The park provides habitats
for over 40 species of mammals - the moose,
black bear, beaver, red fox, wolf, coyote, red
squirrel and snowshoe hare are the most representative.
At the northern limit of their distribution
area are the white-tailed deer, long-tailed
weasel and northern oriole; the wolf, moose,
least weasel, spruce grouse, and common raven
are at their southern limit. The mink, otter,
marten and fisher are also abundant, while raccoon,
porcupine, woodchuck and smaller rodents are
less visible. The largest North American land
animal, the moose has been in danger of extinction
through hunting and loss of habitat. Today,
its population, although stable, is still adversely
affected by hunting, logging and the development
of resort areas outside the park. The presence
of a wolf population and the advantage of controlled
burns to provide the moose with an abundant
food supply are factors that alter the mooseŽs
habitat. Over 180 species of birds have been
spotted of which 60 are aquatic, 70 live underground
and 20 are birds of prey, although only the
osprey and the hawk are common hunters. In the
coniferous forests, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
several kinds of warblers, thrushes and the
Dark-eyed Junco abound; grouse, jay, chickadee
and finch live in the mixed forests; in the
deciduous forests to the south live the Ovenbird,
Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Wood-peewee and
the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The abundant lakes
and streams are home to ducks and loons as well
as various salamanders, frogs and turtles that
are unexpected so far north.
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