that are native to North America and are found in forests from the Appalachian Mountains across Canada to Alaska. They are the most widely distributed game bird in North America.
Ruffed Grouse are chunky birds that weigh from 450-750 g (0.99-1.65 lb) and measure from 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) in length and span 50-64 cm (20-25 in) across their short, strong wings. They have two distinct morphs: grey and brown.
In the grey morph, the head, neck, and back are grey-brown; the breast is light. In the brown morph, the overall plumage is much more brownish.
Ruffed Grouse are hard to see due to their dappled, grayish or reddish coloration. However, their “drumming on air” display is a fixture of many spring forests. Male Ruffed Grouse are aggressively territorial throughout their adult lives, defending for their almost exclusive use a piece of woodland that is 6-10 acres in extent.
Usually, this is shared with one or two hens. The male grouse proclaims his property rights by engaging in a “drumming” display, which is made by beating his wings.
Bobcats
Bobcats are medium-sized cats that are native to North America. They are also known as red lynx due to their reddish-brown fur and tufted ears.
Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat, with a length of 60-100 cm (24-40 inches) and a weight of 7-15 kg (15-33 pounds). They are solitary and nocturnal animals that are most active during dawn and dusk.
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Bobcats are highly territorial and mark their ranges with scents from their urine and feces and distinctive claw marks on trees to alert others of their presence. They are stealthy animals and not often seen, even though their numbers are abundant. B
obcats are carnivorous and mainly hunt small mammals like rabbits, hares, and mice, along with birds close to the ground and the occasional lizard. They may also hunt larger animals, including deer, during the harsher winter months, and will also feed on fresh carrion.
Bobcats are adaptable and can live in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and scrublands.
FAQS
1. What is Brasstown Bald?
Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers visitors a chance to explore its cool scenery, nature trails, visitor center, and weekend programs.
2. What animals can be found at Brasstown Bald?
There are a variety of animals that can be found at Brasstown Bald, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and bobcats.
3. Are black bears common in the area?
Yes, black bears are not uncommon in the mountainous areas of Georgia, including around Brasstown Bald.
4. Can visitors see these animals while hiking or exploring the mountain?
Yes, visitors to Brasstown Bald may have the opportunity to see these animals while hiking or exploring the mountain.
5. What is the “Bear Day” event at Brasstown Bald?
The Appalachia Georgia Friends of Bears hold an event called “Bear Day” at Brasstown Bald to educate visitors on black bears and how to avoid bear conflict.
6. What is the size of a bobcat?
Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat, with a length of 60-100 cm (24-40 inches) and a weight of 7-15 kg (15-33 pounds).
7. What is the habitat of a bobcat?
Bobcats are adaptable and can live in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and scrublands.
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Category: Animals
