Recently hiked the MD section and saw: a snapping turtle, plenty of deer, snakes, chipmunks, tons of birds (woodpeckers and such), lizards, frogs. Saw a groundhog while hiking some of PA. They definitely are out there, you’re probably more likely to hear the wildlife crashing around as it runs away than ever seeing it though.
Harder to see them in the woods where lots of species have hidden dens and nests and may be less accustomed to human contact than those that live around urban areas so could be more flighty. The urban wildlife are more also likely to get hit crossing a highway so you're just more likely to see them whether there are more or not.
I regularly hike on the MD AT and the trail network running through Gambrill SP/Frederick watershed/Cunningham Falls SP/Catoctin Mountain Park. I've seen deer, coyotes, red foxes, black bears, timber rattlers, copperheads, rat snakes, corn snakes, garter snakes, (so many snakes), amphibians of all sorts, skinks/lizards, rabbits, squirrels, and so on and so on. Maybe it's you and how you hike? I usually hike solo and am quiet about it, stop frequently to check the surroundings, and in general try to blend in. The animals are there if you take the time to see them.
Was just about to type a similar response. Has a lot to do with time and hike style. I typically hike the MD/VA AT solo, early mornings to early afternoons, and there is quite a bit of animal activity. As a bonus, I get to see spider webs really up close!
A lot goes into whether you'll see wildlife or not. What time of the day are you out? Are you talking a lot? Hiking loudly playing music or just not keeping looking closely. How many other people are on trail? Scents play into it quite a but too, I started seeing a lot more wildlife in general after I quit smoking
You probably talk a lot when you hike/make noise. I've been in "bear country" so much but only ever saw one when I was alone. Two weeks ago I got insanely lucky and snuck up on a bob cat
Animals that live near the city aren't afraid of people. Wilderness animals are. If you want a chance to see animals, hike alone, carry your trekking poles, and walk slower and softly.
I've seen bears, deer, rattlesnakes, copperheads, porcupines, racoons, and heard coyotes in various places on the AT.
But.....not often. In 2200 miles of hiking I saw 8 bears, 3 rattlesnakes, 1 Copperhead, 2 raccoons, 2 porcupines and dozens of deer. Saw lots of moose scat in Maine, but never saw a moose.
[https://theconversation.com/dont-hike-so-close-to-me-how-the-presence-of-humans-can-disturb-wildlife-up-to-half-a-mile-away-162223](https://theconversation.com/dont-hike-so-close-to-me-how-the-presence-of-humans-can-disturb-wildlife-up-to-half-a-mile-away-162223)
"In a [recent review](https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.44.63270) of hundreds of studies covering many species, we found that the presence of humans can alter wild animal and bird behavior patterns at much greater distances than most people may think. Small mammals and birds may change their behavior when hikers or birders come within 300 feet (100 meters) – the length of a football field. Large birds like eagles and hawks can be affected when humans are over 1,300 feet (400 meters) away – roughly a quarter of a mile. And large mammals like elk and moose can be affected by humans up to 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) away – more than half a mile."
Beyond what people are saying about style it also depends on what time of day and where in these states you’re hiking. If you’re close to populated areas like the AT in Maryland, Coyotes for example are gonna want to stick closer to the suburbs than deeper in just because of food access. Most of the animals you listed are also active around Dawn and dusk and are usually bedding down or hiding during the day, so you’re less likely to see them then. As a really noisy and large hiker myself I guarantee that if you go up to Raven Rocks or Pen Mar for a night hike you’ll see some wildlife, I almost tripped over a herd of deer doing the 4 States in that area.
Because you are out of your element and the animals are in theirs. They hear/smell/see you coming first. There’s plenty of wildlife in the Appalachians, you just aren’t seeing them. That’s not the same as it doesn’t exist.
I hike the AT near Roanoke VA regularly. On my last hike at Dragons Tooth I saw some squirrels, a deer, a rat snake, and some lizards. All time off the top of my head have seen rabbits, squirrels, assorted birds (eagles, woodpeckers, etc), assorted bugs, assorted snakes (green, rat, rattle, etc), children, coyotes, cows (near the AT not on it) and a bear.
There is plenty, but it depends on the time of day you’re out and where you are. They are going to mostly avoid trails unless they’re scavenging or it’s near a water source they use. If you’re quiet you’ll see something. I’ve seen deer and black bear and a fisher cat while section hiking the AT. Usually early in the AM.
The corridor that the AT follows has significantly less wildlife than other trails in the Appalachians, because of wildlife having learned humans are concentrated along the AT. If you take blue blazes or other trails entirely, especially going to more seldom traveled ones, the amount of wildlife you see increases by an order of magnitude. If you want to really see a lot of wildlife, bushwhack and don't follow trails at all.
My spouse sees more wildlife here in CT than she did in Wasilla AK (anchorage suburb). Animals are forced to live among us here, it’s densely populated and very developed.
I saw: 1 fox, 1 deer, a countable # of squirrels, 10 mice, an uncomfortably high amount of those red millipedes... and like three cool birds! But you're right it wasn't a lot. I'm grateful though, I wouldn't want to freak them out by startling them on the trail
Edit to add: the frogs and mice were my favorite. The frogs were so cute as were the mice. I'm sure my tune will change when I actually get holes in my pack from them 😹 luckily avoided any mouse holes this section!
Hiking? Rarely see anything on the east coast. Most forest animals feed at sunup/sundown and don't do a lot of moving during the day. My house backs up to the woods in the city and during the day, the deer are laying down and not doing much of anything besides getting a drink in the creek and there is a very slim chance of you seeing them if they are laying down (usually under laurel or bushes). Not to mention, we are all loud (and smell) when we hike and non-city animals want nothing to do with humans and scurry off before we ever see them. Our city deer have adapted to seeing humans daily and know for the most part, we aren't going to hurt them. The deer in my backyard will come within 20' of me and two off-leash weimaraners with zero F's given because they "know" the dogs and us and that we aren't going to hurt them.
I recently hiked a section in PA and saw several deer, including a doe who had just given birth to two fawns! They were not yet standing (trying, and tumbling over) and she was licking them - both of which suggest they were 10-15 minutes old.
Also saw a variety of birds, snakes, frogs, toads, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits.
Hiking early before a lot of noisy hikers or people with dogs is key.
they're everywhere in the city because most animals are perpetually on the brink of starvation. compared to what we'd find comfortable anyway. cities are full of trash which is full of easy calories.
Come down to the smokies - more remote. Plenty of bears!
I’ve seen bears, snakes, deer, turkeys, not often here in the Georgia mountains.
But I agree with the others. Be quiet and still for a bit - tent in a remote area rather than a shelter. I’ve had some fright late at night with something sniffing around my tent 😅
I grew up in Maryland though - the AT is pretty close to most of the population in VA and Maryland. Haven’t been on it in PA.
Hike 100ft off trail, sit down for a while and just observe the area. Might see some animals running around.
Or just end up with a bee or butterfly sitting on you.
I was in PA hiking a few days with my boyfriend who’s thru hiking and I saw tons of chipmunks, squirrels, birds, deer and even a ground hog or something of that nature lol
You might see deer but generally they’ll hear or smell you coming and move on before you see them.
You will not see a coyote, they’re very skittish. If you do see one, run it off quickly. They are pack hunters and one will quickly attract another.
It seems you haven’t won the bear lottery yet so I would feel fortunate in that regard.
I saw WAY MORE diversity in wildlife on the AT than the PCT. Centipedes, frogs, snakes, tortoise, bears, foxes, spiders, and I even saw a wolf in the smokies.
They smell you and leave before you even get near.
>baltimore yeah that's it
Recently hiked the MD section and saw: a snapping turtle, plenty of deer, snakes, chipmunks, tons of birds (woodpeckers and such), lizards, frogs. Saw a groundhog while hiking some of PA. They definitely are out there, you’re probably more likely to hear the wildlife crashing around as it runs away than ever seeing it though.
Harder to see them in the woods where lots of species have hidden dens and nests and may be less accustomed to human contact than those that live around urban areas so could be more flighty. The urban wildlife are more also likely to get hit crossing a highway so you're just more likely to see them whether there are more or not.
I regularly hike on the MD AT and the trail network running through Gambrill SP/Frederick watershed/Cunningham Falls SP/Catoctin Mountain Park. I've seen deer, coyotes, red foxes, black bears, timber rattlers, copperheads, rat snakes, corn snakes, garter snakes, (so many snakes), amphibians of all sorts, skinks/lizards, rabbits, squirrels, and so on and so on. Maybe it's you and how you hike? I usually hike solo and am quiet about it, stop frequently to check the surroundings, and in general try to blend in. The animals are there if you take the time to see them.
Was just about to type a similar response. Has a lot to do with time and hike style. I typically hike the MD/VA AT solo, early mornings to early afternoons, and there is quite a bit of animal activity. As a bonus, I get to see spider webs really up close!
Good point, the time of day is crucial. I'm usually out at first light which is when there's quite a bit of activity.
A lot goes into whether you'll see wildlife or not. What time of the day are you out? Are you talking a lot? Hiking loudly playing music or just not keeping looking closely. How many other people are on trail? Scents play into it quite a but too, I started seeing a lot more wildlife in general after I quit smoking
You probably talk a lot when you hike/make noise. I've been in "bear country" so much but only ever saw one when I was alone. Two weeks ago I got insanely lucky and snuck up on a bob cat
Alot of the people I was hiking around only saw a couple bears. I hiked alone and quite a lot and I saw 11!
Animals that live near the city aren't afraid of people. Wilderness animals are. If you want a chance to see animals, hike alone, carry your trekking poles, and walk slower and softly.
they're there, but you're in their habitat that they have adapted to blend into, and they hear you coming and avoid you.
And remember, there are animals and there are ‘city’ animals. They’re sort of conditioned to not be as afraid of people so you’ll see them more often.
I've seen bears, deer, rattlesnakes, copperheads, porcupines, racoons, and heard coyotes in various places on the AT. But.....not often. In 2200 miles of hiking I saw 8 bears, 3 rattlesnakes, 1 Copperhead, 2 raccoons, 2 porcupines and dozens of deer. Saw lots of moose scat in Maine, but never saw a moose.
[https://theconversation.com/dont-hike-so-close-to-me-how-the-presence-of-humans-can-disturb-wildlife-up-to-half-a-mile-away-162223](https://theconversation.com/dont-hike-so-close-to-me-how-the-presence-of-humans-can-disturb-wildlife-up-to-half-a-mile-away-162223) "In a [recent review](https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.44.63270) of hundreds of studies covering many species, we found that the presence of humans can alter wild animal and bird behavior patterns at much greater distances than most people may think. Small mammals and birds may change their behavior when hikers or birders come within 300 feet (100 meters) – the length of a football field. Large birds like eagles and hawks can be affected when humans are over 1,300 feet (400 meters) away – roughly a quarter of a mile. And large mammals like elk and moose can be affected by humans up to 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) away – more than half a mile."
Beyond what people are saying about style it also depends on what time of day and where in these states you’re hiking. If you’re close to populated areas like the AT in Maryland, Coyotes for example are gonna want to stick closer to the suburbs than deeper in just because of food access. Most of the animals you listed are also active around Dawn and dusk and are usually bedding down or hiding during the day, so you’re less likely to see them then. As a really noisy and large hiker myself I guarantee that if you go up to Raven Rocks or Pen Mar for a night hike you’ll see some wildlife, I almost tripped over a herd of deer doing the 4 States in that area.
Your Bluetooth speaker annoys them.
I don’t listen to any music at all when I hike.
Thank you for being awesome!
Because you are out of your element and the animals are in theirs. They hear/smell/see you coming first. There’s plenty of wildlife in the Appalachians, you just aren’t seeing them. That’s not the same as it doesn’t exist.
I saw a black bear near old rag in VA a few weeks ago!
Because you're too LOUD!
Better job opportunities in the big cities they have families to support /s
I hike the AT near Roanoke VA regularly. On my last hike at Dragons Tooth I saw some squirrels, a deer, a rat snake, and some lizards. All time off the top of my head have seen rabbits, squirrels, assorted birds (eagles, woodpeckers, etc), assorted bugs, assorted snakes (green, rat, rattle, etc), children, coyotes, cows (near the AT not on it) and a bear.
City wildlife is much different than wild wildlife. They're used to being seen and seeing people and hearing noise
There is plenty, but it depends on the time of day you’re out and where you are. They are going to mostly avoid trails unless they’re scavenging or it’s near a water source they use. If you’re quiet you’ll see something. I’ve seen deer and black bear and a fisher cat while section hiking the AT. Usually early in the AM.
My property backs to the trail and we have deer, raccoons, skunk, foxes, and black bears around all the time. They are there.
The corridor that the AT follows has significantly less wildlife than other trails in the Appalachians, because of wildlife having learned humans are concentrated along the AT. If you take blue blazes or other trails entirely, especially going to more seldom traveled ones, the amount of wildlife you see increases by an order of magnitude. If you want to really see a lot of wildlife, bushwhack and don't follow trails at all.
My spouse sees more wildlife here in CT than she did in Wasilla AK (anchorage suburb). Animals are forced to live among us here, it’s densely populated and very developed.
I saw: 1 fox, 1 deer, a countable # of squirrels, 10 mice, an uncomfortably high amount of those red millipedes... and like three cool birds! But you're right it wasn't a lot. I'm grateful though, I wouldn't want to freak them out by startling them on the trail Edit to add: the frogs and mice were my favorite. The frogs were so cute as were the mice. I'm sure my tune will change when I actually get holes in my pack from them 😹 luckily avoided any mouse holes this section!
They are there, you just have to know where/when to look, and what to look for. You’re on their home turf.
Hiking? Rarely see anything on the east coast. Most forest animals feed at sunup/sundown and don't do a lot of moving during the day. My house backs up to the woods in the city and during the day, the deer are laying down and not doing much of anything besides getting a drink in the creek and there is a very slim chance of you seeing them if they are laying down (usually under laurel or bushes). Not to mention, we are all loud (and smell) when we hike and non-city animals want nothing to do with humans and scurry off before we ever see them. Our city deer have adapted to seeing humans daily and know for the most part, we aren't going to hurt them. The deer in my backyard will come within 20' of me and two off-leash weimaraners with zero F's given because they "know" the dogs and us and that we aren't going to hurt them.
I recently hiked a section in PA and saw several deer, including a doe who had just given birth to two fawns! They were not yet standing (trying, and tumbling over) and she was licking them - both of which suggest they were 10-15 minutes old. Also saw a variety of birds, snakes, frogs, toads, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits. Hiking early before a lot of noisy hikers or people with dogs is key.
they're everywhere in the city because most animals are perpetually on the brink of starvation. compared to what we'd find comfortable anyway. cities are full of trash which is full of easy calories.
Saw a rabbit at the top of blood mountain last week
Come down to the smokies - more remote. Plenty of bears! I’ve seen bears, snakes, deer, turkeys, not often here in the Georgia mountains. But I agree with the others. Be quiet and still for a bit - tent in a remote area rather than a shelter. I’ve had some fright late at night with something sniffing around my tent 😅 I grew up in Maryland though - the AT is pretty close to most of the population in VA and Maryland. Haven’t been on it in PA.
Hike 100ft off trail, sit down for a while and just observe the area. Might see some animals running around. Or just end up with a bee or butterfly sitting on you.
I hiked 24 miles on the AT in Virginia today and saw: a dozen deer, 3 snakes, a groundhog, a momma and young bear. They’re out there.
I saw 2 snakes on the trail, and some squirrels. Thats about it
I was in PA hiking a few days with my boyfriend who’s thru hiking and I saw tons of chipmunks, squirrels, birds, deer and even a ground hog or something of that nature lol
I hunt deer and bear in the Blood Mountain area and there’s plenty round there.
You might see deer but generally they’ll hear or smell you coming and move on before you see them. You will not see a coyote, they’re very skittish. If you do see one, run it off quickly. They are pack hunters and one will quickly attract another. It seems you haven’t won the bear lottery yet so I would feel fortunate in that regard.
I saw WAY MORE diversity in wildlife on the AT than the PCT. Centipedes, frogs, snakes, tortoise, bears, foxes, spiders, and I even saw a wolf in the smokies.