Wildlife

Bats

There are at least 14 species of bats in West Virginia. West Virginia bats range in size from the eastern small-footed myotis to the hoary bat.

Birds

When left unmanaged, bird feeders can cause disease spread, attract exotic species, such as European Starlings.

Black Bears

Over the last 50 years, the population of West Virginia's state animal has seen healthy growth. The black bear population in West Virginia is now considered statewide.

Coyotes

West Virginia has an annual regulated trapping season where coyotes can be harvested, along with a continuous open hunting season on coyotes.

Deer

Deer Damage

Feral Swine

Feral swine make up one of the two populations of “wild pigs” that exist within West Virginia; the other population is wild boar.

Habitats

Insect Pollinators

West Virginia’s insect pollinators include bees, butterflies and moths with some wasps, flies, beetles and ants.

Milkweed and Monarch Conservation

Muskrats

The common muskrat is a relatively large, semi-aquatic rodent found in wetlands, streams and other aquatic areas across West Virginia.

Ruffed Grouse

The ruffed grouse is a popular game bird found throughout West Virginia. Reliant on forest habitat, ruffed grouse are nonmigratory and active year-round.

Avoiding Snake Encounters

Tree Squirrels

The eastern gray squirrel and eastern fox squirrel are common small game species found throughout West Virginia. The red squirrel is most commonly found within the more coniferous forests in the eastern portion of the state.

Voles

Voles are semi-fossorial (partly or sometimes found digging and living underground) and are most often noticed by runways through grass, thatch, mulch or leaf litter above the soil layer instead of by the raised tunnels produced by the burrowing moles.