There's a reason our state is known as 'Wild Wonderful West Virginia,' and it's not just because it looks good on welcome signs and license plates. West Virginia offers a wealth of wildlife that's tough to beat in the lower 48 states, and our real estate agents' locale in Pocahontas County is a great place to experience that. 

Whether your reason for visiting West Virginia is hiking, hunting, fishing, or bird watching, you can count on seeing some wild creatures. Here's what you need to know about wildlife watching in Pocahontas County this summer. 

Wildlife of West Virginia

You have a good chance to see large mammals like white-tailed deer and black bears in the forests of Pocahontas County. Red and gray foxes, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, and rabbits are also common, and wetland areas are home to beaver, mink, and muskrats.

Pocahontas County is known for excellent bird watching too. Many species of thrushes, vireos, warblers, and flycatchers can be seen here, particularly at higher elevations. Bald eagles are occasionally sighted, along with other birds of prey, including osprey and harriers. 

Fish are also abundant in Pocahontas County. The Greenbrier River offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing, while many mountain streams offer brook, brown, and rainbow trout. 

Where to See Wildlife in Pocahontas County

Pocahontas County includes a lot of wild, undeveloped land. Much of it is accessible to the general public through state and national forests, state parks, and wildlife management areas.

Of course, if you live here, you know that a wild critter or two might wander right into your backyard at any time! But if you really want to see the animals that call Pocahontas County home, check out these places: 

• Monongahela National Forest: 
  With its main office located just a few minutes from these Durbin homes for sale, the enormous Greenbriar Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest offers miles of trails for wildlife viewing. Raptors, including bald eagles, circle its mountain peaks, and wild brook trout inhabit many of its streams. 
  
  
• Seneca State Forest: 
  Popular among hikers as well as hunters during certain seasons, Seneca State Forest is a great place to see deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and various small game near these Dunmore homes for sale.
  
  
• Cranberry Glades: 
  Preserving a unique area of bogs that are more typically found in Canada than in West Virginia, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is known as one of the best bird-watching spots in the state. Many species of flycatchers and warblers seen here are seldom observed this far south.
  
  
• Greenbrier River Trail: 
  The Greenbriar River Trail stretches the whole length of Pocahontas County from north to south, passing close to communities like Snowshoe, where you'll find some beautiful Snowshoe homes for sale. You can spot a wide range of native wildlife while you hike or bike this route. 
  
  
• Watoga State Park: 
  The 10,000-acre Watoga State Park was a wildlife and timber preserve before it was redesignated as a state park. Deer, raccoons, and the occasional black bear are still seen here, and the summer night skies are patrolled by bats and owls. 

Know Before You Go

Although seeing wildlife in its natural setting can be thrilling, remember to always keep a respectful distance and not approach wildlife too closely. Never feed wild animals, and follow leave-no-trace principles while you're out in their world.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. If you're looking for your dream home, our real estate agents can help you find it in Pocahontas County.