Are there Bobcats in Hocking Hills?

What Kind of Animals Are in Hocking Hills? The forests in our area create a great habitat for animals to thrive. The most prevalent species you will see are white-tailed deer, barred owls, ruffed grouse, and even bobcats.

Are there bears in Hocking Hills State Park?

Bear sightings in the eastern half of Ohio have increased but they are still quite rare. Your chances of encountering a bear in Hocking Hills are pretty low and you can explore the area alone and unarmed safely. Just be aware of your surroundings and if you see a bear, back away slowly.

Why is Hocking Hills threatened?

The cool, green, vibrant canyons and caves of the Hocking Hills are under threat by a tiny, invasive bug. The trees that cling to the cliffs of the Hocking Hills are mostly Eastern Hemlocks. These hemlocks are being attacked by an insect with a cute name and deadly consequences: The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Did Hocking Hills reopen?

Hocking Hills State Park has reopened — cautiously — some of its most popular and picturesque hiking trails. The trails, many of which are narrow and have steep drop-offs on one side, had been closed since March to allow them to be modified to allow for social distancing.

Are there black panthers in Ohio?

The Black Mystery Panther in Ohio. A much more cryptic set of sightings in Ohio tend around what is called a black mystery panther, or a black leopard. There is no known historical indigenous population of black ‘big cat’ in Ohio, however Starting in 1877, a ‘panther’ terrorized sheep and livestock in Sandusky.

Did mountain lions ever live in Ohio?

Mountain lions have been gone from our part of the country for well over a hundred years. According to Ohio History Central the Eastern Cougar was extirpated from Ohio in 1838, and other sources say the last mountain lions in West Virginia were killed in the 1880s, but that doesn’t stop people from seeing them.

Are there poisonous snakes in Hocking Hills?

Today, venomous snakes are rare in the state, decimated by loss of habitat and human predation, but there are still some around and outdoor folk should be aware of them. Timber rattlers, for example, are found in Adams, Scioto, Pike, Ross, Gallia, Jackson, Vinton and Hocking counties.

Can you open carry in Hocking Hills Ohio?

Ohio is also an open carry state, meaning that in most areas you are allowed to bear your weapon out in the open legally.

Can you shoot guns at Hocking Hills?

Shooting from or across any road or driveway, and discharge of any firearm, except during lawful hunting, are also not permitted. Two state nature preserves have been established in Hocking State Forest. Permits are issued by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves who cooperatively administer the preserves.

Do you have to wear a mask at Old Man’s Cave?

Do I need to wear a mask while hiking? Masks are suggested if you are in close quarters to other hikers but are not required. Is it necessary to Social Distance? Yes, Social Distancing is preferred, please be respectful of the distance between you and other hikers while passing on the trail.

How much does it cost to go to Hocking Hills?

All of Hocking Hills State Parks are free. But you must stay on the designated trail. There are no entrance fees for walking the trails or for parking. Naturalist-led hikes, programs, and special events are all free.

Do mountain lions live in Ohio?

While we have a significant population of state-protected bobcats (which people sometimes confuse), there is no indication of wild cougars/mountain lions in Ohio. It’s been 100 years or so since the last wild mountain lion was confirmed in the Buckeye State.