So You Think You Want to See a Buckeye Buck in the Wild? A Guide to Ohio's Crazy Critters
Ohio. Home to astronauts, Neil Armstrong himself, and...uh...corn? Believe it or not, the Buckeye State is teeming with wild animals, from the adorable to the downright derpy. So, grab your binoculars (or a spork, in a pinch) and get ready for a crash course in Ohio's furry, feathered, and occasionally slimy friends.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
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| What Wild Animals Are In Ohio |
The Main Event: Mammals You Might Actually See
- White-tailed Deer: Practically Ohio's mascot, these graceful grazers are a common sight. Fun fact: They can leap over fences taller than your car...so maybe don't tailgate them.
- Raccoons: These masked bandits are nature's ninjas, rummaging through your trash cans with the stealth of a drunken toddler. Top tip: Raccoons have a thing for shiny objects. Don't tempt fate with your chrome hubcaps.
- Eastern Gray Squirrels: These bushy-tailed acrobats are basically daredevils, leaping from branch to branch with reckless abandon. Word of caution: Don't get between a squirrel and its next nut fix. Hangry squirrels are not cute.
Bonus Round: When You Least Expect Them
- Bobcats: These shy predators are making a comeback in Ohio. Good to know: Bobcats look kinda like adorable little mountain lions. Don't get too close...adorable or not, they're wild animals.
- Coyotes: The ultimate opportunists, these canine tricksters are filling the niche left by wolves. Fun fact: Coyotes are surprisingly good singers. Their nighttime serenades are...unique.
- Beavers: Nature's architects, these busy builders can create impressive dams. Heads up: Beavers can be territorial. Don't be that tourist who gets bitten trying to pet a beaver.
Don't Forget to Look Up (or Down)!
- Bald Eagles: These majestic birds are a symbol of America and can sometimes be spotted soaring over Ohio's skies. Maybe don't do this: Bald eagles are excellent hunters. Stealing their lunch (fish) is a bad idea.
- Wild Turkeys: These gobbledygoobers are surprisingly common. Be warned: they can fly surprisingly fast for such big birds.
- Snakes: Ohio has a variety of slithering serpents, from the common garter snake to the venomous copperhead. Respect the nope ropes: Admire snakes from a safe distance.
Remember: This is just a taste of Ohio's wild side. There are plenty of other fascinating creatures to discover, from playful otters to screeching owls.
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How to Spot Wildlife in Ohio?
1. How to find animals? Get away from the city lights! Head to state parks, forests, or wildlife areas.2. How to be quiet? Animals are shy. Shhh!3. How to be patient? Wildlife watching isn't a zoo. You might have to wait a while to see something cool.4. How to be respectful? Leave no trace! Don't feed the animals and clean up after yourself.5. How to be safe? Know what animals are in the area and keep your distance, especially from predators.
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