N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
Michigan

Two peninsulas wrapped in Great Lakes shoreline make Michigan a freshwater-wildlife powerhouse of dunes, forests, and wetlands from boreal north to temperate south.
223 Species
146,435 km² Land Area
Overview

About Michigan

Michigan's wildlife is tied to water: four Great Lakes, thousands of inland lakes, and large wetlands make many habitats that support cold northern species and southern forests and prairies. The state includes boreal-like Upper Peninsula forests and peatlands, wide northern hardwoods and conifer swamps, and a milder southern landscape of oak woods, river corridors, and recovering grasslands, all linked by one of the world's longest freshwater coastlines. Important places include Great Lakes coastal wetlands that are fish nurseries and stopovers for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds; dune-and-swale areas and sandy beaches where rare plants and nesting birds need shifting shorelines; and interior forests and bogs that shelter moose, many owls, warblers, and amphibians. From shorelines to backwoods, Michigan offers bird migrations along lakeshores and quieter, more northern-feeling habitats inland, especially in the Upper Peninsula.

Physical Features

Geography

Michigan's two peninsulas, surrounded by four Great Lakes, create strong lake-effect weather and a shoreline with wetlands that shape wildlife. The Upper Peninsula has cooler, boreal-like forests and peatlands for northern species. The Lower Peninsula has mixed hardwoods, prairie/savanna remnants and farms supporting more temperate wildlife. Thousands of lakes and rivers provide migration stopovers and nursery habitat for aquatic life.

146,435 km² (land area) Land Area
22nd largest U.S. state by land area (11th by total area including water) Size Rank
United States Country
State Type
Elevation Range

~174 m (Lake Erie surface, lowest point) to 603 m (Mount Arvon, highest point)

Coastline

Great Lakes (freshwater) coastline; approximately 5,292 km of shoreline when including islands and bays-often cited as the longest freshwater coastline of any U.S. state.

Key Landscapes

Great Lakes shorelines (Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie) with rocky coasts, embayments, islands, and coastal wetlands Extensive freshwater dune fields and beach-ridge complexes (notably along Lake Michigan) Northern conifer-hardwood forests and large roadless blocks (Upper Peninsula) Boreal-influenced peatlands, bogs, fens, and wet meadows (especially in the U.P.) Large river systems and coldwater streams (e.g., Grand, Au Sable, Manistee, Muskegon, Menominee) supporting fish and riparian wildlife corridors Niagara Escarpment and karst/limestone influences in places, affecting groundwater, springs, and specialized habitats (e.g., alvar-like communities) in the Straits/UP region and islands nearby (e.g., Drummond Island)
State Symbols

Official Wildlife Symbols

animal

White-tailed deer

Designated 1997

bird

American robin

Designated 1931

fish

Brook trout

Designated 1988

wildflower

Dwarf lake iris

Designated 1998

tree

Eastern white pine

Designated 1955

Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

Michigan's protected areas focus on Great Lakes shorelines, state and national forests, and large wetland complexes. Protection comes from National Park Service units, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges, and state parks and forests that save dunes, old-growth and northern hardwood forests, peatlands, and coastal wetlands. These places help migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway and Upper Peninsula boreal habitats.

Protected Coverage

≈15-18% of Michigan's land is in public conservation ownership/management (federal, state, and local protected lands); the share that is strictly protected varies by designation.

National Parks & Preserves

Isle Royale National Park

~571,790 acres (~894 sq mi; mostly water, with ~132 sq mi land)

A remote Lake Superior archipelago famous for intact boreal forests and predator-prey dynamics; minimal development and dark skies support high-quality wildlife viewing and research.

Gray wolf Moose River otter Bald eagle Common loon

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

~73,236 acres

A Lake Superior shoreline of cliffs, beaches, and forested backcountry that supports migratory birds, raptors, and nearshore aquatic communities; important nesting and stopover habitat along the Great Lakes coast.

Black bear Bald eagle Peregrine falcon Common loon Brook trout

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

~71,199 acres

Globally significant freshwater dune-and-coastal ecosystem with interdunal wetlands, forests, and the Manitou Islands; excellent for bird migration, shoreline wildlife, and rare plant communities tied to dynamic dunes.

Piping plover Bald eagle White-tailed deer Beaver Red fox

Keweenaw National Historical Park

~5,000+ acres of park units plus partnered conservation lands across the Keweenaw Peninsula (size varies by unit/partner holdings)

Although designated for cultural resources, the park's protected tracts and adjacent conserved lands include Lake Superior shoreline, wetlands, and northern forests that provide habitat for migratory birds and coastal wildlife.

Bald eagle Moose (regionally) Snowshoe hare Red fox Common raven

State & Provincial Parks

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

~60,000 acres

Michigan's largest state park, protecting old-growth northern hardwood-hemlock stands, waterfalls, and Lake Superior shoreline; outstanding for forest wildlife and backcountry birding.

Black bear Moose Gray wolf (regionally) Pileated woodpecker American marten (regionally)

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

~46,000 acres

Large river-and-forest landscape with extensive wetlands and conifer-hardwood mosaics; strong habitat for northern forest birds, beaver wetlands, and large mammals.

Moose Black bear River otter Bald eagle Sandhill crane

Ludington State Park

~5,300 acres

A premier Great Lakes dune-and-wetland complex where Lake Michigan shoreline, pine forests, and Sable River wetlands support waterfowl, songbird migration, and amphibians.

Bald eagle Sandhill crane White-tailed deer Snapping turtle Great blue heron

Tawas Point State Park

~736 acres

Important Lake Huron point/barrier-spit habitat and one of Michigan's best migrant traps for birds; excellent for shorebirds, waterfowl, and spring/fall songbird movements.

Red knot (migrant) Sanderling Canvasback Bald eagle Merlin

Wildlife Refuges

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

~95,000 acres

One of the Great Lakes region's most important wetland complexes (marshes, bogs, and managed pools) supporting breeding waterfowl, marsh birds, and wide-ranging mammals.

Trumpeter swan Moose Black bear Sandhill crane River otter

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

~9,800 acres

A major confluence of rivers and floodplain forests/wetlands in the Saginaw Bay watershed; critical stopover and nesting habitat for migratory birds.

Wood duck American bittern Bald eagle River otter White-tailed deer

Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge

~(multi-island unit; acreage varies by island, totaling several thousand acres of mostly island habitat)

A network of Great Lakes islands managed primarily for colonial nesting waterbirds and sensitive shoreline habitats; key for breeding and staging birds on Lakes Michigan and Huron.

Caspian tern Common tern Herring gull Double-crested cormorant Bald eagle

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

~6,200+ acres (plus partner lands and waters)

Binational (U.S.-Canada) refuge complex protecting coastal wetlands and river habitats along a major migratory corridor; significant for waterfowl, raptors, and fish-spawning/nursery areas.

Canvasback Tundra swan Bald eagle Northern pike Lake sturgeon (regionally)

Wilderness Areas

  • Isle Royale Wilderness (within Isle Royale National Park)
  • Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness (Huron-Manistee National Forests)
  • Rock River Canyon Wilderness (Hiawatha National Forest)
  • McCormick Wilderness (Ottawa National Forest)
  • Sylvania Wilderness (Ottawa National Forest)
  • Round Island Wilderness (Hiawatha National Forest)
  • Delirium Wilderness (Hiawatha National Forest)
Animals

Wildlife

Michigan's wildlife diversity is shaped by its position between boreal-influenced Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forests in the Upper Peninsula and more temperate hardwood, prairie/savanna remnants, and agricultural mosaics in the Lower Peninsula. With thousands of miles of Great Lakes shoreline plus vast wetlands, rivers, and inland lakes, the state supports strong freshwater and coastal ecosystems alongside extensive forests. Signature wildlife experiences include Great Lakes seabird colonies and migrating waterfowl, large forest mammals (including recovering apex predators), and globally important freshwater fishes tied to the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

~65-75 species Mammals
~430-460 species recorded (regular breeders + migrants + occasional) Birds
~35-40 species Reptiles
~25-30 species Amphibians
~150-170 species (freshwater; Great Lakes + inland) Fish
Examples

Iconic Species

Gray Wolf
Gray Wolf A flagship recovery story in the Upper Peninsula; wolves are strongly associated with big-woods and Great Lakes wilderness landscapes and are a major draw for wildlife-watchers (often via tracking and howling surveys rather than sightings).
Moose
Moose Most likely encountered in the Upper Peninsula's swamps, regenerating forests, and boggy lowlands; a quintessential boreal-edge species that many visitors hope to see around wetlands and remote backroads.
American Black Bear
American Black Bear Common in forested regions, especially the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula; a signature large mammal of Michigan's northwoods and a frequent highlight in berry years.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Highly visible along Great Lakes shorelines and inland lakes/rivers; Michigan's extensive water bodies provide ideal nesting and foraging habitat, making eagles a reliable, iconic sight.
Common Loon
Common Loon An emblem of Michigan's clear northern lakes; its calls and lake-nesting behavior define the summer 'Up North' experience, with important breeding concentrations in the northern counties.
Kirtland's Warbler A world-famous conservation success that breeds primarily in young jack pine stands in Michigan; birders travel specifically to see it in managed jack pine habitat in the northern Lower Peninsula.
Piping Plover A charismatic beach-nesting shorebird associated with Great Lakes sand and cobble shorelines; closely monitored and a sought-after sighting on protected beaches.
Lake Sturgeon
Lake Sturgeon A prehistoric-looking Great Lakes native; spring spawning runs in select rivers are a major natural spectacle and a conservation focus across Michigan waters.
Brook Trout
Brook Trout Michigan's classic coldwater stream fish; emblematic of high-quality headwaters and forested creeks, especially in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane Widespread in wetlands and agricultural landscapes; conspicuous during migration and increasingly common as a breeding bird, providing dramatic displays and calls in marshes and fields.

Endemic & Rare Species

Kirtland's Warbler

Setophaga kirtlandii

Near Threatened (IUCN); rare, range-restricted breeder heavily concentrated in Michigan

Michigan holds the core of the global breeding population; the species is tightly linked to early-successional jack pine habitat maintained by targeted management.

Piping Plover (Great Lakes population)

Charadrius melodus

Federally listed in the U.S. (Great Lakes population); locally rare and intensively managed

Michigan's Great Lakes beaches are central to Great Lakes recovery efforts; nesting success depends on protected habitat, predator management, and reduced disturbance.

Hungerford's Crawling Water Beetle

Brychius hungerfordi

Federally Endangered; extremely localized

Known from only a handful of cold, clear stream reaches in northern Michigan; it is one of the state's most range-restricted and conservation-significant invertebrates.

Poweshiek Skipperling

Oarisma poweshiek

Critically Endangered (IUCN); state-rare/possibly extirpated from much of former range

Formerly tied to high-quality prairie fens and native grasslands; declines reflect habitat loss and changing management, making any remaining occurrences regionally critical.

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Sistrurus catenatus

Threatened in the U.S.; state-rare

A secretive wetland-associated rattlesnake of prairie fens, marsh edges, and moist grasslands; Michigan contains important habitat in the Great Lakes region where the species persists.

Hine's Emerald Dragonfly

Somatochlora hineana

Federally Endangered

Dependent on calcareous wetlands such as fens and seepage areas; Michigan supports part of the species' limited Great Lakes distribution.

Lake Sturgeon

Acipenser fulvescens

Conservation concern regionally; recovering in some systems but still vulnerable

Historically overharvested and blocked by dams; Michigan tributaries that still host spawning runs are priorities for Great Lakes fish restoration.

Notable Populations

  • Core global breeding stronghold for Kirtland's Warbler in managed jack pine systems of the northern Lower Peninsula.
  • Among the most important U.S. strongholds for the Great Lakes population of Piping Plover, with intensive protection on select Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines.
  • Major Great Lakes migration concentrations of waterfowl, loons, grebes, and raptors along shorelines and peninsular flyways (notably during spring/fall movements).
  • Significant Great Lakes colonial waterbird sites (e.g., gulls, terns, cormorants) on islands and coastal areas where suitable nesting habitat persists.
  • Regionally important spawning runs and restoration focus areas for Lake Sturgeon in several Michigan rivers connected to the Great Lakes.
  • Large, contiguous forest habitats in the Upper Peninsula supporting recovering apex predator ecology (wolves) and associated prey communities.

Recent Changes

  • Gray Wolf recovery and stabilization in the Upper Peninsula following protections and management changes; ongoing monitoring and policy shifts affect long-term trajectory.
  • Beaver recolonization and expansion in many watersheds has increased wetland creation, influencing amphibians, waterfowl, and stream hydrology in some areas.
  • Wild Turkey expansion and establishment across much of the state (especially the Lower Peninsula) compared with historic scarcity.
  • White-tailed Deer abundance and northward pressure in milder winters has increased deer impacts on forest regeneration and raised disease/vehicle-collision management concerns.
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) presence in parts of Michigan has driven intensified surveillance and localized management actions for deer.
  • Continuing spread of invasive species in Great Lakes and inland waters (e.g., dreissenid mussels; round goby) has reshaped nearshore food webs, affecting native fish and diving birds.
  • Restoration efforts and changing lake conditions have altered Great Lakes salmonid dynamics (e.g., Chinook/other salmon management responses to prey base changes), with ripple effects on sport and native fish communities.
  • Ongoing conservation management on Great Lakes beaches (closures, predator control, habitat work) has improved nesting success for Piping Plovers in some years, though vulnerability remains high.
  • Climate-driven shifts are influencing timing of migration, ice cover, and suitability of coldwater habitats; coldwater fish and boreal-associated species face increasing long-term pressure, while some warm-adapted species expand.
Visit

Wildlife Viewing

Michigan has two peninsulas with Great Lakes shores, plus big forests, dunes, marshes, and inland lakes. It is great for bird migration and for mammals like moose, black bear, white-tailed deer, and wolves in the far north. Wetlands, sea caves, dunes, and islands attract wildlife. The U.P. feels wilder; the Lower Peninsula has easy wildlife refuges and major flyway stops.

Best Seasons

Spring (late March-May)

Peak migration and bird diversity: warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors move through Great Lakes corridors. Great time for marsh birding (bitterns, rails), lekking/display behavior, and amphibian breeding choruses in wetlands and vernal pools. Expect cool, changeable weather-bring layers and rain gear.

Summer (June-August)

Best for breeding birds, butterflies, and "big landscape" experiences (islands, dunes, Northwoods forests). Excellent for loon watching on quiet lakes, heronries, beaver and otter activity at dawn/dusk, and kayaking for wildlife along protected shorelines. Black bears are more visible in some northern areas, but sightings remain opportunistic. Mosquitoes/flies can be intense in wetlands and the U.P.-pack head nets/repellent.

Fall (September-November)

Another prime migration window: hawk flights along shorelines, shorebirds, and waterfowl staging on bays and marshes. Salmon runs draw eagles and other wildlife along rivers; rut season increases deer activity. Crisp weather, dramatic colors, and fewer bugs make this a favorite for photographers.

Winter (December-March)

Quiet, scenic wildlife tracking season. Look for bald eagles near open water, winter finches and owls, and animal tracks in snow (fox, coyote, deer, hare). Ice conditions vary-focus on established viewing areas and guided outings when available. Great time for snowy forests and remote coastline atmosphere.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Spring bird migration along the Detroit River and Lake Erie shoreline in SE Michigan: visit Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (Trenton/Downriver) and nearby shoreline parks for waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors during peak passage.
  • Kirtland's Warbler experience (late May-July): join a guided viewing tour in the jack pine barrens around Grayling/Roscommon area (north-central Lower Peninsula) for one of North America's most range-restricted songbirds.
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (U.P.) by kayak or boat: scan cliff ledges and shoreline forests for peregrine falcons, eagles, loons, and nesting waterbirds; combine with early-morning beach walks for tracks and bird activity.
  • Isle Royale National Park (Lake Superior) multi-day wildlife trip: a backcountry-focused experience where you may encounter moose and observe the island's famous predator-prey ecology (wolf sightings are rare, but the system is iconic).
  • Seney National Wildlife Refuge (central U.P.) sunrise/sunset wildlife drive or paddle: prime for trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, beavers, otters, and abundant waterfowl in managed wetlands.
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (NW Lower Peninsula): dune and forest hikes plus quiet lake/river edges for birds, white-tailed deer, and seasonal raptor movement; excellent for sunset wildlife photography.
  • Saginaw Bay and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (east-central Lower Peninsula): fall waterfowl concentrations, cranes, and marsh birds; ideal for spotting scopes and photo-friendly boardwalks/auto routes.

Wildlife Watching Types

Birding hotspots and migration watching (warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors) Raptor migration counts and hawk-watching along Great Lakes shorelines Wetland wildlife viewing (trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, marsh birds, amphibians) Large mammal watching (moose in parts of the U.P., black bear in northern forests, white-tailed deer statewide; wolves mainly in far-northern U.P. and rarely seen) Freshwater coastal wildlife from dunes, beaches, and rocky shorelines (loons, gulls/terns, eagles, coastal plants and insects) Island and archipelago wildlife viewing (colonial nesting birds, migrating songbirds, shoreline species) Night wildlife and soundscape outings (owl listening, spring frog/toad choruses) Winter tracking and owl/finch searches (snow-based wildlife signs and irruptive species)

Guided Options

  • Kirtland's Warbler guided tours (seasonal, limited-capacity; typically operated through state/nature organizations in the Grayling area)
  • Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge programs: guided walks, birding events, and seasonal festivals/programming at the refuge and partner sites
  • Seney National Wildlife Refuge ranger-led programs (seasonal): wildlife drives, interpretive talks, and occasional guided activities
  • National Park Service programs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (seasonal ranger walks/talks) and Isle Royale National Park (interpretive hikes/talks when services are operating)
  • Audubon and local bird observatory field trips (e.g., hawk watches and migration walks hosted by regional birding groups across the state)
  • State park/nature center guided hikes and night programs (common in summer/fall at larger Michigan State Parks and local nature centers-check park event calendars)
Habitats

Ecosystems

Michigan has two peninsulas surrounded by Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie, so freshwater, coasts, wetlands, and big forests shape it. The Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula keep large mixed conifer-hardwood forests with boreal plants like spruce-fir and peatlands. Southern Michigan shifts to temperate deciduous forest, oak savannas, prairies/grasslands, farms, shore dunes, coastal wetlands, and many lakes and rivers.

Biomes

Temperate Forest

Dominant terrestrial biome across much of Michigan, ranging from northern mixed forests (maple-beech-birch with hemlock/white pine) to southern hardwood forests and oak-dominated systems; shaped by glaciated soils, fire history, and lake-effect climate.

Widespread statewide; most extensive in the UP and northern Lower Peninsula, with more fragmented cover in southern Michigan.

Boreal Forest (Taiga)

Boreal-influenced communities in the UP and far northern Lower Peninsula, including spruce-fir patches, cedar swamps, and extensive peatlands with boreal flora (e.g., sphagnum bogs, black spruce, tamarack).

Primarily UP and localized northern Lowland/peatland complexes; patchy but regionally important.

Temperate Grassland

Remnant prairies, dry-mesic grasslands, and oak savanna/grassland mosaics on sandy outwash plains and lakeplain soils; many areas converted to agriculture but restoration is ongoing.

Mostly southern Lower Peninsula and scattered sandy openings elsewhere; now limited and fragmented.

Freshwater

Great Lakes (world's largest freshwater system by surface area) plus thousands of inland lakes, rivers, and streams; supports coastal fisheries, nearshore reefs, riverine habitats, and extensive lake-effect-driven shoreline systems.

Very extensive: four Great Lakes shorelines plus dense inland lake/river networks statewide.

Wetland

Large complexes of marshes, swamps, fens, bogs, and Great Lakes coastal wetlands; includes peatlands in the UP and lakeplain wetlands (e.g., Saginaw Bay region) critical for waterfowl and amphibians.

Statewide, with major concentrations in the UP (peatlands, cedar swamps) and Great Lakes shorelines/lakeplains.

Marine

No true marine (saltwater) environments; Great Lakes function as inland freshwater seas but are categorized here under freshwater rather than marine.

Not present (0%).

Habitats

Forest

Extensive mixed forests across both peninsulas; large public land blocks in the UP and northern Lower Peninsula support wide-ranging species and interior forest conditions.

Deciduous Forest

Southern and central Lower Peninsula forests dominated by maple, beech, basswood, oak, and hickory; many stands are second-growth interspersed with farms and towns.

Coniferous Forest

Pine (jack/red/white), hemlock, spruce-fir patches, and northern conifer stands; common in the UP and on sandy glacial outwash in the north.

Woodland

Oak woodlands and oak savanna remnants (open-canopy bur, white, and black oak) maintained historically by fire; key biodiversity hotspots where restored.

Grassland

Prairie and grassland remnants plus managed grasslands on former agricultural lands; important for grassland birds where sufficiently large.

Prairie

Fragmented tallgrass and dry sand prairie remnants in southern Michigan and lakeplain settings; high conservation value and often embedded within agricultural matrices.

Shrubland

Early-successional shrublands from fire, harvest, and old fields; includes jack pine barrens and shrub-dominated openings benefiting species like Kirtland's warbler in managed areas.

Cliff/Rocky Outcrop

Great Lakes and river bluffs and rocky escarpments (notably along Lake Superior and parts of the Niagara Escarpment influence); provide nesting/roosting sites and unique plant assemblages.

Cave

Limited karst and small caves/rock shelters (more localized than many states); important where present for bats and overwintering habitat.

Lake

Great Lakes plus numerous inland lakes (kettle lakes, glacial lakes); supports fisheries, nearshore vegetation beds, and recreational/management pressures.

River/Stream

Major river systems (e.g., Grand, Muskegon, Manistee, Au Sable, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo) with coldwater trout streams in the north and warmer, larger rivers in the south.

Pond

Beaver ponds and small kettle ponds common in glaciated landscapes; important for amphibians, waterfowl, and wetland connectivity.

Wetland

Diverse wetland types including Great Lakes coastal wetlands, inland marshes, forested wetlands, and peatlands; critical for nutrient cycling and flood storage.

Swamp

Forested wetlands such as northern white cedar swamps, tamarack swamps, and hardwood swamps; especially extensive in the UP and northern lowlands.

Marsh

Coastal and inland emergent marshes (e.g., Saginaw Bay and western Lake Erie shoreline areas); major waterfowl staging and spawning nursery habitats.

Bog

Sphagnum bogs and patterned peatlands with black spruce/tamarack and ericaceous shrubs; concentrated in the UP and northern Lower Peninsula.

Estuary

Freshwater estuaries at river mouths into the Great Lakes (e.g., drowned river mouth systems along Lake Michigan); ecologically similar to estuaries but freshwater.

Coastal

Extensive freshwater coasts including dunes, embayments, rocky headlands, and coastal wetlands across all Great Lakes shorelines in Michigan.

Beach

Sandy Great Lakes beaches and dune systems (notably along Lake Michigan) with dynamic shoreline processes and specialized vegetation.

Rocky Shore

Rocky shorelines and cobble/boulder coasts, especially along Lake Superior and parts of northern Lakes Huron/Michigan.

Seabed/Benthic

Lakebed habitats (nearshore reefs, sandy bottoms, submerged vegetation zones) functioning as the 'benthic' environment of the Great Lakes; important for fish spawning and invertebrates.

Urban

Urban ecosystems concentrated around Detroit-Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, and other cities; includes riverfront redevelopment corridors and altered hydrology.

Suburban

Widespread suburban matrix in southern Lower Peninsula with fragmented woods, lakes, and wetlands; major interface for invasive species and human-wildlife interactions.

Agricultural/Farmland

Intensive row-crop and mixed agriculture dominates much of southern Michigan; includes drainage-altered landscapes with remaining hedgerows, ditches, and wetland remnants.

Ecoregions

WWF: Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forests WWF: Eastern forest-boreal transition WWF: Southern Great Lakes forests WWF: Upper Midwest forest-savanna transition EPA Level III: Southern Michigan / Northern Indiana Drift Plains EPA Level III: Huron/Erie Lake Plains EPA Level III: Eastern Corn Belt Plains EPA Level III: Northern Lakes and Forests EPA Level III: North Central Hardwood Forests EPA Level III: Lake Superior Basin (portion along Lake Superior shore/UP)
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Invasive species threaten Michigan because Great Lakes shipping spreads them. Sea lamprey, zebra/quagga mussels, round goby, Eurasian ruffe, phragmites, garlic mustard, emerald ash borer, and hemlock woolly adelgid change food webs, damage coastal wetlands and dunes, and cause big economic harm. Bighead and silver carp are a major management concern.
  • Nutrient runoff and sewer/stormwater flows cause harmful algal blooms and low oxygen in sensitive basins like western Lake Erie. Old contaminants (PCBs, mercury, PFAS) and sediments in Areas of Concern affect fish advisories and wildlife. Road salt, urban runoff, microplastics, and air pollution harm lakes and streams.
  • Coastal wetlands, southern Michigan grasslands/prairies, oak savannas, and many riparian corridors have been reduced and fragmented by historical agriculture, shoreline hardening, drainage, and development. Along the Great Lakes, dune and coastal habitats face fragmentation from housing/recreation infrastructure and shoreline armoring; inland wetlands are impacted by ditching, filling, and hydrologic alteration.
  • Warming and changing rain and snow affect Great Lakes ice, lake-effect snow, and lake levels, causing coastal erosion, wetland and nearshore habitat change. Coldwater fisheries and streams warm and flow differently. Boreal species in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan are stressed.
  • In Michigan, wildlife diseases like chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer, bovine tuberculosis in northern Lower Peninsula deer (risk to cattle), white‑nose syndrome in bats, and avian diseases in waterfowl and raptors are made worse by feeding, high deer numbers, and habitat fragmentation.
  • Michigan's heavy outdoor recreation footprint-beach use, ORV/snowmobile trails, boating, and coastal tourism-can disturb nesting shorebirds (e.g., piping plover), colonial waterbirds, and sensitive dune vegetation. Nearshore boating and wakes contribute to shoreline erosion and wetland edge disturbance in some areas.
  • Roads break up habitat and raise car-wildlife crashes (especially deer, also bear and other species). Dams and culverts block fish like lake sturgeon and change rivers. Shoreline hardening and marinas alter coasts. Energy and transmission lines split forests and wetlands and risk bird and bat collisions.
  • Hydrologic alteration from historic wetland drainage, channelization, and damming continues to reshape river and wetland function. Fire suppression has reduced oak savanna/woodland structure and grassland openings in parts of southern Michigan, while altered Great Lakes water level dynamics (combined with hardening) can reduce natural coastal wetland migration.
  • While much conversion is historical, intensive agriculture in southern Lower Michigan continues to drive habitat simplification, tile drainage impacts to wetlands, and nutrient/sediment runoff to tributaries feeding Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay, affecting aquatic habitat quality and coastal wetlands.
  • Growth around metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and expanding lakeshore development increases impervious cover, stormwater pollution, and fragmentation of remaining natural parcels. Shoreline development can reduce natural beach/dune dynamics and limit habitat for rare coastal species.
  • Michigan's working forests generally support many species, but localized issues include loss of old-growth structural features, fragmentation from road building, and impacts to sensitive riparian areas if best management practices are not followed. Forest health threats (e.g., emerald ash borer, beech bark disease) can compound harvest pressures and alter composition.
  • Active and legacy mining (including metallic mining in the Upper Peninsula and historic iron/copper districts) can pose risks through habitat disturbance, tailings/acid drainage potential, and localized water quality impacts if not carefully managed; reclamation and monitoring are key concerns in sensitive headwater and coastal tributary areas.
  • Conflicts include deer impacts on agriculture and forest regeneration, suburban deer-vehicle collisions, and occasional bear conflicts in northern communities. Wolf and livestock conflict is an issue in parts of the Upper Peninsula; social tolerance and policy disputes can complicate carnivore conservation.
  • Regulated hunting is a main tool in Michigan, but keeping harvest and population goals is hard due to diseases (CWD, bovine TB), social pressure, and local too many or too few animals. Illegal killing, especially of wolves, happens but habitat loss and invasives are bigger statewide causes.
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

An endangered insect with an almost "Michigan-only" address lives here: Hungerford's crawling water beetle is known from only a handful of sites worldwide-mostly a few cold, fast streams in northern Michigan (with one additional population in Ontario).

Western Lake Erie and nearby Great Lakes shorelines can produce mayfly hatches so dense they've been tracked on weather radar; the swarms can blanket lights and buildings along the coast and even make roads slick.

Kirtland's warbler doesn't choose old-growth forest-it breeds primarily in dense young jack pine stands (roughly 5-20 years old), meaning the bird's survival depends on a constantly renewing patchwork of habitat created by fire and/or targeted habitat management.

Michigan has an international wildlife refuge: the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is the only International Wildlife Refuge in North America (a U.S.-Canada conservation corridor) and is a major migratory stopover in the Great Lakes flyway.

Because Michigan is split into two peninsulas surrounded by Great Lakes, it creates natural migration "funnels" at crossings like the Straits of Mackinac-concentrating birds (including raptors and waterbirds) into narrow routes that are noticeable to birders during peak migration days.

Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline of any U.S. state-about 3,300 miles when islands are included-creating more Great Lakes coastal habitat (beaches, dunes, marshes, rocky shorelines) than any other state.

Michigan borders Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area; Michigan's Isle Royale is the largest island in Lake Superior and supports an unusually simple "island food web" dominated by moose and wolves.

Isle Royale National Park hosts the world's longest-running predator-prey field study: wolves and moose have been monitored there continuously since 1958.

Michigan is the main place in the world for Kirtland's warbler: most of its breeding birds nest in the northern Lower Peninsula jack-pine barrens, rising from 167 singing males in 1974 to over 2,000 today.

Michigan's Great Lakes waters are part of the world's largest surface freshwater system. By bordering four of five Great Lakes, Michigan holds much of this important freshwater habitat for fish, migratory waterfowl, and coastal wetland species.

Located in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwest, Michigan is a temperate state containing numerous lakes, expansive grasslands, waterfalls, and immense forests. The state’s unique geographical arrangement is shared by no other state or political subdivision anywhere in the world. It is composed of two discontinuous peninsulas, connected artificially at the closest point by the Mackinac Bridge.

The Lower Peninsula, which forms the shape of a mitten, borders the states of Indiana and Ohio to the south, while the Upper Peninsula borders Wisconsin to the west. The rest of the state is surrounded by four out of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. As a result, Michigan has more freshwater coastal dunes than any state in the entire country. The name itself is a French translation of the original Ojibwe word mishigami, which means larger water or large lake.

The lower half of the state contains most of the major cities, including Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids. The sparsely populated northern half of the state is rich in all kinds of forest-dwelling wildlife and shorebirds. It also contains most of the state-run parks and wildlife reserves.

The Official Animal of Michigan

stinkiest animals - wolverine

The wolverine is the Michigan state animal.

©Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com

Michigan is represented by several different state animals. The American robin is the official state bird, the brook trout is the state fish, the painted turtle is the state reptile, and the official state game animal is the white-tailed deer. It’s estimated that 1.5 to 2 million deer live in the state, making it one of the most popular animals to hunt.

The official flag features three iconic animals; a bald eagle at its center, representing freedom and strength, flanked by an elk on one side, signifying courage and speed, while on the other side, there is a moose representing agility with dignity.

The wolverine is a powerful and fierce predator native to Michigan, making it an ideal choice for the state’s nickname. Wolverines were once commonly seen across Michigan, but by the early 1800s, their numbers had decreased significantly due to hunting and habitat loss. Despite this, they have remained an important part of Michigan’s history and continue to be celebrated as its official state animal. The Wolverine has become entrenched in the state’s culture and pride, with many schools, sports teams, and businesses using it as their mascot or logo. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wild animals so that future generations can enjoy them too.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Michigan

Summit Peak Tower

Michigan is home to 74 state parks teaming with wildlife.

©PQK/Shutterstock.com

There are many places in Michigan where you can see wildlife. In the Upper Peninsula, visitors can view moose and deer in the Ottawa National Forest or try to spot a glimpse of a timber wolf while exploring Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors that soar over forested areas such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Moving southward on the Lower Peninsula, people visit Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area for sightings of black bears, river otters, and sandhill cranes. Grand Rapids hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of breeding mute swans at Millennium Park near Reeds Lake. Michigan is also well-known for its waterfowl populations. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area attracts thousands of ducks each year from October through April.

If you’re interested in seeing some of Michigan’s top wildlife, then you should visit one of the 74 state parks, two national parks, and numerous other forests, refuges, and important sites.

  • The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, situated against Lake Superior in Ontonagon County of the Upper Peninsula, is the largest state park in Michigan. Covering almost 60,000 acres, it is home to one of the largest stretches of old-growth northern hardwood forests in North America. Some of the most interesting animals found here are coyotes, foxes, cougars, river otters, beavers, bears, porcupines, moose, and even the elusive gray wolf.
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located near the town of Paradise in the Upper Peninsula, is the second largest park in the state. Amid the 40,000 acres of winding hiking trails and scenic falls, visitors can find moose, bears, rodents, and deer here as well.
  • The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to Traverse City on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a federally protected area composed of forests, beaches, dunes, and ancient glacial features. It is home to beavers, otters, muskrats, bears, bobcats, coyotes, hares, plovers, hawks, owls, and all kinds of freshwater fish.
  • Wilderness State Park is located immediately to the west of Mackinaw City near the upper tip of the Lower Peninsula. Covering some 10,000 acres of hardwood forests and shorelines, it is home to one of Michigan’s largest remaining populations of piping plovers, plus many of the aforementioned wild animals.
  • Hartwig Pines State Park, located along the east branch of the Au Sable River in Crawford County of the northeastern Lower Peninsula, covers nearly 10,000 acres of forests, including a remnant of old-growth white pine and red pine forest dating back centuries. It has many of the same animals as the other state parks.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Michigan Today

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes are the only venomous snakes in Michigan state.

Michigan is home to a variety of animals, and some can pose a threat to humans. This section will discuss the most dangerous wild animals in Michigan that have direct contact with people. Animals like bears or large cats have been known to attack humans if provoked, so these are certainly included on this list.

Rattlesnakes are the most dangerous type of venomous snake in Michigan. They have a distinctive rattle at the end of their tail which serves as an audible warning sign to alert potential predators and humans alike that they should be avoided. Their bite is highly poisonous and can cause serious injury or even death if not treated immediately with antivenom. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when hiking or camping in areas known to contain rattlesnakes and take extra precautions so as not to startle them. If you do come across one, back away slowly without making any sudden movements – this will give both parties time to get out safely!

Even though ticks and mosquitoes may spread diseases like Lyme Disease or West Nile Virus, they do not present an immediate physical danger, so they will not be discussed here.

  • Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake – This is the only venomous snake in the entire state of Michigan. While not quite as dangerous as other rattlesnakes, the venom can nevertheless disrupt blood flow, prevent clotting, and cause serious pain. Fortunately, these snakes are quite shy around people and usually give a warning before biting. Many incidences arise from hikers accidentally stepping on this venomous snake in Michigan.
  • Black Bear – The black bear is a strong, muscular, fearsome animal with sharp claws and teeth and a powerful bite force. While unprovoked bear attacks on humans are exceptionally rare, they do have the power to kill a person. Most attacks are not predatory in nature. Instead, they often involve a mother protecting her cubs. Some attacks begin with a scuffle between a bear and someone’s dog. Others are due to the bear being startled by an unexpected encounter with a person, usually out in the wilderness.
  • Wolves – The gray wolf is probably even less likely to attack a person than a black bear. These fearsome predators are wary of people and generally keep to themselves. But they do nevertheless have the ability to kill a person if they feel threatened or provoked in some manner. Along with the black bear, they’re one of the largest animals in Michigan.
  • Black Widow Spider – Easily identified by the large body size and the black and red color scheme, the black widow can deliver powerful venom with dangerous neurotoxins. While death is exceptionally rare, bite victims of this spider might nevertheless want to seek out medical attention. Read about other spiders in Michigan, including wolf spiders, brown recluses, black spiders, and poisonous spiders.

3 Rarest Animals in Michigan

River Otter in Winter snow

River otters are some of the rarest and hardest animals to spot in Michigan.

©Tatyana Step/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to animals, Michigan is home to a wide variety of species. Some of the rarest creatures you might be lucky enough to encounter include the river otter, red-shouldered hawk, and northern bog lemming.

  1. River Otter – The river otter is found in rivers and streams all around Michigan’s Great Lakes region.
  2. Red-shouldered Hawk – Red-shouldered hawks are typically seen soaring in wooded areas throughout the state.
  3. Northern Bog Lemming – Northern bog lemmings are small rodents that inhabit wetland habitats like bogs and marshes near lakeshores or wetlands with brushy vegetation.

All these animals have become increasingly rare due to habitat destruction or other human interference, so if you do see any of them on your travels through Michigan, consider yourself very fortunate!

3 Largest Animals in Michigan

Bison Kansas

There are over 50 herds of wild bison in the state of Michigan.

©Ricardo Reitmeyer/Shutterstock.com

Michigan is home to a variety of large animals, including some of the largest in North America. The three biggest animals found in Michigan are the American Bison, White-tailed Deer, and Moose.

The American Bison is an iconic species that was once abundant across much of North America. The bison can reach heights of up to 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 2,000 pounds!

White-tailed deer are another common animal found throughout Michigan’s forests and fields. Adult males can reach heights between 3 ½ – 4 ½ feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 250 pounds when fully grown.

white-tailed deer buck looking at camera

The white-tailed deer has a more red tint to it in the warmer months.

©iStock.com/Harry Collins

Finally, there is the mighty moose, one of the largest land mammals on earth! These massive creatures stand over 6 feet tall and can weigh as much as 1,800 pounds! Although they prefer more northern climates like Canada or Alaska, small populations still remain in parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Moose close up

Moose live in Canada, Alaska, and Michigan.

©Patrick Herlihy/Shutterstock.com

Endangered Animals

Indianna bat

The Indiana bat is an endangered species native to Michigan.

©IrinaK/Shutterstock.com

Michigan is home to many species of animals, some of which are endangered or threatened. The Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act provide protections for these animals, but centuries of unregulated hunting and destruction of natural habitats have caused a decrease in animal populations.

Other reasons why animals may be going extinct or becoming endangered in Michigan include climate change, pollution, the introduction of invasive species, disease outbreaks, and hybridization with other related species.

Human activities such as urban development can also contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation, which reduces available resources for native wildlife. As human population growth continues to increase in Michigan, it’s important that we take steps to protect our natural environment so that all creatures can continue to thrive here now and into the future.

  • Boreal Woodland Caribou – The historical range of this forest-dwelling caribou subspecies once extended across much of the northern United States. But the loss of boreal forests has caused Michigan populations to disappear completely.
  • Indiana Bat – Native to southern Michigan, the Indiana bat is a medium-sized mouse-eared species. It’s estimated that populations declined by around 50% over a decade-long period throughout their entire range. A few reasons for the decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, and disturbances by humans, but by far, the greatest reason is white-nose syndrome, a strange fungal disease that interrupts the bat’s natural hibernation cycle.
  • Kirtland’s Warbler – In order to thrive, this small yellow-bellied songbird needs a large region of dense young jack pine forests to breed in. When winters arrive, it then travels south toward the Caribbean. The species nearly went extinct from its natural Midwest range in the middle of the 20th century, but thanks to the preservation of its natural habitat, numbers have since rebounded.
  • Spotted Turtle – This small semi-aquatic turtle, identified by the spots on its carapace, is classified as threatened or endangered throughout parts of the eastern United States.
  • Copperbelly Water Snake – This subspecies of the plain-bellied water snake is currently threatened by pollution, poaching, and loss of suitable wetlands and woodlands.
  • Piping Plover – This small shorebird nests and feeds along both freshwater and saltwater beaches throughout North America. However, there are only isolated pockets of piping plovers remaining in northern Michigan, making it one of the rarest birds in the state.
  • Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly – Native to the Midwest, this species is characterized a luminous dark green hue and two yellow stripes on the sides. It is currently being threatened by the loss or contamination of its wetland habitats.
  • Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle – This is one of the rarest species in the United States. Most known members are native to the Maple River in Emmet County, located near the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula. The other known populations are located in Ontario, Canada.
  • Karner Blue Butterfly – Identified by its purple-bluish wings and strange yellow spots, Karner blue is native to the Great Lakes states and the larger Midwest. Habitat loss is thought to be the main reason behind its population decline.
  • Poweshiek Skipperling – Identified by its luminous strange, looking brown and orange wings, this rare prairie butterfly once stretched across most of the Midwest, but it has since suffered from habitat degradation.
  • Mitchell’s Satyr – This small butterfly is characterized by brown wings with rows of round black and yellow eyespots on the underside. Its natural range is now restricted to Michigan and Indiana, but it was once much more widespread.

Snakes in Michigan

Iowa Snakes - Massasauga Rattlesnake

A small massasauga rattlesnake with only one button on its tail. The eastern massasauga is the only venomous snake in Michigan.

©fivespots/Shutterstock.com

Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats in Michigan, including woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and even urban areas. They enjoy hiding places such as logs or rocks that provide them with warmth and protection from predators.

Many types of snakes are attracted to water sources like ponds and streams. Snakes also like open grassy fields where they can bask in the sunshine during the day. The most common type of snake found in Michigan is the garter snake, which prefers moist environments near bodies of water or damp areas under logs or rocks.

Rat snakes and milk snakes are both common species of snake found in Michigan. Both species tend to prefer dry habitats away from standing water sources, such as woodlands and prairies. However, they can also be found near rocky outcroppings and open fields where there is plenty of covers for them to hide in or around.

There are a total of 18 snakes in Michigan. As noted earlier, only one of these snakes is venomous, which is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. It ranges across most of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, so it’s important to be aware of what these snakes look like when outdoors in Michigan. Beyond venomous snakes, Michigan also has six water snakes that include:

  1. Kirtlan’s snake
  2. Northern water snake
  3. Copperbelly water snake
  4. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake
  5. Northern ribbon
  6. Queen snake

Overall, Michigan has a lower number of snakes than many surrounding states.

Native Plants in Michigan

Columbines are one of many wildflowers that grow in Michigan.

©Martin Hibberd/Shutterstock.com

Michigan’s native plant species are incredibly diverse due to the state’s unique climate and landscape. The Upper Peninsula is known for its abundance of coniferous forests, while the Lower Peninsula has a variety of deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, and hickories.

In addition to these two environments, Michigan is also bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, which provide distinct habitats for aquatic plants like wild rice, water lilies, and reed grasses.

Regardless of where you live in Michigan, you’re sure to find an array of vibrant wildflowers blooming throughout spring and summer. These include trilliums, violets, columbines, daisies, and more, each with its own beauty that adds color and life to our wonderful state!

From the state flower to the only flower completely endemic to the region, read more on the native plants in Michigan.

Michigan State Flag

The state flag of Michigan is one of history, honor, and unique symbolism. If you want to learn more about the meaning behind each detail of the flag, find out more about the flag here.

Beetles in Michigan

There are a lot of beetles in Michigan. From the black carpet beetle, the margined blister beetle, and the big-headed ground beetle, it’s common to see unique-looking beetles in Michigan!

More Articles Related to Michigan

Read about:

  • the types of hawks in Michigan
  • the best national parks in Michigan
  • the awe-inspiring waterfalls in Michigan
  • the most gorgeous waterfalls in Upper Michigan
  • the best fishing spots in Michigan
  • the best places to camp in Michigan
  • the biggest lakes in Northern Michigan
  • Discover the Coldest Place in Michigan
  • 12 Grand Trees Native to Michigan

Animals Found in Michigan

223 species documented in our encyclopedia

Acadian Flycatcher American Dog Tick American Eel American Robin American Toad Atlantic Salmon Bald Eagle Barn Spider Barred Owl Belted Kingfisher Black and White Warbler Black Crappie Black Swallowtail Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Black Wasp Black-Capped Chickadee Blackburnian Warbler Blue Jay Blue Racer Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Bluegill Bobcat Bobolink Bowfin Box Tree Moth Brook Trout Brown Headed Cowbird Bullfrog Canada Lynx Canada Warbler Canvasback Carolina Parakeet Cecropia Moth Cedar Waxwing Chestnut-Sided Warbler Chinook Salmon Chipping Sparrow Cinnamon Bear Codling Moth Common Goldeneye Common Grackle Common Loon Common Raven Common Yellowthroat Cooper's Hawk Coyote Cross Fox Dark-Eyed Junco De Kay's Brown Snake Deer Mouse Deer Tick Dickcissel Dog Tick Downy Woodpecker Eastern Bluebird Eastern Box Turtle Eastern Chipmunk Eastern Cottontail Eastern Dobsonfly Eastern Gray Squirrel Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Kingbird Eastern Meadowlark Eastern Phoebe Eastern Turkey (Wild Turkey) Elk Ermine Eurasian Collared Dove European Corn Borer Evening Bat Evening Grosbeak Fisher Flathead Catfish Fox Snakes Fox Squirrel Freshwater Drum Freshwater Jellyfish Freshwater Suckerfish Garden Spider Giant Beaver Giant Leopard Moth Golden Shiner Golden Tortoise Beetle Golden-Crowned Kinglet Goshawk Grapevine Beetle Grass Carp Gray Catbird Gray Fox Gray Tree Frog Great Blue Heron Great Crested Flycatcher Green Frog Green Heron Green June Beetle Green Sunfish Groundhog (Woodchuck) Groundhog Tick Gypsy Moth Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Hairy Woodpecker Hoary Bat Horned Grebe House Finch House wren Imperial Moth Io Moth Japanese Beetle Kentucky Warbler Killdeer King Salmon Kirtland's Snake Kokanee Salmon Lake Sturgeon Lake Trout Largemouth Bass Least Flycatcher Leopard Frog Lesser Scaup Little Brown Bat Loggerhead Shrike Longnose Gar Luna Moth Luna Moth Caterpillar Magnolia Warbler Massasauga Mastador (Mastiff–Labrador Mix) Milk Snake Mink Mockingbird Mourning Dove Mourning Warbler Mudpuppy Muskellunge (Muskie) Muskrat North American Black Bear Northern Bobwhite Northern Cardinal Northern Flicker Northern Harrier Northern Parula Northern Water Snake Orange Spider Orange-Crowned Warbler Orchard Oriole Ovenbird Painted Turtle Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Pied-Billed Grebe Pileated Woodpecker Pine Siskin Pink Salmon Polyphemus Moth Potato Beetle Purple Finch Queen Snake Raccoon Racer Snake Red Finch Red-Bellied Woodpecker Red-Eared Slider Red-Shouldered Hawk Red-winged blackbird Ribbon Snake Ring-billed Gull River Otter Rock Bass Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Rough-Legged Hawk Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Ruddy Duck Saddleback Caterpillar Sandhill Crane Savannah Sparrow Scarlet Tanager Sea Trout Sharp-Shinned Hawk Short-Eared Owl Smallmouth Bass Smooth Green Snake Snapping Turtle Snowberry Clearwing Moth Snowshoe Hare Sockeye Salmon Song Sparrow Spongy Moth Spotted Gar Squash Bee Squash Beetle Star-nosed mole Steelhead Salmon Stoat Striped Bass Tiger Muskellunge (Muskie) Tiger Swallowtail Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar Tiger Trout Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake) Tree swallow Tufted Titmouse Turkey Upland Sandpiper Veery Walleye Fish White Bass White Crappie White-Crowned Sparrow White-tail deer Whitetail Deer Willow Flycatcher Wolf Wood Duck Wood Frog Wood Tick Wood Turtle Woolly Bear Caterpillar Writing Spider Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Yellowthroat Zebra Mussels

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?