Existing comment:
Goat Island Wildlife:
The animals on Goat Island consist mostly of small mammals and birds. Mammals such as the eastern chipmunk, raccoon, and eastern gray and fox squirrels are commonplace. Some of the eastern gray squirrels are black due to a higher concentration of the brownish-black pigment, melanin, in their skins. Orioles, chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and a variety of warblers and sparrows inhabit Goat Island. Birds of prey on the island and gorge cliff face include the red-tailed hawk, cooper's hawk, and more recently, the peregrine falcon.
Wildlife depends on the natural environment for shelter and a source of food. Feeding wildlife is discouraged, as the animals become increasingly dependent on foods with low nutritional value. In waterfowl species, animal and exceed food waste cause water quality problems. This waste greatly increased bacteria levels that can lead to outbreaks of disease such as avian cholera and botulism. These diseases may cause massive die-offs in crowded animal populations. With this in mind, please do not feed the wildlife!
Goat Island is a wonderful place to view the falls and enjoy the quiet contemplation of nature. As you stroll along the trial in the woods and along the shoreline paths, please remember that all wildlife in the park is protected, and should not be handled or harmed. |