As one of the largest wild lands areas in the eastern U.S., the Bob serves as an outstanding natural habitat for a variety of native species. Check out the highlights below.
Moose
Description: Stands six feet tall, weighs 1,200 to 1,600 lbs. Most active at dawn and dusk. Has great hearing and sense of smell, but lacks great vision. Is a very good swimmer. Has a home range of 8-12 square miles. Is estimated that there are 300-500 in New York State. Habitat: Prefers upland mature mixed forests, open areas, and wetlands. Diet: Leaves, twigs, buds of hardwood and softwood trees, shrubs and aquatic plants *note: this species is classified as protected
Black Bear
Source:NYSDEC
Description: Weight ranges from 170 to 300 lbs. Extremely strong and highly dexterous, they can run up to 30 mph. Is a very good swimmer. Has a home range of 1-60 square miles. Habitat: Deciduous, coniferous, or mixed woodlands characterized by thick understory vegetation. Diet: Grasses, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, grubs, carrion.
Mink
Description: Weighs 1-3 lbs and measures from 18-27 inches. Has a long, thin body, with short legs and a bushy tail. Is nocturnal and solitary. Has a home range of 8-50 acres. Habitat: Variety of wetland habitats. Diet: Rabbits, muskrats, small rodents, birds, fish
Osprey
Description: Large raptor, measures up to 2 feet long with a 6 foot wingspan. Can be seen hovering over open water. Home range is 6-9 miles from its nest. Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, ponds , rivers Diet: A variety of fish species *note: this species is classified as special concern
Bald Eagle
Description: Measures about 30 inches tall, has a 7 foot wingspan. Weighs 8-14 lbs. Tends to be shy and timid. Mates and keeps same territory for life. Has a home range of 3 to 16 square miles. Habitat: Undisturbed areas near large lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands Diet: Preys on mammals and other birds. Will scavenge for food as well. *note: this species is classified as threatened
Red-Shouldered Hawk
Description: Average length is 17-24 inches. Is slim, narrow winged, and long tailed. Hunts from a still perch. Has a home range of 1.5 square miles. Habitat: Breeds in moist woodlands, riverine forest, edges of swamps and open pine woods. Diet: Small mammals, large insects, small birds, reptiles and amphibians *note: this species is classified as special concern
All photos by Larry Master, masterimages.org except when noted
Bobcat
Description: Stands about 2 feet tall and weighs between 20 and 30 lbs. Has great eyesight and hearing, and is primarily nocturnal. Has a home range of 33-136 square miles. Habitat: Decidous, coniferous or mixed woodlands. Diet: Rodents, birds
River Otter
Description: Weighs between 11 and 30 lbs and measures from 3 to 4 feet long. Is an excellent swimmer and fast runner. Active mainly at night and very playful. Has a home range of 1-10 square miles. Habitat: Establishes burrows close to edges of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Diet: Fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, frogs, young birds, turtles
Beaver
Description: Weighs between 30 and 70 lbs and measures from 2-3 feet. Is semi aquatic and very active at night. Is an excellent swimmer. Constructs lodge homes and dams across streams. Home range of 1/2 mile from the lodge. Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and streams. Diet: Leaves, buds and inner bark of growing trees (prefers Aspen or Poplar)
Common Loon
Description: Measures between 24 and 40 inches long with a 4-5 foot wingspan. Catches fish by swimming calmly, then abruptly plunging into the water. Has distinctive "yodel-like" call. Has a home range of 33-136 square miles. Habitat: prefers quiet, secluded lakes and ponds over 25 acres with both shallow and deep water Diet: Pike, perch, sunfish, trout, bass *note: this species is classified as special concern
Brook Trout
Description: Green to brown coloration with marbled pattern. Average length is 10-12 inches. Habitat: Prefers cold water of high purity, such as small lakes, rivers, and streams. Diet: Crustaceans, frogs, insects, mollusks, small fish, worms and flies
Spruce Grouse
Description: Average length is 15-17 inches. Generally allows humans to approach within a few feet. Home range is about 60 acres. Habitat: Prefers early to mid-successional stage coniferous forests of primarily spruce and fir. Diet: Berries, tips of small shrubs, forbs, and insects * note: this species is classifies as endangered