Wildlife Habitat
![[A Swallowtail butterfly resting on a flower in a field.]](/forests/healthreport/art/stail.jpg)
Many wild animals live in forests in Maryland. Some, like Black Bears , require large forested areas to survive.
Until recently, it was believed that turkeys needed large forested areas to survive, yet a capture and release
program has successfully reintroduced them in every county of Maryland. On the other hand, a small patch of forest may
meet the requirements of chipmunks and salamanders. Diverse forests meet habitat requirements of many different wildlife species
thereby attracting a greater variety of species.
Songbirds touch the lives of a lot of people. Many birds are adaptable to forest conditions, as well as backyards. Some migrate here from the south for the summer, while others migrate from the north for the winter. Our interest in all critters including frogs, butterflies, bats, and opossums is growing as we learn about their relationship to forested habitat and to us. We gain a wide array of benefits from the wildlife in our forests, including a sence of well being, fun and enjoyment, hunting and economic grouth. All wildlife adds to biological diversity and has an intergral role in our food web. High quality habitats are required for healthy populations of wildlife and healthy forest communities.
Forest Health Report Contents
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