Mammals:
* White-tailed Deer: Often seen roaming the island's forested areas.
* Gray Squirrels: Found in abundance in both forests and urban areas.
* Raccoons: Nocturnal scavengers, known for their cleverness and adaptability.
* Opossums: Also nocturnal, these marsupials play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
* Eastern Cottontail Rabbits: Commonly found in meadows and open areas.
* Eastern Gray Foxes: A medium-sized canid that is often seen at night.
* River Otters: Semi-aquatic mammals that inhabit the island's waterways.
* Eastern Chipmunks: Small, striped rodents that are often seen foraging in the undergrowth.
Birds:
* Great Blue Heron: Large wading birds that are frequently seen along the shores and marshes.
* Brown Pelicans: Large seabirds that are known for their distinctive pouch.
* Laughing Gull: Commonly found along the coast and in estuaries.
* Black Skimmer: A unique seabird with a lower mandible that is longer than the upper, which it uses to skim the surface of the water for food.
* Roseate Spoonbill: A colorful wading bird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill.
* Bald Eagles: National symbol of the United States, often seen soaring overhead.
* American Oystercatchers: Large shorebirds with bright orange bills.
* Wood Ducks: Colorful ducks that often inhabit wooded swamps and marshes.
* Northern Cardinal: A bright red songbird that is often seen in the island's forests.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
* Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes: Venomous snakes that are found in the island's coastal areas.
* Copperheads: Another venomous snake, but less common than the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
* Black Rat Snakes: Non-venomous snakes that are often found in trees.
* American Alligators: Found in the island's freshwater habitats.
* Green Tree Frogs: Small, arboreal frogs that are often seen in the island's forests.
* Eastern Fence Lizards: Commonly found in meadows and open areas.
Fish:
* Red Drum: A popular game fish that is found in the island's waters.
* Flounder: A flatfish that is often caught by recreational anglers.
* Spanish Mackerel: A fast-swimming fish that is known for its delicious taste.
* Bluefish: A predatory fish that is often found in schools.
* Striped Bass: A large, game fish that is found in the island's estuaries.
Insects:
* Monarch Butterflies: A familiar sight in the island's meadows and gardens.
* Fireflies: Nocturnal insects that are known for their bioluminescent glow.
* Honeybees: Important pollinators that play a vital role in the island's ecosystem.
* Mosquitoes: Unfortunately, these pesky insects can be prevalent in the island's wetlands.
This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the most common and interesting native animals of Roanoke Island. The island's unique location and diverse habitats make it a fascinating place to observe wildlife.