Mammals

A groundhog surrounded by buttercups sits alert in park meadow.

NPS Photo

Many species of mammals inhabit Valley Forge National Historical Park. Spring and summer are the best times to observe these mammals because the species that spend most or all of the winter in dens are active.

Hibernating Species

The most commonly observed hibernating species of mammal include the common skunk and the groundhog, also known as the woodchuck or whistle-pig.

Woodland Species

While hiking the trails through the forests of Mt. Joy and Mt. Misery, visitors often encounter white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and eastern chipmunks. The red fox is the largest known resident predator in the park. In the spring the young can often be seen at their den’s "door."

Meadow Species

Foxes can also be observed hunting or "mousing" in the tall grass meadows, which harbor populations of voles and field mice. Another mainstay of the meadows is the groundhog, seen grazing, standing alert, and scurrying into burrows throughout the park. Eastern cottontails, mice, voles, shrews and moles also abound in a wide variety of habitats.

Recently, coyote sightings have increased, and while their residency status in the park remains undocumented, their addition to the wildlife dynamic and food chain hierarchy will be exciting to observe. Bats can be observed at night hunting insects over the tall grass meadows.

In late May and early June, white-tailed deer give birth to gentle fawns. Learn more here!