New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects a deep, forested gorge along the New River in southern West Virginia. The river has long served as a migration corridor for plants and animals, so species more common far to the south reach the northern edge of their range here, while species of the northern forests reach their southern limit. Some animals, isolated by the steep terrain and the river’s rapids and waterfalls, are found only in the New River area. About 65 species of mammals are known from the gorge. White-tailed deer, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, gray and fox squirrels and chipmunks are common, while beavers, mink and the occasional river otter may be seen along the river. Black bears and bobcats are reclusive and mostly active at night, and coyotes, red foxes and gray foxes also live here. The park holds relatively stable and healthy populations of the Allegheny woodrat, a species of special concern in West Virginia. Ten species of bats have been documented, including the federally endangered Virginia big-eared bat and Indiana bat, and the park’s abandoned mine portals give bats places to roost and hibernate.
Wood warblers, vireos and thrushes that spend part of the year in the tropics depend on the gorge’s large, unbroken forests for nesting, and the region is a vital link in the north-south migratory flyway, with thousands of hawks passing over each fall. The National Park Service and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have worked to restore peregrine falcons to the gorge, and bald eagles nest here too. Nearly 40 species of reptiles have been documented. Fence lizards, five-lined skinks, black rat snakes, garter snakes, ringneck snakes and eastern box turtles are seen often, and the copperhead and timber rattlesnake are the only two venomous snakes in the park. Nearly 50 species of amphibians have been recorded, and wood frogs, spring peepers and red-spotted newts are all common. The New River and its tributaries support a productive fishery, with common species such as the bigmouth chub, central stoneroller, northern hog sucker, rock bass and smallmouth bass. Keep reading to see featured photos of New River Gorge’s wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.
New River Gorge Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Seventh Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Species List
The wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve:
Species Spotlight
Photo posts of animals you’ll find in New River Gorge.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Mammals
51 species
- Allegheny Woodrat(Neotoma magister)
- American Beaver(Castor canadensis)
- American Black Bear Photo post(Ursus americanus)
- American Mink(Mustela vison)
- American Pygmy Shrew(Sorex hoyi)
- Big Brown Bat(Eptesicus fuscus)
- Bobcat Photo post(Lynx rufus)
- Cinereus Shrew(Sorex cinereus)
- Common Muskrat(Ondatra zibethicus)
- Coyote Photo post(Canis latrans)
- Domestic Cat(Felis catus)
- Domestic Dog(Canis lupus familiaris)
- Eastern Chipmunk(Tamias striatus)
- Eastern Cottontail(Sylvilagus floridanus)
- Eastern Fox Squirrel(Sciurus niger)
- Eastern Gray Squirrel(Sciurus carolinensis)
- Eastern Mole(Scalopus aquaticus)
- Eastern Red Bat(Lasiurus borealis)
- Eastern Small-footed Myotis(Myotis leibii)
- Fisher(Martes pennanti)
- Golden Mouse(Ochrotomys nuttalli)
- Gray Fox(Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
- Hairy-tailed Mole(Parascalops breweri)
- House Mouse(Mus musculus)
- Indiana Bat(Myotis sodalis)
- Little Brown Myotis(Myotis lucifugus)
- Long-tailed Shrew(Sorex dispar)
- Long-tailed Weasel(Mustela frenata)
- Meadow Vole(Microtus pennsylvanicus)
- North American Deermouse(Peromyscus maniculatus)
- North American Hoary Bat(Aeorestes cinereus)
- North American River Otter(Lontra canadensis)
- Northern Long-eared Bat(Myotis septentrionalis)
- Northern Short-tailed Shrew(Blarina brevicauda)
- Raccoon(Procyon lotor)
- Red Fox Photo post(Vulpes vulpes)
- Red Squirrel(Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
- Silver-haired Bat(Lasionycteris noctivagans)
- Smoky Shrew(Sorex fumeus)
- Southern Bog Lemming(Synaptomys cooperi)
- Southern Flying Squirrel(Glaucomys volans)
- Southern Red-backed Vole(Myodes gapperi)
- Striped Skunk(Mephitis mephitis)
- Tricolored Bat(Perimyotis subflavus)
- Virginia Big-eared Bat(Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)
- Virginia Opossum(Didelphis virginiana)
- White-footed Deermouse(Peromyscus leucopus)
- White-tailed Deer Photo post(Odocoileus virginianus)
- Woodchuck(Marmota monax)
- Woodland Jumping Mouse(Napaeozapus insignis)
- Woodland Vole(Microtus pinetorum)
No mammals match.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Birds
192 species
- Acadian Flycatcher(Empidonax virescens)
- American Black Duck(Anas rubripes)
- American Coot(Fulica americana)
- American Crow(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
- American Goldfinch(Spinus tristis)
- American Kestrel(Falco sparverius)
- American Redstart(Setophaga ruticilla)
- American Robin Photo post(Turdus migratorius)
- American Tree Sparrow(Spizella arborea)
- American Wigeon(Anas americana)
- American Woodcock(Scolopax minor)
- Bald Eagle Photo post(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Baltimore Oriole(Icterus galbula)
- Bank Swallow(Riparia riparia)
- Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica)
- Barred Owl(Strix varia)
- Bay-breasted Warbler(Setophaga castanea)
- Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon)
- Black Vulture(Coragyps atratus)
- Black-and-white Warbler(Mniotilta varia)
- Black-billed Cuckoo(Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
- Black-capped Chickadee(Poecile atricapillus)
- Black-throated Blue Warbler(Setophaga caerulescens)
- Black-throated Green Warbler(Setophaga virens)
- Blackburnian Warbler(Setophaga fusca)
- Blackpoll Warbler(Setophaga striata)
- Blue Jay(Cyanocitta cristata)
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher(Polioptila caerulea)
- Blue-headed Vireo(Vireo solitarius)
- Blue-winged Teal(Anas discors)
- Blue-winged Warbler(Vermivora cyanoptera)
- Bonaparte’s Gull(Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
- Broad-winged Hawk(Buteo platypterus)
- Brown Creeper(Certhia americana)
- Brown Thrasher(Toxostoma rufum)
- Brown-headed Cowbird(Molothrus ater)
- Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola)
- Canada Goose(Branta canadensis)
- Canada Warbler(Cardellina canadensis)
- Canvasback(Aythya valisineria)
- Cape May Warbler(Setophaga tigrina)
- Carolina Chickadee(Poecile carolinensis)
- Carolina Wren(Thryothorus ludovicianus)
- Cedar Waxwing(Bombycilla cedrorum)
- Cerulean Warbler(Setophaga cerulea)
- Chestnut-sided Warbler(Setophaga pensylvanica)
- Chimney Swift(Chaetura pelagica)
- Chipping Sparrow(Spizella passerina)
- Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
- Common Goldeneye(Bucephala clangula)
- Common Grackle(Quiscalus quiscula)
- Common Loon Photo post(Gavia immer)
- Common Merganser(Mergus merganser)
- Common Nighthawk(Chordeiles minor)
- Common Raven(Corvus corax)
- Common Tern(Sterna hirundo)
- Common Yellowthroat(Geothlypis trichas)
- Cooper’s Hawk(Accipiter cooperii)
- Dark-eyed Junco(Junco hyemalis)
- Dickcissel(Spiza americana)
- Double-crested Cormorant(Phalacrocorax auritus)
- Downy Woodpecker(Dryobates pubescens)
- Eastern Bluebird(Sialia sialis)
- Eastern Kingbird(Tyrannus tyrannus)
- Eastern Meadowlark(Sturnella magna)
- Eastern Phoebe(Sayornis phoebe)
- Eastern Screech-Owl(Megascops asio)
- Eastern Towhee(Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
- Eastern Whip-poor-will(Antrostomus vociferus)
- Eastern Wood-Pewee(Contopus virens)
- European Starling(Sturnus vulgaris)
- Evening Grosbeak(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
- Field Sparrow(Spizella pusilla)
- Fox Sparrow(Passerella iliaca)
- Gadwall(Anas strepera)
- Golden Eagle(Aquila chrysaetos)
- Golden-crowned Kinglet(Regulus satrapa)
- Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warbler Hybrid(Vermivora cyanoptera x chrysoptera)
- Golden-winged Warbler(Vermivora chrysoptera)
- Grasshopper Sparrow(Ammodramus savannarum)
- Gray Catbird(Dumetella carolinensis)
- Great Blue Heron(Ardea herodias)
- Great Crested Flycatcher(Myiarchus crinitus)
- Great Horned Owl(Bubo virginianus)
- Greater Yellowlegs(Tringa melanoleuca)
- Green Heron(Butorides virescens)
- Green-winged Teal(Anas crecca)
- Hairy Woodpecker(Leuconotopicus villosus)
- Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus)
- Herring Gull(Larus argentatus)
- Hooded Merganser(Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Hooded Warbler(Setophaga citrina)
- Horned Grebe(Podiceps auritus)
- Horned Lark(Eromophila alpestris)
- House Finch(Carpodacus mexicanus)
- House Sparrow(Passer domesticus)
- House Wren(Troglodytes aedon)
- Indigo Bunting(Passerina cyanea)
- Kentucky Warbler(Geothlypis formosa)
- Killdeer(Charadrius vociferus)
- Least Flycatcher(Empidonax minimus)
- Lesser Scaup(Aythya affinis)
- Lesser Yellowlegs(Tringa flavipes)
- Lincoln’s Sparrow(Melospiza lincolnii)
- Little Blue Heron(Egretta caerulea)
- Louisiana Waterthrush(Parkesia motacilla)
- Magnolia Warbler(Setophaga magnolia)
- Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos)
- Marsh Wren(Cistothorus palustris)
- Mourning Dove(Zenaida macroura)
- Mourning Warbler(Geothlypis philadelphia)
- Mute Swan(Cygnus olor)
- Northern Cardinal(Cardinalis cardinalis)
- Northern Flicker(Colaptes auratus)
- Northern Harrier(Circus cyaneus)
- Northern Mockingbird(Mimus polyglottos)
- Northern Parula(Setophaga americana)
- Northern Pintail(Anas acuta)
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
- Northern Saw-whet Owl(Aegolius acadicus)
- Northern Waterthrush(Parkesia noveboracensis)
- Olive-sided Flycatcher(Contopus cooperi)
- Orchard Oriole(Icterus spurius)
- Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)
- Ovenbird(Seiurus aurocapilla)
- Palm Warbler(Setophaga palmarum)
- Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus)
- Philadelphia Vireo(Vireo philadelphicus)
- Pied-billed Grebe(Podilymbus podiceps)
- Pileated Woodpecker(Dryocopus pileatus)
- Pine Siskin(Spinus pinus)
- Pine Warbler(Setophaga pinus)
- Prairie Warbler(Setophaga discolor)
- Purple Finch(Carpodacus purpureus)
- Purple Martin(Progne subis)
- Red-bellied Woodpecker(Melanerpes carolinus)
- Red-breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator)
- Red-breasted Nuthatch(Sitta canadensis)
- Red-eyed Vireo(Vireo olivaceus)
- Red-headed Woodpecker(Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
- Red-shouldered Hawk(Buteo lineatus)
- Red-tailed Hawk(Buteo jamaicensis)
- Red-winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)
- Redhead(Aythya americana)
- Ring-billed Gull(Larus delawarensis)
- Ring-necked Duck(Aythya collaris)
- Rock Pigeon(Columba livia)
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak(Pheucticus ludovicianus)
- Rough-legged Hawk(Buteo lagopus)
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet(Regulus calendula)
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird(Archilochus colubris)
- Ruddy Duck(Oxyura jamaicensis)
- Ruffed Grouse(Bonasa umbellus)
- Rusty Blackbird(Euphagus carolinus)
- Savannah Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis)
- Scarlet Tanager(Piranga olivacea)
- Sharp-shinned Hawk(Accipiter striatus)
- Solitary Sandpiper(Tringa solitaria)
- Song Sparrow(Melospiza melodia)
- Spotted Sandpiper(Actitis macularius)
- Summer Tanager(Piranga rubra)
- Swainson’s Thrush(Catharus ustulatus)
- Swainson’s Warbler(Limnothlypis swainsonii)
- Swamp Sparrow(Melospiza georgiana)
- Tennessee Warbler(Leiothlypis peregrina)
- Tree Swallow(Tachycineta bicolor)
- Tufted Titmouse(Baeolophus bicolor)
- Turkey Vulture(Cathartes aura)
- Veery(Catharus fuscescens)
- Vesper Sparrow(Pooecetes gramineus)
- Warbling Vireo(Vireo gilvus)
- White-breasted Nuthatch(Sitta carolinensis)
- White-crowned Sparrow(Zonotrichia leucophrys)
- White-eyed Vireo(Vireo griseus)
- White-throated Sparrow(Zonotrichia albicollis)
- Wild Turkey(Meleagris gallopavo)
- Willet(Tringa semipalmata)
- Willow Flycatcher(Empidonax traillii)
- Wilson’s Snipe(Gallinago delicata)
- Wilson’s Warbler(Cardellina pusilla)
- Winter Wren(Troglodytes hiemalis)
- Wood Duck(Aix sponsa)
- Wood Thrush(Hylocichla mustelina)
- Worm-eating Warbler(Helmitheros vermivorum)
- Yellow Warbler(Setophaga petechia)
- Yellow-bellied Flycatcher(Empidonax flaviventris)
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus varius)
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo(Coccyzus americanus)
- Yellow-breasted Chat(Icteria virens)
- Yellow-rumped Warbler(Setophaga coronata)
- Yellow-throated Vireo(Vireo flavifrons)
- Yellow-throated Warbler(Setophaga dominica)
No birds match.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Reptiles
20 species
- Broad-headed Skink(Plestiodon laticeps)
- Common Five-lined Skink(Plestiodon fasciatus)
- Common Watersnake(Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
- Eastern Box Turtle(Terrapene carolina carolina)
- Eastern Fence Lizard(Sceloporus undulatus)
- Eastern Gartersnake(Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
- Eastern Milksnake(Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)
- Eastern Musk Turtle(Sternotherus odoratus)
- Eastern Ratsnake(Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
- Eastern River Cooter(Pseudemys concinna concinna)
- Eastern Snapping Turtle(Chelydra serpentina serpentina)
- Eastern Wormsnake(Carphophis amoenus amoenus)
- Midland Painted Turtle(Chrysemys picta marginata)
- Northern Black Racer(Coluber constrictor constrictor)
- Northern Copperhead(Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
- Northern Red-bellied Snake(Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)
- Northern Ring-necked Snake(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
- Northern Rough Greensnake(Opheodrys aestivus aestivus)
- Queen Snake(Regina septemvittata)
- Timber Rattlesnake(Crotalus horridus)
No reptiles match.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Amphibians
29 species
- Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander(Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
- American Bullfrog(Lithobates catesbeianus)
- American Toad(Anaxyrus americanus)
- Black-bellied Salamander(Desmognathus quadramaculatus)
- Cave Salamander(Eurycea lucifuga)
- Cope’s Gray Treefrog(Hyla chrysoscelis)
- Cumberland Plateau Salamander(Plethodon kentucki)
- Eastern Red-backed Salamander(Plethodon cinereus)
- Four-toed Salamander(Hemidactylium scutatum)
- Fowler’s Toad(Anaxyrus fowleri)
- Green Salamander(Aneides aeneus)
- Jefferson Salamander(Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
- Long-tailed Salamander(Eurycea longicauda longicauda)
- Midland Mud Salamander(Pseudotriton montanus diastictus)
- Mountain Chorus Frog(Pseudacris brachyphona)
- Northern Dusky Salamander(Desmognathus fuscus)
- Northern Green Frog(Lithobates clamitans melanota)
- Northern Red Salamander(Pseudotriton ruber ruber)
- Northern Slimy Salamander(Plethodon glutinosus)
- Northern Spring Salamander(Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus)
- Pickerel Frog(Lithobates palustris)
- Red-spotted Newt(Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)
- Seal Salamander(Desmognathus monticola)
- Southern Ravine Salamander(Plethodon richmondi)
- Southern Two-lined Salamander(Eurycea cirrigera)
- Spotted Salamander(Ambystoma maculatum)
- Spring Peeper(Pseudacris crucifer)
- Wehrle’s Salamander(Plethodon wehrlei)
- Wood Frog(Lithobates sylvaticus)
No amphibians match.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Fish
48 species
- Bigmouth Chub(Nocomis platyrhynchus)
- Black Crappie(Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
- Blacknose Dace(Rhinichthys atratulus)
- Bluegill(Lepomis macrochirus)
- Bluehead Chub(Nocomis leptocephalus)
- Bluntnose Minnow(Pimephales notatus)
- Brook Silverside(Labidesthes sicculus)
- Brook Trout(Salvelinus fontinalis)
- Brown Trout(Salmo trutta)
- Central Stoneroller(Campostoma anomalum)
- Channel Catfish(Ictalurus punctatus)
- Common Carp(Cyprinus carpio)
- Creek Chub(Semotilus atromaculatus)
- Fantail Darter(Etheostoma flabellare)
- Fathead Minnow(Pimephales promelas)
- Flathead Catfish(Pylodictis olivaris)
- Gizzard Shad(Dorosoma cepedianum)
- Green Sunfish(Lepomis cyanellus)
- Greenside Darter(Etheostoma blennioides)
- Largemouth Bass(Micropterus salmoides)
- Logperch(Percina caprodes)
- Longear Sunfish(Lepomis megalotis)
- Longnose Dace(Rhinichthys cataractae)
- Mimic Shiner(Notropis volucellus)
- Mottled Sculpin(Cottus bairdii)
- Mountain Redbelly Dace(Chrosomus oreas)
- Northern Hog Sucker(Hypentelium nigricans)
- Pumpkinseed(Lepomis gibbosus)
- Rainbow Darter(Etheostoma caeruleum)
- Rainbow Trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Redbreast Sunfish(Lepomis auritus)
- Roanoke Darter(Percina roanoka)
- Rock Bass(Ambloplites rupestris)
- Rosyface Shiner(Notropis rubellus)
- Rosyside Dace(Clinostomus funduloides)
- Sharpnose Darter(Percina oxyrhynchus)
- Smallmouth Bass(Micropterus dolomieu)
- Spotfin Shiner(Cyprinella spiloptera)
- Spottail Shiner(Notropis hudsonius)
- Spotted Bass(Micropterus punctulatus)
- Telescope Shiner(Notropis telescopus)
- Variegate Darter(Etheostoma variatum)
- Walleye(Sander vitreus)
- White Crappie(Pomoxis annularis)
- White Shiner(Luxilus albeolus)
- White Sucker(Catostomus commersonii)
- Whitetail Shiner(Cyprinella galactura)
- Yellow Bullhead(Ameiurus natalis)
No fish match.
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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