Discover Front Royal
    • Home
    • Winter 2022-23
    • Events Calendar
      • Autumn 2022
      • Summer 2022
    • Plan Your Visit
      • Adventure and Stars
      • Off the Beaten Path
      • Wine Lovers
      • Pawfect Adventures
      • Adventurous Eats
      • Adventure Awaits
      • Get Out and Golf
    • Explore, Eat, Stay
      • Get Outdoors
      • Eat & Drink
      • Play & Stay
    • Photo Contest Winners 2022
    • Contact
    • Blog
    • Visitor Guide
    • Tourism Partnership Resource

Blog

  • MEDIA/PRESS
  • CONTACT US
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • VISITOR GUIDE
  • VIDEO
Picture

Discover-y 3: Discover the Spring Wildlife of the Shenandoah Valley

5/6/2021

 
For animal enthusiasts, spring can herald the welcome return of wild animal sightings after the long, still winter. With its mountains, forests, and rivers, the Front Royal area has plenty of natural habitat for a diverse array of wild animals. Patient nature observers have a great chance for some exciting wildlife encounters.
 
Read on for an introduction to some of the easiest wild animals to spot around Front Royal. We’ve also included some viewing tips and some special guidance for spring viewing.
Picture
Black Bear in the Shenandoah
Black Bears Emerge From Hibernation
​
​Black bears occupy a broader range of habitats than any other species of bear, and they’re long-time residents of Virginia. Black bear cubs are born in mid-winter, during the hibernation period, and first emerge with their mothers in the spring. As bears begin to forage for food sources in the spring, it’s not uncommon to spot a mother with several cubs in tow. It’s a charming sight, but be careful! The term mama bear comes from a mother bear’s fierce protective instincts. Interfering with cubs could lead to an unpleasant and dangerous encounter with the mother. This is one spring sight that’s best enjoyed from a distance!

Picture
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer – It’s Time to Enjoy Them!
​
To gardeners and farmers they can be a nuisance, but if you’re not fighting to keep them out of your crops, these easy-to-spot animals are a beautiful sight. Whether you’re observing a majestic buck or a group of does (sometimes with fawns in tow!), a deer sighting can be a great chance to enjoy the beauty of the natural world. White-tailed deer are prolific in the Front Royal area, and you should have a good chance of spotting one (or a several!) in the parks around Front Royal. In spring, keep a special lookout for the delightful sight of new young fawns.
 
Picture
Sun-bathing Turtle
Wildlife in the Shenandoah River – Sun-bathing Turtles
​
Turtle sightings are yet another sign of the return of warmer weather. Turtles particularly like to sunbathe during spring time. And with the Shenandoah River running right through town, Front Royal is a great place to watch them. Take a riverside walk at Eastham Park or the Shenandoah River State Park, and look out for groups of turtles sunbathing on riverside logs. Or take a river trip with one of Front Royal’s own outfitters, and enjoy observing the turtles from the relaxing viewpoint of the river.
 
Top Tips for Wildlife Viewing in the Front Royal Area
​
If you’re serious about seeking out wildlife sightings around Front Royal this spring, head out to one of the Front Royal area’s fantastic parks, and get wildlife watching! The Shenandoah National Park has been rated one of the best national parks for wildlife viewing. The George Washington National Forest and the Shenandoah River State Park are two more great local options. 
 
Follow our four top tips to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

1. Keep your distance! All wild animals can be dangerous, and it’s important for both your sake and the animal’s that you keep a safe distance apart. You should never touch or pick up a wild animal. In the spring, it’s not uncommon to come across a baby fawn bedded down alone. Don’t assume that the baby has been abandoned. Mother deer often leave their babies for extended periods while they forage for food. Touching or moving a fawn could lead to its abandonment and even death.

​2. Sit still! Even if you think you’re walking quietly, it’s a guarantee that wildlife can see and hear you. You best chance for some animal viewing is to find a spot where you can sit quietly and blend in with nature.

3. Pick your time! Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife watching, as these times coincide with a peak in animal movement and activity. Of course, you’ll want to settle into your viewing spot a little in advance of this time, so if you’re planning a dawn expedition, you’ll need an early wake up call. Plan a camping trip if you want to ensure you’re out in nature first thing in the morning!
 
​4. Bring your camera! You may be about to experience some unique and memorable sights. Don’t forget to bring a camera along so you can capture the beauty of the natural world and enjoy it for years to come.

Picture
Nature Photography
The animal kingdom is full of wonders for us to enjoy, and many of them are right here in the Shenandoah Valley. As animals become more active in the spring, it’s a great time to get out and observe them in their natural habitats. Here’s to your next animal adventure!
 
Picture
Wild ducks swimming

    Author

    Discover Front Royal

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All
    Activities
    Adventure
    Apple Picking
    Autumn
    Biking
    Bird Watching
    Blue Ridge Mountains
    Cabin
    Camping
    Canoeing
    Civil War
    Climbing
    Contest
    Craft Beers
    Craft Festivals
    Day Trips
    Dining
    Discover Front Royal
    Discovery Series
    Downtown Rebound
    Entertainment
    Events
    Family
    Family Fun
    Farms
    Festivals
    Fishing
    Foliage
    Food
    Fun
    Fun Facts
    Gardens
    Getaway
    Gifts
    Golf
    Halloween
    Health
    Hiking
    Historic
    Historic Sites
    History
    Holidays
    Homesteading
    Indoors
    Kayaking
    Kids
    Leaf Peeping
    Local
    Local Farms
    Local Produce
    Locals
    Lodging
    LoveVA
    Main Street
    Meadery
    Motorcycling
    Mountain Biking
    Movies
    Music
    National Parks
    Nature
    Orchards
    Outdoor Recreation
    Parks
    Pets
    Photography
    Picnic
    Real Estate
    Recreational Activities
    Restaurants
    Rock Climbing
    Scenic Drives
    Seasons
    Shenandoah National Park
    Shenandoah River
    Shenandoah Valley
    Shop
    Shopping
    Shops
    Skiing
    Skyline Drive
    Special Needs
    Sports
    Spring
    Star Gazing
    Staycation
    Summer
    Swimming
    Things To Do
    Tourism
    Town Of Front Royal
    Trails
    Travel
    Vacation
    Virginia
    Virginia Tourism Corporation
    Visit Front Royal
    Warren County
    Wildlife
    Wine Festival
    Wineries
    Winter

    RSS Feed


DIRECTIONS

To say all roads lead to Front Royal is not an exaggeration. From the numerous winding state roads lined with gorgeous fields and farms, to fast-moving multi-laned interstates, you’ll find an easy commute to our community. Once here, we can personalize all your travel needs. ​

​Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center
414 East Main Street
Front Royal, VA 22630

Phone: 540-635-5788

Winter Hours:
Open Thurs. - Sun.
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

​
Directions
HELPFUL LINKS
​
Front Royal Trolley (PDF)
Front Royal Visitors Guide
​Front Royal Weather Forecast
​
Shenandoah Valley

Visit Shenandoah
Battle of Front Royal Quest
Quest Shenandoah for  Kids


ABOUT US
​
Front Royal/​Warren County is conveniently located within the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and offers numerous recreational activities, historical landmarks, and annual events in and around us. Visit Front Royal to find out why it’s the perfect location for your next family reunion, business meeting,  destination wedding, get-away weekend or ... new home!
Read More

​CONNECT

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
© 2021 Discover Front Royal | Contact Webmaster | Privacy
Theme by ROOMY THEMES
Site powered by MMES inc
Theme by ROOMY THEMES
  • Home
  • Winter 2022-23
  • Events Calendar
    • Autumn 2022
    • Summer 2022
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Adventure and Stars
    • Off the Beaten Path
    • Wine Lovers
    • Pawfect Adventures
    • Adventurous Eats
    • Adventure Awaits
    • Get Out and Golf
  • Explore, Eat, Stay
    • Get Outdoors
    • Eat & Drink
    • Play & Stay
  • Photo Contest Winners 2022
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Visitor Guide
  • Tourism Partnership Resource