Surrounded by 5,500-acres of pristine Pocono Mountain wilderness, Skytop Lodge is a haven for a wide array of animal species. Here are just a few examples of the amazing wildlife that make Skytop and the Poconos their home.
Osprey: A large raptor that subsists almost exclusively on fish, osprey are most often spotted at Skytop near the water. The Trout River Trail, where you can see the abundance of brook and brown trout in the water, is a favorite fishing spot of osprey.
Golden-Winged Warbler: These small, gray songbirds are named for the distinctive bright yellow patches on their wings. They also have a corresponding yellow patch on the top of their heads. Listen and look for the warblers along the Skytop Mountain Road and Trail.
Owls: At least six different species of owls can be found in Pennsylvania, with three that are fairly common in the Pocono Mountains: Great-Horned Owl, Barred Owl, and Screech Owl. Here at Skytop, your best chance to hear or glimpse an owl is on Pine Trail in the evening near dusk.
River Otters: The North American river otter is a member of the weasel family. A skilled swimmer, the river otter is also surprisingly agile on land. River otters are common in the Leavitt Branch and may also be seen along the Trout River Trail near or in the water.
Beavers: These industrious, semi-aquatic animals are known for building dams and lodges. As such, you are far more likely to see the chewed up trees that beavers leave in their wake than the actual animals themselves, but you just never know. Like river otter, the beavers at Skytop live in and around the streams and Leavitt Branch.
Black Bears: Across North America, black bears can vary widely in size weighing anywhere from 120 up to 550 pounds. In Pennsylvania, male black bears average 300 pounds, while females are usually closer to 200 pounds. The black bears at Skytop tend to stay near the Skytop Mountain Road and Trail, where you may see tracks or other evidence of these massive creatures.
At Skytop, we are committed to the conservation of the Pocono Mountains and the diverse wildlife that live here. Our resident naturalist works hard to ensure we are doing our part for to protect the natural beauty that surrounds us. To get your chance to glimpse some of the amazing animals of Skytop, contact us today to book your stay.