The Great Outdoors: No Snow, No Problem for Winter Sports Enthusiasts

Snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, you have my sympathy.

Winter has come and gone twice already.  While there has been enough snow across the region to enjoy some of those winter pursuits for a few days on an infrequent basis, there has been no certainty.

The good news is there are more ways than one to beat cabin fever.

Last winter was light on snow for most the part, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it.  Taking a drive has always been a popular activity, especially in the fall.  I have found that a winter day’s drive is as good as it gets, particularly if you are trying to see wildlife.  

For instance, in the Cook Forest State Park area, River Road follows the Wild and Scenic Clarion River for several miles. The Clarion River has become a great place to see critters.  Bald eagles and otters are two of the most fascinating and enjoyable species that we have in Pennsylvania and seeing them along the Clarion has become routine.

Eagles nest near the river, and they are pretty active anglers. The eagles are always there, but without leaves on the trees, seeing them becomes much, much easier.  Eagles perch on large trees on the river bank, and with their superior eyesight, they target fish. They swoop down and sometimes come up with a meal.  After sinking their talons into a fish, they will either fly to the bank or to a perch in a tree to feast.

Wildlife viewing is typically best first thing in the morning or the last few hours before it gets dark, but for eagles that’s not the case. They can be seen at all times during the day.

Otters are also there to hunt the fish that live in the river, particularly carp.  Otters are dark brown, almost black in color, and they can be hard to see if there isn’t any snow.  Fortunately, it just takes a little white stuff and cold to create shelf ice along the river bank where otters like to take their catch to eat, rest, and play.

Another popular and awe-inspiring animal to watch are elk. Elk numbers haven’t been this good for more than a century, and seeing them can be pretty easy at this time of year.  Their metabolism is lower now, and they do not require as much food as they do in warmer months when they are building the fat that will help sustain them through leaner months.  Nevertheless, they still need to eat, and we’re still talking pounds of food every day.  

So, the feed bag is on, and elk are more relaxed, too. Their biggest threat – the black bear – is very likely denned up.  Coyotes, 45 pounds at best, pose no threat to elk that weigh anywhere from 300 pounds to half a ton.  The many food plots that have been established in the elk region draw the animals to them, and the viewing areas that have been built can make it simple to pinpoint where you may see them.

Another bonus of the region is that after taking a drive or a short walk to see the wildlife, there are many, many places to stay and enjoy the weekend.

What better way to spend a winter’s day than to take a ride, see some wildlife unique to our region, and then head back to the cabin and build a cozy fire?

“The Great Outdoors,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors, is a weekly blog by exploreClarion.com’s Scott Shindledecker. Plan your next outdoor adventure at VisitPAGO.com or call (814) 849-5197 for more information.