Most of the animals of the escarpment are found on the ridge top, in the forest or in the wetlands and meadows. In these areas the following are residents.

Over 300 bird species spend time on the Niagara Escarpment, including 25 that are endangered, threatened or vulnerable such as the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) , the Lousiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina), and the Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus).

Turkey Vulture. Photo by Jack Dermid.

One of the most spectacular sights you can see along the escarpment is the very common but still inspiring Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura), as they soar on warm air currents rising up along the cliff.

The forests on the top of the escarpment are some of the best places to find the Eastern Pipistrelle (bat, Pipistrellus subflavus) and the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans).

The endangered North Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) and the threatened Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) also makes their home on the escarpment.

Little Brown Snake. Photo by Barry Cherriere.

Besides these animals there are 54 other mammals and 32 reptiles and amphibians that live in this environment.

Chipmunk. Photo by Barry Cherriere.

Porcupine. Photo by Barry Cherriere.