White-Tailed Deer

Scientific Name: Odocoileus virginianus

White-tailed deer are native to the Americas. They have a reddish-brown coat in the spring which turns grey-brown in the fall and winter. They are named for the characteristic white underside of their tail. White-tailed deer can be found in almost all habitats across the U.S., even suburban and urban areas! In some areas, a lack of natural predators has caused their populations to grow out of control, causing local governments to put measures in place to control and lower their spread. 

Red Fox

Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpes

Red foxes take their name from their reddish fur that covers their face, back, and tail. They have a white or gray stomach, a white-tipped tail, black feet, and black-tipped ears. Red foxes’ habitats include woodlands, rural neighborhoods, wetlands, and fields. These foxes are native to the United States and range across most of the country, though they are rare in Southwestern states. They are solitary, which has made it easy for red foxes to adapt to living in suburban areas.

American Black Bear

Scientific Name: Ursus americanus

Black bears are the most common bears in North America, and their habitats range from forests to alpine areas, meaning they are found in a vast area of the country. Black bears are omnivorous and able to climb trees to search for food. They hibernate for up to six months during the winter, remaining in their dens without eating or drinking. They are mostly solitary except for when raising their young.

Bobcat

Scientific Name: Penstemon digitalis

The bobcat, also known as the red lynx, is a species native to North America. It gets its name from its short bobbed tail. Bobcats live in a range of habitats, from mountains to semi-deserts. They are most active during twilight and in the early morning hours, when they stalk their prey along a habitual hunting route. They are carnivores and scavengers, feeding on rabbits, birds, bats, and even deer in times of food scarceness. 

Eastern Red-Back Salamander

Scientific Name: Plethodon cinereus

The Eastern Red-Back Salamander, also called the Northern Red-Back Salamander, thrives in woodland areas under rocks. They do not have lungs and must live in moist or wet habitats in order to breathe. They are usually about six to ten centimeters long. This salamander is native to eastern North America.  

Eastern American Toad

Scientific Name: Anaxyrus americanus

Eastern American Toads live in nearly every habitat, from forests to flat grassland. However, they need a semi-permanent, shallow freshwater pond or pool, such as a vernal pool, in order to breed.

This toad reaches about 2 to 3.5 inches in size. In the winter, they hibernate under the soil or leaf litter, until their breeding season begins once warmer weather arrives.

Common Garter Snake

Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis

The Common Garter Snake is native to North America. Garter snakes are harmless, but may secrete a foul scent if they are handled. They are usually found in moist, grassy environments, usually near lakes, streams, or ponds where they can flee in case of danger. These snakes are typically brown, black, or green, with yellow stripes. This species has up to 13 subspecies found across the United States!

Five-Lined Skink

Scientific Name: Plestiodon fasciatus

These skinks, native to the eastern United States, are also known as blue-tailed skinks due to the vibrant blue tail found on juveniles of the species. They live in many woodland habitats, with a preference for damp areas. These skinks can detach their tail from their bodies when threatened as a tactic to distract predators. They can be 5 to 8.5 inches in length in adulthood.

Eastern Carpenter Bee

Scientific Name: Xylocopa virginica

The Eastern carpenter bee is a large, solitary bee native to eastern North America. Unlike honeybees, these bees burrow into wood to create their nests and can damage buildings. They are important pollinators for various flowers, though their size can sometimes damage delicate blossoms. Despite their intimidating appearance, Eastern carpenter bees are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting humans.

Monarch Butterfly

Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus

Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, have bright orange and black wings, which serve as a warning to predators about their toxicity. They are known for their migration of thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico each fall. Monarchs rely on milkweed plants for laying their eggs and as a food source for their caterpillars. Due to habitat loss and environmental changes, monarch butterfly populations have been declining, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.

Eastern Bumblebee

Scientific Name: Bombus impatiens

Although it's common to be scared of bees, they are actually one of the most beneficial insects around! Eastern bumblebees are highly efficient pollinators for many crucial crops, such as cucumbers, blueberries, and tomatoes. They have fur all over their body for carrying pollen between plants. They are found throughout the eastern United States, often living near gardens, farms, and meadows. They nest in woodland areas and fields.

Promethea Silkmoth

Scientific Name: Callosamia Promethea

The Promethea Silkmoth is also known as the spicebush silkmoth because the spicebush is one of the moths' favorite host plants. This moth is native to the eastern United States forests. Silkmoths are able to produce silk when they create their cocoon, in which they undergo metamorphosis from larva to adult moths.

Black-and-White Warbler

Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia

The black-and-white warbler is a small songbird found in North and Central America. It is named for its distinctive black-and-white striped plumage. This warbler primarily feeds on insects and spiders, making it an important predator of tree-dwelling pests. It migrates long distances and spends its winters in the southern United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Barn Swallow

Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica

Barn swallows migrate over long distances, from breeding grounds in North America to wintering grounds in Central and South America. Their winter migration can begin as early as June. They have a bright blue color on their upper feathers. They are distinguished from other North American swallows by their long forked tail. They can be spotted in fields, meadows, and farmlands as they search for food.

Connecticut Warbler

Scientific Name: Oporornis agilis

The Connecticut warbler is an elusive songbird that breeds in Canada and the northern United States. It is olive-brown and yellow in color, with a distinctive gray hood on its head and throat. Unlike many other warblers, it prefers to stay hidden in dense vegetation, making it difficult to spot. During migration, the Connecticut warbler undertakes a long journey to spend the winters in South America, passing through the eastern United States.

Northern Waterthrush

Scientific Name: Parkesia noveboracensis

The Northern Waterthrush is a large warbler often found in wet, forested habitats throughout North America. It has distinct brownish-olive feathers and a heavily streaked breast. These waterthrushes can be spotted searching for food, such as insects, along the edges of streams, ponds, and bogs. During migration, the Northern Waterthrush travels to Central and South America, where it winters in tropical forests and mangroves