Gray squirrels are very abundant along the plentiful mast- producing hardwood ridges and also along the woodland perimeters of standing corn fields. Ruffed grouse inhabit many of these same covers, and several state forests, such as the Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area, are targeted and nurtured to yield ideal grouse habitat. There are varying hares in the low-growth conifer forests, and cottontail rabbits flourish in dense bottomland habitat. Waterfowlers will find mallards, black ducks, wood ducks and teal on the rivers, larger streams and plentiful beaver ponds of the region. Canada geese are literally everywhere, but tend to favor the alfalfa and cut corn, wheat and oat fields.
Hunters seeking the challenge of pursuing furbearers have a large variety to choose from.
The area's population of coyotes, red and gray fox, and raccoon is among the highest in the state. Fishing is another activity with a large following. These waters are home to smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, pickerel, panfish, and in some sections, tiger muskie and hybrid striped bass. There are DEC car-top and canoe launch access sites along these flows, as well as undeveloped launching potential at various bridge crossings. There is also quality trout fishing in the area's numerous streams and brooks, many of which enjoy substantial annual state stocking to supplement their native trout numbers.