Fish
Only a small number of fish species can reproduce and thrive in the region because of its naturally acidic waters. Species found in
the Pine Barrens are banded sunfish, blackbanded sunfish, pirate perch, mud sunfish, swamp darter and yellow bullhead. Species
found in the Pine Barrens and elsewhere in New Jersey are American eel, bluespotted sunfish, eastern mudminnow, redfin pickerel,
chain pickerel, creek chubsucker and tadpole madtom.
Amphibians
The Pine Barrens is the global stronghold for the Pine
Barrens tree frog, which uses ponds for breeding.
Residential development and farming in the Pinelands
often result in changes to the chemistry of the breeding
habitats of these animals and an influx of non-native
species that can displace them. The presence of carpenter
frogs, another characteristic Pine Barrens species,
indicates a healthy aquatic wildlife community. Some of the
other more visible and well-known frog species of the Pine
Barrens are the green frog and the southern leopard frog.
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Mammals
Mammals in the Pine Barrens include white-tailed deer,
coyotes, bobcats, beavers and river otters. Red and gray
foxes, minks, long-tailed weasels, southern bog lemmings,
eight species of bats, as well as raccoons, muskrats, various
squirrels, chipmunks, voles and mice make their homes in
there as well.
Birds
The forests and swamps of the Pine Barrens provide a
nesting habitat for approximately 144 species of birds,
including wood warblers and other songbirds. The Pine
Barrens is an important area for breeding, feeding, nesting
and resting for a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks and
geese, and magnificent raptors, such as the bald eagle,
redshouldered hawk and osprey.
Courtesy of Ocean County Parks & Recreation
Reptiles
The timber rattlesnake is the only venomous species in the Pine Barrens. The northern pine snake can be found in pocket
populations within the area. Similarly, the Pine Barrens hosts the northernmost population of the corn snake. The most
common snake in the region may be the northern water snake, and the most famous is the puff adder, which spreads its neck,
cobra-like, when alarmed.
Courtesy of Ocean County Parks & Recreation
/www.sparkexploreocean.com
