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10 Animals You Can Discover In Acadia National Park

Black bear with brown fur.
Black bear with brown fur. Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is a haven for a variety of wildlife. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from forests to coastlines, support animals like white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and black bears. Let’s explore how visitors to Acadia can experience the rich biodiversity of the area, where creatures large and small thrive in their natural environments!

White-Tailed Deer

A baby fawn white-tailed deer standing and looking at the camera
White-tailed deer fawn stands by some brambles. Image by jamesgriffiths via Depositphotos

White-tailed deer are commonly seen in Acadia National Park. Moreover, these graceful animals are most active during the early morning and late evening, which make them rather easy to run into. Usually, they can be spotted grazing in meadows or near forest edges throughout the park.

Bald Eagles

Bald eagle sitting on a high branch.
Bald eagle sitting on a high branch. Image by bryanhanson1956 via Pixabay.

Bald eagles, a symbol of American wildlife, are often seen soaring above Acadia. These majestic birds nest in tall trees near the coast where they have a high vantage point over their surroundings. Additionally, if you visit the park, you could even watch them as they hunt for fish in the park’s lakes and ponds.

Black Bears

Black Bear
American black bear walking along a rock face. Image by imagebrokermicrostock via Depositphotos

Although not seen as frequently, black bears do inhabit Acadia National Park. Specifically, these large mammals are usually found in forested areas, far from busy trails. However, visitors should always be cautious to keep their distance from these creatures. If you camp, make sure to store food properly to avoid attracting them.

Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcon soaring through the air.
Peregrine Falcon soaring through the air. Image by schlag via Depositphotos.

Peregrine falcons are another impressive bird species found in Acadia. Known for their incredible speed, these birds of prey can be seen diving to catch their prey. Additionally, they often nest on high cliffs, making them a thrilling sight for birdwatchers. These birds are one of my favorite animals, and I hope that one day I’ll have the chance to observe them in their natural habitat at Acadia.

Red Foxes

red fox
Red fox runs along the road. Image by Erik Mclean via Unsplash

Red foxes are small but captivating mammals that roam the park. Specifically, their reddish fur and bushy tails make them easy to recognize and a sight to remember. If you want to spot one, it is important to remember that foxes are usually most active at dawn and dusk, and often seen near the edges of forests and fields.

Harbor Seals

A beached seal.
A harbor seal on the beach. Mrkoww, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Harbor seals are a marine highlight of Acadia, especially visible along the coastline. Often, these curious creatures can be spotted lounging on rocks or swimming near the shore. Additionally, boat tours offer great opportunities to see them up close. I just love the cute and expressive faces on these creatures.

Snowshoe Hares

Snowshoe hare sitting in snow in winter in Canada.
Snowshoe hare sitting in the snow in winter. Image by Jim Cumming via Depositphotos.

Snowshoe hares are well-adapted to Acadia’s environment, particularly in winter. Interestingly, they change their fur color to white during the snowy months to blend in. These small mammals are most often seen in the park’s dense underbrush, but it may take some keen eyes to spot them.

Beavers

Pair of beavers on rocks
Pair of beavers on rocks. Image by Alexas via Pexels

Beavers are industrious animals that can be found near Acadia’s lakes and streams. For example, they build impressive dams and lodges, which are fascinating to observe and create interesting ecosystems for smaller creatures. Spotting these animals often requires patience, as they are most active at dusk, but if you can wait, they’re well worth it.

Moose

Moose
Moose stands beside a pine sapling. Image by Paxson Woelber, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Moose are rare but exciting sightings in Acadia. These large, solitary animals prefer wetland areas and are often seen near ponds. Furthermore, early morning or late evening is the best time to try to catch a glimpse of them. I think that moose are incredibly majestic, but their sheer size is very intimidating and they can be dangerous if you don’t respect their space.

Coyotes

Coyote near Wind Cave, South Dakota
Coyote wanders over a grassy hill. Image by rruntsch via Depositphotos

Coyotes are adaptable predators that have made Acadia their home. Also, they are generally elusive and most active at night. While they are seldom seen, their howls can sometimes be heard echoing through the park after sunset.

Conclusion

Acadia
Acadia shoreline. Image by Plh1234us, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Acadia National Park is a beautifully preserved landscape off the coast of Maine in the United States. Furthermore, it is home to many wondrous creatures and gorgeous scenery. Which of these animals mentioned above would you most like to see in Acadia?