Animals

River Wildlife

The Lower Delaware River’s diverse land and vegetation support curious fish and wildlife habitats. Half of the 1,200+ threatened or endangered species rely on rivers and streams for survival.

Mammals

• Beaver and river otter are present in the Delaware River

• Four threatened bat species live in the river area

• Deer populations have significantly increased in the late 20th century

• The increase in deer population has posed a threat to certain plant species and herbivores that rely on them for food

Birds

• Forest and Grasslands near the Delaware River provide food waste and shelter for birds

• Residents and migratory birds can be found in wet flood plain areas

• Federally listed endangered osprey and state-listed bald eagles' nest near the river

• Peregrine falcons inhabit the highest bluffs overlooking the river

• Threatened species like great blue heron, upland sandpiper, northern harrier, and red-headed woodpecker reside in the river corridor

• Delaware River is a crucial part of the Atlantic Flyway

• The Atlantic Flyway is on of the four major waterfowl routes in North America

Reptiles

• Reptiles and amphibians such as painted turtles can be founds around the river

• Reptiles serve as important links in the local food chain

Fish, Mussels and Sponges

• The Delaware River is home to resident fish species including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, hybrid muskellunge, bullhead, white perch and walleye pike.

• Trout are stocked in the streams that flow into the main river

• Due to improving water quality, seasonal migration of striped bass, shad and herring, upstream to their spawning areas has increased.

• The federally listed endangered Shortnose Sturgeon can be found in river segments between Philadelphia PA and Lambertville NJ.

• The globally rare Atlantic Sturgeon can swim upriver as far as Trenton NJ.

• Tohickon Creek PA, a stream of very high-water quality, has rare species of freshwater mussels and sponges.