Discover the Fastest Animals in Minnesota

Are you surprised that the Land of 10,000 Lakes also has diverse wildlife? Well, don’t be. The North Star state has a humid continental climate and four ecological zones. Summers are swelteringly hot, and winters are notoriously frigid. However, the wild animals said, “we love it here!” Although the complexities of climate change have led to habitat loss and species’ rarity in Minnesota, the state’s parks, forests, and wildlife preserves still have viable populations of animals. 

The sight of a lumbering moose in the forests or a jumping whitetail deer has always given Minnesotans a rush. Additionally, the state has the largest population of timber wolves in the lower 48 states. But which are the fastest animals in Minnesota? Read on as we take you through the jets of the animal world in the Gopher State.

#1 Peregrine Falcon – 200mph

 Not only is the peregrine falcon the fastest bird in the world, but it is also the fastest animal on the planet. It can be found on every continent except Antarctica, making it one of the most prevalent birds in the world. 

Thanks to its narrow tail, long, pointed wings, and exceptional flight, the peregrine falcon sets itself apart from other raptors. For example, a peregrine falcon can fly in a straight line at 70 mph and stoop at more than 200 mph. The crow-sized and prominent black facial marks distinguish peregrine falcons from others in Minnesota. Adults have barred underparts, blue-gray upperparts, and white throats. Young falcons are, however, blue-brown or brown.

These birds are primarily found in coastal areas, river valleys, mountain ranges, cliffs, and – increasingly – cities. They enjoy open habitats such as meadows, grasslands, shrublands, tundra, and savannah. Peregrine falcons in Minnesota used to build their nests on cliff ledges near rivers or lakes. Nowadays, they use historic eyries on cliffs near Lake Superior, many lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and along the Mississippi River in the steep bluff terrain of the southeastern part. It’s also not uncommon to find their nests on bridges and buildings in urban areas. 

There are currently over 350 nesting pairs in the Upper Midwest, but there were none a little over 50 years ago. Before the success of the reintroduction programs, Minnesota last saw a peregrine falcon in 1963, when it disappeared from Whitewater State Park, close to Rochester.

 #2 Bald Eagle – 75mph

The white-feathered head of a bald eagle may give the impression that it is bald. In reality, though, its name is derived from the Old English word “balde,” which means white. These magnificent wild bird species are found in Canada, Mexico, and all U.S states except Hawaii. 

Most bald eagles live in forests close to streams, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies where fish, their primary food source, are abundant. Unfortunately, they also eat birds, turtles, and small animals like rabbits and squirrels. Bald eagles are classified as raptors, along with hawks, falcons, and other predatory birds. They have some features that make them well-suited to the hunt. For instance, they can fly for up to 75 miles per hour.  Others include a sizable wingspan to save their energy, a dense layer of light-detecting cells on their retinas to see prey from a mile away, and razor-like talons to pierce and carry up to eight-pound prey. 

Eagle watching areas run by the Nongame Wildlife Program are the best places to see eagles in Minnesota, though they can be found all over the state. Detroit Lakes, Long Prairie, and Carlisle in Minnesota provide fantastic eagle sightings. Winter is the best time for eagle watching because the eagles are more active then. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a close-up view of the eagles.

Despite their wide range, bald eagles in the U.S. were on the verge of extinction in the middle of the twentieth century because of protracted sport hunting and habitat loss. 

#3 Elk – 45mph

Elk are prominent members of the deer family, with buffy rumps, dark manes, and reddish to tawny brown coats. Their large size and dark color identify them compared to white-tailed and mule deer. Their antlers are also significantly different from those of the smaller deer species. In contrast to females, who lack antlers, males have enormous antlers that typically begin to grow in the spring and shed in the winter. However, despite their bulk, elk can run at speeds of up to 45mph.

Elk are social creatures that congregate in summer herds of up to 400. The herd has a matriarchal social structure, with one cow as the alpha. Bulls move in small groups or alone, while the female herd is a larger group.

Elk are grazers in their natural habitat and prefer open brushlands and grasslands for feeding and woodlands for shelter during the winter. They feed on a wide variety of green and dry grasses, forbs, and woody plants in open regions throughout the year.

Social issues, not biological ones, limit the number of elk in Minnesota. Elk populations have been negatively impacted by the development and conversion of a large portion of the terrain in Minnesota for human use. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t see elk in Minnesota. On the contrary, they are easier to spot when snow is on the ground, making winter the optimal season to conduct elk surveys.

Breeding season in the early fall is ideal for public watching because the bull elk start bugling around this time to fight for cows and marking their territory.

#4 Coyote – 43mph

If anything, coyotes are adaptable. They were primarily confined to the open prairies, brushy mountains, and deserts, but they have managed to penetrate forests and mountains and scavenge their way to cities. Their adaptive trait ensures their continued existence in most parts of North America, despite increasing human encroachment and previous attempts to eradicate them.

Coyotes are medium-sized animals with varying colors. The color spectrum includes black, brown, gray, yellow, rust, and tan. They differ from dogs in that they have longer, narrower muzzles and shorter, bushier tails carried low, practically dragging the ground.

Their sharp vision and sense of smell give them a competitive advantage in the wild. Coyotes are capable of speeds of up to 43 mph. They also form hunting groups in the fall and winter for higher chances of success. Adaptability reflects in their diet. Coyotes eat almost everything, from reptiles and insects to fruits and grass. They also hunt mice, deer, rabbits, frogs, carrion, and fish. 

Coyotes are seen all around Minnesota, but there are differences in their distribution and population size. They have rising populations in the Twin Cities metro area of the state. However, they are not protected in Minnesota and may be shot or captured at any time.

#5 Gray Wolf – 40mph

The gray wolf, also known as the timber wolf, is the largest member of the wild dog family. As the name implies, the fur is usually gray with black marks and lighter underparts. The fur, which has a rough overcoat that covers the soft undercoat, is extremely thick. Gray wolves have long legs that allow them to move quickly, especially when tracking prey. They can run up to 40 miles per hour. 

A typical wolf pack has 7 to 8 members, including alpha males, females, and pups. The pack’s leaders, are responsible for defining the territory, choosing the locations of the dens, and locating and pursuing prey.

The population of gray wolves in Minnesota was categorized as threatened in 1984. However, they were reclassified as a “special concern” when the population increased. By January 2012, wolves in the western Great Lakes population, including those in Minnesota, had been wiped off the federal Endangered Species List.

There is currently one gray wolf for every 10 square miles in Minnesota. Only Alaska has more gray wolves than Minnesota in the entire country. The gray wolf range has significantly increased over the years. You can find them in habitats such as forested-rich peatlands, fire-dependent forests, and mesic hardwood forests.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jack Molan/Shutterstock.com