{"id":111868,"date":"2024-07-18T09:34:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T09:34:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.holidaykeepers.com\/blogs\/?p=111868"},"modified":"2025-03-20T11:50:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T11:50:25","slug":"exploring-poconos-wildlife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.holidaykeepers.com\/blogs\/exploring-poconos-wildlife\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Pocono Wildlife : A Journey into the Wild"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you enjoy the exquisite outdoors of the Poconos Mountains, take a gander at the wild animals and birds. The lush landscape makes for an excellent home for a variety of wildlife. Wander through the dense greenery at local wildlife sanctuaries\u00a0 in the Poconos and catch a glimpse of squirrels, deer, raccoons and foxes!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Poconos\u2019 wildlife is also home to the majestic American Bald Eagle. Hold on tightly to your binoculars and enjoy birdwatching in the peaceful backdrop of the gorgeous outdoors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Talking about wildlife sanctuaries, here are my top five most favorite and some of the most prominent wildlife sanctuaries in the Poconos. Each of these sanctuaries offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and conservation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Beautiful Butterflies: <\/span>Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary<\/span><\/h2>\n

Indulge in the unique experience of live butterflies in<\/span> Jim Thorpe<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u2019s<\/span> very own unique and interactive education center. The Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary offers one of the most unique and immersive experiences; it features super interactive experiences like the indoor ‘flutterarium’, which is a live butterfly lightroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sanctuary also features exhibits for other exotic reptiles like axolotls, turtles, and more. They house butterfly and moth species indigenous to Pennsylvania. The flutterarium had to be my favorite experience in the sanctuary. Watching and listening to the beautiful flutters of the butterflies was a wonderful feeling, and you mustn\u2019t miss it!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Bear Mountain<\/span> Butterfly Sanctuary in Poconos<\/span> is also known for being a great place for kids. It is definitely one of the popular attractions of <\/span>Poconos<\/span><\/span><\/a>. Your little ones will love the hands-on science-based education center, where they can explore the native pollinators and take home with them an unforgettable memory. They also host special programs and outdoor events; take a quick look at their events calendar on the website before you head down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Location<\/span><\/td>\n18 Church Road. Jim Thorpe, PA 18229<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operating Hours\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMonday-Thursday: 11-5 <\/span>Tuesday-Wednesday: 2-6\u00a0<\/span>Please note that the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is temporarily closed <\/span><\/i>and will reopen in Spring 2024<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amenities\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLive Reptile Room<\/span>Monarch watch way-station<\/span>Outdoor Picnic Area\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outdoor Pavilion with kids activities<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Weekly Events\u00a0 <\/span>Free Parking onsite<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Recurring Events\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSelf-guiding activities<\/span>Short video demonstrations<\/span>Educational mini programs\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Art and craft sessions\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

2. Explore the Wild, in<\/span> Pymatuning Deer Park\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Pymatuning Deer Park is home to over 250 animals and birds from all over the world, known for being the home to white-tailed deer. It is definitely the most diverse <\/span>wildlife sanctuary Pennsylvania <\/span>has to offer. The park features a \u2018Kiddie Zoo,\u2019 which invites you and your little ones to get closer to the domestic farm animals! Petting and feeding the animals at the kiddie zoo is the highlight of the experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fulfill your fantasies of being a cowboy or cowgirl by going on a pony ride, where you are guided through beautiful wilderness tracks on horse-back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to grab a souvenir from their wide selection to remind you of your adventures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Location<\/span><\/td>\n804 East Jamestown Road Jamestown, PA 16134<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operating Hours\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nClosed November through April <\/span>Reopening for spring on May 11th<\/span>From Memorial Day to Labor Day:<\/span><\/p>\n

Open 7 Days a Week: 10 AM-6 PM\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After Labor Day:<\/span><\/p>\n

Open on Saturdays and Sundays: 10 AM-6 PM\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Fees<\/span><\/td>\nAdults: $12 <\/span>Seniors: $10<\/span>Children: $8<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Recurring Events\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nTrain Ride<\/span>Pony Ride\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

3. Learn All About Preservation at <\/span>Lacawac Sanctuary\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Lacawac Sanctuary is an ecological research station, a nature preserve,\u00a0 and a public environmental education facility. Lacawac is known for the 52-acre Lake Lacawac, which is the southernmost glacial lake in the hemisphere, and it has been preserved in pristine condition, completely free from any sort of development! This lake, among many diverse habitats in the sanctuary, supports a wide range of animal and plant species.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mission of Lacawac has always been research, education, and preservation. They offer brilliant opportunities to conduct environmental research and participate in different education programs. Lacawac accomplishes its mission by collaborating with multiple colleges and universities for a more diverse and rich research experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is something for everyone at Lacawac, especially if you are a fan of hiking. You will find some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Poconos right here at the Lacawac Sanctuary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Location<\/span><\/td>\n94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel, PA<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operating Hours\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n9 am\u00a0 \u2013 4 pm Monday-Friday<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Events\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYoga for Hikers <\/span>Full Moon Hike\u00a0<\/span>Spring Clean Up\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

4. Bald Eagle Watching: Explore the<\/span> Birds of the Poconos<\/span><\/h2>\n

The majestic American Bald Eagle is home to the Poconos mountains, where you might be lucky enough to spot a bald eagle just by looking up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Upper Delaware River Region is one of the largest bald eagle wintering areas in the United States. There are many ways to spot a bald eagle in the Poconos. Here is how you can try your luck and spot the majestic Bald Eagle:<\/span><\/p>\n