Native Animals of Maine
For people who love to observe native wildlife, Maine is one of the best places in the world. In a previous article, I discussed some of Maine’s most beautiful and exotic airborne creatures — its birds. The sky isn’t the only place you’ll find beautiful and unique animals, though. With a diverse geography that boasts forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and ocean, Maine is home to an amazing range of animals.
Photo by Waldo Jaquith
In all of the United States, Maine is one of just a few states where you might spot a moose in the wild. These massive animals, which can be more than seven feet tall, are closely related to both deer and elk, and are found in large numbers throughout northern Maine, though they occasionally venture south as well. According to recent estimates, the population of moose in Maine is as high as 29,0000. Because the animal is so populous, it is also commonly hunted throughout the state, though hunters are only permitted to purchase a moose-hunting license every second year. Those who get a license to hunt moose must make sure that they have an empty deep freezer available — a moose carcass can produce more than 600 pounds of meat!
Another one of Maine’s most exotic animals is the black bear, which can be found throughout New England, Canada, and Alaska. Maine has one of the highest populations of black bears east of the Mississippi River, with more than 22,000 bears, who live in Maine’s huge tracts of undisturbed forestland. These large bears can weigh anywhere between 100 and 600 pounds, and are capable of running at speeds of 25 miles an hour. Even though they may seem frightening, there’s little reason to be alarmed by the sight of a black bear — unlike the grizzly, a black bear will attack a human under only the rarest of circumstances. Spiders, snakes, dogs, wasps, and bees cause many more deaths each year than black bears do. Nevertheless, if you do happen to see a black bear in the wild, it’s best to exercise caution and admire from afar.
The beaver is also very common throughout Maine. These large rodents love all the vast expanses of lakes and rivers in the state, where they build their own dams and lodges out of sticks and mud. Beavers are sometimes as long as four feet, and may weigh more than 60 pounds. They live in family groups, with a breeding pair and their offspring, who all share a single lodge. It’s not at all uncommon in Maine to see a beaver or two swimming in a lake or river. You also might come across the beavers’ lodge in the water, which may be as high as five or six feet.
Maine is home to a range of other water-loving animals. Here, you can find a variety of whales off the Atlantic shore, including the finback, the humpback, and the minke. Though you’re not always likely to see these animals from the shore, there are many different options for whale-watching tours that will lead you right to the whales’ favorite feeding spots in the Gulf of Maine. On these tours, you’ll also have great opportunities to see harbor seals sunning themselves on the rocks, along with the occasional porpoise.
For a great experience spotting wildlife in Maine, it’s important to be respectful of the animal. Never tease, taunt, or chase him — simply observe the animal and let him go about his usual business. Feel free to use binoculars for a better view, and take some photographs of the animal if you like — otherwise, your friends will never believe that you spotted a moose or a black bear in the wild.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on June 18, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Lakes, Hiking, Wildlife, Land
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