Cheat Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The Cheat Lake ecosystem supports 7 documented wildlife species across 7 taxonomic genera. Located in Monongalia County, West Virginia, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 2 frequently observed species and 1 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Morgantown nearby has 93% more documented species, Cheat Lake offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #7 for species diversity among 10 Monongalia County County natural areas, placing it in the 30th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 10 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common2 species

Common2 species

Occasional2 species

Rare1 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#7 of 10 locations

30th percentile for diversity

vs. Morgantown

-93% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 7 total documented species.

Cathartes aura

Turkey Vulture

Very Common1 obs.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Very Common1 obs.

Quiscalus quiscula

Common Grackle

Very Common1 obs.

Mergus serrator

Red-breasted Merganser

Very Common1 obs.

Lophodytes cucullatus

Hooded Merganser

Very Common1 obs.

Impatiens balsamina

Spotted snapweed

Common1 obs.

Branta canadensis

Canada goose

Common1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Want the Complete Field Guide?

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Cheat Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

$6.99

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Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Cheat Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-84%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Monongalia County County, West Virginia

Nearby Natural Areas

Morgantown

Importance: 0.47

100 species

-93% vs. current

Monongalia County

Importance: 0.40

100 species

-93% vs. current

Lagoon

Importance: 0.35

16 species

-56% vs. current

Coopers Rock Lake

Importance: 0.35

15 species

-53% vs. current

Cobun Creek Reservoir

Importance: 0.35

1 species

+600% vs. current

Westover

Importance: 0.28

30 species

-77% vs. current

Star City

Importance: 0.28

4 species

+75% vs. current

Granville

Importance: 0.27

90 species

-92% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Monongalia County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-84%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Monongalia County County, West Virginia

Nearby Natural Areas

Morgantown

Importance: 0.47

100 species

-93% vs. current

Monongalia County

Importance: 0.40

100 species

-93% vs. current

Lagoon

Importance: 0.35

16 species

-56% vs. current

Coopers Rock Lake

Importance: 0.35

15 species

-53% vs. current

Cobun Creek Reservoir

Importance: 0.35

1 species

+600% vs. current

Westover

Importance: 0.28

30 species

-77% vs. current

Star City

Importance: 0.28

4 species

+75% vs. current

Granville

Importance: 0.27

90 species

-92% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 10 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common2 species

Common2 species

Occasional2 species

Rare1 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#7 of 10 locations

30th percentile for diversity

vs. Morgantown

-93% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 7 total documented species.

Cathartes aura

Turkey Vulture

Very Common1 obs.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Very Common1 obs.

Quiscalus quiscula

Common Grackle

Very Common1 obs.

Mergus serrator

Red-breasted Merganser

Very Common1 obs.

Lophodytes cucullatus

Hooded Merganser

Very Common1 obs.

Impatiens balsamina

Spotted snapweed

Common1 obs.

Branta canadensis

Canada goose

Common1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 7 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.