Travel with kindness to all that lives
Half the joy of a West Virginia RV trip is what you might see along the way. Here are the iconic animals worth looking for — the best months to catch them, the RV-friendly habitats where you have a real chance, and how to watch from a respectful distance so wildlife stays wild. All facts come from state and federal wildlife agencies.
West Virginia's state animal, roams the high Allegheny forest.
Best months: May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Healthy population in the Allegheny highlands
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Male is brilliant scarlet with jet-black wings and tail.
Best months: May · Jun · Jul
Common but declining in eastern forests
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Males are vibrant red; females are brown with red highlights
Best months: Mar · Apr · May
State bird of West Virginia, common year-round resident
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Raccoons are adaptable and often seen near water at dusk.
Best months: Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Common and widespread across West Virginia
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Elusive wild cat, active at dawn and dusk in forested regions.
Best months: Dec · Jan · Feb
Stable resident, widespread but secretive
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Playful and elusive, often seen in clear mountain streams
Best months: Mar · Apr · May
Stable native population, state-regulated trapping
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Large game bird, often seen foraging in flocks.
Best months: Sep · Oct · Nov
common resident, stable population
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White-tailed deer are active at dawn and dusk, often seen in open fields or forest edges.
Best months: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Common and widespread in forests across the state
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