Wildlife Watching at Bucktail State Park Natural Area

River valleys, like the Bucktail State Park Natural Area, are important habitats in Pennsylvania. Warmer, wet river valleys usually support more wildlife that the colder, drier surrounding mountains.

River valleys are natural passageways for animals and plants. Seeds that fall into rivers are carried downstream to create new populations. Trees like river birch and sycamore naturally dwell in Bucktail State Park.

Many animals live in river valleys or follow them during migrations.

Notable river valley inhabitants that can be seen in Bucktail State Park Natural Area are:

• Osprey
• Bald eagle
• Kingfisher
• Many duck species
• Mergansers
• Otter
• White-tailed deer
• Mink

Elk Watching

An elk viewing platform is at Winslow Hill, near the town of Benezette, and in Sinnemahoning State Park. Elk are often seen along the northern portion of Bucktail State Park Natural Area.

The best time to view elk is at dawn and dusk in September and October during the mating season.

Please remember that elk are large, wild animals and can be dangerous. Observe elk from a safe distance.