Adirondack Wildlife Guide

When you visit the Adirondacks, your stay includes gorgeous mountain scenery and views of all the fascinating wildlife in Upstate New York. 

From beavers along the shores of Lake Placid to black bears and moose camouflaged within the rich deciduous mountains, plan to spot an array of creatures while camping in this mountainous region.  

Follow our seasonal guide to Adirondack wildlife for the best experience as you plan your trip. We’ll break down the best times of the year to view certain animals and some of the recreational activities you and your family can enjoy while gazing upon numerous animal species in the Adirondacks.

Native Adirondack Species

The Adirondack Mountains are home to various birds, amphibians and mammals that show up year-round or appear on the trails and lakes during specific seasons. Below, we’ll list some of the animals to see in the Adirondacks, including the seasons they're most active.  

Mammals

With more than 50 mammalian species in the Adirondack Mountains, you’re likely to see furry creatures ranging from tiny moles to giant black bears while camping. Get excited to observe mammals such as:  

1. Beavers: Beavers are the official mammal of New York State and they live on the shorelines of the Adirondacks. You can spot these furry creatures year-round in burrows, dams, lodges and canals, hard at work altering their surroundings.  
2. Coyote: You will quickly recognize these medium-size mammals for their bushy tails and large pointed ears. The coat colors of Adirondack coyotes vary, but they typically have blonde, reddish-brown, tan or black fur. View these animals at any time of the year, or listen as they howl to their packs after sunset.   
3. Black bear: It is estimated that the Adirondacks are home to 50% of the state’s black bears. While some may be alarmed knowing that black bears inhabit this region, they are pretty shy when left alone. Additionally, black bears hibernate for five months out of the cold winter months.
4. Moose: Towering over six feet tall from hoof to shoulder, the Adirondack Moose is one of the most iconic creatures of this region. Moose sightings are rare, but you are most likely to see them in the fall months during their mating season. 

Amphibians and Fish

The Adirondacks may be known for its mountains, but it is home to just as many lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands filled with some of the region's most exciting wildlife:

1. Pickerel frogs: The pickerel frog is a medium-sized frog with rows of dark, square-shaped or rectangular spots running down the back. This frog breeds in mid to late spring in woodland pools, ponds, wetlands and marshes throughout the Adirondack. During the breeding season or early April to early July, males make a low-pitched croak that most describe as sounding like a snore! 
2. Walleye: A member of the perch family, walleye are recognizable for their large sizes and as one of New York's most sought-after sport fish. You can find this Lake Placid aquatic species midday in the spring and summer when they move to warm, shallow water. 
3. Northern pike: You'll find many lakes in the Adirondack region packed with northern pike. Mature pike is known for its large size. Though dormant during the winter, you can fish for them when the water is calm and the sun is high in the sky. 

Birds

No matter the time of year, you are bound to see gorgeous birds in the Adirondack Mountains. From spring arrivals in April and May to those who stick around in fall and winter, hike through evergreen woods vibrant with these birds' calls and colors:

1. Golden-crowned kinglet: Not much larger than a hummingbird, the golden-crowned kinglet is the smallest perching bird in the Adirondacks. Looks can be deceiving, though — this bird can withstand frigid sub-zero temperatures in the winter. The beautiful orange and yellow stripes atop the head of this little bird make it quite the sight during the wintery months.
2. Mourning warbler: The mourning warbler is a late spring arrival to the Adirondacks. Only males sing, and their call has been described as a “chirry chirry chirry chorry chorry” sound. These birds are gray with yellow underparts.
3. Great-horned owl: You can see or hear the great horned owl year-round in the Adirondack Park. They begin building nests in January or February, and you’re most likely to observe them in densely packed forests in the late evening hours if you stay extra quiet. 

Ways to Explore Lake Placid's Wildlife

The Lake Placid village of the Adirondacks is perfect for viewing plant and animal species in all their glory. Whether you’re visiting on your own or bringing the whole family along, enjoy a range of exciting activities at all times of the year while learning about this area’s wildlife.

Spring

Picnic along the shores of Lake Placid and watch as beavers build dams and create new areas for an array of plants and animals to move in. Hike along the short, easy Lakeshore Trail with the kids and learn about the area’s wildflowers, trees and animals from the illustrated signs placed along the path.

Summer

In the summer, enjoy swimming or kayaking on Lake Placid with its calm waters home to four different types of trout — rainbow, brown, lake and brook trout. Located on the northeast corner of Lake Placid, Mirror Like makes an excellent spot for fishing. Its shoreline is packed with rock bass, yellow perch and more.

Listen for the sounds of the pickerel frog along the shores of the lake or spot signs of the painted turtle emerging as the sun rises.

Fall

Mountain bike or hike through the beautiful orange and red trails during the fall months and bring your binoculars for spectacular bird viewing on the Pitchoff Mountain Trail. Be on the lookout for the Mourning Warbler or Black-Capped Chickadees as they make one last stop in the Adirondacks before their trip to the south for the winter.

Take a scenic drive along the Cascade Pass and view spectacular mountain sights surrounding you in all directions. Search for foxes, black bears and white-tailed deer roaming the forests along the way.

Winter

Winter in the Adirondacks has been famous for its cross-country skiing and other outdoor recreational activities since it was the host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Visit numerous ski centers where you can gaze upon the majestic mountains and cascade down the hills home to wild turkey, snowy owl and bobcat. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for golden-crowned kinglet at this cold time of the year. Silence and patience are essential since tiny yellow-green bodies can be difficult to spot in dense evergreen forests. Listen closely for the sounds of their “teez teez” call when you venture into the woods and gaze in awe at the beautiful sights you see. 

Book Your Stay at Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

The best way to see Lake Placid wildlife is to camp nearby at the KOA Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain campground. Rest up while discovering our massive wildlife landscape and enjoying a range of amenities perfect for you and your family. 

Whether you’re visiting the Adirondacks for walleye, trout or salmon, enjoy numerous  the KOA Campground and relax beside the beautiful waters of Lake Placid.

Reserve a stay and make KOA your basecamp while viewing wildlife in the Adirondacks, complete with hot water, an on-site pool and planned activities!  Learn more about and call us to plan your stay today!