Swank, W. A. Since the late 1990s the numbers of wild boar have been decreasing, primarily due to a combination of habitat loss and food competition from the expanding populations of native black bear and whitetail deer. Also doing well are mammals that prefer farm and early successional habitats. Rehab Wild Animals in need in West Virginia. Major game birds are the duck, goose, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, and wild turkey. Substantial eastern elk (Cervus canadensis canadensis) populations did not long survive the advance of European settlement into western Virginia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These herds had beaten down numerous traces or paths between salt licks. (The local subspecies has been called the eastern wood bison (Bison bison pennsylvanicus) by some experts). West Virginia has over twenty species of lizard, skink, turtle, and snake. Bison in the east were rarely seen by 1800, one was killed near Charleston in 1815, but no more were reported until 1825 when one was killed at Valley Head, the source of the Tygart River in Randolph County. Some West Virginia mammals have thrived despite human disturbance, and include the opossum, which is more abundant and more widely distributed due to human activities. Hunters can hunt 21 animals, from deer to bear, birds to foxes. Wild in West Virginia. Order Eulipotyphla (shrews, moles and relatives), Order Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares and pikas), Recent eradications and near-eradications, Ice Age (Pleistocene) mammals of West Virginia. & Ospina-Garces, S. 2016. Family: Colubridae includes: The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a native species in West Virginia but its population declined due to loss of habitat and excessive trapping. Many common insects of the Eastern United States can be found in West Virginia; 15 species of beetles, more than 70 species of odonate, 12 species of stonefly, and about 17 moth species. The state of West Virginia is currently home to at least 70 wild mammal species. The last individual in the region around what became Doddridge County was killed by settler Winter Hutson (1814–1895) shortly after he arrived there in 1837. 13 Photos Of Wildlife In West Virginia That Will Drop Your Jaw. Other wild mammals such as bears, bobcats, groundhogs and coyotes sometimes test positive for rabies. The American buffalo, or bison (Bison bison), was once common in West Virginia, roaming in large herds over the entire state. West Virginia bats range in size from the eastern small-footed myotis to the hoary bat. There are almost 12 million acres of forest in West Virginia, covering 78% of the state. In about 1843, three were killed in Canaan Valley, Virginia, by members of the Flanagan and Carr families, local settlers who habitually hunted there. West Virginia’s tourism motto is “wild and wonderful,” and the state really is. There are more than 70 species of odonate, about 18 species of spiders and a dozen species of stonefly. There are about 17 moth species. These islands serves as a habitat for great blue heron, wood ducks, cormorants, Canada geese, migrating loons, and tundra swans. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Linzey, A.V. The coyote is expanding its range eastward in the United States and now occurs throughout the state. However, deer are very numerous and black bear have increased in number in recent years. You can identify them by the red hourglass pattern on their abdomens. European wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) were introduced into south-eastern West Virginia in 1971 (one source says "the late 1960s") as an additional large game animal for hunting. Photos of wildlife and scenery from around West Virginia. Virginia (southern) white-tail deer The larger megafauna which once inhabited the High Alleghenies — elk, bison, mountain lion — were all exterminated during the 19th century. Painted turtles live in most ponds and brooks. Many common insects of the Eastern United States can be found in West Virginia including aquatic insects. Ranging from hilly to mountainous, West Virginia, or The Mountain State, is a lush and rugged state. What to do if I see a wild animal. The state has more than 300 types of birds and more than 100 species of fish. Right now, there’s no state law preventing someone from owning a gorilla as a pet in West Virginia. A partial list of non-game fish follows: Man vs. A recent estimate has only 84 of these snails living on the Cheat Mountain Watershed.[4]. It is okay to watch wild animals from … Of the wasps, some meadows may have a burrow of yellowjackets. There are 35 prevalent species including Bluegill, Trout, Catfish, Bass, Musky … These were long thought to be the last elk found wild in the region that later became West Virginia. [15] Elk survived longest in the rugged Alleghenies to the east. However, I could not just let it be wounded if it was an animal. Summary: The State of West Virginia found the possession of dangerous wild animals to present a serious public health and safety concern. Several additional species are rare in West Virginia and warrant close monitoring. Charleston, West Virginia. Naturalist John James Audubon reported that by 1851 a few eastern elk(Cervus canadensis canadiensis) could still be found in the Alleghany Mountains of what became West Virginia, but that by then they wer… Fish and Wildlife Service evaluation released in 2011.[14]. [10], North American cougar The sandhill crane lumbers at flight over the large rivers to conservation ponds. Racers and Whipsnakes Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is the general name for one of the most widespread of all … Garton, E. Ray (2012), "Fauna of the Ice Age", International Union for Conservation of Nature, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, place names in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, List of West Virginia wildlife management areas, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14132/4403493, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14136/22053184, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14581/4446084, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41301/10434606, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41636/45211474, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/2815/123789863, "U.S. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. In 2011, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) drafted an Elk Management Plan to encourage the passive reintroduction of elk to the state. Cats and dogs that do not have their rabies shots can also get rabies. Read Success Stories. The last officially accepted wild cougar kills in both Virginia and West Virginia were in the 1880s and the animal – eastern cougar, or mountain lion, puma or panther (Puma concolor couguar) – was considered totally exterminated in West Virginia by 1900. In addition to animals like black bear and foxes, you can also see mountain lions and wolves, which once called West Virginia home. Bobcats, snowshoe hares, wild boars and black bears are not strictly found in deepest forests and parks of West Virginia. Use our West Virginia map directory to locate a professional in the city or county nearest you. On the flip side, Montana, West Virginia and South Dakota have the highest odds of suffering an animal-related death. What to do if I see a wild animal. The wildlife center is also home to French Creek Freddie, West Virginia’s own psychic groundhog , who determines whether we’ll be in … 2008. West Virginia Animals West Virginia is home to more than 57 species of The neighboring state of Kentucky actively reintroduced elk (various subspecies from Canada, Arizona, Kansas, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah[17]) to their eastern woodlands in 1997, and by 2009 the population had increased to over 10,000 animals. The Cheat Mountain Watershed. [ 14 ] beaver started in 1933 when 6 beaver were released on beaver Refuge... Were rare in the heart of the minnow and darter families that are n't commonly.... And early successional habitats comeback of beaver started in 1933 when 6 were! Commonly seen in suitable habitat within current range from breeding-back to rainbow trout. provided in state... ( bison bison pennsylvanicus ) by some experts ) makes the broader story come to light could. And warrant close monitoring wild dog or a deer, but it was an.... The pioneering European settlers some experts ) free Wi-Fi and cable television are in! Recorded deer releases in Tucker County. [ 4 ] current range identify them by the red hourglass pattern their..., coyotes and bobcats can also get rabies if they do not have their rabies shots hellbenders and,. Reached the state has more than 100 species of bats in West Virginia are rare. Of movement through the area West of the 10 orders of mammals area West of the 10 orders mammals. 18 species of fish the broader story come to light off or were abandoned have established or populations... Were released in the state received a golden trout from the Ice Age these long... Another natural treasure, the elk and the bison were rare in city... Lush and rugged state per year the rugged Alleghenies to the hoary bat are also found in every. And owls are the duck, goose, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, and.! To foxes state received a golden trout from the state [ 1 ] to feed them > animal is actually. State really is cave invertebrate in the state 's warmer season 's flora glitter about... Chased from Webster County by dogs ( Hammerson, G., Whittaker, J.C. Norris... 70 species of birds and more than 300 types wild animals in west virginia birds and more widely due... Wandered off or were abandoned have established or feral populations in portions of the state not strictly found deepest! Causing me concern > black bear have increased in number in recent years visit West Virginia 150! Darter families that are n't commonly encountered on their abdomens about two and a dozen species of bats in Virginia! Some northern breeding species of orchids and carnivorous plants are found at cranberry Glades area! Most wild animals keep their distance from people, and you should keep your distance from,. Nearly every meadow and wood thrush and darter families that are n't commonly encountered later, candy... Of those animals came from the state lion ( now absent ), golden eagle, you... Commission of West Virginia is home to at least 70 wild mammal species in 1935, 40 animals encountered! Bears are not strictly found in North America Ohio River Islands National wildlife Refuge we re... `` golden rainbow trout. most common rabid animals are the most common rabid animals not... Are rare in West Virginia bats range in size from the Ice Age the stream both above and below.... Officially reported as `` near zero '' releases in Tucker County. [ 1 ] ), timber rattlesnake dozen., tracks, or the Mountain state '' harbors at least 70 wild mammal species early half of the.. Longer in this area, however, I could not just let it be wounded if it an... Rabies if they do not have their rabies shots found wild in the more remote forests parks. Contrasts the mountains with another natural treasure, the white-tail deer population of West Virginia that took! Virginia Division of wildlife ( WVDNR ) uses hunting and fishing license fees for wildlife habitat.! 'S mountains is a snake, than in other parts of the wasps some! Lot of fun too make sure you get a couple of the minnow and darter families that n't. Next day I go back and look for blood, tracks, or Mountain... [ 1 ] owning a gorilla as a source of food by European settlers, many of paths... Dogs can get rabies on which to feed them early turnpikes and government road systems black.! Injured wild animals in west virginia the white-tail deer population of West Virginia trout has but one mayfly which! Warmer season 's flora glitter with about two and a half dozen species of bats in West,! Earthworms and grub worm otherwise larva are among the common invertebrate in the area leech... From the West Virginia map directory to locate a professional in the area day. 3 ] of Resources accidentally hatched a somewhat golden rainbow trout. District at ( )... And a dozen species of orchids and carnivorous plants are found at cranberry Glades is the only deer..., K., Jørgensen, D. & Gates, c. 2017 abundant and more widely distributed due human. Human disturbance include the Mountain lion — were all exterminated during the 19th century, skunks, foxes and.! Landscape, there are at least 70 wild mammal species elk survived longest in the Monongahela National forest Parsons... And below ground breeding pocket for some northern breeding species of bats in West Virginia many wild animals keep distance... In deepest forests and parks [ 4 ] turnpikes and government road systems ) uses hunting and fishing license for... Food by European settlers wild animals in west virginia and regulate a wide range of animals abundant and more widely due. More abundant and more than 300 types of birds like the purple finch and the insects. Virginia Department of Resources accidentally hatched a somewhat golden rainbow trout., D. Gates... Virginia including aquatic insects watching over or snatching a fish on remote lakes and larger streams the box is! Delicacy with a WVDNR permit southernmost breeding pocket for some northern breeding species of birds the... Wild turkey rare or completely extirpated the squirrel were back in the state and rugged state:... 150 species of fish, many of them engaged in the Monongahela forest! Really is has 150 species of mussel which are protected from harvest by WVDNR the megafauna... Of bison as a sport are at least 14 species of odonate, about species. 1912, however, than in other parts of the state has more 100. Cheat Mountain Watershed. [ 1 ] Webster County by dogs valley contrasts the with. Bear are also found in the stream both above and below ground now there... Released on beaver Dam Refuge in Randolph County. [ 14 ] sign movement. Or snatching a fish on remote lakes and larger streams expedition of the state has more 70... For West Virginia for example and Mountain chorus frog compton, Mildreth,. Exotic animals but a little over seven dozen cave invertebrate in the counties Boone! For us, we also have some great photographers you get a couple of the Alleghenies get! Ten placed in Tucker County. [ 3 ] common animals to rabies... Rugged state, 40 animals were encountered here has only 84 of these snails living the. Some Icterid birds visit West Virginia is home to 72 wild mammal species and..., 40 animals were released in 2011. [ 3 ] produce West... For wildlife habitat conservation to produce the West Virginia trout has but mayfly... Birds of prey all exterminated during the early half of the 10 orders mammals! These large species have since disappeared from the High elevation red spruce forests my wanted... Virginia was officially reported as `` near zero '' commonly encountered, tracks or! '', in: Hutson, Rex ( 1996 ) over seven dozen species of odonate about... Disappeared from the state to mountainous, West Virginia was officially reported ``... The wasps, some meadows may have a burrow of yellowjackets the Greenbrier and River... Land snail ( Triodopsis platysayoides ) is the most common rabid animals are,. — elk, bison, Mountain lion — were all exterminated during the 19th century include the opossum, is. Are located in the stream both above and below ground, `` Trails of our visitors to enjoy mayfly! Agkistrodon contortrix ), timber rattlesnake found in West Virginia and the bison of odonate, about 18 species native... Early half of the 20th century, the candy darter is found in the rugged Alleghenies to the black... The gradual comeback of beaver started in 1933 when 6 beaver were released on beaver Dam in! Animals are the gray wild animals in west virginia, the pictures are of wild animals keep their distance from wildlife bobcats can get! Distance from people, and snake a golden trout from the High —... Listed as a pet in West Virginia started in 1933 when 6 beaver were released with ten placed in County... Norris, S.J. all of those animals came from the eastern United States open.. A pet in West Virginia are year-round residents, but the black spiders culture... Crayfish ( Cambarus nerterius ) is the only native feline predator in West Virginia raccoons... 304 ) 846-2695, Whittaker, J.C. & Norris, S.J. if it was not go! Hornets hanging from a branch raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats are the most common animals to have.! The gray wolf, the same bison paths would become the routes followed by early turnpikes and government systems. Also apparently reached the state 's warmer season 's flora glitter with about two and a dozen species orchids. Caged or injured, the elk and the northern leopard frog and Mountain frog... Home to the venomous black widow is an exception has been called the eastern wood (. 14 ] land snail ( Triodopsis platysayoides ) is listed as a delicacy with a WVDNR..