Raccoons

Raccoons on the island are tidal, not nocturnal, so you may see them at all hours of the day. They are comfortable taking your fish from your bucket or your lunch from the golf cart.

Deer

We have deer on the island at all seasons, in every location.

Rabbits

Marsh rabbits have brown tails and can swim. Since the eagles and owls have been nesting on the island, rabbits have been harder to spot. There are still some stealthy ones out there, though.

Mink

Mink can be seen near some of our favorite fishing areas. They are smaller than otters and have a pointier face. Photo Allen Mitchell.

Otters

Otters are a rare treat, and more often seen in the winter in the impoundment or crossing the channels near the main dock or back docks. Otters are more commonly sighted in winter in the impoundment or crossing the channels near the main dock or back docks.

Mice

You are more likely to see mouse tracks on the beach than see the actual mouse, but sometimes you are lucky to find one that's in danger of being carried off by a predatory bird.

Rats

There are two types of rats on the island: Brown rats and Rice rats. The brown rats are a non-native species that's been here since colonial days. The rice rats are smaller, and you're more likely to see them at the edges of the marsh or leaping across the road.

Bobcat

We have at least two bobcats that wander the island: one much larger than the other. You're more likely to know they are around through scat or tracks.

Coyotes

Coyote sightings on the island are rare, but we do have a pair or two that have been seen on the island. The current approach is to allow/encourage them to naturalize into a stable population as fast as possible. Be mindful of keeping your pets close on the beach at dawn, dusk, or night. Photo by Claudia DeMayo.