Along the park's waterways, look for raccoons, muskrats, mink, beaver and if you're lucky enough, you might even see some otters frolicking along the river bank. In the forest, look for gray squirrels (some are jet black), gray fox, and black bear.

Yes, there is a large and healthy population of Black Bears within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, spanning both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the river. In 2026, it is estimated that hundreds of bears inhabit the park's 70,000 acres of forested ridges and wetlands. While these bears are generally reclusive and avoid human interaction, sightings are very common on popular trails like Mt. Tammany or the Appalachian Trail. Park rangers emphasize "Bear Aware" safety protocols, requiring all campers to use bear-resistant food canisters or the provided "bear poles" to hang food. It is strictly prohibited to leave trash or food scraps in the open, as "a fed bear is a dead bear"—meaning bears that become habituated to human food often become aggressive and must be euthanized. If you encounter a bear while hiking, the "gold standard" advice is to stand your ground, make yourself look large, and speak in a loud, firm voice; never run, as this can trigger the bear's predatory chase instinct. Carrying bear spray is a recommended precaution for those heading into the more remote backcountry areas of the gap.