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New River Gorge National RiverHiker and Icicles
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New River Gorge National River
Animals
 
Red fox
Red fox
A wide variety of animals live in and around New River Gorge National River. The New River has long served as a migration corridor for both plants and animals. For this reason, animals more commonly found much farther south may reach the northern extent of their range in the New River Gorge area. Likewise, animals more commonly associated with the northern forests may reach the southern extent of their range in this area. Other animals are found only in the New River area. These species, called endemics, were isolated from similar populations by the steep, rugged terrain of New River Gorge and/or the tumultuous rapids and waterfalls of New River. Thus isolated, these animals evolved to be adapted to the unique circumstances of New River Gorge.
Male Cardinal perched on tree branch.
Park Birdlist
List of bird species found in the park
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BASE Jumper at New River Gorge  

Did You Know?
One day each year, hundreds of BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth) jumpers come to New River Gorge to parachute from the New River Gorge Bridge.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:31 EST