Arkansas is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic white-tailed deer to elusive black bears. The natural beauty of the state provides a habitat for a wide variety of animals, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors. From the wetlands of the Mississippi River to the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most interesting animals that call Arkansas home and learn about their habitats, diet, and behaviors. Whether you are an avid hunter or simply enjoy observing nature, you are sure to find something fascinating about the wildlife of Arkansas.
Red-Eared Slider
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a semi-aquatic turtle that is native to the southern United States, including Arkansas. They are named for the red patch of skin behind their eyes and are one of the most common turtle species in the pet trade. They are also an invasive species in many parts of the world due to release of pet turtles into the wild.
Red-eared sliders have a smooth, oval-shaped shell that can grow up to 10-12 inches in length. They are green in color with yellow stripes on their heads, legs and neck. They have a red or orange patch behind each eye, which gives the turtle its name. They are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
Red-eared sliders are active during the day, basking on logs or rocks near the water's edge. They are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water. They are also known for their hardiness and can survive in a wide range of temperatures and conditions. However, they are not a native species to Arkansas, it is not recommended to release them into the wild after they are no longer wanted.
White-Tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a medium-sized mammal that is native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They are known for their distinctive white tail, which they raise when they are alerted to danger. White-tailed deer are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including leaves, twigs, fruits, and nuts. They are active during the day and night and are solitary animals except during the breeding season.
White-tailed deer have a reddish-brown coat in the summer and a grayish-brown coat in the winter. They have a shoulder height of about 3-3.5 feet and can weigh between 100-300 pounds. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands. They are also a popular game animal and are hunted for their meat, hide, and antlers.
Black Bear
The black bear (Ursus americanus) is a large mammal native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They have a distinctive black or dark brown fur, although some individuals may be blonde or cinnamon in color. They have a broad, rounded head with small ears and a short, pointed snout. Black bears can weigh between 150-600 pounds and can stand up to 6 feet tall when on their hind legs.
Black bears are omnivorous and their diet consists of a variety of plant and animal material, including berries, fruits, nuts, insects, fish, and small mammals. They are active both day and night, with most activity taking place during dawn and dusk. They are strong climbers and swimmers and are known to den in caves, hollow trees, or rocky crevices during the winter.
Black bears are elusive and typically avoid human contact. However, they can become a problem if they start to associate humans with food, such as when they are fed by people or find food sources in developed areas. If you encounter a black bear in the wild, it is important to stay calm and slowly back away while making noise to alert the bear to your presence.
The black bear population in Arkansas is considered to be stable, but they are classified as a "threatened" species by the state. Hunting of black bears is allowed in Arkansas but under strict regulations to ensure the population is maintained.
Raccoon
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal that is native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They are known for their distinctive black and white facial mask and ringed tail. Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, insects, fish, and small mammals. They are also known for their ability to use their front paws to open containers and forage for food, which has earned them the nickname "masked bandit."
Raccoons have a thick, soft fur that ranges in color from gray to black. They have a body length of about 2-3 feet and can weigh between 10-30 pounds. They are agile climbers and are often found in trees, but they can also be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are nocturnal and are most active at night.
Raccoons are intelligent animals and have been known to adapt to human environments, which can lead to conflicts with people. They can carry diseases such as rabies, so it is important not to feed or approach them. If you have a raccoon problem in your yard, you can take steps to discourage them from visiting, such as removing food sources and securing trash cans.
Opossum
The opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial native to North America, including Arkansas. They are the only marsupial found in the United States, and are known for their distinctive pointed snout, prehensile tail, and opposable thumbs on their hind feet. They have a grayish-white fur, with a black and white face, and a body length of about 24-40 inches and a weight of 6-14 pounds.
Opossums are omnivorous, eating a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, insects, small mammals, and carrion. They are nocturnal animals and are primarily active at night. They are also known for "playing possum," which is a defense mechanism where they will feign death when threatened, in order to deter predators.
Opossums are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, marshes, and suburban areas. They are known to be adaptable animals and can survive in a wide range of conditions. They are not aggressive animals and will usually avoid humans if given the opportunity.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a rodent native to Arkansas and found throughout the eastern United States. They are known for their distinctive gray or grayish-brown fur and bushy tails. They have a body length of about 15-20 inches and can weigh between 1-1.5 pounds. They are agile climbers and are often found in trees, but they can also be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night.
Eastern Gray Squirrels are herbivorous and eat a variety of foods such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and some types of fungi. They are known to store food in the fall to prepare for the winter. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which they use to access food sources.
Eastern Gray Squirrels are common animals and are often seen in many urban and suburban areas. They can be a nuisance in some cases, as they can chew on and damage buildings, gardens, and bird feeders. However, they can also be beneficial as they help disperse tree seeds, which can help to promote the growth of new trees.
Muskrat
The Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a semi-aquatic rodent that is native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They are known for their dark brown fur, which is thick and waterproof, and their long, scaly tail. They have a body length of about 16-25 inches and can weigh between 1-4 pounds. They are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as marshes, swamps, and slow-moving streams. They are active throughout the day and night.
Muskrats are herbivorous and eat a variety of aquatic plants such as cattails, bulrushes, and lily pads. They are also known to gnaw on woody plants and trees. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and are able to stay underwater for up to 15 minutes. They construct dens and lodges from aquatic plants, which provide shelter and protection from predators.
Muskrats are considered to be a beneficial species in many areas, as they help to control the growth of aquatic plants and improve water quality. However, in some cases, they can be considered a nuisance as they can damage levees, dikes, and other human-made structures.
American Beaver
The American Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a large semi-aquatic rodent that is native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They are known for their distinctive flat tail, webbed hind feet, and large incisors. They have a body length of about 3-4 feet and can weigh between 35-60 pounds. They are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes. They are primarily active at night, but can also be active during the day.
American Beavers are herbivorous and eat a variety of aquatic plants such as cattails, willows, and aspen. They are known for their ability to build dams, lodges, and canals using branches, twigs, and mud. They use these structures to create deep water habitats, which provide protection from predators and a source of food.
American Beavers are considered to be a keystone species, as they have a significant impact on their ecosystem. They help to create and maintain wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals. However, in some cases, they can be considered a nuisance as they can damage human-made structures such as levees, dikes, and bridges.
North American River Otter
The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semi-aquatic mammal native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They are known for their sleek, dark brown fur, webbed feet, and long, muscular tail. They have a body length of about 2-3 feet and can weigh between 10-30 pounds. They are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. They are active throughout the day and night.
North American River Otters are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as fish, crayfish, frogs, and small mammals. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and are able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. They are known for their playful behavior, and are often seen sliding down muddy banks, playing with objects, and chasing each other.
North American River Otters are considered to be a keystone species, as they help to control the populations of prey species and maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems. They are also considered to be a valuable indicator of the overall health of aquatic habitats.
North American River Otter populations in Arkansas were historically depleted due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss, but due to conservation efforts, populations are now considered to be stable. However, hunting and trapping are allowed for a short season and under certain regulations.
American Mink
The American Mink (Neovison vison) is a semi-aquatic mammal native to Arkansas and found throughout North America. They are known for their dark, glossy fur, short legs, and long, slender body. They have a body length of about 20-30 inches and can weigh between 1-3 pounds. They are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes. They are active throughout the day and night.
American Minks are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as fish, crustaceans, and small mammals. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and are able to stay underwater for up to 2 minutes. They are known for their solitary and territorial behavior.
American Alligator
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large reptile native to Arkansas and found throughout the southeastern United States. They are known for their armored skin, powerful jaws, and distinctive snout. They can reach lengths of up to 14 feet and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. They are found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as swamps, marshes, and bayous, and are active throughout the day and night.
American Alligators are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as fish, turtles, mammals, and birds. They are ambush predators and use their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to catch and kill their prey. They are known for their ability to survive in both freshwater and brackish environments.
American Alligators are considered to be a keystone species in their ecosystem as they help to control the population of smaller animals, and in turn, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They were once considered an endangered species due to hunting and habitat loss, but due to conservation efforts, populations are now considered to be stable.American Cooter
Eastern Box Turtle
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a terrestrial turtle native to Arkansas and found throughout the eastern United States. They are known for their distinctive hinged lower shell (plastron) which allows them to completely close their shells and protect themselves from predators. They can reach lengths of up to 8 inches and have a life span of 40-50 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as forests, meadows, and wetlands, and are active during the day.
Eastern Box Turtles are omnivorous and eat a variety of food such as fruits, vegetables, insects, and small invertebrates. They have a slow metabolism and can survive long periods of time without food or water. They are known for their longevity and slow rate of maturity.
Eastern Box Turtles are considered to be a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss, collection for the pet trade, and road mortality. They are protected by law in some states, and it is illegal to collect or harm them without a permit. Populations in Arkansas are considered to be stable, but it is important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
Five-Lined Skink
The Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus) is a small lizard native to Arkansas and found throughout the eastern United States. They are known for their distinctive coloration with five bright blue lines running down their back, and bright orange or yellow tail. They can reach lengths of up to 8 inches and have a life span of 5-6 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, gardens and suburban areas, and are active during the day.
Five-lined Skinks are insectivorous, and eat a variety of food such as insects, spiders and other small invertebrates. They are known for their agility and fast movement, and can quickly escape from predators by running on their hind legs or dropping their tail as a distraction.
Five-lined Skink populations are considered to be stable throughout their range, however, they are considered to be a species of conservation concern in some states. They are not protected by law in Arkansas, but it is still important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
It is also important to keep in mind that if you find a Five-lined Skink, it is best to leave it in its natural habitat. If you have to move it, move it within the vicinity of where you found it and in the direction it was headed.
Glass Lizard
The Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus spp) is a legless lizard native to Arkansas and found throughout the eastern United States. They are known for their long, slender bodies and lack of visible limbs, giving them a snake-like appearance. They can reach lengths of up to 4 feet and have a life span of up to 8 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, fields, and wetlands, and are active during the day.
Glass Lizards are carnivorous, and eat a variety of food such as insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. They are known for their agility and fast movement, and can quickly escape from predators by running on their hind legs or dropping their tail as a distraction.
Glass Lizard populations are considered to be stable throughout their range, however, they are considered to be a species of conservation concern in some states. They are not protected by law in Arkansas, but it is still important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
Western Ribbon Snake
The Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus) is a small non-venomous snake native to Arkansas and found throughout the central and western United States. They are known for their long, slender bodies and bright, colorful stripes running the length of their bodies. They can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and have a life span of up to 10 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as wetlands, woodlands, and fields, and are active during the day.
Western Ribbon Snakes are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as small fish, frogs, and insects. They are known for their excellent swimming abilities and are often found near water.
Western Ribbon Snake populations are considered to be stable throughout their range, however, they are considered to be a species of conservation concern in some states. They are not protected by law in Arkansas, but it is still important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
It is also important to keep in mind that if you find a Western Ribbon Snake, it is best to leave it in its natural habitat. If you have to move it, move it within the vicinity of where you found it and in the direction it was headed, and avoid handling it as much as possible, since they can become stressed and bite.
Black Rat Snake
The Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a large non-venomous snake native to Arkansas and found throughout the central and eastern United States. They are known for their glossy black coloration and can reach lengths of up to 8 feet. They have a life span of up to 20 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and fields, and are active during the day.
Black Rat Snakes are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as small mammals, birds, and eggs. They are known for their excellent climbing abilities and are often found in trees and on buildings. They are also known to consume a lot of rats.
Black Rat Snake populations are considered to be stable throughout their range, however, they are considered to be a species of conservation concern in some states. They are not protected by law in Arkansas, but it is still important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
Copperhead
The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake native to Arkansas and found throughout the eastern United States. They are known for their copper-colored head and distinct hourglass-shaped markings on their bodies. They can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and have a life span of up to 15 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and fields, and are active during the day and night.
Copperheads are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as small mammals, birds, and insects. They are known for their excellent camouflage and are often found hiding in leaves and debris.
Copperhead populations are considered to be stable throughout their range, however, they are considered to be a species of conservation concern in some states. They are not protected by law in Arkansas, but it is still important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
If you encounter a Copperhead, it is important to keep a safe distance and avoid handling it as much as possible, since they can become stressed and bite. Copperheads have venom that can cause serious injury or death, If a bite occurs, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a venomous snake also known as the "water moccasin" native to Arkansas and found throughout the southeastern United States. They are known for their dark coloration and characteristic white-colored "cotton" mouth when threatened. They can reach lengths of up to 6 feet and have a life span of up to 15 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as wetlands, swamps, and near water bodies, and are active during the day and night.
Cottonmouths are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as fish, frogs, and small mammals. They are strong swimmers and are often found near water.
Cottonmouth populations are considered to be stable throughout their range, however, they are considered to be a species of conservation concern in some states. They are not protected by law in Arkansas, but it is still important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
If you encounter a Cottonmouth, it is important to keep a safe distance and avoid handling it as much as possible, since they can become stressed and bite. Cottonmouths have venom that can cause serious injury or death, If a bite occurs, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a venomous snake native to Arkansas and found throughout the eastern United States. They are known for their distinctive rattle at the end of their tails and their coloration, which can vary from yellowish-brown to dark brown. They can reach lengths of up to 6 feet and have a life span of up to 20 years. They are found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, forests, and rocky areas, and are active during the day and night.
Timber Rattlesnakes are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey such as small mammals, birds, and lizards. They are known for their excellent camouflage and are often found hiding in leaves and debris.
Timber Rattlesnake populations are considered to be declining in many states due to human activity such as habitat destruction, hunting, and collection for the pet trade. They are protected by law in Arkansas, so it is important to be aware of the conservation laws and regulations when encountering them.
If you encounter a Timber Rattlesnake, it is important to keep a safe distance and avoid handling it as much as possible, since they can become stressed and bite. Timber Rattlesnakes have venom that can cause serious injury or death, If a bite occurs, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.