Beyond the Backyard: Wildlife Wonders of Connecticut

New England is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife and scenery. When most think of wildlife, they think exotic. While you won’t find exotic in Connecticut, you will find incredible diversity. From dense woods to beautiful beaches and it’s marine life. 

We love our domesticated pets. This is why bringing them to a trusted animal clinic in Westport, Connecticut, is so important. But there’s more than backyard animals to offer. Let’s take a deep dive into the different kinds of wildlife you will find throughout the beautiful state of Connecticut. 

First, Exploring the Mammals

Connecticut has incredible diversity within its forests and fields. For starters, the great black bear wanders this area, and every year, there is an increase in sightings closer to the suburbs. Where there are bears, there are also beautiful doe-eyed deer. Specifically, the white-tailed deer that resembles Bambi. 

Anywhere there is an open field, you may see cottontail rabbits resembling Thumber while they are naming Disney characters. But these rabbits must keep a lookout because these same areas are home to both red and gray foxes. 

Beavers and bobcats are two mammals you’ll want to stay away from. While beavers are more friendly and found near the rivers, bobcats can sometimes be mistaken for domesticated animals. 

Away with the Birds

For those who love to birdwatch, they’ll be happy when visiting Connecticut. Home to the Long Island Sound, you will see that it attracts diverse waterfowl and shorebirds. But, the forests are also an adventure filled with songbirds and raptors. Here are a few species you may run into. 

• Ospreys nest near the waterways and can be seen nosediving to get fish. 
• The Bald Eagle is an incredible sight and is highly protected by conservancy.
• The Red-Tailed Hawk is a little less friendly and a scary yet powerful sight. 
• Beautiful Cardinals and Red-Robins can be spotted in suburban areas and forests. 

Spending time in conservation lands is one of the best ways to see these flying fellas. 

What About Amphibians?

While it may be a surprise, Connecticut has an array ot wetlands that support reptile and amphibian life. Turtles are some of the most prevalent. Eastern box turtles have a very ornate dome-like shell while snapping turtles are known for snapping. Snapping turtles tend to hang out in the marshes and ponds.

You’ll also see some friendly American Bullfrogs who can be heard singing and croaking in the summer. And while less common, salamanders do make their way to Connecticut in early spring. 

Marine and Aquatic Life

The beautiful coast of Connecticut has much to offer. The Long Island Sound boasts striped bass, blue crabs, whales, seals, and much more. Connecticut also has beautiful freshwater habitats where trout live, as well as some of the amphibians mentioned above. 

As waters have warmed, whale-watching tours are quite popular, and it is not uncommon to see certain shark species swimming around. 

Best Practices for Sightseeing

Connecticut, luckily, has many conservation sites worth seeing. They have state parks, wildlife refuges, and the Connecticut Audubon Society to help protect its beauty. Here are some general best practices to consider. 

• Bluff Point State Park and White Memorial Conservation Center are two exceptional places to visit and are amongst the most popular in the entire state. 
• Field guides and binoculars can make a world of difference when trying to sot wildlife. This keeps you in your space and out of theirs. 
• In order to see some of the best wildlife, you need to have a lot of patience. It takes some patience to spot what type of animal you are looking for. 
• Seasons play a big role in when you are trying to see certain wildlife. Some animals go away for the winter while others come out. 

Relying on local centers to help guide you through their area of Connecticut is a big resource. This is especially true for newcomers. 

Make a Bucketlist

Connecticut is a state that has a lot to offer. Whether you live there or are just visiting it is worth making a bucket list to cross one thing off at a time. If you are not sure where to start, we recommend heading to the Connecticut Audubon website.