Animals in Nebraska

The Midwestern US state of Nebraska is characterized by river valleys, vast stretches of prairies, and rolling hills, thanks to the Great Plains and the Dissected Till Plains that shape the state’s terrain. The Missouri River flows through the eastern border of the state. Nebraska offers diverse habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and riparian areas, encouraging the growth of rich flora and fauna. The state attracts thousands of migratory birds yearly, which is no less attractive for wildlife enthusiasts.

The sandhill crane migration to the Platte River in central Nebraska is the most noteworthy wildlife event to experience in the state. The Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge are some of the best places for wildlife viewing.

Animals in Nebraska (NE)

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Nebraska

Mammals

Grizzly bears, gray wolves, and Canada lynxes are some animals that used to live here, but their populations have been extirpated. Still, individuals may wander into the state from neighboring places.

Birds

  • Western Meadowlark
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • American Robin
  • Burrowing Owl
  • Eskimo Curlew
  • Piping Plover
  • Sandhill Crane
  • Bald Eagle
  • Whooping Crane
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Interior Least Tern
  • Rufa Red Knot

Reptiles

  • Common Snapping Turtle
  • Northern Painted Turtle 
  • Ornate Box Turtle
  • Spiny Softshell
  • Copperhead 
  • Timber Rattlesnake
  • Prairie Rattlesnake
  • Massasauga
  • Plains Garter Snake
  • Western Hognose Snake
  • Bullsnake
  • Plains Hog-nosed Snake
  • Western Ribbon Snake
  • Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
  • Northern Water Snake
  • Smooth Green Snake
  • Smooth Earth Snake
  • Western Worm Snake
  • Prairie Kingsnake
  • Northern Red-bellied Snake
  • Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
  • Western Coachwhip
  • Common Garter Snake
  • Western Rat Snake
  • Western Slender Glass Lizard
  • Five-lined Skink
  • Great Plains Skink
  • Six-lined Racerunner

Amphibians

Fishes

  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Blue Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • White Bass
  • Wiper
  • Walleye
  • Sauger
  • Northern Pike
  • Muskellunge
  • Freshwater Drum
  • Black Crappie
  • White Crappie
  • Longnose Gar
  • Shortnose Gar
  • Bowfin
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Yellow Perch
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Brook Trout
  • Saugeye

Insects and Invertebrates

Molluscs

  • Plain Pocketbook 
  • Giant Floater 
  • Mapleleaf 
  • Mystery Snails
State Animals of Nebraska

State Animals of Nebraska

State MammalsWhite-tailed Deer
State BirdWestern Meadowlark
State FishChannel Catfish
State InsectHoneybee

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in Nebraska?

Deadly and venomous copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, prairie rattlesnakes, Massasauga, black widows, and brown recluses are some of the most dangerous animals in Nebraska. Then there are the large and medium predators like the brown bear and cougar.

Are there any endangered animals in Nebraska?

The northern long-eared bat, southern flying squirrel, swift fox, piping plover, whooping crane, rufa red knot, and interior least tern are only a few of the animals classified as endangered or threatened in the state.

What are some common invasive animals in Nebraska?

Some invasive invertebrates include the emerald ash borer and zebra mussels, while the silver carp, bighead carp, and white perch are some common invasive fish species.

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