Wildlife watchers were at first excited when a fox recently made her den on the grounds of the US Capitol. The story did not end well—the fox, which was rabid and bit passersby, had to be euthanized. But the episode was a reminder that DC is rich in animal life, even if you don’t always see it. A look at some fauna that’s been spotted on the Capitol grounds:
Possums
It’s not unusual to see them outside the Capitol, but when one was found inside in 1946, it caused a stir. Rumor has it that a bookkeeper trapped the animal—and served it for dinner.
Raccoons
They prowl the grounds at night and sometimes get stuck in the building’s scaffolding. In 2015, one climbed to the top of the dome. It was safely lured down with tuna fish.
Birds of Prey
A variety of raptors have been spotted above the Capitol, including red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and snowy owls. A magnificent sight—and a natural alternative to rodent traps.
Coyotes
While there’s no documented sighting on the grounds, they’re probably around. Coyotes live in Rock Creek Park, and in 2020 one was spotted in East Potomac Park.
Ducks
The Capitol Reflecting Pool is a magnet for mallards. In 2017, a bridge was built to help ducklings climb in and out of the water so they don’t get stuck in the pool.
This article appears in the June 2022 issue of Washingtonian.
Not Just Foxes: 5 Animals You Might Spot at the US Capitol
A possum once got loose inside the building.
Wildlife watchers were at first excited when a fox recently made her den on the grounds of the US Capitol. The story did not end well—the fox, which was rabid and bit passersby, had to be euthanized. But the episode was a reminder that DC is rich in animal life, even if you don’t always see it. A look at some fauna that’s been spotted on the Capitol grounds:
Possums
It’s not unusual to see them outside the Capitol, but when one was found inside in 1946, it caused a stir. Rumor has it that a bookkeeper trapped the animal—and served it for dinner.
Raccoons
They prowl the grounds at night and sometimes get stuck in the building’s scaffolding. In 2015, one climbed to the top of the dome. It was safely lured down with tuna fish.
Birds of Prey
A variety of raptors have been spotted above the Capitol, including red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and snowy owls. A magnificent sight—and a natural alternative to rodent traps.
Coyotes
While there’s no documented sighting on the grounds, they’re probably around. Coyotes live in Rock Creek Park, and in 2020 one was spotted in East Potomac Park.
Ducks
The Capitol Reflecting Pool is a magnet for mallards. In 2017, a bridge was built to help ducklings climb in and out of the water so they don’t get stuck in the pool.
This article appears in the June 2022 issue of Washingtonian.
Most Popular in News & Politics
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.
Meet DC’s 2025 Tech Titans
Patel Dined at Rao’s After Kirk Shooting, Nonviolent Offenses Led to Most Arrests During Trump’s DC Crackdown, and You Should Try These Gougères
How a DC Area Wetlands Restoration Project Could Help Clean Up the Anacostia River
GOP Candidate Quits Virginia Race After Losing Federal Contracting Job, Trump Plans Crackdown on Left Following Kirk’s Death, and Theatre Week Starts Thursday
Washingtonian Magazine
September Issue: Style Setters
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Why a Lost DC Novel Is Getting New Attention
These Confusing Bands Aren’t Actually From DC
Fiona Apple Wrote a Song About This Maryland Court-Watching Effort
The Confusing Dispute Over the Future of the Anacostia Playhouse
More from News & Politics
Fiesta DC Is Still on Despite Fears of ICE and Other Festival Cancellations
Administration Steps Up War on Comedians, Car Exhibition on the Mall Canceled After Tragedy, and Ted Leonsis Wants to Buy D.C. United
What Happens After We Die? These UVA Researchers Are Investigating It.
Why a Lost DC Novel Is Getting New Attention
Bondi Irks Conservatives With Plan to Limit “Hate Speech,” DC Council Returns to Office, and Chipotle Wants Some Money Back
GOP Candidate Quits Virginia Race After Losing Federal Contracting Job, Trump Plans Crackdown on Left Following Kirk’s Death, and Theatre Week Starts Thursday
5 Things to Know About “Severance” Star Tramell Tillman
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.