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Top 10 Animals and Wildlife in Nebraska

Bison
American Bison forming a large group during breeding season. Image via Depositphotos.

Nebraska, situated in the heart of the American Midwest, offers diverse habitats ranging from the Sandhills and prairies to river valleys and woodlands. These ecosystems support a rich assortment of wildlife, making Nebraska a unique destination for animal enthusiasts and researchers alike. In this article, we explore the top 10 animals and wildlife you might encounter across Nebraska’s vast landscapes.

1. American Bison

bison
American Bison and calf in Yellowstone National Park. Image via Arturo de Frias Marques, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The American Bison, often referred to as the buffalo, once roamed the Great Plains in massive herds. Although their numbers were severely reduced due to overhunting, conservation efforts have helped restore healthy populations in protected areas like Nebraska’s Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. These iconic mammals, recognized by their humped shoulders, shaggy coats, and massive head, are symbols of the American frontier and an essential component of prairie ecosystems.

2. Prairie Dog

Prairie dogs.
Prairie dogs. Image by Antony Stanley from Gloucester, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Prairie dogs are small, burrowing rodents that inhabit the grasslands of Nebraska. Known for their elaborate underground burrow systems, which resemble a bustling town, these social creatures play a crucial role in the prairie ecosystem. Their tunnels aerate the soil, and they serve as prey to a variety of predators, including hawks, eagles, and coyotes. Observers find their complex communication system, which includes a variety of vocalizations, especially fascinating.

3. Whooping Crane

Whooping Crane
Whooping Crane. Image via Depositphotos.

The Whooping Crane, one of North America’s most endangered bird species, makes a vital stopover in Nebraska during its migration between Canada and the Gulf Coast’s wintering grounds. Each spring, birdwatchers flock to the Platte River Valley to witness this spectacular migration. With its striking height, snow-white plumage, and distinctive trumpeting call, the Whooping Crane is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast visiting Nebraska.

4. Sandhill Crane

Sandhill crane in flight
Sandhill crane in flight. Frank Schulenburg CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another magnificent bird funneling through Nebraska is the Sandhill Crane. Each year, the Central Platte River Valley hosts one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles: the annual migration of over half a million Sandhill Cranes. This natural phenomenon transforms the Nebraskan skies and underscores the critical importance of preserving wetlands and river habitats. Sandhill Cranes are noted for their large size, long legs, and elegant courtship dances.

5. Bald Eagle

Close up of bald eagle.
Close-up of bald eagle. Image via Depositphotos

The Bald Eagle, America’s national symbol, has made a strong comeback thanks to conservation efforts, including those in Nebraska. These majestic birds can be spotted near large bodies of water, such as the Missouri River and various reservoirs. Known for their impressive wingspan and striking white head, Bald Eagles are expert fishers and soar through the skies with ease. Winter offers the best opportunity to witness these birds as they gather in numbers near open water.

6. Greater Prairie Chicken

Greater Prairie Chicken
Ron Knight from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The grasslands of Nebraska are home to the Greater Prairie Chicken, a bird well-known for its unique mating ritual. Every spring, male prairie chickens gather on communal lek sites, where they perform intricate displays involving booming calls, foot stomping, and colorful air sac inflation to attract females. These booming sounds, echoing across the prairies, create a remarkable early morning spectacle for birdwatchers.

7. Swift Fox

swift fox
A Swift Fox at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. en:User:C burnett, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Swift foxes are small, agile canids that inhabit the grasslands of western Nebraska. They are recognized by their small size, bushy tails, and tan coloration. These nocturnal predators were once nearly extinct due to habitat loss. Recent conservation efforts have increased their populations, making sightings more common. Swift foxes primarily hunt rodents, insects, and small birds, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

8. Mule Deer

Mule deer with sharp antlers.
Mule deer with sharp antlers. Image by jmrockeman via Pixabay.

Mule deer are widespread in Nebraska, particularly in the western regions where prairies meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. These deer are named for their large, mule-like ears and are known for their distinctive, bounding leaps. Visitors to areas such as Scotts Bluff National Monument or the Pine Ridge can often see mule deer grazing on grasses and forbs, an essential part of the region’s biodiversity.

9. Northern Redbelly Snake

Northern Redbelly Snake
Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This small, non-venomous snake is found throughout Nebraska, often in moist environments like forests, marshes, and grasslands. The Northern Redbelly Snake is named for its bright red or orange belly, contrasting with its otherwise gray or brown body. These snakes primarily feed on slugs and earthworms, playing a beneficial role in controlling pest populations. Although elusive, they are an intriguing part of Nebraska’s reptilian fauna.

10. Monarch Butterfly

A couple of monarch butterfly's.
A couple of monarch butterfly’s. Image by lilkar via Depositphotos.

The Monarch Butterfly is not only a delightful sight but also an essential pollinator. Nebraska’s prairies serve as a crucial resting and feeding habitat during its epic migration from North America to central Mexico. With its vibrant orange and black wings, the Monarch Butterfly faces threats from habitat loss and climate change, prompting conservationists to focus on protecting and restoring milkweed and nectar sources critical for their survival.

Conclusion

Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly. Image by philipus via Depositphotos.

From vast prairies to lush river valleys, Nebraska provides diverse habitats that support a wide array of animal species. The state’s commitment to conservation plays a crucial role in maintaining these natural wonders, offering a perfect environment for wildlife to thrive. Enjoying and protecting this incredible diversity ensures that Nebraska remains a vital haven for both common and rare species for generations to come.