Appalachian Mountain Cove
Beaver
When settlers were first exploring our country, they were surprised to find large rodents in the ponds and streams. These were our North American Beavers (Castor canadensis). At about 3 to 4 feet long and weighing up to 86 lbs, the average weight being range 44 to 60 lbs, beavers are our largest native aquatic […]
Coastal Plain Gallery
Coyote
The Aztecs deified the coyote (coyotl) as a hunting god, a mischief-maker, and a moon goddess for its baying at the moon. Native American legends portrayed it as a trickster: part god, part animal and part human. Americans are most familiar with its famous howl, which reminds us of the old west. Today the coyote […]
Cypress Swamp
Deer
Bald Eagle
Our national bird, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of the largest raptors in Virginia with a wingspan of up to 8 feet. The female is larger than the male and can weigh up to 14 pounds. The large size and white head and tail feathers of an adult bald eagle and the bright […]
Otter
Raccoon
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is one of the few examples of an animal that has thrived despite human development and sprawl. With its intelligence and adaptability, the raccoon finds its niche in both our backyards and in its normal habitats of stream edges, forests and coastal marshes. Our yards provide homes in chimneys, attics, sheds […]
Red Wolf
In colonial times, red wolves ranged throughout the southeast. Today they are the most endangered mammal in North America. Visitors to the Virginia Living Museum can enjoy watching red wolves along the museum’s outdoor boardwalk. The red wolves are part of a federal Species Survival Plan. The red wolf gets its name from the reddish […]
Skunk and Opossum
Turkey
The wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo) is a large ground-feeding bird that is related to chickens, quail and pheasants. Turkeys prefer to live in open forests, the edges of forests or wooded swamps. They feed on seeds, grains, acorns and other nuts, berries and insects. Turkeys have been known to eat spiders, ticks, snails and slugs, […]
