The Niagara Falls region is a surprisingly diverse ecosystem, designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. On land, you can frequently spot white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, and eastern gray squirrels within the Niagara Parks system. The area is also home to more elusive mammals like muskrats and weasels. For bird enthusiasts, the region is a world-class destination; over 300 species of birds visit annually, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and a massive variety of gulls that congregate near the falls during the winter. In the water, the Niagara River supports a robust population of lake sturgeon, walleye, and various species of salmon and trout. You might also see snapping turtles sunning themselves in the marshier areas of the Upper Niagara. While the roaring water is the main attraction, the surrounding "Niagara Glen" provides a unique microclimate that supports rare flora and fauna, making it a vital sanctuary for wildlife right on the border of the United States and Canada.