Wildlife is one of the New Hampshire's natural treasures. More than 300 species of vertebrates - fish, birds, ammals, reptiles and amphibians - live here. An additional 120 species occur as migrants. New Hampshire's renewable wildlife resources are valued by hunters, trappers, anglers, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, biologists, naturalists and wildlife watchers.

Moose
The animal most visitors are curious to see is the moose. Moose were once more common in New Hampshire than deer. Today moose number over 4000 and are frequently seen in the White Mountains, The Great North Woods and Kancamagus Highway, as well as the White Mountains Trail are considered prime moose-watching country. Look for moose in low, swampy areas by the sides of the road. Moose are powerful and unpredictable, and are best viewed from the comfort of your vehicle.

White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer, the State Animal, are found throughout New Hampshire, and are often in the same areas as mose.

Black Bear
Black bear are also fairly common, particularly in northern New Hampshire. Black bears generally are solitary creatures. Two to 4 cubs are born in late January or early February while the female is denning. The young bears remain with the female throughout the next winter and disperse the next spring. During the spring, summer and fall bears may be active during the day, usually at dawn and dusk.

Loons
No so common are the loons whose haunting calls can sometimes be heard near lakes like Squam, where the film "On Golden Pond" was filmed. Loons are water birds; they only come ashore to mate and to incubate their eggs. They can remain submerged for several minutes while pursuing prey, which is why boaters should exercise caution: you don't know where a loon is liable to pop up.

Whales
Along the seacoast, it is the whale that attracts visitors, and whale watches head out from New Hampshire harbors daily from spring through fall to search out humpback, fin, right, minke and sei whales and whitesided dolphins.

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