Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! No matter where in the country you live or plan on visiting this year, there is bound to be fascinating wildlife within driving distance. You may see wild animals regularly if you live in the country or the suburbs; if you reside in a large city, it might be a rarer occurrence. Here are just a handful of interesting species you might be able to catch a glimpse of if you plan on traveling in the United States:
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Elephant Seals If you are planning a trip to central or southern California, you might consider a trip to the coastline to see and photograph some northern elephant seals. Elephant seals can be recognized by the large proboscis on the males. The bulls are an average of 15 feet long and can weigh over 5,000 lbs. Some places to see them include the Piedras Blancas Rookery on California Highway 1, Point Bennett on San Miguel Island, and various beaches on Santa Rosa Island.
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Mountain Lions Depending on where you live, you may have heard these big cats called pumas, panthers or cougars. In southwest Texas, they’re called mountain lions, and you can see them at Big Bend National Park. They’re fairly rare to see; they hunt in solitude and they are fast; if you catch a glimpse of one, which would normally occur at dusk or dawn, grab your camera quickly, because chances are it won’t stick around more than a few seconds.
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Alligators and Crocodiles If you live in the southeast, you may have seen alligators laying around ponds and freshwater lakes, basking in the sun. The only place in the world where you can see both alligators and crocodiles at the same time in their natural environment is in the Florida Everglades National Park. You’re more likely to see them in the winter, when the cooler temperatures lure them out of the water and into the sun. Remember that alligators have a broad snout, while crocodiles have a flatter, narrower one. Either way, you won’t want to get too close.
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Prairie Dogs If you find yourself exploring the Badlands of South Dakota, you may be able to see prairie dogs, social little animals that live in underground “towns.” Contrary to what their name would imply, prairie dogs are actually rodents, but they communicate with one another by barking. You can see them all along the main loop in the park, but if you want to be sure to see them, head to Roberts Prairie Dog Town, which is along Sage Creek Rim Road, several miles west of the Pinnacles entrance. One caveat: They might be cute, but they’re also territorial and have been known to bite, so don’t forget that they are wild animals and keep your distance.
As you travel throughout the United States, you can keep your eyes out for beavers, raccoons, coyote, various types of medium-sized and large wild cats, and a nearly endless variety of birds. Before you visit a new location, find a book or website detailing the types of wildlife common to the area, and spend some time with your binoculars and a camera to see if you can sneak a peek at one of the fascinating species that live right in this country.
Do you have a great tip for wildlife viewing? Share it with our readers!
