In 1972, the U.S. and several other countries banned the use of DDT and in recent years, peregrine falcons have made a comeback thanks to captive-breeding programs. In 1990, three of these young birds fledged from the high, nearly inaccessible cliffs in Chimney Rock Park, and since then, peregrines have been sighted almost every year.
Most mammals stay away from the trails during the tourist season.
However, you may see squirrels and chipmunks scampering about and an occasional groundhog trying to escape into his burrow as you approach. There are deer in the Park in the woods above and below the trail system. At dawn and dusk they may be seen browsing on the Meadows. Raccoons and gray foxes are more active at night and are rarely encountered by visitors. It's the Raptor Center's way of saying thanks for the Park's support of its efforts to protect and rehabilitate injured birds of prey.