Mammals

A diverse array of mammals inhabit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, thanks to its variety of wooded areas, open fields, and wetlands. Common sights in the park include eastern chipmunks, red and grey squirrels, woodchucks, and white-tailed deer, particularly at the edges of wooded habitats. At night, raccoons and skunks roam the area, while on rare occasions, visitors might spot a fox, fisher, or even a bear. This diversity of habitats supports a vibrant mammal population, enhancing the park's ecosystem.

 

At Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller

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  Bats

  If you happen to be around the park at dusk, you might catch a glimpse of one of the lesser known and mysterious evening residents.

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  Coyotes

  Once hunted extensively, protected areas like Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller have allowed coyote populations to thrive.

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  Black Bears

  Black bears are frequently seen at the park during the early summer months after they have emerged from their winter dens.

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  Porcupines

  Porcupines can be spotted in the forest around dawn and dusk.

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  Fishers

  Although the park contains ample second-growth old forests, fishers are rarely seen due to their crepuscular activity patterns.

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  Bobcats

  Silent and elusive, bobcats are rarely spotted at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller.

 

Species Spotlight Articles

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  Eastern Coyote - Species Spotlight

  The eastern coyote... inhabits the entire east coast stretching as far west as Ohio. Highly adaptable, equally at home in many places.

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  Short-tailed Shrew - Species Spotlight

  Shrews take their place in the family tree of “insectivores”, a branch of which that includes the moles.

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  Bat Monitoring and White Nose Syndrome

  Unfortunately, a new disease called white-nose syndrome is affecting bats across the United States.

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  Snowshoe Hare - Species Spotlight

  Snowshoe hares are highly adapted to the snowy, cold environments of the northern US & Canada. Read more about this color-shifting creature.