Skip to Content

21 Animals That Call Shenandoah National Park Home

Published:

Author:
Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

animals that call Shenandoah National Park home.

Lets take a look at the top 21 animals that call the Shenandoah National Park home. From big to small each critter plays an important role in their respective habitats contributing uniquely to the ecosystems found in the park.

White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer. Image via depositphotos.

The white-tailed deer is a common sight in Shenandoah National Park, often spotted grazing in meadows or crossing wooded trails.

Black Bear

Black Bear
Black bears are excellent climbers and can ascend trees with ease, using their strong claws and agile limbs to reach heights of up to 50 feet. Image by Aaron Brewer via Pexels

Shenandoah National Park is home to a healthy population of black bears, which can often be observed foraging for food or climbing trees.

Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern box turtle. Jarek Tuszyński, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

This terrestrial turtle species is found throughout Shenandoah National Park, particularly in wooded areas and along streams.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Gray Squirrel hiding away. Image by Johnson Chung via Unsplash

The eastern gray squirrel is a familiar sight in Shenandoah, darting through trees and foraging for nuts and seeds.

Wild Turkey

a pair of wild turkeys on the edge of the forest. Image via depositphotos.

These large birds are often spotted in the forests and meadows of Shenandoah, where they roam in search of food and mates.

Raccoon

raccoon
Curious Raccoon looking up at camera. Image by Chris Ensminger on Unsplash.

Raccoons are common inhabitants of Shenandoah National Park, known for their distinctive markings and nocturnal habits.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit in its natural habitat. Image by David Solce via Unsplash

These small rabbits are frequently seen in Shenandoah, particularly in grassy areas and along forest edges.

Red Fox

Red fox, vulpes vulpes, siblings standing on den during the summer. Pair of baby animals watching from hole in the ground with blurred background. Wild little cubs sitting on sand. Image via depositphotos.

The red fox is a skilled predator found throughout Shenandoah National Park, preying on small mammals and birds.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Baby Timber rattlesnake. Image via Deposit Photos

Shenandoah is home to the timber rattlesnake, a venomous snake species that inhabits rocky areas and forests.

Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) standing on a mossy log with its cheep pouches full of food – Lambton Shores, Ontario, Canada Image via Depositphotos

Eastern chipmunks are abundant in Shenandoah, where they can be seen darting across forest floors and climbing trees.

Virginia Opossum

Virginia Opossum. Image via depositphotos.

These nocturnal marsupials are found throughout Shenandoah National Park, often scavenging for food at night.

American Robin

American robin,Turdus migratorius is a migratory songbird of the true thrush genus and Turdidae. Image via depositphotos.

The American robin is a common bird species in Shenandoah, known for its distinctive red breast and melodious song.

Eastern Screech Owl

A closeup shot of an Eastern Screech Owl on a cloudy day outdoors. Image via depositphotos.

Shenandoah is home to the eastern screech owl, a small nocturnal bird that inhabits wooded areas.

American Black Vulture

American black vulture on Trinidad pitch lake. The black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a large bird of prey. The Pitch Lake (La Brea, Trinidad) is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world. Image via depositphotos.

Black vultures are frequently seen soaring over Shenandoah National Park, scavenging for carrion.

American Crow

American Crow. Image via depositphotos.

American crows are intelligent birds commonly observed in Shenandoah, where they scavenge for food and build nests in trees.

Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern box turtle. Jarek Tuszyński, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

These terrestrial turtles are a common sight in Shenandoah National Park, often found in wooded areas and along streams.

Northern Copperhead

The Northern Copperhead Bite
Northern Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix is a venomous pit viper found in Eastern North America. Image via Deposit Photos

Shenandoah is home to the northern copperhead, a venomous snake species that inhabits rocky terrain and forests.

Wood Duck

wood duck
A beautiful wild wood duck. Image by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash

Wood ducks can be found in Shenandoah National Park, particularly in wetland areas and along streams.

Eastern Towhee

Eastern Towhee. Image via depositphotos,

This bird species inhabits the forests and shrublands of Shenandoah, where its distinctive call can often be heard.

Eastern Painted Turtle

A painted turtle. Image via depositphotos.

These freshwater turtles are found in ponds and streams throughout Shenandoah National Park.

Wild Brook Trout

A brook trout caught at a river in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. This fish was released immediately after I caught it. Make sure you respect wildlife when fishing, by following local regulations. Image by Brian Yurastis on Unsplash.

Shenandoah’s streams and rivers are home to wild populations of brook trout, prized by anglers for their beauty and fighting spirit.

Conclusion

Shenandoah National Park. Image via depositphotos.

As you can see each of these animals plays an important role in their environments and contribute to park. I hope you enjoyed reading about the animals that call Shenandoah National Park home. To read more like this, check out the articles below:

Latest posts by Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology (see all)
Unusual Fall Season For Almost All US States Predicted Spotting A Blue Jay May Be The Universe’s Way Of Telling You What You Need New York Rescue Duck Found Himself An Emotional Support Duck Spotting A Cougar May Be The Universe’s Way Of Telling You What You Need Do Bald Eagles Mate For Life?