Maine Wildlife Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Maine Wildlife Park is a state-owned and operated wildlife park located in Gray, Maine.
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Summary
It is spread across 200 acres of land and offers visitors the chance to see more than 30 species of native Maine animals in their natural habitats.
There are many good reasons to visit the Maine Wildlife Park. It is an excellent educational experience for both children and adults, as visitors can learn about the different animal species, their habitats, and the importance of conservation efforts. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife photography, hiking, and nature observation.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at the park include the black bears, lynx, bald eagles, moose, and gray wolves. Visitors can also explore the wetlands, ponds, and forested areas that make up the park's habitats. One of the highlights of the park is the "Maine Animals" exhibit, which showcases many of the state's most iconic animal species.
Interesting facts about the Maine Wildlife Park include that it is home to the largest herd of white-tailed deer in Maine, and that the park's gray wolves are some of the only ones in the state. The park also has a successful rehabilitation program for injured or orphaned animals, and some of these animals are eventually released back into the wild.
The best time of year to visit the Maine Wildlife Park is during the summer months when all of the animal exhibits are open and the park is bustling with activity. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Overall, the Maine Wildlife Park is an excellent destination for anyone interested in learning more about Maine's native animal species and the importance of wildlife conservation efforts.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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