Shenandoah National Park has over 50 mammals species. They have over 200 bird species and 51 reptile and amphibian species. The amount of insect species is unknown. Shenandoah is a perfect place to observe wildlife. The most common animals seen are squirrel, deer, ground hog, and rabbits. The coolest to see are, White Tailed Deer, American Black Bear, and the Barred owl. American Black Bear is the only type of bear found in Shenandoah National Park. The White Tailed Deer is very common to find in Shenandoah and is completely harmless. The Barred Owl is rarely found at day but is mostly out at night searching for food. Feeding, chasing, or approaching is not a loud in Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah has te largest black bear refuge in the state.
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American black bearThere has been many sightings of black bears in Shenandoah National Park. A Black Bear is also known as a Ursus americanus. The only type of bear found in Shenandoah National Park is the Black Bear. There are 5,000 to 6,000 living in Virginia today. Male black bears are around five to six feet long and two to three feet tall and they normally weigh near 100 and 300 pounds. Females usually weigh between 100 and 175 pounds. They're not found in the Coastal Range in Virginia. Bears are mostly awake at dawn but are sometimes found in the daylight. Black bears are carnivores but they will sometimes eat out of trash cans.
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white tailed deerWhite Tailed Deer, also known as,Odocoileus virginianus, which is the scientific name. They're found in all of Virginia and over half of the United States. All deer are carnivores so they only eat wildflowers, grass, and leaves. They weigh from 110 to 300 pounds and are six to eight feet. Deer always travel in herds or small groups of 3. Their coats are usually reddish-brown but in the winter they turn greyish-brown.
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Barred owlThe scientific name for a Barred Owl is Strix varia. They're found in forests mostly near water, they live in North America. Their wing span is about three feet and they're usually one and a half feet tall. They are mostly one pound. Their colors are neutral colors to help blend in with trees. They eat shrinks, mice, rabbits, rats, and etc. They hunt only at night and sleep during the day. Barred owls are found at dark time in Shenandoah but are sometimes seen in the day.
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