Alabama is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The state is located in the southeastern United States and has a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas. Some of the animal species found in Alabama include white-tailed deer, American black bear, American alligator, red-tailed hawk, eastern wild turkey, and Eastern Grey Squirrel. Alabama is also home to several species of reptiles, including the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Copperhead, Cottonmouth, and several species of nonvenomous snakes, such as the Corn Snake. There are many more species of plants and animals found in Alabama, and the state is home to many protected areas, such as national forests and wildlife refuges, which help to conserve these species and their habitats.
White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are medium-sized mammals that are native to North America and are found in a variety of habitats throughout the United States, including the state of Alabama. White-tailed deer are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a reddish-brown coat, a white underside, and a white tail that is raised when the animal is alarmed.
White-tailed deer are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, forbs, and woody plants. They are known for their strong social bonds and often live in herds, which can include both males and females.
Coyote
Coyotes are medium-sized, carnivorous mammals that are native to North America and are found in a variety of habitats throughout the United States, including the state of Alabama. Coyotes are known for their intelligence and adaptability, and are often depicted in popular culture as sly and cunning.
Coyotes are omnivorous animals and will eat a variety of foods, including fruit, small mammals, insects, and carrion. They are known for their vocalizations, which include howls, yips, and barks, and are often heard at dawn and dusk.
Red-Tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawks are large, carnivorous birds of prey that are found in a variety of habitats throughout the United States, including the state of Alabama. Red-tailed hawks are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a reddish-brown tail, a white underside, and a hooked beak.
Red-tailed hawks are predators and feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are known for their keen eyesight and hunting abilities, and use their sharp talons to capture and kill their prey.
American Alligator
The American alligator is a large, carnivorous reptile that is native to the southeastern United States, including the state of Alabama. Alligators are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long, powerful body, a broad head, and a row of sharp teeth.
Alligators are found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, marshes, and rivers, and are well adapted to life in the water. They are carnivorous animals and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, birds, mammals, and other reptiles.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel is a medium-sized rodent that is native to the eastern United States, including the state of Alabama. Eastern gray squirrels are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a grayish-brown coat, a bushy tail, and large, protruding eyes.
Eastern gray squirrels are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and residential areas, and are known for their agility and ability to climb trees. They are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of plants, including seeds, nuts, and fruits.
Eastern Box Turtle
The eastern box turtle is a medium-sized reptile that is native to the eastern United States, including the state of Alabama. Eastern box turtles are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a high-domed shell, a hinged plastron (the bottom part of the shell), and a variety of colors and patterns on their shells and skin.
Eastern box turtles are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and are known for their ability to retreat into their shells for protection. They are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, flowers, and fruits.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The southern flying squirrel is a small, nocturnal rodent that is native to the southeastern United States, including the state of Alabama. Southern flying squirrels are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a grayish-brown coat, large, black eyes, and a patagium (a fold of skin that extends between the front and hind legs) that allows them to glide through the air.
Southern flying squirrels are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and residential areas, and are known for their agility and ability to glide from tree to tree. They are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of plants, including seeds, nuts, and fruits.
Barred Owl
The barred owl is a medium-sized bird of prey that is native to the eastern United States, including the state of Alabama. Barred owls are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a round head, large, dark eyes, and a barred pattern on their chest and belly.
Barred owls are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and residential areas, and are known for their distinctive calls, which include a series of hoots that sound like "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?" They are carnivorous animals and feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and insects.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
The eastern cottontail rabbit is a medium-sized mammal that is native to the eastern United States, including the state of Alabama. Eastern cottontail rabbits are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a reddish-brown coat, long ears, and a cotton-white tail.
Eastern cottontail rabbits are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and residential areas, and are known for their agility and ability to escape predators. They are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, forbs, and woody plants.
American Beaver
The American beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent that is native to North America, including the state of Alabama. Beavers are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a stocky body, a flat tail, and large, orange-colored incisors.
Beavers are found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, streams, and wetlands, and are known for their ability to build dams and lodges using branches, twigs, and mud. They are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants.
Raccoon
The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal that is native to North America, including the state of Alabama. Raccoons are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a black mask around their eyes, a bushy tail with black and white rings, and front paws that are adapted for grasping and manipulating objects.
Raccoons are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and residential areas, and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They are omnivorous animals and will eat a variety of foods, including fruit, nuts, insects, small animals, and human food sources.
River Otter
The river otter is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic mammal that is native to North America, including the state of Alabama. River otters are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a streamlined body, webbed feet, and a long, tapered tail.
River otters are found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, streams, and wetlands, and are known for their agility and ability to swim and dive. They are carnivorous animals and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and small mammals.
Eastern Indigo Snake
The Eastern Indigo Snake is a species of nonvenomous snake found in the southeastern United States. It is the longest native snake in North America and is known for its shiny, iridescent black scales. Eastern Indigo Snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including pine forests, swamps, and grasslands, and they are known to be good swimmers. They are generally docile and nonaggressive towards humans, but they may bite if they feel threatened
Eastern Wild Turkey
The Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a species of large bird in the family Meleagrididae, which also includes the domesticated turkey. It is native to the eastern and central United States including Alabama, as well as parts of Mexico, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and New Zealand. The Eastern Wild Turkey is a large bird, with males weighing up to 24 pounds and females weighing up to 16 pounds. They have long, dark-colored feathers and a distinctive bare head and neck that can be a variety of colors, including red, blue, and white. Wild turkeys are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and small animals. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including the male's "gobbling" call, which is used to attract females during mating season. Wild turkeys are popular game birds and are hunted in many parts of their range.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is a venomous snake found in the southeastern United States. It is the largest venomous snake in North America and is known for its distinctive diamond-shaped pattern on its back and the rattle on the end of its tail. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are found in a variety of habitats, including pine forests, swamps, and grasslands. They are most common in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States and are found in the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. These snakes are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rabbits and rodents. They are venomous and can be dangerous to humans if provoked or threatened, but they are generally shy and nonaggressive. If you encounter an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, it is important to give it a wide berth and to avoid approaching or handling it.
Copperhead
The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake found in the eastern and central United States. It is a member of the viper family and is known for its copper-colored head and distinctive hourglass-shaped pattern on its body. Copperheads are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and rocky areas, and are most common in the southeastern United States. They are generally nonaggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. Copperheads are venomous, but their venom is not usually lethal to humans.
Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as the Water Moccasin, is a venomous snake found in the southeastern United States. It is a member of the viper family and is named for the white inside of its mouth, which it displays as a warning when it feels threatened. Cottonmouths are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, and along the edges of streams and rivers. They are semiaquatic and are often found basking on logs or other objects near the water's edge. Cottonmouths are venomous and can be dangerous to humans if provoked or threatened.
Corn Snake
The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a species of nonvenomous snake found in the southeastern and central United States. It is a popular pet snake due to its docile nature and attractive appearance, which features a distinctive red, orange, and yellow pattern on its body. Corn Snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and swamps, and are most commonly found in the southeastern United States. They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as mice and rats.