An Interesting Member Of Wildlife Lives at the Bear Mountain Zoo

You can live in the Hudson Valley most of your life and barely get to know the wildlife. The woods and bodies of water that make up our region are full of so many animals some of which you could go a whole lifetime never seeing in person.

Deer and skunks are animals most of us are familiar with seeing in our yards. Lately, bears and even moose have been spotted in neighborhoods. Foxes and coyotes are known to prowl around for a meal.

One creature that you may also have stopped, most likely in the middle of the road, is an Opossum.

What kind of Animals Live at the Bear Mountain Zoo?

If you have an interest in Hudson Valley wildlife, a great place to visit and learn more about the animals we share our communities with is the Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park. They have resident bears, a bobcat, and many exciting birds including an owl plus they are home to Alfredo the Virginia Oposum.

SEE ALSO: Alfredo Moves in at the Bear Mountain Zoo

Alfredo is just one of the many animals that have taken up residency at the Bear Mountian Zoo. He, like others, was unable to return to the wild. The zoo gives these animals a home and in exchange, we get to learn more about them when we visit.

Fun Facts about Hudson Valley Opossums

Some fun facts you might not know about opossums is that they are marsupials which means like a kangaroo or a koala they have a pouch that their young live in while they grow up.

Also according to the Opposum Society of the United States (OSUS) the opossum has been around for 70 million years. They hung out with the dinosaurs.

What Can I Do at the Bear Mountain Zoo?

Along with learning about the animals the zoo offers fun interactive programs throughout the year. In March you will be able to join them on the 10th for Winter Tree Identification at BearMountian State Park. They are also offering a toddler program in March called Little Cubs where you and your child can learn about nature together at the Bear Mountain Inn.

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