Animals of the Pines
Many pine barrens animals have adapted to the nutrient-poor conditions by having specialized diets or being less reliant on lush vegetation. For instance, the tree frog is adapted to the acidic waters here, whereas other frogs might struggle.
The pine barrens is somewhat isolated from other ecosystems, leading to species that are either endemic (found only here) or genetically distinct from populations elsewhere. This is seen in species like the tree frog and the northern pine snake. Compared to the surrounding regions (like the Appalachian Mountains or coastal marshes), the pine barrens have fewer large mammals and are dominated by species that thrive in sandy, dry, and acidic conditions.
Whooper Swan
White-tailed Deer
While white-tailed deer are present way beyond the pine barrens, and there's no shortage of them here in the pines. You'll find more white-tailed deer in these state forests.
