Beavers at the Refuge, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Moss on Boundary Trail, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Moonlit main pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Elegant spreadwing damselfly, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Racoon on trail camera near Wild Goose Blind, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Northern water snake in main pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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House wren near Headquarters, photo by Leor Veleanu
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Luna moth male on porch at Headquarters, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Bleeding heart flowering near Headquarters, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Northern cricket frog in Miller Pond, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo
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Fungi on fallen tree on Boundary Trail, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge photo

Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural habitat comprising 767 acres of pristine pine lands, forest, fields, bogs, streams and lakes. It provides a refuge to animals and plants indigenous to southern New Jersey; a place where wildlife can live freely and naturally without fear of being harmed at the hands of human beings. We began as the home of Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci and Cavit Buyukmihci, who dedicated their land to habitat preservation so that native wildlife and habitat could thrive. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity, federal ID 23-7025010.
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Species of Animals Living at the Refuge*

All the animals listed have been identified at the Refuge, either visually or aurally. Photographs are of those as seen at various locations in our habitat.* This is an ongoing project and this page will be updated as new sightings or photographs become available. Other lists: 1) comprehensive, 2) endangered or threatened species.

Where relevant, we have provided other names used for the same species of animal for ease of identification.

In some cases, where we cannot identify a particular species, we have used the names commonly used. If you recognize a species in these cases, and can provide proof, we will revise the name and references accordingly.



If you are aware that we have made an error in identification or other information, let us know. Please provide any supporting information such as a Web link so that we can investigate. If the error can be substantiated, it will be corrected.

Photographs that show wild animals being fed or handled by people or in artificial housing are included for historical purposes. In the long-term interests of the animals, Refuge policy no longer permits handling, supplemental feeding or the provision of artificial housing or habitat alteration.