Acadia National Park Animals

Animals in Acadia National Park: Exploring the Wildlife of Coastal Maine

Acadia National Park is a wonderland of rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and lush forests—but it is also a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Located on Mount Desert Island and parts of the surrounding mainland and offshore islands, Acadia’s varied habitats provide refuge to a wide range of animal species. From white-tailed deer grazing in meadows to peregrine falcons soaring above granite cliffs, the park is alive with movement, sound, and natural drama.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the animal life of Acadia National Park, from the common to the elusive, and how you can safely observe them in the wild.

Mammals of Acadia National Park

Acadia supports around 40 species of mammals, many of which are commonly seen by park visitors. These include both native forest creatures and animals adapted to rocky shorelines and wetlands. Visitors may encounter some of these creatures during their hikes or scenic drives.

Herbivores:

• White-Tailed Deer
• Moose
• Snowshoe Hare

White-Tailed Deer in Acadia National Park

Moose in Acadia National Park

Carnivores:

• Red Foxes
• Coyotes
• Raccoons
• Striped Skunks
• Bobcats
• Otters
• Mink
• Fishers
• Pine Martens
• Black Bears

Red Fox in Acadia National Park

Rodents:

• North American Beavers
• Woodchucks
• Porcupines
• Muskrats
• Voles
• Chipmunks
• Squirrels
• Flying Squirrels

Bats:

• Little Brown Bats
• Eastern Small-Footed Bats

Marine Mammals:

• Seals
• Whales
• Porpoises

Seals in Acadia National Park

Whale in Acadia National Park

Other Mammals:

• Intertidal creatures (sea stars, lobsters, sea anemones)

Birds of Acadia National Park

Acadia’s diverse habitats, from coastal cliffs to freshwater ponds, support an impressive variety of bird species. For birdwatchers, the park is a paradise, especially during migration seasons when numerous species pass through.

Songbirds and Woodpeckers:

• Warblers
• Vireos
• Chickadees
• Thrushes

Birds of Prey:

• Eagles
• Ospreys
• Vultures
• Hawks
• Owls
• Falcons

Shorebirds:

• Sandpipers
• Plovers
• Gulls
• Terns
• Guillemots
• Cormorants
• Eiders
• Herons

Gulls in Acadia National Park

Waterfowl:

• Loons
• Mallards
• Mergansers

Amphibians and Reptiles

Acadia’s wetlands and ponds support a number of amphibian and reptile species, which play an important role in the park’s ecosystem.

Snakes:

• Garter Snake
• Smooth Green Snake
• Redbelly Snake
• Ringneck Snake
• Eastern Milksnake

Turtles:

• Common Snapping Turtle
• Eastern Painted Turtle

Marine Life

Acadia’s coastal location provides unique opportunities to observe marine wildlife, particularly along its shores and in its tide pools.

Marine Mammals:

• Harbor Porpoise
• Gray Seal
• Harbor Seal

Marine Invertebrates:

• Blue Mussel
• Common Periwinkle
• Barnacles
• Hermit Crab
• Green Crab and Asian Shore Crab