Nebraska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals. Some of the most well-known and iconic species native to the state include the White-tailed Deer, Pronghorn, Coyote, Badger, and Black-tailed Prairie Dog, among others.
These animals have adapted to the unique ecosystems and habitats found in Nebraska, from the rolling prairies and grasslands of the Great Plains, to the dense forests and wetlands of the eastern part of the state. They play important roles in their ecosystems, serving as predators, prey, and seed dispersers, and helping to maintain the balance of their habitats.
Many of these species are also of cultural significance to the people of Nebraska, with hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching being popular activities for residents and visitors alike. However, as with many species around the world, some of the native animals of Nebraska are facing challenges from habitat loss, disease, and other factors, and efforts are being made to conserve and protect these species and their habitats.
Greater Prairie Chicken
The Greater Prairie Chicken is a species of grouse native to the Great Plains of North America. It is known for its distinctive courtship displays, during which males perform a series of calls and displays to attract mates. Prairie chickens are ground-nesting birds and feed mainly on insects, seeds, and other small organisms.
Greater Prairie Chickens are important indicators of the health of grassland and prairie ecosystems. Their populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and other factors, leading to conservation efforts to protect their habitats and populations. Despite these efforts, prairie chicken populations continue to decline, and the species remains vulnerable to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
Pronghorn
The Pronghorn, also known as the American Antelope, is a species of ungulate native to the western grasslands and deserts of North America. It is the only species in its genus and is not closely related to any other species of deer or antelope. The pronghorn is known for its exceptional speed, with the ability to run at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest land mammals in the world.
Pronghorns are herbivores and feed on a variety of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. They are also known to eat sagebrush and cacti in some areas. They are active during the day and are social animals, often found in small herds of a few individuals. The breeding season, or rut, occurs in the fall, during which males compete for the attention of female pronghorns.
Pronghorns are important indicators of the health of western grassland and desert ecosystems. Their populations have declined in the past due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, but they have made a modest recovery in many areas with conservation efforts. Today, pronghorns are still hunted for sport and are managed through hunting regulations in some states. Despite this, the species remains vulnerable to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation, and conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure its long-term survival.
Coyote
The Coyote is a species of canid native to North America and is widely distributed across the continent. It is known for its adaptability and versatility, as it is able to survive in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests, and urban areas. Coyote populations have increased in recent decades as they have taken advantage of expanding human development and the resulting increase in prey populations, such as rabbits and rodents.
Coyotes are omnivores and feed on a variety of food, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fruit. They are also known to feed on carrion and are known to be scavengers. Coyotes are highly intelligent and are known for their ability to solve problems, such as escaping from captive enclosures. They are also known for their vocalizations, including yips, barks, and howls.
Badger
The Badger is a species of carnivore native to North America and is widely distributed across the continent. It is known for its powerful jaws and sharp claws, which it uses to dig burrows and hunt prey. Badgers are solitary animals and are active mainly at night. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of food, including insects, small mammals, reptiles, and carrion.
Badgers are important ecosystem engineers and their burrows provide shelter and habitat for a variety of other species, such as snakes, rabbits, and ground squirrels. Despite this, badgers are often considered a pest by farmers, as they are known to damage crops and disrupt livestock. Badgers are also hunted for their fur and for use in traditional medicines in some cultures.
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is a species of ground squirrel native to the Great Plains of North America. It is known for its social behavior and elaborate burrow systems, which it uses for shelter and to store food. Prairie dogs are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses and forbs, but are also known to eat insects and other small animals.
Prairie dogs are important members of the Great Plains ecosystem, as their burrow systems provide habitat for a variety of other species, such as snakes, badgers, and burrowing owls. Despite this, prairie dog populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss, disease, and predator control programs. Conservation efforts are underway to protect prairie dogs and their habitats, as they are considered a keystone species in the Great Plains ecosystem.
American Bison
The American Bison, also known as the Buffalo, is a species of bovid native to North America. It is the largest terrestrial mammal in North America and is known for its shaggy mane and large hump on its shoulders. American Bison were once abundant across the continent, but their populations declined drastically in the 19th century due to hunting and habitat loss.
Bison are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses, but are also known to eat forbs, shrubs, and bark. They are social animals and are often found in herds, which can number in the thousands. Bison are known for their role in shaping the ecosystems in which they live, as their grazing and trampling can create and maintain open grasslands and prairies.
American Elk
The American Elk, also known as the Wapiti, is a species of deer native to North America and is widely distributed across the continent. It is the largest species of deer in North America and is known for its large antlers, which it sheds and regrows each year. American Elk are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses and forbs, but are also known to eat shrubs and bark in winter months.
American Elk are social animals and are often found in herds, which can number in the hundreds. They are important foragers in many ecosystems, as their grazing helps to maintain the structure and composition of vegetation. Elk are also important for hunting and wildlife viewing, and are managed through hunting regulations in many states. Despite this, elk populations continue to face threats from habitat loss, disease, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure their long-term survival.
Mountain Lion
The Mountain Lion, also known as the Cougar or Puma, is a species of large cat native to North America. It is the largest species of cat in the western hemisphere and is known for its powerful build, agility, and stealth. Mountain lions are solitary animals and are most active at night, when they hunt primarily for deer, but also for smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Mountain lions are important top predators in their ecosystems and play a role in controlling the populations of their prey. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to survive in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests, and are even found in some urban areas. Despite this, mountain lion populations have declined in recent decades due to hunting, habitat loss, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Gray Fox
The Gray Fox is a species of fox native to North America, known for its distinctive gray fur, black-tipped tail, and ability to climb trees. Gray foxes are omnivores and feed on a variety of food sources, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits, and insects. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to survive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts.
Gray foxes are generally solitary animals, but will sometimes form pairs or small family groups. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and helping to control the populations of small mammals and other species. Despite their adaptability, gray fox populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Red Fox
The Red Fox is a species of fox native to the Northern Hemisphere, known for its distinctive red fur, white-tipped tail, and adaptability. Red foxes are omnivores and feed on a variety of food sources, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits, and insects. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to survive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts.
Red foxes are highly adaptable and are able to thrive in both rural and urban areas. They are also considered to be one of the most widespread carnivores in the world, due to their ability to colonize new habitats and adapt to changing conditions. Despite this, red fox populations are declining in some areas due to hunting, habitat loss, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Skunk
The Skunk is a species of mammal native to North America, known for its distinctive black and white striped fur and strong, unpleasant odor. Skunks are omnivores and feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetables. They are also known for their burrowing behavior and ability to dig deep underground dens for shelter and protection.
Skunks play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and helping to control the populations of insects and other small mammals. Despite their unpleasant odor, skunks are important animals to have in a healthy ecosystem, as they help to keep insect populations in check and contribute to a balanced food chain. However, skunks are also considered to be a nuisance by some, due to their strong odor and tendency to burrow and damage property.
Muskrat
The Muskrat is a species of rodent native to North America, known for its aquatic lifestyle and ability to build dams and lodges in the water. Muskrats are herbivores and feed primarily on aquatic plants, as well as the roots and stems of plants along the shoreline. They are also known for their ability to tolerate cold temperatures and their reliance on the water for protection from predators.
Muskrats play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and helping to control the populations of aquatic plants and other species. They are also important to humans for their role in water management, as their dams and lodges help to regulate water levels and prevent erosion. Despite their ecological importance, muskrat populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Raccoon
The Raccoon is a species of mammal native to North America, known for its distinctive black mask, bushy tail, and omnivorous diet. Raccoons are highly adaptable and feed on a wide variety of food sources, including insects, fruits, vegetables, and small mammals. They are also known for their ability to climb trees and their high level of intelligence.
Raccoons play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and helping to control the populations of insects and other species. They are also important to humans for their role in seed dispersal and their ability to help control insect populations. Despite their adaptability and intelligence, raccoon populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Opossum
The Opossum is a species of marsupial native to North America, known for its distinctive prehensile tail, pointed snout, and omnivorous diet. Opossums are highly adaptable and feed on a wide variety of food sources, including insects, fruits, vegetables, and small mammals. They are also known for their ability to play dead as a defense mechanism and their high level of tolerance for a variety of environmental conditions.
Opossums play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and helping to control the populations of insects and other species. They are also important to humans for their role in seed dispersal and their ability to help control insect populations. Despite their adaptability, opossum populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Armadillo
Armadillos are omnivores and feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, fruits, and vegetables. They are also known for their burrowing behavior and ability to dig deep underground dens for shelter and protection.
Armadillos play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey and helping to control the populations of insects and other small mammals. Despite their armored shells, armadillos are vulnerable to predators and habitat loss, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
American Mink
The American Mink is a species of mustelid native to North America, known for its sleek, fur-covered body, webbed feet, and semi-aquatic lifestyle. Minks are carnivores and feed primarily on fish, birds, and other small mammals. They are also known for their high level of intelligence and their ability to swim and dive in the water.
Minks play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of fish, birds, and other small mammals. They are also important to the fur industry, as their fur is highly valued for its soft, dense texture and beautiful appearance. Despite their ecological and economic importance, mink populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Gray Squirrel
The Gray Squirrel is a species of squirrel native to North America, known for its distinctive gray fur, large bushy tail, and ability to collect and store food for the winter. Gray Squirrels feed on a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, and other plant matter, which they gather and store in caches for later use. They are also known for their agility and ability to climb trees, allowing them to evade predators and access food resources.
In Nebraska, Gray Squirrels can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and suburban areas, where they hunt for food and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as seed dispersers and helping to propagate trees and other plants. Despite their ecological importance, Gray Squirrel populations are generally stable and not currently considered to be at risk, although they may face challenges from habitat loss, disease, and other factors in some areas.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit is a species of rabbit native to North America, known for its distinctive soft, cottony tail and brown fur. Eastern Cottontails feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation, which they graze on while hopping through their habitats. They are also known for their fast running speed, which helps them evade predators, and their ability to breed quickly and in large numbers, allowing them to quickly recover from population declines.
In Nebraska, Eastern Cottontail Rabbits can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, forests, and wetlands, where they hunt for food and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as prey for many other species and helping to control the populations of plants and other organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Eastern Cottontail Rabbit populations are generally stable and not currently considered to be at risk, although they may face challenges from habitat loss, disease, and other factors in some areas.
Bobcat
The Bobcat is a species of wild cat native to North America, known for its short tail, tufted ears, and distinctive brown and black spotted fur. Bobcats feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which they hunt while patrolling their territories. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and suburban areas.
In Nebraska, Bobcats can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey and build their dens. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of small mammals and other organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Bobcat populations are stable and not currently considered to be at risk, although they are hunted for their fur in some areas.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a species of bird of prey native to North America, known for its distinctive white head and tail feathers and powerful beak and talons. Bald Eagles feed on a variety of prey, including fish, which they catch while flying over water. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to nest in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas.
In Nebraska, Bald Eagles can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, and rivers, where they hunt for prey and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of fish and other aquatic organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Bald Eagle populations were once severely impacted by pesticide use, but have recovered due to conservation efforts, including the ban of DDT and other harmful pesticides.
Turkey Vulture
The Turkey Vulture is a species of bird native to North America, known for its large size, distinctive bald head, and ability to locate carrion from great distances. Turkey Vultures feed on a variety of dead animals, which they locate using their keen sense of smell. They are also known for their role in removing and recycling carrion, helping to prevent the spread of disease and keep ecosystems healthy.
In Nebraska, Turkey Vultures can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for carrion and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as scavengers and helping to recycle nutrients and prevent the spread of disease. Despite their ecological importance, Turkey Vulture populations are stable and not currently considered to be at risk, although they may face challenges from habitat loss, pesticides, and other factors in some areas.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a species of bird of prey native to North America, known for its distinctive blue-gray plumage, sharp talons, and ability to hunt at high speeds. Peregrine Falcons feed on a variety of prey, including birds, which they catch while diving at high speeds. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to nest in a wide variety of habitats, including cliffs, skyscrapers, and other urban areas.
In Nebraska, Peregrine Falcons can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of birds and other small organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Peregrine Falcon populations were once severely impacted by pesticide use, but have recovered due to conservation efforts, including captive breeding and release programs.
Harlan's Hawk
Harlan's Hawk is a subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk native to North America, known for its distinctive dark plumage and broad wingspan. Harlan's Hawks feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which they hunt while flying over open habitats. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to nest in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and urban areas.
In Nebraska, Harlan's Hawks can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of small mammals and other organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Harlan's Hawk populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark is a species of bird native to North America, known for its distinctive song, yellow underbelly, and brown and black streaked plumage. Western Meadowlarks feed on a variety of insects and seeds, which they find while foraging on the ground. They are also known for their territorial behavior and for their role in controlling insect populations.
In Nebraska, Western Meadowlarks can be found in a variety of grassland and prairie habitats, where they hunt for food and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as insectivores and helping to control the populations of insects and other small organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Western Meadowlark populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Northern Harrier
The Northern Harrier is a species of hawk native to North America, known for its distinctive owl-like face, long wings, and ability to hunt in low flight over marshes and other wetland habitats. Northern Harriers feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which they hunt while flying low over the ground. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations and for their migratory behavior, which brings them to Nebraska and other parts of North America in the winter months.
In Nebraska, Northern Harriers can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of small mammals and other organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Northern Harrier populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
American Kestrel
The American Kestrel is a species of falcon native to North America, known for its small size, colorful plumage, and ability to hover in mid-air. American Kestrels feed on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, and birds, which they hunt while flying or perching on branches. They are also known for their adaptability and ability to nest in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and urban areas.
In Nebraska, American Kestrels can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as predators and helping to control the populations of insects and other small organisms. Despite their ecological importance, American Kestrel populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
Eastern Kingbird
The Eastern Kingbird is a species of bird native to North America, known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage, sharp bill, and aggressive behavior. Eastern Kingbirds feed on a variety of insects, including flies, wasps, and caterpillars, which they hunt while flying or perching on branches. They are also known for their territorial behavior and for their role in controlling insect populations.
In Nebraska, Eastern Kingbirds can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey and build their nests. They play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as insectivores and helping to control the populations of insects and other small organisms. Despite their ecological importance, Eastern Kingbird populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
White-Tailed Deer
The White-tailed deer is a species of deer that is native to North America and is widely distributed across the continent. It is one of the most common large mammals in North America and is known for its distinctive white tail, which it raises when it is alarmed. The White-tailed deer is an herbivore and primarily feeds on leaves, twigs, and grasses. They are also known to eat acorns, fruits, and nuts in the fall and winter months.
White-tailed deer are social animals and are often found in small herds consisting of a few adults and their offspring. They are active mainly at dawn and dusk and tend to hide in thick vegetation during the day to avoid predators. The breeding season, or rut, occurs in the fall, during which males compete for the attention of female deer. The female gives birth to one or two fawns in the spring, which are cared for by the mother until they are able to fend for themselves.
White-tailed deer have a significant impact on the ecosystem in which they live. They are known to alter the structure and composition of forests and woodlands by eating native vegetation and providing food for predators such as coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions. Their presence can also have negative impacts on crops, gardens, and orchards, leading to conflicts with humans. Despite this, the White-tailed deer is an important species for hunting and wildlife viewing and is managed through hunting regulations in many states.
Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl is a species of owl native to the Arctic tundra and known for its distinctive white feathers, yellow eyes, and rounded head. Snowy Owls are apex predators and feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and fish. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations and for their migratory behavior, which brings them south to Nebraska and other parts of North America in some years.
In Nebraska, Snowy Owls are relatively rare visitors, appearing only during certain years when their populations are high and food is scarce in their Arctic breeding grounds. During these irruptions, Snowy Owls can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and wetlands, where they hunt for prey.
Snowy Owls play an important role in their Arctic ecosystems, serving as top predators and helping to regulate the populations of other species. They are also important to people as a symbol of the Arctic and as a subject of scientific study. Despite their importance, Snowy Owl populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the species and its habitats.
In conclusion, the native animals of Nebraska play a vital role in the state's ecosystems and are an important part of the state's natural heritage. By understanding and appreciating the diverse range of species that call Nebraska home, we can work to conserve and protect them for future generations to enjoy. Whether you're a resident, visitor, or wildlife enthusiast, taking the time to learn about the native animals of Nebraska is a rewarding experience that offers a deeper understanding of the state's natural beauty and diversity.