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Animals PDF Print E-mail

Rock Creek supports a diverse assortment of animal life, given its location in the densely populated Washington, DC, region.  There are over 160 types of birds, 35 types of fish, and 30 mammals that can be found spending at least part of their life in the creek or surrounding area.  Rock Creek Park supports one federally endangered species, the Hay spring amphipod (a small shrimp-like species).   The park also supports reptile and amphibian populations, but their numbers here, like in many areas, is declining.  The animals of Rock Creek are just one reason we must work to reduce human impact on our waterways.

Scroll down and click on the picture of each species to learn about some of the wonderful species in your Rock Creek.  Can you spot these species while out and about in the park?

Featured Bird:  Red-Shouldered Hawk

Redshoulderedhawk

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Featured Mammal:  Gray Squirrel

EasternGreySquiral

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Featured Fish:  American shad

AmericanShad

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Featured Reptile or Amphibian:  Eastern Box Turtle

EasternBoxTurtle

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Federal Endangered Species Alert! Hay spring amphibod (Stygobromus hayi)

We can't find a picture of this blind, colorless shrimp-like creature.  If you have one, please send it to us!