By then, there was sufficient mature oak in southwestern Vermont to provide plenty of acorns, an important staple in the diet of wild turkeys. The fisher is the only predator that regularly preys on porcupines. We have more wildlife habitat than we have had in more than 150 years, and we have many more species of wildlife. Coyotes moved into Vermont in the 1940s and now exist statewide. Ravens, considered rare just 30 years ago, have re-populated the state.
Beavers abound, creating temporary wetlands that provide habitat for many other species.
Scores of other species have returned. And, the story is still unfolding, which is partly why those of us who live here enjoy wildlife as much as we do. John Hall is an information specialist with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.