Wildlife on the Lehigh Portland Trails

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The Lehigh Portland Trails run through a wooded area along Elm Creek and the quarry lake. The dense growth and isolation from human populations make the site a haven for wildlife.

Whitetail deer, red squirrels, gray squirrels, and rabbits are commonly seen. There are also likely coyotes, snakes, raccoons, opossums, and mice, but these creatures are usually either stealthy or nocturnal, so are rarely encountered.

There is also a great variety of birds, including wild turkeys, gulls, hawks, turkey vultures, quail, and common species such as cardinals, sparrows, and various songbirds. Two species regularly heard but not often glimpsed include owls and woodpeckers.

Most critters are too quick to catch more than a brief glimpse of, but box turtles are frequently encountered along the trails or in the woods, and they usually don’t object to being photographed, though some are a bit camera-shy:

Lehigh Box Turtle

As always with wildlife, try to disturb them as little as possible. Remember that the woods are their home, and you’re just a guest.