Animals in North Dakota

North Dakota is a state in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Its geography is characterized by fertile farmlands, vast plains, and expansive prairies because most of the state falls within the Great Plains region. North Dakota features great diversity in its wild habitats, ranging from prairies and grasslands to forests and wetlands. Naturally, this has encouraged the growth of remarkable flora and fauna.

There are several national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Lewis and Clark Trail, and Lake Sakakawea (the 3rd largest artificial lake in the US), where you can visit to watch some of the state’s native animals in their natural habitat.

Animals in North Dakota (ND)

List of Different Types of Animals Found in North Dakota

Mammals

Grizzly bears, Canada lynx, gray wolf, wolverine, and swift fox also used to inhabit the state, but their populations have been extirpated.

Birds

Reptiles

  • Spiny Softshell
  • Snapping Turtle
  • Painted Turtle
  • Prairie Rattlesnake
  • Smooth Green Snake
  • Western Milk Snake
  • Common Gartersnake
  • Plains Gartersnake
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
  • Sagebrush Lizard
  • Prairie Skink
  • Plains Hognose Snake

Amphibians

Fishes

  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Yellow Perch
  • Lake Whitefish
  • Sauger
  • White Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Bluegill
  • Black Crappie
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Brook Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Muskellunge
  • Burbot
  • Freshwater Drum
  • Northern Hogsucker
  • Redhorse Sucker
  • Goldeye
  • Shovelnose Sturgeon
  • Paddlefish
  • Mooneye
  • Longnose Gar
  • Bowfin
  • Yellow Bullhead
  • Tadpole Madtom
  • Shorthead Redhorse

Insects And Invertebrates

State Animals of North Dakota

State Animals of North Dakota

State BirdWestern Meadowlark
State FishNorthern Pike
State InsectConvergent Lady Beetle

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in North Dakota?

Large to medium carnivores like black bears, cougars, coyotes, and wolves are among the deadliest animals in the state. Then there are venomous snakes and spiders like the prairie rattlesnake and western black widow that can pose a significant threat to humans.

Are there any endangered animals in North Dakota?

North Dakota has around a dozen animals and birds considered threatened or endangered, including the northern long-eared bat, piping plover, whooping crane, and rufa red knot.

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