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 confirmed 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 unconfirmed, their participation in the wildlife dynamic and food chain hierarchy is exciting to observe.

Bats can be observed at night hunting insects over the tall grass meadows.

 

A White-tailed deer fawn at Valley Forge

Photo by Bill Moses

At Valley Forge, white-tailed deer fawns are usually born between mid-May and July, and can sometimes be spotted hiding in tall grass or in woodland areas. It is important to leave these quiet and beautiful creatures alone!

Learn more about fawns at Valley Forge!