Meet the Wild in Virginia

You aren't the only one enjoying all that Virginia has to offer. Tens of thousands of animal species are native to Virginia, from wild ponies living high in the mountains to the dolphins that frolic off the coast to the humble opossum who calls the River City home. Discover creatures great and small when you visit Virginia's parks, refuges, and wildlife management areas.

Remember to abide by guidelines for safe experiences with wildlife. Keep your distance and stay to marked trails. Do not feed wildlife. Be aware of what forms of wildlife you may encounter at certain locations, and consult any rules for wildlife viewing.

Explore Virginia by Species

We might be biased, but there are some species that you should definitely be on the lookout for in Virginia. Click on your animal of interest to see where you might be able to spot them.

WILD PONIES

Where to See Wild Ponies in Virginia

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – A habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, wild ponies, and other wildlife. Chincoteague is home to the annual Pony Penning, an iconic event where saltwater cowboys round up the herd and bring them from Assateague Island right into town.

Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson – See grazing ponies near the peaks of Virginia's two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain.

BALD EAGLES

Where to See Bald Eagles in Virginia

Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve, Stafford – A crown jewel among Virginia's natural areas. The preserve is home to nesting bald eagles and more than 60 species of neo-tropical songbirds.

Widewater State Park, Stafford – Bald eagles love this state park on the Potomac River.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach – A habitat for a wide assortment of endangered species such as loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.

Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, Williamsburg – Visit bluffs along the river and see ospreys and bald eagles. The interior roads lead to turkeys, deer, rabbits, and other creatures.

Caledon State Park, King George – The summer home of one of the largest concentrations of American bald eagles on the East Coast. Call for access to marshes and the Potomac River. Forest trails are open year around.

Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Lorton – Created to protect bald eagle nesting, feeding, and roosting habitats along the Potomac River. There's also more than 1,200 nests for great blue herons. See other birds and ducks, too!

HERONS & OSPREY

Where to See Herons & Osprey in Virginia

Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Lorton – Created to protect bald eagle nesting, feeding, and roosting habitats along the Potomac River. There's also more than 1,200 nests for great blue herons. See other birds and ducks, too!

Julie J. Metz Wetland Bank, Woodbridge – Features great blue herons, wood ducks, and other marshy birds as well as songbirds and grassland birds.

Locher Tract Balcony Falls Trail, Glasgow – Home to beaver, deer, herons, quail, turkey and other creatures. It's an easy 1-mile loop trail along the James River.

Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, Charles City – Visit bluffs along the river and see ospreys and bald eagles. The interior roads lead to turkeys, deer, rabbits, and other creatures.

Colonial Beach – Home to the annual Osprey Festival, a large event celebrating the osprey's annual return to the Potomac River city.

DOLPHINS & WHALES

Whale Watching Boat Tour with the Virginia Aquarium

Where to See Whales & Dolphins in Virginia

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach – The museum offers special boat trips to see dolphins, whales, and other ocean creatures. Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Trips are led by naturalists from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. April-October for dolphins; December-March for whales.