N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
North Dakota

North Dakota's prairies and Prairie Pothole wetlands form a continental "duck factory," fueling spectacular migrations across the northern Great Plains.
165 Species
178,711 km² Land Area
Overview

About North Dakota

North Dakota's wildlife is shaped by wide skies, mixed-grass prairie, badlands, rivers, and many wetlands that gather life in a large landscape. Famous for waterfowl and grassland birds, the state also has Great Plains mammals like pronghorn and bison (in protected areas), tough predators such as coyotes, and growing raptor populations. Even with lots of farming, pastures, hayland, prairie remnants, and conservation grasslands make a patchwork good for wildlife. At the center is the Prairie Pothole Region, where thousands of wetlands formed by glaciers give breeding homes to ducks, geese, swans, grebes, and shorebirds—critical for birds across North America. The Missouri River, reservoirs, oxbows, and cottonwood river corridors help migrating and wintering birds, while the Little Missouri Badlands support bighorn sheep, mule deer, and many raptors. The many small wetlands amid prairie make North Dakota special for waterfowl and shorebird viewing.

Physical Features

Geography

North Dakota sits in the northern Great Plains. Its mixed-grass prairies support grassland birds and prairie mammals. The Prairie Pothole Region's many wetlands are a key North American waterfowl breeding area. Major rivers, especially the Missouri and Red River, make riparian woodlands and floodplain habitats that gather migratory birds, deer, and other wildlife in an otherwise open farmland.

178,711 km² (land area) Land Area
17th largest U.S. state (by land area) Size Rank
United States Country
State Type
Elevation Range

229-1,069 m (Red River Valley to White Butte)

Coastline

No ocean coastline; wildlife-relevant shorelines occur along major rivers and reservoirs (e.g., Missouri River/Lake Sakakawea) and across thousands of small prairie pothole wetlands.

Key Landscapes

Mixed-grass prairie and shortgrass plains (dominant grassland habitat for prairie wildlife) Prairie Pothole Region (glacially formed wetlands critical for breeding waterfowl and shorebirds) Missouri River system and large reservoirs (notably Lake Sakakawea) creating extensive riparian and aquatic habitat Red River of the North Valley (flat floodplain with wetlands and riparian corridors important to migration) Badlands of the Little Missouri (rugged, eroded terrain with shrublands, juniper draws, and unique nesting/denning sites) Turtle Mountains and other uplands (wooded/aspen-parkland patches adding forest-edge habitat diversity)
State Symbols

Official Wildlife Symbols

bird

Western meadowlark

Designated 1947

fish

Northern pike

Designated 1969

animal

Nokota horse (state horse)

Designated 2019

wildflower

Wild prairie rose

Designated 1907

tree

American elm

Designated 1937

Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

North Dakota's protected areas include large federal lands in the Badlands and prairie (notably Theodore Roosevelt National Park and U.S. Forest Service grasslands) and many wetland lands in the Prairie Pothole Region managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. State parks and North Dakota Game & Fish areas protect riparian forest, lakes, and grasslands for migratory birds and waterfowl.

Protected Coverage

≈4-6% of North Dakota's land area is in publicly protected/conservation ownership (federal, state, and local). (If broader conservation easements/WPAs are included, the functional conservation footprint is larger.)

National Parks & Preserves

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

~70,446 acres (~110 sq mi)

North Dakota's flagship wildlife-viewing area protecting rugged Badlands, mixed-grass prairie, and Little Missouri River breaks; excellent for large mammals, raptors, and prairie ecosystems.

American bison Pronghorn Elk Bighorn sheep Black-tailed prairie dog

Little Missouri National Grassland (USFS)

~1.0 million acres (largest public land block in ND)

Expansive prairie-and-badlands landscape that complements Theodore Roosevelt NP, providing wide-ranging habitat for grassland birds, raptors, and prairie mammals across largely roadless breaks and open range.

Pronghorn Mule deer Ferruginous hawk Sharp-tailed grouse Black-tailed prairie dog

Sheyenne National Grassland (USFS)

~70,000 acres (scattered tracts)

One of the best places in the state to see native tallgrass prairie remnants and associated wildlife, including prairie grouse and a high diversity of grassland birds and pollinators.

Greater prairie-chicken Sharp-tailed grouse Upland sandpiper Northern harrier White-tailed deer

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (NPS)

~1,700-1,800 acres

A Missouri River tributary riparian corridor with cottonwood woodlands and wetlands that concentrate birds and mammals; strong stopover habitat during migration.

Bald eagle Beaver White-tailed deer Great blue heron Wood duck

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (NPS)

~400-500 acres

Protected Missouri River shoreline and riparian habitat in the far northwest; notable for migrant songbirds, raptors, and river-associated wildlife in a semi-arid prairie setting.

Bald eagle White-tailed deer Beaver American white pelican Wild turkey

State & Provincial Parks

Sully Creek State Park

~1,300 acres (park unit; adjacent public lands expand habitat)

Badlands-edge habitat near Medora with strong viewing for large mammals and prairie wildlife; adjacent/near other public lands makes it useful for landscape-scale conservation.

American bison Pronghorn Mule deer Golden eagle Sharp-tailed grouse

Lake Sakakawea State Park

~700-2,000 acres (varies by unit/complex)

Reservoir shorelines, bays, and adjacent prairie/woodland patches that attract migrating waterfowl, colonial waterbirds, and raptors; good birding during spring/fall.

Bald eagle American white pelican Piping plover Tundra swan Double-crested cormorant

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

~900-1,000 acres

Missouri River riparian woods and adjacent grasslands support woodland birds, deer, and raptors; reliable wildlife viewing close to the Bismarck-Mandan area.

White-tailed deer Bald eagle Wild turkey Great horned owl Red fox

Turtle River State Park

~750-800 acres

Hardwood river valley and floodplain habitat in eastern North Dakota-important for forest-edge birds and mammals in a region dominated by agriculture.

Beaver White-tailed deer Pileated woodpecker Barred owl River otter

Wildlife Refuges

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

~58,700 acres

Prairie Pothole Region stronghold protecting a large complex of marshes, lakes, and grasslands-one of the premier waterfowl production and migration areas in the state.

Tundra swan Northern pintail Canvasback American white pelican Sandhill crane

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

~14,000-15,000 acres

Large wetland and grassland complex along the Missouri River system that supports impressive concentrations of migratory waterfowl and waterbirds; also notable for its conservation bison herd.

Trumpeter swan American bison Bald eagle Snow goose American white pelican

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge

~15,000-16,000 acres

Wetland-and-upland refuge in the Prairie Pothole Region important for nesting ducks, marsh birds, and migrating cranes; excellent spring and fall birding.

Sandhill crane American bittern Northern harrier Blue-winged teal Whooping crane (migrant, occasional)

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

~22,000-23,000 acres

Shallow lakes and wetlands that can host large breeding colonies and migration stopovers; important for shorebirds and waterbirds when water conditions are favorable.

Franklin's gull Black tern Marbled godwit Tundra swan American avocet
Animals

Wildlife

North Dakota's wildlife is defined by open mixed-grass prairie, the Prairie Pothole Region's wetland mosaics (one of the continent's most important waterfowl landscapes), and large river corridors (Missouri, Red, Sheyenne, James) with cottonwood-willow riparian woods. The state sits at a crossroads of eastern and western species, so visitors can see prairie specialists (sharp-tailed grouse, pronghorn), boreal-edge species in the Turtle Mountains, and immense concentrations of migratory waterbirds using pothole wetlands, reservoirs, and river sandbars.

~60-70 species Mammals
~330-380 species (regularly recorded) Birds
~15-20 species Reptiles
~8-12 species Amphibians
~70-90 species Fish
Examples

Iconic Species

American Bison
American Bison A flagship Great Plains species and a hallmark of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; seeing free-ranging bison on badlands and prairie is a signature North Dakota wildlife experience.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn Common across open prairie in the southwest; one of North America's fastest mammals and a classic grassland sighting along scenic drives.
Sharp-tailed Grouse The state bird of North Dakota; spring lekking displays on native prairie are one of the most distinctive wildlife spectacles in the region.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane A prominent migrant and breeder in wetlands and river valleys; large, noisy staging groups are especially notable during spring and fall migration.
Snow Goose
Snow Goose Massive spring and fall migrations stage in agricultural fields and wetlands; spectacular 'white cloud' flocks draw birders statewide.
American White Pelican Large breeding and feeding concentrations occur on prairie lakes and reservoirs; their cooperative feeding and size make them a standout species.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Now regularly seen along major rivers and reservoirs; a high-profile recovery success and a top target for visitors in riparian corridors.
Western Meadowlark A defining voice of the prairie in spring and summer; frequently encountered in grasslands and road edges across much of the state.
Walleye
Walleye A premier sportfish in reservoirs and large natural lakes (e.g., Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake), shaping the state's freshwater recreation and angling identity.

Endemic & Rare Species

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Endangered (U.S.); rare migrant

A small number migrate through North Dakota's wetlands and river corridors; any occurrence is high priority for conservation monitoring.

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

Threatened (U.S.); sensitive breeder

Nests on sparsely vegetated shorelines, alkali lakes, and river/reservoir sandbars; North Dakota supports important Northern Great Plains breeding habitat.

Interior Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

Delisted (U.S. ESA, 2021) for the interior population; localized breeder

Depends on bare sandbars and disturbed shorelines along large rivers and reservoirs; vulnerable to water-level changes and human disturbance.

Pallid Sturgeon

Scaphirhynchus albus

Endangered (U.S.)

A large-river specialist in the Missouri River system; North Dakota waters are part of its remaining range, with ongoing recovery efforts tied to river management.

Dakota Skipper

Hesperia dacotae

Threatened (U.S.)

A prairie butterfly strongly tied to intact native grasslands; North Dakota's remaining prairie remnants are important to the species' persistence.

Sprague's Pipit

Anthus spragueii

Rare/declining grassland specialist (U.S. conservation concern)

Breeds in large, relatively intact native prairie; its presence signals high-quality grassland habitat that has declined across the Great Plains.

Northern Long-eared Bat

Myotis septentrionalis

Endangered (U.S.); impacted by white-nose syndrome

Occurs in wooded riparian areas and forest patches; populations are monitored due to disease-driven declines across much of its range.

Notable Populations

  • Prairie Pothole Region wetlands in North Dakota form part of North America's most important waterfowl production and migration landscape ("duck factory"), supporting continentally significant numbers of breeding and staging ducks and other marsh birds.
  • Major spring and fall staging concentrations of snow geese and other migratory waterfowl occur across the state's wetlands and adjacent agricultural fields.
  • Reservoir and river systems (notably the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea) support regionally important concentrations of colonial waterbirds (e.g., American white pelican) and large-river fish communities, including threatened species like pallid sturgeon.

Recent Changes

  • Raptors and large waterbirds such as Bald Eagle and, in some areas, Trumpeter Swan have increased in visibility and breeding presence over recent decades due to protection and improved management.
  • Grassland birds (including several prairie obligates such as Sprague's Pipit and other native-prairie specialists) have shown broad regional declines associated with grassland conversion, fragmentation, and changing land use.
  • Piping Plover and Interior Least Tern nesting success can fluctuate sharply with Missouri River/reservoir water-level management, flooding, shoreline vegetation growth, and recreational disturbance on beaches and sandbars.
  • Chronic Wasting Disease has expanded in parts of the region (affecting deer and related species), prompting increased surveillance and management actions.
  • Aquatic systems face growing pressure from habitat alteration and invasive species risks, which can affect native fish communities and threatened large-river fish recovery efforts.
Visit

Wildlife Viewing

North Dakota is a prairie-and-wetlands wildlife hotspot. Mixed-grass prairie, the Prairie Pothole Region's many wetlands, and big rivers like the Missouri make great homes for waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, prairie mammals, and native fish. Visitors come for spring and fall migrations, summer breeding birds and wildflowers, or winter raptor and grouse displays.

Best Seasons

Spring (late March-May)

Peak migration and best overall birding: huge movements of ducks, geese, swans, and shorebirds across the Prairie Pothole Region and river valleys. Prairie grouse become active (lekking and booming displays), and raptors return. Expect variable weather and muddy roads in wetland country-bring layers and allow flexibility.

Summer (June-August)

Breeding season in full swing: waterfowl broods in potholes, grassland birds singing on native prairie, and busy colonies of herons and other waterbirds. Great for wildflowers, dragonflies, and long daylight for photography. Mosquitoes can be intense near wetlands-pack repellent and consider breezy prairie sites.

Fall (September-early November)

Second migration peak with staging waterfowl and cranes, plus raptors moving along open country and river corridors. Cooler temps make hiking and long drives comfortable. Harvested fields can attract geese and cranes; wetlands concentrate birds as water levels change. Excellent for dramatic sunrise/sunset viewing and photo opportunities.

Winter (late November-March)

A different kind of spectacle: hardy resident wildlife and concentrated raptors. Look for Bald Eagles along open water below dams, wintering owls and hawks in agricultural landscapes, and unique cold-season experiences like bison viewing in snow. Dress for extreme cold and wind; daylight is shorter, but wildlife can be highly visible against snow.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Bird the Prairie Pothole Region in north-central North Dakota. Start at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge near Upham and visit nearby wetlands for spring and fall waterfowl, swans, and shorebirds. Bring a scope and plan a full day.
  • Sunrise drive in Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit near Medora on Scenic Loop Drive for bison, wild horses, elk, mule deer, prairie dogs and raptors; add a hike to Petrified Forest or Wind Canyon for rim views and birds.
  • See spring prairie grouse leks (watching areas) to view Sharp-tailed Grouse in native prairie. Ask local wildlife offices for public viewing sites and rules. Arrive before dawn, stay quiet, and use binoculars from a safe distance.
  • Wetland and grassland birding at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge (west-central ND): prime for colonial nesting birds and big-sky waterbird viewing; pair with nearby prairie drives for upland birds and raptors (best late spring into summer).
  • Missouri River corridor wildlife day: explore Lake Sakakawea and the river breaks for Bald Eagles, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds in riparian woods; stop at viewpoints and shoreline access points for scanning (especially in fall and mild winter periods).
  • Pembina Gorge and the Red River Valley migration route (northeast ND): hike and scan mixed forests and valley edges for spring songbird migration, owls/raptors, and mammals; a strong alternative when prairie winds are high.
  • Turtle River State Park and nearby riparian habitats (near Grand Forks): ideal for approachable birding-warblers in spring, nesting woodland birds in summer, and mixed flocks in fall-plus easy trails for a half-day wildlife hike.
  • Dawn-and-dusk prairie photography loop: choose a native prairie site (state wildlife management areas or national grassland units) and combine roadside scanning for pronghorn (where present), deer, upland birds, and raptors with golden-hour landscapes and wildflower macro shots in June.

Wildlife Watching Types

Waterfowl and shorebird migration viewing (Prairie Pothole wetlands, river corridors) Birding hotspots and big-day birding routes (refuges, WMAs, state parks) Prairie wildlife safaris (bison, elk, wild horses, prairie dogs) by scenic drive Raptor watching (Bald Eagles along open water; hawks/owls in winter farmland) Prairie grouse viewing (Sharp-tailed Grouse dancing/lekking in spring where permitted) Wildlife photography (big-sky landscapes, wetland birds, prairie mammals) Nature hikes for songbirds and mammals (riparian woods, badlands trails, gorge hikes) Fishing and aquatic wildlife watching (native fish, waterbirds along lakes and rivers)

Guided Options

  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service programs at national wildlife refuges (check each refuge website for seasonal auto-tour routes, interpretive events, and any scheduled bird walks).
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park ranger-led programs (seasonal): guided walks/talks and evening programs that often highlight bison ecology, prairie wildlife, and night-sky viewing.
  • North Dakota Game and Fish Department education and outreach events (seasonal): workshops, wildlife viewing guidance, and occasional field-based programs-use their event calendar and local district contacts for current offerings.
  • Audubon and local bird club field trips (varies by region and season): ideal for visitors wanting migration timing help, access to local hotspots, and identification support (search for North Dakota Audubon chapters and regional birding groups).
  • Community science and birding events (seasonal): spring migration festivals and Christmas Bird Counts can be visitor-friendly ways to explore with experienced locals (availability varies year to year).
Habitats

Ecosystems

North Dakota is in the Great Plains, mostly grassland from tallgrass in the east to mixed and short prairie in the west, including Badlands and Missouri River breaks. Glaciation made the Prairie Pothole Region’s shallow wetlands that support migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Forests are limited to riparian corridors (cottonwood, willow) and Turtle Mountains; much prairie and lake plain is farmed.

Biomes

Temperate Grassland

The core biome statewide: mixed-grass prairie dominates much of the Missouri Plateau and central regions, with more mesic tallgrass influences in the east and drier, more open prairie/grass-shrub mosaics toward the west and Badlands.

Dominant across most of the state (majority of natural land cover where not converted to cropland).

Temperate Forest

Occurs mainly as riparian gallery forests (cottonwood-willow, green ash, boxelder) along major rivers and as localized deciduous/parkland patches in uplands such as the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills.

Limited and patchy; concentrated along river corridors and a few northeastern uplands.

Boreal Forest (Taiga)

Small, transitional boreal/parkland influence in the far north and northeast uplands (e.g., Turtle Mountains), where aspen parkland and occasional conifer components reflect a boreal-edge character.

Very limited; confined to small northern/northeastern upland pockets and transitions.

Freshwater

Major river systems (Missouri River and tributaries such as the Little Missouri, Knife, and James), large reservoirs (e.g., Lake Sakakawea), and natural lake basins (e.g., Devils Lake) structure aquatic habitats and riparian zones.

Statewide as linear networks (rivers/streams) plus a handful of large reservoirs and lake basins.

Wetland

Prairie potholes, marshes, wet meadows, and other palustrine wetlands-especially in the glaciated east/central regions-form critical breeding and stopover habitat for migratory birds.

High density in the eastern and central glaciated plains (Prairie Pothole Region); scattered elsewhere.

Habitats

Prairie

Mixed-grass prairie is the signature habitat; remaining native tracts are most extensive in the west/central regions and in large grassland management areas.

Grassland

Includes mixed-grass and drier grasslands on the Missouri Plateau and rolling plains; supports prairie grouse, pronghorn in the west, and diverse grassland songbirds.

Steppe

Drier prairie and grass-shrub transitions in the west and in the Little Missouri Badlands, often with more open structure and drought-tolerant species.

Shrubland

Badlands draws and breaks with sagebrush/other shrubs, juniper pockets, and shrub-dominated slopes; important for mule deer and shrubland birds.

Wetland

Prairie potholes and wet meadows are exceptionally important for waterfowl production and migration stopovers (a key part of the North American flyways).

Marsh

Shallow cattail/bulrush marshes around potholes, lake margins, and slow-water backwaters, supporting ducks, geese, rails, and amphibians.

Pond

Thousands of small glacial ponds/potholes, many seasonal; productivity varies with wet-dry cycles that strongly influence bird use.

Bog

Localized peatlands/fens in cooler uplands and glacial depressions (not widespread), supporting specialized wetland plants and invertebrates.

Swamp

Small, uncommon wooded wetland pockets along floodplains and low-lying riparian areas, more typical near major river corridors.

River/Stream

Missouri River system (including reservoirs), the Little Missouri through the Badlands, and eastern rivers like the Red and James; riparian zones create linear biodiversity hotspots.

Lake

Large reservoirs (e.g., Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe shoreline areas) and natural lake basins (e.g., Devils Lake) with extensive shoreline and shallow-water habitat.

Forest

Riparian cottonwood-willow gallery forests and shelterbelt plantings; forested cover is naturally limited but ecologically important where present.

Deciduous Forest

Aspen and mixed hardwood patches in northeastern uplands (e.g., Turtle Mountains) and wooded coulees; provides contrast to surrounding prairie.

Cliff/Rocky Outcrop

Eroded buttes, badland escarpments, and steep river breaks (notably along the Little Missouri and Missouri breaks) providing nesting and denning niches.

Agricultural/Farmland

Extensive croplands (small grains, corn/soy in the east, sunflowers, etc.) dominate much of the former prairie and lake plain; remnant grasslands and wetlands persist in a matrix of farms.

Urban

Concentrated around Fargo, Bismarck-Mandan, Grand Forks, Minot, and regional hubs; includes riverfront greenways and disturbed habitats.

Ecoregions

EPA Level III: Northern Glaciated Plains EPA Level III: Northwestern Glaciated Plains EPA Level III: Northwestern Great Plains EPA Level III: Lake Agassiz Plain WWF: Northern mixed grasslands WWF: Canadian Aspen Forests and Parklands
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Conversion of native mixed-grass prairie to cropland and infrastructure fragments remaining grasslands, reducing nesting success for grassland birds and limiting large, contiguous habitat needed by prairie-dependent species. Wetland drainage and consolidation in the Prairie Pothole Region reduces breeding habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds.
  • High commodity prices and drainage/tiling incentives drive continued cultivation of marginal lands, including intact prairie and seasonal wetlands. Intensive grazing or haying timed during nesting can also reduce productivity of ground-nesting birds when not managed for wildlife.
  • Missouri River dams and reservoir operations (e.g., Lake Sakakawea) change flow timing, sediment transport, and sandbar formation, affecting habitat for species that rely on dynamic river processes (notably piping plover and interior least tern). Channelization and bank stabilization along rivers reduce side channels and riparian complexity.
  • More frequent droughts, heat extremes, and highly variable precipitation alter Prairie Pothole hydrology (wet-dry cycles), shifting where/when wetlands are available for breeding birds. Warmer winters and altered runoff can affect ice cover, stream temperatures, and fish spawning conditions.
  • Nutrient and pesticide runoff from row-crop agriculture contributes to eutrophication and degraded water quality in lakes, wetlands, and river backwaters. In the oil patch, spills of produced water/brine and other contaminants can salinize soils and wetlands, with long recovery times in prairie systems.
  • Invasive plants such as leafy spurge, smooth brome, and crested wheatgrass displace diverse native prairie forbs and grasses, lowering habitat quality for pollinators and prairie butterflies. Invasive aquatic species (including carp in some waters) can increase turbidity and degrade wetland vegetation important to waterfowl.
  • Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids poses long-term population and management risks. White-nose syndrome threatens bats (including northern long-eared bat), and periodic avian disease events (e.g., botulism in warm, shallow wetlands) can cause waterbird die-offs.
  • Roads, transmission lines, fencing, and expanding energy infrastructure fragment prairie and increase collision/electrocution risk for birds. Wind energy and associated lines can add localized mortality and displacement concerns, especially where sited near migration corridors or high-density breeding habitat.
  • Oil and gas development in the Bakken increases habitat fragmentation, traffic, noise, and risk of spills; it can also increase pressure on water resources for industrial use. Lignite coal mining and associated facilities can convert and isolate habitat locally, requiring careful reclamation to restore ecological function.
  • Recreation and shoreline activity on reservoirs and rivers can disturb nesting colonies and ground nests (notably on sandbars/islands used by piping plovers and least terns). Off-road vehicle use and high seasonal visitation in sensitive areas can compact soils and increase invasive spread.
  • Crop depredation by deer and waterfowl and livestock predation concerns (where predators are present) can reduce tolerance for wildlife and lead to increased lethal control requests. Beaver damming can flood roads and agricultural fields, creating recurring conflict in riparian corridors.
  • Hunting is tightly regulated and is a key management tool and funding source, but localized overharvest risk can occur for small or recovering populations if seasons/quotas are not conservative. Unintentional take or disturbance can also occur where hunting pressure overlaps sensitive nesting or staging habitats.
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

Winter birding in North Dakota can feel "Arctic": in invasion ("irruption") years, snowy owls move south from the tundra and concentrate across the open prairie-sometimes with multiple owls visible from a single rural road drive.

Those prairie wetlands aren't just "ponds"-they're insect factories. In late spring, pothole marshes can explode with aquatic invertebrates that fuel duck egg-laying and chick survival; that's a big reason North Dakota can out-produce wetter-looking regions for waterfowl.

In North Dakota, male sharp-tailed grouse meet at traditional leks before sunrise, stamping and rattling their tail feathers in a loud mating dance you can often hear before you see.

Beavers aren't only forest animals here. Along prairie streams and riparian corridors, they can build dams with mud and cattails (not just logs), creating small wetlands that attract frogs, waterfowl, and fish-turning a trickle into habitat.

North Dakota sits in the Prairie Pothole Region—called North America's 'duck factory'—a land of glacial wetlands that can make about half (or more in some years) of the continent's breeding ducks.

In the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, North Dakota often ranks number one among states for estimated breeding ducks because its pothole-rich prairies have so much prime nesting habitat.

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in central North Dakota is known for having the largest nesting colony of American white pelicans in the United States; tens of thousands of nests can crowd its islands in good years.

Lake Sakakawea (Missouri River) is one of the United States' largest reservoirs by surface area. Its huge size makes rare big-lake habitat on the Great Plains and is home to cold season walleye and northern pike.

North Dakota is a midwestern state that borders Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota. With a population of about 780,000, it is one of the least populous states in the U.S.

North Dakota has three main geographic regions. The Red River Valley in the eastern part of the state is home to acres of rich farmland. The drift prairie sits at a higher elevation and includes large expanses of grassland. The Missouri Plateau in the western part of the state is a mountainous region that borders Montana.

The state has only a few forested areas. It has prairies, wetlands, rivers, floodplain forests, and the dry stretches of land known as the Badlands. Its landlocked location in the center of the North American continent gives it a continental climate, which is characterized by long, frigid winters and short, fiercely hot summers.

This environment means there are many wild animals roaming the state. People in North Dakota are used to seeing moose and bison crossing the roads. The grasslands and forested areas are home to white-tailed deer, ferrets, beavers, and raccoons.

Its chief predators include the red fox, mountain lion, and swift fox (Vulpes velox). Bighorn sheep and elk roam the hills and prairies. Its rodents include the arctic shrew (Sorex arcticus), beaver and black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus). North Dakota is an important breeding ground for many waterfowl. North Dakota has many large lakes and wetland areas, and they’re home to shorebirds like the long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa) and piping plover (Charadrius melodus circumcinctus).

The Official Animal of North Dakota

Most states have mammals as their state animals, but North Dakota has a bird. Its official state bird is the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). This lovely songbird has gray feathers and a bright yellow chest. Western meadowlarks live in many western states, including Texas and Wisconsin.

North Dakota also has an honorary state equine, which is the Nokota horse. This historically significant wild horse is descended from the last surviving population of wild horses in North Dakota. Nokota horses almost became extinct, but conservation efforts have helped preserve them. The Nokota Horse Conservancy is the primary group that protects these endangered horses.

Where To Find the Top Wild Animals in North Dakota

North Dakota is a dream destination for any wildlife watcher. With low population density and vast, open spaces, it’s easy to see bison, antelopes and other large ungulates everywhere.

North Dakota has 63 wildlife refuges, which is more than any other state. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1908, was one of the first wildlife refuges in the country. It is a breeding ground for the native American white pelican.

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge and Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge combine grass prairies and wetlands areas. They are wonderful places to spot ducks, grebes and other waterfowl.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a protected area where you can see wild horses, coyotes, bobcats, rodents and mule deer.

The Most Dangerous Animals In North Dakota Today

Bison roam free in North Dakota, and they frequently cross major roads in herds. If a person or car appears to be threatening, they can become aggressive and dangerous. It’s smart to keep them at a respectful distance.

The state has one native venomous snake, which is the prairie rattlesnake. These pit vipers mostly live in the western half of the state. These dangerous snakes hide in the tall grass and will attack if they feel threatened, so hikers should be wary.

Endangered and Extinct Animals in North Dakota

Despite the abundance of wildlife, North Dakota has a high number of mammals, fish and reptiles on the endangered list. Among these, the state has made it a priority to protect the following species:

  • Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)
  • American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
  • Piping plover (Charadrius melodus)
  • Swift fox (Vulpes velox)
  • Eastern spotted skunk (Spilogate puforius)
  • River otter (Lontra canadensis)
  • Dakota skipper, a native butterfly (Hesperia dacotae)
  • Merriam’s shrew (Sorex merriami)

Some animals, including river otters and peregrine falcons, almost became extinct in the state. Conservation efforts have helped restore their populations.

Wide Open Spaces

North Dakota is a wonderful place to see wildlife. The state’s prairies, grasslands and hills are home to many strange and wonderful wild animals. The many protected areas are excellent for birding and wildlife watching.

Other Animals in North Dakota

Many species of spiders can be found in North Dakota. Read about spiders in North Dakota. Also, read about the species of ticks that can be found in North Dakota.

Native Plants in North Dakota

North Dakota has an incredibly frigid climate, which may not lend itself to the most diverse selection of plants and flowers. However, it’s actually home to a variety of beautiful greenery — brilliantly colored blooms and lush, vibrant greenery. From bright pink milkweed to thick green ferns, North Dakota is home to a rich variety of flora.

Read about:

  • Extinct Animals That Lived in North Dakota
  • the Coldest Place in North Dakota
  • the Best Camping in North Dakota
  • 8 Native Plants in North Dakota
  • Discover the 4 Official State Animals of North Dakota

Animals Found in North Dakota

165 species documented in our encyclopedia

American Dog Tick American Paddlefish American Robin Bald Eagle Barn Spider Belted Kingfisher Bighorn Sheep Black Swallowtail Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Black Wasp Black-Capped Chickadee Black-Footed Ferret Blue Jay Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Bobcat Bobolink Brook Trout Brown Headed Cowbird Bullfrog Bullsnake Burrowing Owl Canvasback Cat-Faced Spider Cecropia Moth Cedar Waxwing Chipping Sparrow Cinnamon Bear Clark's Grebe Common Goldeneye Common Grackle Common Loon Common Raven Common Yellowthroat Cooper's Hawk Corn Earworm Cougar Coyote Cross Fox Dark-Eyed Junco Deer Mouse Dickcissel Dog Tick Downy Woodpecker Eared Grebe Eastern Bluebird Eastern Chipmunk Eastern Cottontail Eastern Kingbird Eastern Meadowlark Eastern Phoebe Eastern Turkey (Wild Turkey) Elk Ermine Eurasian Collared Dove European Corn Borer Evening Grosbeak Ferruginous Hawk Freshwater Drum Freshwater Suckerfish Gadwall Garden Spider Golden Eagle Golden Shiner Golden-Crowned Kinglet Gopher Snake Gray Catbird Gray Fox Great Blue Heron Great Crested Flycatcher Green Heron Green Sunfish Groundhog (Woodchuck) Hairy Woodpecker Hoary Bat Horned Grebe House wren Io Moth Killdeer Kokanee Salmon Lake Sturgeon Least Flycatcher Leopard Frog Lesser Scaup Little Brown Bat Loggerhead Shrike Luna Moth Luna Moth Caterpillar Mallard Mink Mockingbird Mountain Bluebird Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Mule Deer Muskrat Northern Cardinal Northern Flicker Northern Harrier Orange Spider Orange-Crowned Warbler Orchard Oriole Ovenbird Painted Turtle Pied-Billed Grebe Pileated Woodpecker Pine Siskin Plains Hognose Snake Polyphemus Moth Potato Beetle Prairie Rattlesnake Pronghorn Puma Raccoon Racer Snake Rainbow Grasshopper Red Finch Red-Eared Slider Red-winged blackbird Ring-billed Gull River Otter Rock Bass Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Rough-Legged Hawk Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Ruddy Duck Sandhill Crane Savannah Sparrow Sharp-Shinned Hawk Short-Eared Owl Short-Faced Bear Smallmouth Bass Smooth Green Snake Snow Goose Snowberry Clearwing Moth Snowshoe Hare Song Sparrow Squash Bee Steelhead Salmon Stoat Swainson's Hawk Tiger Muskellunge (Muskie) Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar Tree swallow Turkey Tyrannosaurus Rex Upland Sandpiper Walleye Fish Western Hognose Snake Western Kingbird White Bass White-Crowned Sparrow White-tail deer Whitetail Deer Whooping Crane Willow Flycatcher Wood Frog Wood Tick Woolly Bear Caterpillar Woolly Mammoth Writing Spider Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Yellowthroat

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