Whether you shoot with a rifle or a camera, the forests, lakes, streams and beaches of Georgia can provide plenty of opportunity for wildlife encounters. The state is divided into six regions, each offering its own animals native to the respective area. Many live on federally or state-protected land and continue to thrive due to wildlife conservation efforts and, in some cases, population control.
The forests that make up a large portion of northern and middle Georgia are home to both red and gray foxes and coyotes. Whitetail deer abound in the wooded areas of Georgia, as do black bears, bobcats, wild pig and armadillo. Offshore, you can find bottlenose dolphins and three types of whales--right, pilot and sprerm. Although not as common as in Florida, manatees have been reported in fresh inland waters.
The larger carnivorous mammals have plenty of prey in the form of smaller mammals, as squirrels (gray, fox and flying), chipmunks, striped skunks and several breeds of mice and rats all call Georgia home. Cottontail and marsh rabbits, gophers, otters and beavers can be found throughout the state as well. Moles, shrews and no less than eight species of bat, five species of myotis and the Eastern pipistrelle occupy the night skies.
Several types of herons and egrets can be found in the marshes and swamps of southern Georgia, as well as storks, mallard and ringed ducks, and many migratory birds, including the thrasher, the state bird. Birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, horned, screech, and barn owls, five species of hawks and the American bald eagle all nest in Georgia. On the coast, you can find plenty of pelicans and gulls.
Sand tiger is the primary shark species found off the Georgia coast. Common freshwater fish include bass, catfish and trout. Amphibians and reptiles are plentful in the state's marshlands and the Okefenokee Swamp. In addition to the American alligator, 11 snake species can be found, including such venomous species such as copperheads, water mocassins, timber rattlers and eastern corals. Both loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest and swim off the Georgia beaches, and the common gopher tortoise is also widely found in coastal areas.
Many wildlife sanctuaries and refuges exist throughout Georgia to protect many of these species. In addition, there are several federally protected lands that prohibit sport hunting or trespassing of any kind, so wildlife enthusiasts should check with local parks and game wardens before attempting to enter any wildlife area. All wildlife should be considered dangerous and treated with respect and caution accordingly.
