BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 7, 2026
Owls, deer, sea anemones and loons — wild animals are everywhere in Acadia National Park. As a longtime visitor and hiking guide there, I’ve experienced some amazing wildlife encounters over the years, including a few this winter. Acadia is home to at least 40 species of mammals. While hiking there, I often observe beavers swimming in ponds, gnawing down trees and building lodges. I’ve also come across snowshoe hares, noisy red squirrels, adorable porcupines and playful otters. Deer are everywhere in the park. Visitors to the park often ask rangers and guides about one animal in particular: Maine’s famous moose. Unfortunately, these iconic creatures are rarely spotted in Acadia. While Acadia is home to a small population of bears, they’re rarely seen by visitors because they tend to avoid people and dogs.