Jacques Cousteau Reserve, New Jersey

Fauna (Animal Life)

Great Bay is a major migratory stop and wintering area for many waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. During the winter, the area's waterfowl population is over 70,000. There are at least 44 distinct water bird nesting colonies for 15 different species. These include egrets, gulls, terns and skimmers. Other birds of the reserve include herons, ospreys, bobolinks, owls and sparrows.

The Mullica River-Great Bay area also supports 61 different species of finfish. Major anadromous fish include striped bass, alewife and blueback herring, which spawn in tributaries. Shellfish populations are also extensive. Amphibians of the reserve include treefrogs and several salamanders. The reserve's reptile population include rattlesnakes.

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