Currently red maple is the most abundant and widely distributed plant community, as it expands into other communities due to the lingering effects of past forest cutting, extensive draining, and the exclusion of forest fires. Three species of plants deserving special mention are the dwarf trillium, silky camellia, and log fern. The dwarf trillium is located in the northwestern section of the swamp and blooms briefly each year for a two-week period in March. Silky camellia is found on hardwood ridges and in the northwestern corner of the refuge. The log fern, one of the rarest American ferns, is more common in the Great Dismal Swamp than anywhere else.
Winter brings massive movements of blackbirds and robins to the swamp.
Two southern species, the Swainson's warbler and Wayne's warbler, are more common in the Great Dismal Swamp than in other coastal locations. Other birds of interest are the wood duck, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, and prothonotary warbler. The swamp supports a variety of mammals including otter, bats, raccoon, mink, gray and red foxes, and gray squirrel. White-tailed deer are common throughout the refuge and, although rarely observed, black bear and bobcat inhabit the area. The Great Dismal Swamp provides habitat for a variety of reptiles and amphibians.