Potter County Wildlife

My family and I have a little, cozy cabin up in northern Pennsylvania that we really enjoy going to as often as we can. We see different kinds of wildlife on our drive there and at the camp too. We can see bear, different kinds of birds, as well as other wildlife.

When we head out for camp, we always hope to see bear. When we do see bear, it is exciting to watch their behaviors. We have seen a mother bear with her cubs, bear climbing into garbage dumpsters, and bear walking through our field. We originally thought you would have to be quiet to see bear, but we quickly learned that they could emerge from the woods at any time of day or night regardless of what we are doing. We can be outside working or playing or sitting by the fire, and a bear can show up. The bear have been even treating themselves to my bird feeders, which I now put away at night.

As a birder by hobby, I like to try to bring in different kinds of birds (some probably just passing through) that I do not see often. Some memorable experiences have occurred at our northern cabin. One evening, a woodcock came into our field. This male woodcock performed his mating dance, which included a beautiful aerial display and him loudly calling out in search of a mate. Our field has been wonderful for wildlife viewing. We have even watched a heron land in the field. The heron just stood there for a long time (and I wonder if it thought it was actually in the water looking for food, as it seemed a tad confused). I even have got to see a community of cedar waxwings - which I was excited to see as I thought I would never see this species at all.

Potter County is a very special natural area as it is often considered very remote. Because of this, many different kinds of wildlife live there. On our way to camp, we can see eagles, kingfishers, elk, and rattlesnakes. One time while at camp, while my husband and I were fishing and the kids were swimming in a river pool, and a river otter was swimming in the water too. Another time while fishing, we saw a really big snapping turtle. Our kids were so amazed by just how large the turtle was. We have even seen coyotes, fox, deer, raccoons, skunks, and owls.

Going to camp has become a long-standing and relaxing pastime for our family. From bears to different kinds of birds as well as other wildlife, we always see something that provides us with memorable experiences that we can share with friends and family.

~ Traci, LCS Shipping