N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
New Hampshire

From alpine peaks to a short but vibrant Atlantic coast, New Hampshire packs boreal forests, moose country, and seabird-rich estuaries into a small state.
193 Species
23,187 km² Land Area
Overview

About New Hampshire

New Hampshire's wildlife follows a steep north–south change: boreal forests and rugged mountains in the north shift to mixed hardwoods, wetlands, and river valleys in the south, with a small but rich Atlantic coast. The state sits where Canadian and temperate New England species meet, so moose and spruce-fir stands are nearby, while migratory songbirds, raptors, and coastal specialists are common. Key ecosystems include the White Mountains' high-elevation spruce-fir forests and alpine zones—rare in the Northeast and acting as places where cold-loving plants and animals can survive as the climate changes. Lakes, ponds, peatlands, and beaver wetlands are nurseries for amphibians, dragonflies, and waterfowl. The Connecticut and Merrimack rivers are migration highways, and the Great Bay Estuary and salt marshes concentrate shorebirds and marine life. You can move between these habitats in a single day.

Physical Features

Geography

New Hampshire changes quickly from a short Atlantic shore to river valleys, lakes, and the high White Mountains. Cooler high elevation forests and alpine zones in the north support boreal species and mountain specialists. Southern lowlands and the Merrimack and Connecticut corridors have mixed hardwoods, wetlands, floodplains, and areas changed by people. Glacial lakes and many streams shape wildlife.

23,187 km² (land area) Land Area
46th largest U.S. state Size Rank
United States Country
State Type
Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,917 m (Mount Washington)

Coastline

Atlantic Ocean shoreline (~29 km/18 mi) with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, coastal dunes, and estuarine habitats (notably Great Bay and associated salt marshes/tidal flats).

Key Landscapes

White Mountains (northern Appalachians), including subalpine and alpine zones Mount Washington and surrounding Presidential Range high-elevation habitats Great North Woods: extensive conifer and mixed forest landscapes near the Canadian border Lakes Region (e.g., Lake Winnipesaukee) and other glacial lakes/ponds with associated shorelines and wetlands Connecticut River valley (western border): riparian forests, floodplains, and backwater wetlands Merrimack River basin (central-southern): major river corridor and tributary stream networks influencing connectivity and species movement
State Symbols

Official Wildlife Symbols

bird

Purple finch

Designated 1957

animal

White-tailed deer

Designated 1981

fish

Brook trout

Designated 1955

insect

Ladybug

Designated 1977

amphibian

Spotted salamander

Designated 1987

wildflower

Purple lilac

Designated 1919

tree

White birch

Designated 1947

Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

New Hampshire's protected areas mix large federal northern mountain forests (especially White Mountain National Forest), coastal and estuary lands around Great Bay and the short Atlantic shore, plus many state parks, forests, wildlife areas, and private lands saved by land trusts. Protection focuses on high spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests, major rivers (Connecticut, Merrimack), and tidal marshes for migratory birds.

Protected Coverage

≈28-30% of New Hampshire's land is under some form of permanent conservation protection (public ownership and/or conservation easements).

National Parks & Preserves

White Mountain National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)

~750,000 acres (about 3,000 km²) total (most in NH, some in ME)

The largest block of public land in the state and the core of New Hampshire's high-elevation and northern forest conservation. It includes extensive spruce-fir and northern hardwood habitat, headwater streams, alpine zones, and multiple congressionally designated wilderness areas-supporting wide-ranging mammals and sensitive montane birds.

Moose American black bear Canada lynx (rare/occasional) American marten Bicknell's thrush

Appalachian National Scenic Trail (New Hampshire section, National Park Service)

~160 miles (~260 km) within NH (a protected corridor rather than a single contiguous park)

A federally protected ridgeline corridor running through many of the state's most intact mountain habitats, including Franconia and Presidential ranges. It provides landscape connectivity for wildlife and protects high-elevation nesting and foraging areas used by rare and climate-sensitive species.

Peregrine falcon Moose American black bear Bicknell's thrush Snowshoe hare

Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NOAA / NH partnership)

~10,000 acres (~4,000 ha) of reserve lands and waters (approx.)

One of the Northeast's key protected estuary systems, conserving tidal marshes, eelgrass beds, and upland buffers that support migratory shorebirds/waterfowl, estuarine fish nurseries, and coastal raptors. It's also central to long-term monitoring of marsh loss and sea-level-rise impacts.

Saltmarsh sparrow Osprey Bald eagle Great blue heron American eel

State & Provincial Parks

Franconia Notch State Park

~6,692 acres (approx.)

A major mountain pass with cliffs, conifer forests, and coldwater streams/lakes; well known for raptor nesting and as a gateway to high-elevation habitats adjacent to the White Mountain National Forest.

Peregrine falcon Moose American black bear Brook trout Bicknell's thrush

Bear Brook State Park

~10,000 acres (approx.)

The state's largest developed state park, protecting a broad block of mixed forest, wetlands, and ponds that support beavers, owls, and forest interior birds close to the Merrimack Valley.

Beaver River otter Barred owl Wild turkey White-tailed deer

Pawtuckaway State Park

~5,000 acres (approx.)

A high-quality mix of lake, wetland, and forest habitat in southeastern NH, important for amphibians/reptiles, wetland birds, and beaver-influenced ecological processes.

Beaver Great blue heron Painted turtle Barred owl Pileated woodpecker

Odiorne Point State Park

~135 acres (approx.)

Coastal rocky shore and nearshore marine habitats that offer strong birding (especially during migration and winter) and access to productive coastal waters used by seals and forage fish.

Common eider Harbor seal Snowy owl (winter visitor) Purple sandpiper Striped bass

Wildlife Refuges

Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

~29,000 acres (approx.)

A large lake-and-wetland complex in northern NH supporting iconic North Country wildlife and high waterbird diversity; a top location for loon viewing, wetland raptors, and boreal-leaning species.

Common loon Moose Bald eagle American black bear Brook trout

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

~1,000-1,200 acres (approx.)

Protects tidal marsh, forest, and freshwater wetlands adjacent to the Great Bay estuary, providing critical feeding and staging habitat for migratory birds and supporting rare salt-marsh specialists.

Saltmarsh sparrow Bald eagle Osprey American black duck Northern harrier

Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) - New Hampshire units

Refuge complex totals ~36,000 acres across 4 states; NH units are smaller, distributed parcels

A watershed-based refuge focused on conserving floodplain forests, riparian corridors, and wetlands in the Connecticut River basin; New Hampshire parcels contribute to habitat connectivity for river-dependent wildlife and migratory birds.

Wood turtle River otter Bald eagle Atlantic salmon (watershed species) American black bear

Wilderness Areas

  • Great Gulf Wilderness (WMNF)
  • Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness (WMNF)
  • Pemigewasset Wilderness (WMNF)
  • Wild River Wilderness (WMNF)
  • Sandwich Range Wilderness (WMNF)
Animals

Wildlife

New Hampshire's wildlife is shaped by a steep ecological gradient: high-elevation spruce-fir and alpine communities in the White Mountains (with a distinctly boreal feel), extensive northern forest and lake country, and warmer southern mixed hardwood forests and river valleys, plus a short but productive Atlantic coastline and estuaries. This mix supports classic North Woods mammals, montane specialty birds, abundant freshwater fish, and regionally important coastal migrants.

≈70-75 species (including bats and marine visitors) Mammals
≈300-330 species (strongly boosted by migration and coastal/estuary use) Birds
≈18-22 species Reptiles
≈20-22 species Amphibians
≈85-100 species (freshwater plus anadromous/coastal species) Fish
Examples

Iconic Species

Moose
Moose A defining North Woods species; New Hampshire is famous for moose viewing in northern forests, wetlands, and along lake/pond edges.
American Black Bear
American Black Bear Widespread in forested landscapes; often seen in spring and summer around berry patches and mast-producing hardwoods.
Common Loon
Common Loon A signature bird of New Hampshire lakes; its breeding presence and calls define the summer lake experience.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle A major recovery story; now regularly nests and forages along large rivers and lakes, especially where fish are abundant.
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon Nests on cliffs and some tall structures; a celebrated comeback species and a highlight in mountain and urban-edge settings.
Canada Lynx
Canada Lynx A boreal specialist that draws interest because sightings are uncommon; most likely in the far north near spruce-fir forests and snowshoe hare habitat.
American Marten A charismatic, forest-interior carnivore associated with higher-elevation and northern conifer forests; sought by wildlife watchers in the White Mountains region.
Brook Trout
Brook Trout A hallmark cold-water fish of New Hampshire's streams and ponds; emblematic of intact, cool headwaters and backcountry waters.
Harbor Seal
Harbor Seal Seasonal coastal visitor; commonly seen hauled out near the mouth of the Piscataqua River and around nearshore ledges/islands.

Endemic & Rare Species

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

Globally vulnerable/at-risk; rare breeder with a limited range

Breeds in dense, high-elevation spruce-fir thickets; the White Mountains are a key part of its global breeding range.

New England Cottontail

Sylvilagus transitionalis

Regionally rare; conservation-dependent shrubland specialist

Requires young forest and dense shrub thickets that have declined; New Hampshire supports targeted habitat work to maintain populations.

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

Federally threatened (Atlantic Coast population)

Nests on sandy beaches; New Hampshire's short coastline makes each nesting attempt especially important, with intensive monitoring/protection.

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

State-endangered/rare at the northern edge of its range

Occurs in very limited, sensitive sites; long-lived and slow to reproduce, making populations vulnerable to disturbance and persecution.

Little Brown Bat

Myotis lucifugus

Severely declined in the Northeast due to white-nose syndrome

Once one of the most common bats; cave-hibernating colonies have experienced major losses, affecting insect control and ecosystem function.

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Extirpated in New Hampshire; restoration and stocking efforts have occurred in some rivers, but New Hampshire is not part of the ESA-listed Gulf of Maine distinct population segment

Historically ran in some New Hampshire rivers, but self-sustaining runs were lost; any current presence is the result of restoration/stocking and not a naturally recovered wild population.

American Eel

Anguilla rostrata

Regionally declining; conservation concern in parts of its range

Migratory fish that depends on river connectivity; dams and barriers restrict upstream access to historic habitats.

Notable Populations

  • White Mountains high-elevation spruce-fir habitats support one of the more important southern-range breeding areas for Bicknell's Thrush.
  • New Hampshire's lakes region supports regionally important Common Loon breeding and monitoring programs, with strong public stewardship.
  • Despite the very short coastline, New Hampshire beaches can contribute meaningful nesting output for Atlantic Coast Piping Plovers in good years.
  • Bald Eagle nesting and wintering numbers have grown to be regionally notable along major waters (e.g., Merrimack and Connecticut river corridors and large lakes).

Recent Changes

  • Moose numbers have declined in parts of the state in recent years, linked to winter tick infestations, heat stress, and changing climate conditions.
  • Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons have continued long-term recovery trends, with more regular nesting and broader distribution than in the late 20th century.
  • Wild turkeys and some other generalist species have expanded and remained common in southern/edge habitats, reflecting land-use change and milder winters.
  • White-nose syndrome caused major declines in cave-hibernating bats (especially Little Brown Bat), reducing summer bat activity in many areas.
  • Ospreys and some coastal waterbirds have generally increased with improved water quality and protection, while beach-nesting birds remain highly sensitive to disturbance and storms.
  • Diadromous fish restoration (e.g., Atlantic Salmon, American Eel, river herrings where present) is increasingly focused on dam removal/fish passage and habitat connectivity, but overall returns remain far below historical levels.
Visit

Wildlife Viewing

New Hampshire, a small state with lots of wildlife: Atlantic coastal waters and salt marshes, the Great Bay estuary, the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, and North Country forests into the White Mountains. Look for moose, black bear signs, beavers, songbirds, raptors, coastal seabirds, seals, and whales from early-morning drives, quiet paddles, or short hikes to wetlands, bogs, and mountain viewpoints.

Best Seasons

Spring (Apr-May)

Peak bird migration along the coast and Great Bay; warblers, waterfowl, and shorebirds are active. Amphibians emerge on rainy nights (vernal pools). Black bears become more visible at lower elevations; rivers run high for scenic paddling (with safety/conditions in mind).

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Whale watching and pelagic seabirds off the short Atlantic coastline (best from Portsmouth/Rye-area ports). Loons are nesting on northern lakes; dawn/dusk paddles can be excellent. Dragonflies, butterflies, and wetland wildlife are active; high-elevation hikes can add montane birds and scenic spotting of raptors.

Fall (Sep-Oct)

Moose activity increases (especially late September into October). Raptor migration picks up along ridgelines and open viewpoints. Fall foliage boosts visibility in hardwood forests; visibility can improve for scanning wetlands and openings. Coastal birding stays strong with southbound migrants.

Winter (Nov-Mar)

Track-and-sign season: follow fresh tracks of hare, fox, bobcat, and fisher in snow. Bald eagles and other wintering raptors can concentrate along open water. Sea ducks and coastal birds gather along NH's shoreline; ice-edge areas and rivers can be productive for wildlife viewing.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Go whale watching from Portsmouth/Hampton/Rye-area operators to look for humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, and dolphins (summer is prime; bring layers and binoculars).
  • Explore Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve trails and overlooks for shorebirds, egrets/herons, ospreys, and seasonal waterfowl-sunrise high tides can be especially rewarding.
  • Paddle or quietly shoreline-watch for common loons on North Country lakes (e.g., Lakes Region and north of it); aim for early morning/late evening and keep a respectful distance from nesting areas.
  • Take an early-morning moose drive through the North Country (Pittsburg area and along remote routes near wetlands beaver ponds); scan edges of marshes and shallow ponds at dawn and dusk.
  • Hike to raptor-friendly viewpoints in the White Mountains for hawk watching during fall migration (choose open ledges/ridgelines; watch for broad-winged hawks, peregrines, and eagles).
  • Visit Odiorne Point State Park (Rye) at low tide for coastal wildlife: seabirds, seals offshore at times, and tidepool life-pair with nearby salt marsh birding.
  • Join an evening owl prowl or winter tracking walk at a nature center (southern NH or the Seacoast) to learn calls, habitat, and how to spot wildlife sign responsibly.
  • Watch for bald eagles along major rivers and lakes in winter (open-water stretches of the Connecticut/Merrimack systems and larger lakes can be dependable), especially after cold snaps concentrate waterfowl.

Wildlife Watching Types

Whale watching and offshore pelagic trips (summer) Seal and seabird viewing along the NH Seacoast and nearshore waters Estuary and salt-marsh birding (Great Bay, coastal marshes) Forest wildlife viewing (moose, bear sign, beaver, deer) in the North Country and White Mountains foothills Loons and lake wildlife (canoe/kayak-based viewing) Raptor migration watching from ridgelines and open viewpoints (fall) Winter tracking and wildlife sign photography (snow season) Amphibian and vernal-pool walks (spring) Anadromous fish runs viewing (especially American shad and river herring) at select fishways (spring; timing varies)

Guided Options

  • New Hampshire Fish and Game: public education programs, wildlife stewardship resources, and occasional viewing/learning events (check seasonal calendars and region offices).
  • Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NH): guided walks, estuary education programs, and bird-focused outings (seasonal schedule).
  • Audubon Society of New Hampshire: bird walks, naturalist-led field trips, and conservation center programs statewide.
  • New Hampshire State Parks: ranger-led nature programs at participating parks (especially summer; offerings vary by park).
  • Seacoast whale watching operators departing from Portsmouth/Hampton/Rye-area ports: narrated trips focused on whales, dolphins, and seabirds (book ahead in peak summer).
  • Local nature centers and land trusts (e.g., in the Lakes Region/Monadnock/Seacoast): seasonal owl prowls, tracking walks, and paddling-based wildlife programs (offerings vary; check local listings).
Habitats

Ecosystems

New Hampshire has a big change from south to north and from low to high elevations: low mixed hardwood forests in the south, colder boreal-like forests in the north, and high zones in the White Mountains. Though its Atlantic coast is short, the state has many freshwater and wetland types—large lakes, cold rivers, peatlands—and rare alpine areas above treeline.

Biomes

Temperate Forest

Dominant matrix across most of the state, including mixed northern hardwoods (maple-beech-birch), oak-pine forests in the south, and diverse forested river valleys.

Widespread; the primary biome statewide (majority of land area).

Boreal Forest (Taiga)

Colder-climate forests with spruce-fir influence, especially in northern New Hampshire and at higher elevations in the White Mountains, transitioning toward subalpine conditions.

Common in the North Country and higher elevations; patchy to extensive depending on elevation.

Alpine

Treeless alpine tundra and krummholz communities on the highest White Mountain summits (e.g., Mount Washington area), with harsh winds, thin soils, and short growing seasons.

Very limited; confined to a small area above treeline on the highest peaks.

Freshwater

Coldwater rivers and streams, glacial lakes (notably Lake Winnipesaukee), ponds, and headwater networks supporting salmonids and rich riparian habitats.

Statewide; dense river/stream network with major lake districts in central and northern regions.

Wetland

Peatlands (bogs/fens), forested wetlands, marshes, and floodplain wetlands, including significant systems in the North Country and along major rivers (e.g., Connecticut and Merrimack watersheds).

Widespread but patchy; concentrated in lowlands, lake margins, and poorly drained basins.

Marine

Nearshore Atlantic habitats along the short seacoast (Gulf of Maine), including tidal flats, rocky shores, and nearshore seabed communities.

Very small fraction of the state; limited to the Seacoast region and adjacent offshore waters.

Habitats

Forest

Extensive forest cover statewide, forming the dominant land cover and supporting large, connected wildlife habitats (especially in the North Country and White Mountain region).

Deciduous Forest

Northern hardwood stands (sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch) prominent in central and southern uplands and many mid-elevation zones.

Coniferous Forest

Spruce-fir and hemlock-pine components, especially in northern areas and at higher elevations; important wintering habitat for many species.

Mountain

The White Mountains and surrounding ranges create strong elevational zonation, steep notches, and diverse microclimates.

Alpine Meadow

Rare alpine and subalpine openings above treeline (and in krummholz margins), supporting specialized, cold-adapted plants.

Cliff/Rocky Outcrop

Rock faces and talus slopes in mountain notches and river gorges provide nesting and denning sites and unique plant communities.

River/Stream

Major river systems include the Connecticut (western border) and Merrimack (south-central), plus many coldwater tributaries and headwaters.

Lake

Large glacial lakes (e.g., Winnipesaukee, Squam, Newfound, Umbagog) with extensive shorelines, islands, and aquatic vegetation gradients.

Pond

Thousands of small ponds and kettle basins support amphibians, aquatic plants, and waterfowl breeding habitat.

Wetland

A mosaic of forested wetlands, shrub swamps, wet meadows, and floodplain wetlands across river valleys and lake margins.

Swamp

Forested wetlands (often red maple, cedar, or spruce-associated depending on region) common in low-lying basins and along slow-water channels.

Marsh

Emergent marshes occur along lake edges, river backwaters, and in coastal/estuarine settings, providing key habitat for birds and fish nurseries.

Bog

Acidic peat bogs and peatland complexes (notably in northern and central regions) with sphagnum mats and specialized flora.

Estuary

Tidal rivers and estuarine wetlands along the Seacoast (e.g., Great Bay Estuary) with strong salinity gradients and productive marshes.

Coastal

A short but ecologically rich coastline with dunes, tidal flats, salt marshes, and nearshore waters influenced by the Gulf of Maine.

Beach

Sandy beach and dune systems occur in limited stretches of the Seacoast and are sensitive to storms and sea-level rise.

Rocky Shore

Rocky intertidal and headland habitats characteristic of the northern New England coast, supporting seaweeds and intertidal invertebrates.

Seabed/Benthic

Nearshore benthic habitats offshore of the Seacoast (mixed sediments and rocky patches) that support groundfish, shellfish, and eelgrass-associated food webs.

Open Ocean

Adjacent Gulf of Maine waters beyond the immediate shoreline influence marine biodiversity, migratory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Agricultural/Farmland

Working landscapes (hayfields, pasture, mixed farms) are most common in southern and river-valley areas, creating early-successional and edge habitats.

Urban

Urban centers and infrastructure concentrated in the Merrimack Valley and Seacoast (e.g., Manchester-Nashua corridor, Portsmouth area).

Suburban

Expanding suburban and exurban development in southern New Hampshire creates fragmented forests, second-growth patches, and mixed human-wildlife interfaces.

Cave

Small caves and talus/rock fissure systems occur locally (more limited than in major karst regions) and can provide roosting/refuge microhabitats.

Ecoregions

EPA Level III: Northeastern Highlands EPA Level III: Northeastern Coastal Zone WWF: New England-Acadian forests WWF: Northeastern coastal forests WWF: New England/Acadian alpine tundra WWF: Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy (marine ecoregion)
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Most habitat loss and fragmentation happen in southern New Hampshire and river valleys, where homes and businesses break up forests and wetlands, harming forest birds, reptiles and amphibians, and wide-ranging mammals. Coastal development limits dunes, salt marsh migration, and shorebird nesting.
  • Warmer winters and changed rain and snow are changing forests, stressing high-elevation boreal spruce-fir and hurting coldwater fish like brook trout. Rivers face more floods and erosion. Sea-level rise and storms squeeze salt marshes and push saltwater inland.
  • Freshwater pollution comes from nutrient and sediment runoff, winter road salt, and old contaminants in some watersheds. Coastal stormwater and wastewater harm nearshore habitats for shellfish and migratory fish, and warmer, nutrient-rich waters raise harmful algal bloom risk.
  • Forest pests (e.g., hemlock woolly adelgid; emerald ash borer) change tree mix and riparian shade, raising stream temperatures. Aquatic invasives (e.g., milfoil) cut native plant diversity and harm fish and insect habitat. Invasives in rights-of-way and floodplains outcompete natives.
  • Wildlife diseases of concern include white-nose syndrome impacting bats, tick-borne disease dynamics shifting with warming, and periodic fish and amphibian disease risks exacerbated by stressed or fragmented habitats. Disease can compound other stressors for small/isolated populations of rare species.
  • High recreation demand in the White Mountains and at seacoast beaches can disturb nesting birds (e.g., beach-nesting species), sensitive alpine/treeline vegetation, and denning or breeding areas. Trail proliferation, off-trail travel, and shoreline use can reduce breeding success and increase erosion/sedimentation.
  • Road networks and associated culverts/dams fragment habitats and block aquatic organism passage in streams, affecting migratory fish and stream connectivity. Roads also increase wildlife-vehicle collisions (notably moose and deer) and create barriers for turtles and amphibians moving between wetlands.
  • Hydrologic alteration from dams, stream channelization, and undersized road crossings changes flow regimes, sediment transport, and floodplain connectivity. Shoreline armoring and dune stabilization can limit natural coastal processes needed for beach and marsh resilience under rising seas.
  • Development pressure is concentrated in the southern tier (commuter belt to Boston), causing incremental parcel-by-parcel forest loss, increased impervious cover, and greater stormwater loads into streams and lakes. Urbanization can also intensify human-wildlife interactions and reduce habitat quality for area-sensitive species.
  • Forestry is widespread and often compatible with conservation when sustainably managed, but localized intensive harvest, poor riparian buffers, and road building can reduce late-successional structure, increase sedimentation in streams, and simplify habitat. Conversely, lack of early-successional habitat in some landscapes can also be an issue-management needs are site- and species-specific.
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

New Hampshire has two "cottontail" rabbits-but only one is truly native: the New England cottontail. Many rabbits people spot in southern NH are the introduced eastern cottontail, which expanded into the region later.

The timber rattlesnake-often thought of as a southern species-still persists in New Hampshire, where it is state-endangered and living near the northern edge of its range in New England.

American eels are born in the Sargasso Sea and migrate into New England rivers and lakes. That means an eel found in a New Hampshire pond began life thousands of miles away.

New Hampshire's "alpine zone" isn't just bare rock: it's a living, wind-scoured community where plants grow low and slow, and footprints can damage vegetation that may take decades to recover-one reason alpine areas are managed almost like fragile wildlife habitat.

'Ghost moose' sightings in New Hampshire (moose that look pale or patchy) can be a symptom of heavy winter tick infestations; warming falls can extend tick-season conditions and worsen impacts on calves in particular.

New Hampshire's White Mountains contain the largest expanse of alpine tundra in the Northeast-an arctic-like habitat above treeline that supports a suite of ice-age relict species found in only a handful of New England mountaintops.

Mount Washington (6,288 ft), the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., hosts some of the highest-elevation breeding habitat in the East; species like the American pipit breed here near the southern edge of their eastern North American breeding range.

The White Mountain Arctic butterfly (Oeneis melissa semidea) is a true alpine specialty with an extremely tiny global range-occurring only on the alpine summits of New Hampshire's White Mountains and nearby western Maine peaks.

New Hampshire's high-elevation spruce-fir forests are among the southernmost regular breeding areas in the world for Bicknell's thrush, one of North America's most range-restricted songbirds.

Despite having only ~18 miles of coastline, New Hampshire's Great Bay estuary is the state's largest tidal estuary and a disproportionately important stopover for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl moving along the Atlantic Flyway.

New Hampshire is a New England state known for its mountain bluffs, picturesque scenery, and spectacular fall foliage. New Hampshire is second only to Maine in the amount of forested land it has. Almost 85% of its 5.7 million acres are forested. The world-famous Appalachian Trail runs through the state’s mountainous areas.

This small state has a population of only 1.3 million. It borders Canada to the north, Vermont, and Canada to the west, Massachusetts to the south, and Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. New Hampshire has a mild summer, a moderate fall, and harsh, long winters with regular snowfall.

Wildlife of New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s hills, coastline, lakes, and forests are home to an abundance of wildlife. The state has more than 500 native animal species. These include most of the common northeastern woodland animals, shorebirds, and marine mammals.

Predators

New Hampshire’s forests and mountain areas are home to coyotes, bobcats, red foxes, gray foxes, and wolves. These nocturnal predators hunt white-tail deer, rabbits, mice, and other small wild critters. Black bears and moose also live in the forests.

Small Mammals

There are many small wild mammals in New Hampshire’s hills and forests. It is common to see snowshoe hares, southern bog lemmings, northern bog lemmings, American martens, and smoky shrews. You will see common small wild creatures like raccoons, opossums, and skunks, but you’ll also spot some strange creatures like porcupines, southern flying squirrels, and fishers.

The fisher, also known as a fisher cat, is a nocturnal hunter that resembles a cross between a cat and a weasel. It is fast, agile, and an excellent climber. Fishers were once hunted to extinction, but their populations have recovered, and they are now all over New Hampshire.

Its rodents include the woodland jumping mouse, white-footed mouse, woodchuck, and groundhog. On New Hampshire’s lakes, you are likely to see river otters, muskrats, weasels, and beavers.

The state has many native bat species, including the small-footed bat, silver-haired bat, and northern long-eared bat. These are some of the rarest bat species.

Fish

New Hampshire has most of the fish common to the colder waters of the North Atlantic. These include coho salmon, Chinook salmon, Atlantic sturgeon, herring, shad, and smelt.

Popular marine fish are the striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic cod, and several species of flounder, including white flounder, witch flounder, and smooth flounder. Its marine mammals include dolphins, porpoises, pilot whales, and harbor seals.

New England is known for its shellfish, and New Hampshire is no exception. Its mollusks include softshell clams and oysters.

New Hampshire is a popular location for sport fishermen. Its lakes and rivers are home to popular freshwater fish like largemouth bass, brown bullheads, bluegills, carp, lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, sunfish, lamprey, shiner, and whitefish.

Birds

The state has hundreds of bird species, including waterfowl, forest birds, and shorebirds. Its game birds include the ruffed grouse and ring-necked pheasant. Common forest birds include the eastern bluebird, indigo bunting, snow bunting, hermit thrush, gray catbird, mourning dove, dark-eyed junco, and ruby-crowned kinglet.

Golden eagles, rough-legged hawks, and many species of owl make up its raptor species.

With 18 miles of Atlantic coastline, New Hampshire’s shoreline and lakes are home to snowy egrets, loons, mallards, black-headed gulls, great blue herons, and piping plovers.

Reptiles and Amphibians

New Hampshire has many frogs and other amphibians. The northern leopard frog, mudpuppy, and gray treefrog are among the critters you will find in the woods. It also has the spring peeper, the much-loved northeastern frog known for its strange, melodious announcements that spring is coming. The state has 10 species of salamander, including the spotted salamander, marbled salamander, and spring salamander.

You can see common turtles, including spotted turtles and snapping turtles. Its native snakes include timber rattlesnakes, common garter snakes, and redbelly snakes.

The redbelly or red-bellied snake has one of the rarest colorings of any snake. It features a black body with a bright red underbelly. This small snake only grows about 10 inches. It is not venomous and is harmless to humans. It feeds on slugs and earthworms.

Insects

New Hampshire’s native insects range from beetles to butterflies. The monarch butterfly, white mountain fritillary, and frosted elfin butterfly are all native to the state, and all three are endangered.

Other native insects include the yellow-banded bumblebee, Puritan tiger beetle, and Appalachian tiger beetle. They are all endangered.

Read about some spider species that live in New Hampshire.

The Official Animal of New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s official state animal is the white-tail deer. These deer are abundant in New Hampshire. They are frequent visitors to the state’s parks.

Its official insect is the ladybug or lady beetle (Coccinella magnifica), which is one of the most beloved bugs in the world. Known as ladybirds in other English-speaking countries, they are considered a sign of good luck in many cultures.

Its official bird is the purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus). The purple finch is a gorgeous bird with berry-colored feathers that often shade bright purple.

Where To Find the Top Wild Animals in New Hampshire

  • Ahern State Park is a protected area on the shore of Lake Winnisquam. It has forested trails and is a wonderful place to see small wild animals, ducks, birds and crabs.
  • Bear Brook State Park is an excellent place to see birds, white-tail deer, small mammals and raptors. The ponds are good places to spot beavers, frogs and birds.
  • Northwood Meadows State Park is a forested preserve filled with old growth trees, waterfalls and creeks.
  • Located in Odiorne State Park, the Seacoast Science Center is an ideal place for hands-on learning about marine mammals.

Zoos in New Hampshire

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: This center is a combination zoo and wilderness education center. This incredibly scenic spot features a large lake, hiking trails, lake cruises, and live animals. The beautiful lake is home to loons and other shorebirds. The 1981 movie On Golden Pond was filmed on Little Squam Lake.

The zoo’s animals represent the native wildlife of New Hampshire. They are all wild animals who were rescued but can’t be returned to the wild.

The walking trail takes you past all the animal exhibits. You will see bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, fishers, and small rodents. The bird exhibit has raptors and shorebirds. Reptiles and amphibians include frogs and turtles.

The Most Dangerous Animals in New Hampshire Today

New Hampshire has moose and black bears. These large predators can be aggressive when they feel threatened by humans. However, there have been no recorded deaths from these animals in the state.

According to state folklore, New Hampshire is home to the strange and terrifying Devil Monkey, a similar creature who supposedly first appeared in the town of Danville. It began in 2001 when a fire chief claimed he saw a monkey running through the downtown streets. There have been repeated sightings of the Devil Monkey ever since, but it has never been caught.

The state’s most dangerous animal is the wood tick. This blood-sucking parasite is prevalent in the woods and carries many diseases. Biologists say ticks normally die in the winter, but climate change has led to longer stretches of warm weather that allow them to live longer.

Endangered Animals in New Hampshire

  • Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum): This black and white striped salamander is considered a species in greatest need of conservation by the state. This small salamander grows to about 4 inches. It lives in forests and rocky slopes.
  • Piping plover (Charadrius melodus): One of the rarest shorebirds, the piping plover is protected by state law. This gray and white shorebird nests on coastal beaches, sand flats and barrier islands.
  • New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis): This large rabbit is the only rabbit native to the New England region. It is active in both daylight and nighttime hours. Once widespread, they are now endangered. New Hampshire and other New England states have started habitat plans to encourage landowners to create rabbit-friendly habitats for cottontails. The Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge is a conservation area that protects New England cottontails and other species.
  • Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis): This nocturnal predator is one of the rarest big cats. It is a shy, secretive forest dweller that mostly hunts snowshoe hares. It is about the size of a bobcat but with longer hair. It was once common to the northeastern states. In recent years, Canada lynx have been spotted in the northern borders of Vermont and New Hampshire.
  • Moose: These huge animals once roamed all over New Hampshire, but their numbers have declined in the past decades. Wildlife biologists say the extended lifespan of wood ticks is to blame. Ticks have caused fatal anemia in many moose.

Small Is Beautiful

New Hampshire is a small state that is home to many wild, beautiful creatures. With a mix of mountains, forests, and coastline, it has a rich variety of ecosystems. The state’s parks and protected forest areas are great places to see them.

Native Plants in New Hampshire

The state of New Hampshire hosts roughly 1,500 species of plants known as native vascular plants. Almost 400 of these plants are protected by the Native Plant Protection Act. Some native plants in New Hampshire include butternut, smooth sumac, and poison ivy, among others.

Flag of New Hampshire

The flag of New Hampshire is made up of a blue field with the State Seal at its center. This seal consists of a frigate Raleigh and a granite boulder, all surrounded by laurel leaves and nine stars.

Read about:

  • extinct animals that lived in New Hampshire.
  • the best national parks in New England.
  • snakes in New England.
  • magnificent waterfalls in New Hampshire.
  • the longest biking trail in New Hampshire.
  • the best camping in New Hampshire.

Animals Found in New Hampshire

193 species documented in our encyclopedia

American Dog Tick American Eel American Robin American Toad Atlantic Cod Atlantic Sturgeon Bald Eagle Barn Spider Barred Owl Belted Kingfisher Black and White Warbler Black Crappie Black Sea Bass Black Swallowtail Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Black Wasp Black-Capped Chickadee Blackburnian Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Blue Jay Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Bluegill Bobcat Bobolink Brook Trout Brown Headed Cowbird Bullfrog Canada Lynx Canada Warbler Cecropia Moth Cedar Waxwing Chain Pickerel Chestnut-Sided Warbler Chinook (dog breed) Chipping Sparrow Cinnamon Bear Common Goldeneye Common Grackle Common Loon Common Yellowthroat Cooper's Hawk Coyote Dark-Eyed Junco De Kay's Brown Snake Deer Mouse Deer Tick Dog Tick Downy Woodpecker Eastern Bluebird Eastern Box Turtle Eastern Chipmunk Eastern Cottontail Eastern Dobsonfly Eastern Gray Squirrel Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Kingbird Eastern Meadowlark Eastern Phoebe Eastern Racer Eastern Turkey (Wild Turkey) Ermine European Corn Borer Evening Grosbeak Fisher Fluke Fish (Summer Flounder) Freshwater Drum Freshwater Suckerfish Garden Spider Golden Shiner Golden-Crowned Kinglet Goshawk Grapevine Beetle Gray Catbird Gray Fox Gray Tree Frog Great Blue Heron Great Crested Flycatcher Green Frog Green Heron Green June Beetle Green Sunfish Grey Seal Groundhog (Woodchuck) Groundhog Tick Gypsy Moth Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Haddock Hairy Woodpecker Harbor Porpoise Harbor Seal Hoary Bat House wren Imperial Moth Io Moth Japanese Beetle Jonah Crab Killdeer Lake Trout Largemouth Bass Least Flycatcher Leopard Frog Little Brown Bat Longnose Gar Luna Moth Luna Moth Caterpillar Magnolia Warbler Milk Snake Mink Mockingbird Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Mourning Warbler Muskellunge (Muskie) Muskrat New Hampshire Red Chicken North American Black Bear Northern Bobwhite Northern Cardinal Northern Flicker Northern Harrier Northern Parula Northern Water Snake Ocean Pout Orange Spider Orchard Oriole Ovenbird Painted Turtle Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Pied-Billed Grebe Pileated Woodpecker Pine Siskin Polyphemus Moth Potato Beetle Puma Purple Finch Quahog Clam Raccoon Racer Snake Red-Bellied Woodpecker Red-Eared Slider Red-Shouldered Hawk Red-winged blackbird Ribbon Snake Ring-billed Gull River Otter Rock Bass Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Rough-Legged Hawk Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Saddleback Caterpillar Sand Tiger Shark Sandhill Crane Savannah Sparrow Scarlet Tanager Sharp-Shinned Hawk Sheepshead Fish Smallmouth Bass Smooth Green Snake Snapping Turtle Snowberry Clearwing Moth Snowshoe Hare Song Sparrow Spongy Moth Squash Bee Squash Beetle Star-nosed mole Steelhead Salmon Stoat Striped Bass Tiger Swallowtail Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake) Tree swallow Tufted Titmouse Turkey Upland Sandpiper Veery White Crappie White-Crowned Sparrow White-tail deer Whitetail Deer Willow Flycatcher Winter Moth Wood Frog Wood Tick Wood Turtle Woolly Bear Caterpillar Writing Spider Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Yellowthroat

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