Posted in New Jersey June 15, 2015 by

16 Photos Of Wildlife In New Jersey That Will Drop Your Jaw

New Jersey may be the most densely populated state in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean we don’t also have parks; we have plenty. Though every county in New Jersey is considered a metropolitan area, we offer numerous state and national parks, local parks and wildlife refuges. From Allaire to Allamuchy and Wharton to Waywayanda our small state has forests, mountains, lakes and loads of wildlife.

1. Ring-Billed Gull
Flickr/Billtacular
This stunning closeup was captured at the Manasquan Inlet.
2. Snapping Turtle
Flickr/Billtacular
This rugged snapping turtle was photographed in North Brunswick.
3. Osprey
Flickr/hjhipster
This Osprey mama and her chicks were photographed near North Wildwood.
4. Praying Mantis
Photo/Kristen Koennemann
This Praying Mantis sits upon a fence in Wayne.
5. American Oystercatcher
Flickr/Billtacular
This eye catching photo was snapped in Cape May.
6. Tree Frog
Flickr/Billtacular
This Tree Frog was spotted soaking up the sun in Cape May.
7. Snowy Egret
Flickr/hjhipster
This Egret is perched in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
8. Black Bear
Flickr/Anaxolotl
This bear was photographed in Jenny Jump State Park though they can be found most everywhere in New Jersey.
9. Northern Harrier
Flickr/hjhipster
This soaring Harrier was photographed at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary in Cape May County.
10. Wolf
Flickr/Donald Scott
This striking Wolf was spotted at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia.
11. Great Egret & Great Blue Heron
Flickr/hjhipster
This daring duo appears to be racing along Nummy Island near Stone Harbor.
12. Turtle
Flickr/Billtacular
This Cape May turtle is being bugged by bugs; notice the mosquitoes?
13. Mallard Ducks
Flickr/hjhipster
These Mallard mates have been cleared for landing in Mountainside.
14. White-Tailed Deer
Flickr/Hope Abrams
This handsome stag was photographed in Rifle Camp Park.
15. Tufted Titmouse
Flickr/hjhipster
This Tufted Titmouse was spotted in Lower Township.
16. Red Fox
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
This Fox is one of many photographed in Island Beach State Park.

Let’s all hoist our jaws back up and appreciate the natural beauty New Jersey has to offer. To spot similar scenes yourself consider visiting one of our incredible state parks or wildlife preserves. Great places to start include the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, Island Beach State Park and the Lakota Wolf Preserve. What is your favorite spot for wildlife watching?