Walking through the winding paths of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden, we meet the moon-eyed snowy owl, the distinguished bald eagle, a pair of sunbathing bobcats and even a waddling skunk. But the main stars of the space are, without a doubt, the river otters.
The animals swirl through the water, as kids eagerly crowd around, peering through the museum’s glass-walled enclosure. The river otter, Cleveland Magazine's September cover star, is, yes, cute — and it turns out that it’s also a symbol of remarkable conservation success that was accomplished through coordinated efforts in the state.
It’s this journey, and a collection of tales and tidbits about 40-plus other creatures, that make up our September cover feature. After all, telling the story of Cleveland means more than recounting the humans who live here. Jim Nemet, CMNH’s director of wildlife, would know.
“Animals are part of our natural history,” Nemet says. “They’re part of our landscape. They’re part of our environment.”
Here, he corrects himself — and gives us an important reminder: “We are part of their environment.”
In this issue of Cleveland Magazine, take a walk on the wild side of Greater Cleveland, and meet some of the most unique critters that call Northeast Ohio home.
(Photo courtesy Ohio Department of Natural Resources)
Bald Eagle
Over the course of 50 years, bald eagles went from a Buckeye State rarity to a regular Lake Erie presence.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Blanding's Turtle
The Blanding's Turtle Reintroduction Project aims to help the endangered animal reestablish its population in Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve.
(Photo courtesy Ohio Division of Wildlife)
Black Bear
The only bear species found in Ohio, black bear populations are growing, especially in Northeast Ohio.
(Photo courtesy Ohio Department of Natural Resources)
Bobcat
Ohio's only native wildcat is rebounding, with appearances logged here in Northeast Ohio.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Eastern Hellbender
With "hellbender huts" and wildlife releases, scientists hope to see North America's largest salamander make a comeback.
(Photo courtesy Douglas H. Domedion, via Wikimedia Commons)
Fisher
There have been 40 confirmed observations of this type of weasel in Northeast Ohio since 2013.
(Illustration courtesy Duane Raver)
Freshwater Drum
Lake Erie's "lucky stones" are actually this fish's ear bones, which some local makers transform into art.
(Photo courtesy US Fish and Wildlife Service)
Indiana Bat
The endangered Northern long-eared bat and Indiana bat long-eared bat and Indiana bat are both protected and monitored by work in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Karner Blue Butterfly
As blue lupine has declined in Ohio, so has the Karner blue butterfly. Conservationists are hoping to change that.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Massasauga Rattlesnake
Efforts to rebuild the Massasauga rattlesnake's population focus on Northeast Ohio's meadows.
(Photo courtesy SR Photies via Flickr)
Mayflies and Midges
Lake Erie is known for its regular appearances of these buggy clouds, which arrive from May until September, and which can appear on weather radar.
(Photo by Greg Murray)
River Otter
After being reintroduced to Ohio’s waterways in the late ’80s, river otters are off the endangered list and thriving in Northeast Ohio today.
(Photo courtesy Alamy Stock)
Sharp Hornsnail
Sharp hornsnails are responsible for these conical shells commonly found on Lake Erie’s shores.
(Photo courtesy Lance Cheung, USDA Photo)
Spotted Lanternfly
The highly invasive spotted lanternfly has been swarming Cleveland in the autumn for the past few years.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Trumpeter Swan
Thanks to a collaboration with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the trumpeter swan is reestablished in Ohio and no longer on the state’s threatened species list.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Zebra Mussel
Destructive, invasive zebra mussels have long caused issues like clogged pumps and pipes in Lake Erie.
(Photo courtesy iStock)
6 Migrating Birds and Butterflies To See in Greater Cleveland
The president of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland shares his recommendations on migrating creatures to see in Northeast Ohio. The list features:
- Red Knot
- Blackpoll Warbler
- Monarch Butterfly
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Orchard Oriole
- Snowy Owl
(Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Unique Underwater Creatures That Call Lake Erie Home
Some pretty interesting animals live just under the surface of Lake Erie, and further into the depths. This list includes:
- Freshwater Jellyfish
- Freshwater Sponges
- Gizzard Shad
- Lake Erie Sturgeon
- Opossum Shrimp
- Round Goby
- Sea Lampreys
- Spotted Gar
(Photo courtesy iStock)
Get to Know Ohio’s State Animals
Did you know Ohio has more than a state bird? Get to know the Buckeye State's symbols of pride:
- American Bullfrog
- Black Racer Snake
- Cardinal
- Ladybug
- Spotted Salamander
- White-Tailed Deer
(Photo by Matthew Chasney)
Go Wild at 7 Animal-Themed Festivals in Northeast Ohio
Clevelanders celebrate local wildlife in different ways at these annual gatherings, celebrating:
- Wooly Bears
- Black Squirrels
- Frogs
- Skunks
- Buzzards
- Perch
- Birds
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