Watchable Wildlife Highlights
The Division of Wildlife has made restoration and enhancement of Ohio’s wildlife diversity a priority. Many of these initiatives have been successful and provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities across Ohio. For example, with a little luck and perseverance, wildlife enthusiasts in Ohio can view ospreys, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, Karner blue butterflies, and trumpeter swans. While spotting one of these more elusive species is rare, river otters, snowshoe hares, bobcats and black bears also are found in Ohio and add to the BuckeyeState’s wildlife diversity.
Despite being a highly populated state with an abundance of urban, industrial, residential and agricultural areas, Ohio has much to offer for those seeking to enjoy nature and wildlife in a natural setting. Many wildlife areas and other public lands are available for hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing. Listed below are a few notable areas from around Ohio that offer special wildlife viewing opportunities:
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REGION
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COUNTY
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LOCATION
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HIGHLIGHTED SPECIES
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Central
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Marion
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Big Island Wildlife Area
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Grassland birds & waterfowl
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Central
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Pickaway
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Deer Creek Wildlife Area
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Osprey & grassland birds
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Northwest
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Ottawa
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Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
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Waterfowl, shorebirds, & eagles
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Northwest
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Wyandot
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Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
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Grassland birds & raptors
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Northeast
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Trumbull
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Shenango Wildlife Area
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Woodcock & beaver
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Northeast
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Wayne
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Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
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Sandhill crane & river otter
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Southeast
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Guernsey
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Salt Fork Wildlife Area
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White-tailed deer & wild turkey
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Southeast
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Scioto
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Shawnee State Forest
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Forest songbirds & ruffed grouse
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Southwest
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Brown
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Indian Creek Wildlife Area
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Bobwhite quail & songbirds
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Southwest
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Greene
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Beaver Creek Wildlife Area
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Wetland birds & amphibians
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