Natural Resources: Wildlife

What does the word “wildlife” bring to mind? A white-tailed deer standing at the edge of a meadow? A shy salamander peering from under a damp rock? An eagle circling the winter sky over a lake? The Daniel Boone National Forest is home to many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, spiders, mollusks, crustaceans and other wildlife.

Preserving biological diversity is one of the goals of wildlife management. As Aldo Leopold wrote in 1953, “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” The primary method of ensuring diversity is to enhance habitat for each animal. To preserve a diversity of wildlife, a diversity of habitat must exist.

Many ecosystems coexist within the forest boundaries, including meadows, cliffs, rivers, wetlands, and other special habitat niches. Forest management enhances and restores habitat quality by maintaining biological diversity on a landscape scale.

Many kinds of hunting opportunities exist on the national forest. Hunters enjoy the game populations of white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, squirrel, and waterfowl.

In the early 1900’s, game was scarce as a result of overhunting and loss of habitat. Through cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, deer and turkey populations have been restored through active restocking efforts. The state maintains the game populations by setting limits and hunting seasons.

Rock outcroppings, cliffs, and caves provide habitat for some of the rarest species on the forest, including several species of bats, the spotted skunk, and the Allegheny woodrat.

If fishing is more your style, the national forest offers hundreds of miles of clear streams and lakes. Some streams and lakes are stocked with rainbow or brown trout. The rivers and lakes offer year-round fishing opportunities and the chance for a trophy catch of bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, muskie, and other fish species.

The vast majority of wildlife species go unnoticed by all but the most avid naturalist. The Daniel Boone National Forest cares for 23 of species listed as federally threatened or endangered species. These species range from the magnificent bald eagle to the small Indiana bat hibernating deep in a cave. The Forest Service works closely with other wildlife agencies to monitor these animal populations and manage their habitat.

Author: Wildlife Staff, Daniel Boone National Forest
Last Updated: June 4, 2009