University at Buffalo (UB)
Animals found in Letchworth Teaching Forest
Upon entering the Letchworth Teaching Forest, you will hear the rustling of animals and birds fill the air. A home to deer, salamanders, and varieties of both insects and birds, this 34 acre forest is filled with biodiversity. We ask you to treat the forest and animals with care and preserve their environment.
The natural state of these woods allows for many uncommon species of animals to thrive here, such as the Blue-spotted and Jefferson salamanders. If you visit during the summer season, The Letchworth Teaching Forest contains one large and several smaller satellite vernal ponds that will be visible. These ponds attract and are home to interesting and rare animals. The most notable being salamanders which love to hide under wood around the edges of the pond to stay moist. Sightings of wood ducks sitting in these ponds are also a regular occurrence, which is a rare sight for most of North America.
All photos shown below have been provided by our UB students. We encourage students to send us photos of their experiences on the trail to evs-admin@buffalo.edu. Any photos sent in may even be added to our website!
Parajulidae Millipede- March 2021 (Photo by Nikolai Harper)
These Millipede species are the indiginous and dominant species of Millipede for most of North America. These insects take homes in leafy piles, under stones or hiding in dirt. Most active at night time you might find these critters on your afternoon stroll.
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)- June 2020 (Photo by Nikolai Harper)
These beautiful butterflies are commonly found in the Northern U.S. and most of Canada. Their vibrant color patterns make them easy to spot.
Bat Houses - July 2021 (Photo by Sean Lepo)
Around the periphery of the Letchworth Teaching Forest are several bat houses. Keep an eye out at night for our nocturnal friends!
Blue Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) - October 2020 (Photo by Nikolai Harper)
These mole salamanders are native to the areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Keep an eye out for them hiding primarily under rocks, logs and leaf litter near the water's edge.
Northern great horned owl (Bubo virginianus subarcticus)- July 2021 (Photo by Schuyler Lawson IG @the_elusive_black_birder)
These beautiful creatures, native to all of North America, have made a home within our woods. This Northern subspecies typically grows to become the largest variety of Horned owl. Their size will make them hard to miss!
Blue Jay- (Cyanocitta cristata) July 2021 (Photo by Schuyler Lawson IG @the_elusive_black_birder)
Blue Jays are easily identified by both sound and sight with their distinctive features. You will surely hear them on your exploration, possibly all year round!
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) - July 2021 (Photo by Schuyler Lawson IG @the_elusive_black_birder)
The American Robin is one of the most common species of birds found in the United States. You will notice plenty of them around The Letchworth Teaching Forest.