Virginia State Parks would like you to meet your neighbors. They may be a little shy at times, but they are a pretty wild bunch. 

One thing you miss by being inside is what lives outside, animals. When you step outside into the great outdoors you have the opportunity to visit some of your living breathing neighbors at their house. We ask that you follow the protocol of "take only photographs and leave only footprints" when you do, always providing ample space between yourself and any wild animal you may encounter. 

Meet some of your wild neighbors at Virginia State Parks

If you have ever been to a Virginia State Park and thought "Boy that is really overgrown, why don't they mow that?" Then you may have encountered a managed wildlife habitat. Parks are managed with our wildlife neighbors in mind, to provide places to live, hide, and bear young. We are actually the visitors there, in their neighborhoods, and this is why we are called the Department of Conservation and Recreation and why our website begins with DCR.

One thing you miss by being inside is what lives outside, animals. When you step outside into the great outdoors you have the opportunity to visit some of your living breathing neighbors at their house. We ask that you follow the protocol of "take only photographs and leave only footprints" when you do, always providing ample space between yourself and any wild animal you may encounter. 

If you have ever been to a Virginia State Park and thought "Boy that is really overgrown, why don't they mow that?" Then you may have encountered a managed wildlife habitat. Parks are managed with our wildlife neighbors in mind, to provide places to live, hide, and bear young. We are actually the visitors there, in their neighborhoods, and this is why we are called the Department of Conservation and Recreation and why our website begins with DCR.

Boardwalk leading to the wildlife viewing platform at Westmoreland State Park

The wildlife viewing platform gives park visitors a safe place to observe our wild neighbors, and this also helps with education

PART 6: THE WILDLIFE

I remember a conversation with someone who felt it was not a good idea to use a photo of a harp seal in an article, they said "Most visitors will never see one, nor know they are there." Exactly! You would not know they are there, or what wildlife lives at a Virginia State Park.

At times we are given these rare opportunities to encounter wildlife unexpectedly like Sammy Zambon, Visitor Experience Specialist did when he went to take photos of one of our newest Virginia State Parks acquisitions, Natural Bridge. There he saw a mink, which we were excited to share on our Facebook page here.

When, if ever have you seen a real live mink? Learn more about Southwestern Minks here from VDGIF, you will note that this mink is not on the map for its usual territory in Virginia.

A mink with a fish at Natural Bridge State Park

A state endangered species the chicken turtle is a semiaquatic species that is only known to occur at two locations in Virginia, one being First Landing State Park

A Salamander found during a park event "The Salamander Meander"

Grayson Highlands State Park

Unlike the mink found out of its "normal territory" and the rare chicken turtle, salamanders are species endemic to the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain Ranges and are amphibians. There are dozens of varieties of Salamanders in Virginia, click here to learn more and be sure to visit the Virginia Herpetological Society website here to see photos and maps of where they can be found.

America is rich in salamanders, having more than all the rest of the world combined. And Virginia has approximately 10% (55) of the world's species. By comparison West Virginia has 34 species. 

Trivia: A group of salamanders is called a congress  

A harp seal on the beach at False Cape State Park

Male Osprey providing for his family at First Landing State Park

Remember to respect wildlife and give them space

Dogs and children are expected to be supervised within Virginia State Parks 

Wildlife can be discovered year-round if you know where to look

Our Backyard

We as Virginians are so privileged to share our backyard with a wide diversity of wildlife. Did you know there are more than 10,000 species of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and different classes of invertebrates may be found from the deep in the Atlantic Ocean to Virginia's highest mountaintop Mt. Rogers which is nearby Grayson Highlands State Park? We want to take care of our own backyard.

Virginia State Parks preserves and protects wildlife

Education

Something else you may not be aware of is that Virginia State Parks offers field trips to groups. Here is an example from our events database from Chippokes State Park along the James River:

                             Chippokes is sure to be a favorite outing for your school, friends, church, family, or civic group!  The landscape and view sheds reflect prehistoric and historic habitation.  Your group is bound to benefit from a guided program involving some of our resources; historic structures that include homes, dependencies, and barns, four 19th and early 20th century carriages, The Farm and Forestry Museum, Sawmill exhibit, 17th century road trace, six-acre formal garden, documented archeological sites, 22 acres of James River beach, habitat for 24 species of threatened/endangered plants and animals and nesting bald eagles, tidal creeks, 891 acres of forested areas, 516 acres of open land, 190 acres of wetlands, and our facilities and rentals. Call today to find out more on our educational and interpretive programs.  Ask about our SOL focused programs.  Most programs can be tailored to the needs of your next field trip or outing. Please schedule at least one month ahead of the date that your group is arriving. Fees vary according to the type of program or activity you are interested in. A majority of our programs and activities cost $3 per individual.

Visit our events database to find other nature programs for families, individuals and self-guided learning adventures.

We also offer environmental centers that house educational exhibits like the Trail Center at First Landing State Park that is adjacent to the Bald Cypress Swamp and boardwalk.

Click here to see a listing with detailed descriptions of mammals found in Virginia. How many of these have you seen at a Virginia State Park?

Previous articles in this series showcasing 10 reasons to fall in love with Virginia State Parks can be found below:

• "Part 1: The People" can be found here.
• "Part 2: The Accommodations" can be found here.
• "Part 3: The Water" can be found here.
• "Part 4: The Food" can be found here.
• "Part 5: The Space" can be found here.

FIND YOUR PARK