Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, and is known for its diverse ecosystem and diverse wildlife. The state is home to a wide variety of animal species, many of which are native to the area. These native species play a vital role in maintaining the state's ecosystems and preserving its natural beauty.
Some of the most common native animals found in Missouri include the white-tailed deer, wild turkey, eastern cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, raccoon, and eastern box turtle. These animals are often seen in wooded areas and along the state's many rivers and streams. The state is also home to a variety of bird species, including the wood duck, red-tailed hawk, and American bald eagle. In addition to these well-known species, Missouri is also home to a number of species that are more elusive or less commonly seen. These include the eastern hellbender salamander, American beaver, and wild boar. Missouri is also home to several species of reptiles, including the snapping turtle, hognose snake, and prairie skink.
In order to preserve and protect these native species, Missouri has implemented a number of conservation efforts, including protected wildlife areas and hunting regulations. By preserving its native wildlife, Missouri not only ensures the survival of these species, but also helps to maintain its unique and beautiful ecosystem.
Raccoon
The raccoon is a native species of Missouri and is one of the most recognizable and well-known species in North America. They are medium-sized mammals, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds, and have distinctive black mask-like markings on their faces and ringed tails. Raccoons are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, insects, and small mammals.
White-Tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer is one of the most recognizable and well-known native animals of Missouri. It is a species of deer that is found throughout North America and is known for its distinctive white tail, which it raises and displays when alarmed or fleeing from danger. White-tailed deer are medium-sized mammals, typically weighing between 100 and 300 pounds, and can grow up to three feet tall at the shoulder.
White-tailed deer are versatile creatures and are found in a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to open prairies. They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including leaves, twigs, acorns, and grasses. They are also known for their agility and speed, and are capable of running at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
In Missouri, white-tailed deer are an important species for both ecological and cultural reasons. They play a critical role in maintaining the state's ecosystems by browsing on vegetation and helping to shape the landscape through their feeding habits. They are also an important source of food for a variety of predator species, including wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions.
Wild Turkey
The wild turkey is another well-known native animal of Missouri. It is a species of bird that is found throughout North America and is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior. Wild turkeys are large birds, typically weighing between 10 and 25 pounds, and have a distinctive, iridescent feather pattern.
Wild turkeys are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, fruits, and small mammals. They are also known for their distinctive behavior, including their distinctive gobble, which they use to communicate with other turkeys. They are strong fliers and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
In Missouri, wild turkeys are an important species for both ecological and cultural reasons. They play a critical role in maintaining the state's ecosystems by feeding on a variety of insects and small mammals, and by helping to disperse the seeds of the plants they consume. They are also an important source of food for a variety of predator species, including hawks, foxes, and coyotes.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
The Eastern cottontail rabbit is a native species of Missouri and is one of the most common species of rabbits in North America. They are small mammals, typically weighing between 2 and 4 pounds, and have distinctive brownish-red fur on their backs and white fur on their underbellies. Eastern cottontail rabbits are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and twigs.
Gray Squirrel
The gray squirrel is another native species of Missouri and is one of the most common species of squirrels in North America. They are medium-sized mammals, typically weighing between 1 and 2 pounds, and have distinctive gray fur with a white underbelly. Gray squirrels are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects.
Eastern Box Turtle
The Eastern box turtle is a native species of Missouri and is one of the most recognizable species of turtles in North America. They are small to medium-sized turtles, typically measuring between 5 and 7 inches in length, and have distinctive hinged shells that allow them to close their shells tightly when threatened. Eastern box turtles are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and small mammals.
Eastern Hellbender Salamander
The Eastern hellbender salamander is a native species of Missouri and is one of the largest species of salamanders in the world. They are aquatic creatures, typically measuring between 12 and 24 inches in length, and are known for their distinctive wrinkled appearance. Eastern hellbender salamanders are carnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, crayfish, and small fish.
American Beaver
The American beaver is a native species of Missouri and is one of the largest species of rodents in the world. They are semi-aquatic mammals, typically weighing between 40 and 60 pounds, and are known for their distinctive flat tails and the large dams they build in streams and rivers. American beavers are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including tree bark and leaves.
Wild Boar
The wild boar is a non-native species that has been introduced to Missouri and has established a population in the state. Wild boars are large mammals, typically weighing between 150 and 300 pounds, and are known for their distinctive tusks and tough, bristly hair. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including roots, fruits, and small mammals.
Striped Skunk
The striped skunk is a native species of Missouri and is one of the most recognizable species of mammals in North America. They are small to medium-sized mammals, typically weighing between 4 and 10 pounds, and are known for their distinctive black-and-white markings and pungent odor. Striped skunks are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and small mammals.
Wood Duck
The wood duck is a native species of Missouri and is one of the most colorful species of ducks in North America. They are medium-sized ducks, typically weighing between 2 and 3 pounds, and are known for their distinctive iridescent feathers and crest of feathers on their heads. Wood ducks are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, fruits, and insects.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a native species of Missouri and is one of the most common species of hawks in North America. They are medium-sized birds of prey, typically weighing between 2 and 4 pounds, and are known for their distinctive red tails and broad, rounded wings. Red-tailed hawks are carnivores and feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
American Bald Eagle
The American bald eagle is a native species of Missouri and is the national symbol of the United States. They are large birds of prey, typically weighing between 6 and 14 pounds, and are known for their distinctive white head and tail feathers and powerful hooked beaks. American bald eagles are carnivores and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.
Wild Hog
The wild hog, also known as the wild boar, is a non-native species that has been introduced to Missouri and has established a population in the state. Wild hogs are large mammals, typically weighing between 150 and 300 pounds, and are known for their tough, bristly hair and sharp tusks. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including roots, fruits, and small mammals.
Woodpecker
The woodpecker is a common species of bird that can be found in Missouri. There are several different species of woodpeckers in the state, each with their own distinctive markings and behaviors. Woodpeckers are known for their strong beaks and the distinctive drumming sounds they make as they peck at trees. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and nuts.
Blue Jay
The blue jay is a common species of bird that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized birds, typically measuring between 9 and 12 inches in length, and are known for their distinctive blue and white feathers and bold personalities. Blue jays are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and nuts.
Cardinal
The cardinal is a common species of bird that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized birds, typically measuring between 7 and 9 inches in length, and are known for their distinctive red feathers and clear, melodic songs. Cardinals are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, fruits, and insects.
Common Moorhen
The common moorhen is a species of bird that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized waterbirds, typically measuring between 12 and 14 inches in length, and are known for their distinctive red frontal shield and thick, dark bills. Common moorhens feed on a variety of aquatic plants and animals, including insects, snails, and crustaceans.
Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron is a species of bird that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized waterbirds, typically measuring between 22 and 26 inches in length, and are known for their distinctive black head feathers and red eyes. Black-crowned night herons feed on a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, and crustaceans.
Muskrat
The muskrat is a species of mammal that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized rodents, typically measuring between 12 and 18 inches in length, and are known for their dense, waterproof fur and webbed feet. Muskrats feed on a variety of aquatic plants, including cattails, bulrushes, and other aquatic vegetation.
Northern River Otter
The northern river otter is a species of mammal that can be found in Missouri. They are large, aquatic mammals, typically measuring between 3 and 4 feet in length, and are known for their thick, dense fur and playful behavior. Northern river otters feed on a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Snapping Turtle
The snapping turtle is a species of reptile that can be found in Missouri. They are large, freshwater turtles, typically measuring between 8 and 18 inches in length, and are known for their powerful jaws and sharp beaks. Snapping turtles feed on a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, and other reptiles.
Hog-Nose Snake
The hog-nose snake is a species of reptile that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized snakes, typically measuring between 2 and 3 feet in length, and are known for their distinctive upturned snouts and keeled scales. Hog-nose snakes feed on a variety of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Prairie Skink
The prairie skink is a species of lizard that can be found in Missouri. They are medium-sized reptiles, typically measuring between 7 and 9 inches in length, and are known for their smooth, shiny scales and distinctive brown and black stripes. Prairie skinks feed on a variety of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Black Rat Snake
The black rat snake is a species of snake that can be found in Missouri. They are large, nonvenomous reptiles, typically measuring between 4 and 8 feet in length, and are known for their shiny, black scales and distinctive triangular head shape. Black rat snakes feed on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
In conclusion, Missouri is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including many species that are native to the state. These animals play a critical role in maintaining the state's ecosystems and preserving its natural beauty. From the majestic bald eagle to the elusive hellbender salamander, Missouri's native wildlife is a source of pride and wonder for residents and visitors alike. By working to protect and conserve these species, Missouri is taking important steps to ensure the future of its wildlife and its ecosystems. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a hunter, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors, Missouri's native wildlife is sure to leave a lasting impression. So next time you're in the Show-Me State, take a moment to appreciate the incredible variety of animals that call it home.