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.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Nebraska
Mammals
Bison
Bighorn Sheep
Elk
White-tailed Deer
Mule Deer
Coyote
American Black Bear
Cougar
Red Fox
Raccoon
Bobcat
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Southern Flying Squirrel
Gray Squirrel
Swift Fox
Bailey’s Eastern Woodrat
Jumping Mouse
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
Muskrat
Plains Pocket Gopher
Virginia Opossum
Striped Skunk
Western Spotted Skunk
Nine-banded Armadillo
American Badger
American Beaver
Woodchuck
Least Weasel
Eastern Mole
Long-tailed Weasel
Eastern Chipmunk
North American Porcupine
North American River Otter
Northern Long-eared Bat
Big Brown Bat
Spotted Bat
Silver-haired Bat
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 TurtleÂ
Ornate Box Turtle
Spiny Softshell
CopperheadÂ
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
American Bullfrog
American Toad
Cope’s Gray Tree Frog
Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad
Great Plains Toad
Northern Cricket Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
Plains Leopard Frog
Plains Spadefoot Toad
Western Chorus Frog
Woodhouse’s Toad
Small-mouth Salamander
Tiger Salamander
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
Honeybee
Monarch ButterflyÂ
Regal Fritillary ButterflyÂ
Cabbage White Butterfly
Polyphemus Moth
Salt Creek Tiger Beetle
American Burying BeetleÂ
Asian Lady Beetle
Mosquito
Housefly
Dragonfly
Grasshopper
Firefly
Praying Mantis
Bumblebee
Carpenter Ant
Paper Wasp
Green Lacewing
Boxelder Bug
Milkweed Bug
Black-legged Tick
June Beetle
Black Widow
Brown Recluse
Molluscs
Plain PocketbookÂ
Giant FloaterÂ
MapleleafÂ
Mystery Snails
State Animals of Nebraska
State Mammals
White-tailed Deer
State Bird
Western Meadowlark
State Fish
Channel Catfish
State Insect
Honeybee
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.
