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Native American folklore is filled with tales of the coyote. This animal is either revered for its intelligence and ability to resolve a conflict or threat to its life, or is frowned upon for being a cunning and deceiving manipulator. The coyote is not native to Ohio but is present throughout the state today. Love or hate it, the coyote can make the best of a bad situation to survive and prosper. Usually, we associate the coyote with the open, deserted lands of the American West. As its presence in Ohio shows, this versatile animal can make a home almost anywhere and is now found in all 88 counties of Ohio including urban areas. 

Spotted at: All Great Parks destinations 

The bobcat is native to Ohio and is one of seven wild cat species found in North America. Domestic cats belong to the same family, Felidae, as the bobcat. Bobcats are rarely seen in Ohio as they were eradicated from the state in 1850. Prior to settlement, bobcats were common throughout Ohio. They began to repopulate Ohio in the Mid-1900s, and sightings became more frequent in the early 2000s. A combination of monitoring and research has revealed that Ohio now supports an established bobcat population in the eastern and southern parts of the state, and the population is continuing to expand into other areas of suitable habitat.  

Spotted at:  Miami Whitewater Forest, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Richardson Forest Preserve, Shawnee Lookout, Withrow Nature Preserve, and Woodland Mound

The beaver is North America’s largest rodent, weighing up to 60 lbs and measuring 25-30 inches long. Beavers are well adapted to life in the water. Their webbed feet, waterproof fur, clear “third-eyelids” and flattened, rudder-like tail make them excellent swimmers. Their huge front teeth help beavers to cut through hardwoods like maple and oak. These teeth grow throughout the animal's lifetime and are necessary for survival. 

Spotted at: Fernbank Park, Glenwood Gardens, Kroger Hills, Lake Isabella, Little Miami Scenic Corridor, Miami Whitewater Forest, Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Richardson Forest Preserve, Sharon Woods, Shawnee Lookout, Winton Woods, Withrow Nature Preserve, and Woodland Mound

The great horned owl is the largest of Ohio's resident owls and North America's largest "eared" owl. Once abundant in the state, great horned owl numbers declined with the development of Ohio. This owl will eat a tremendous variety of animals and is a talented hunter, allowing it to adapt to nearly all habitat types with suitable nest sites. It has a variety of calls, or notes, including a five- or six-note hoot, shrieks, barks, growls and a spine-chilling scream. The great horned owl is considered the top bird of prey, fearing no creature but man. 

Spotted at: All Great Parks destinations 

One of the largest bird species in Ohio, populations of the great blue heron are widely distributed throughout the state. Native to Ohio, there was a time when heron numbers dwindled as these birds’ feathers were a favorite of the hat-making trade during the 1800s. The great blue heron is often observed motionless, as it pursues its prey while standing in a stream, river or wetland. Unlike numerous other predators that actively stalk on foot or wing, the great blue heron takes the complete opposite approach–it stands still, watching the water for a fish. Then in the blink of an eye, in a sharp and seamless movement will snare its prey. 

Spotted at: Campbell Lakes, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Fernbank Park, Glenwood Gardens, Kroger Hills, Lake Isabella, Little Miami Scenic Corridor, Miami Whitewater Forest, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Newberry Wildlife Sanctuary, Oak Glen Nature Preserve, Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Richardson Forest Preserve, Sharon Woods, Shawnee Lookout, Triple Creek, Winton Woods, and Woodland Mound