Missouri is a state with diverse natural habitats and rich wildlife. From the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River, Missouri offers a variety of landscapes and ecosystems that support a wide range of animal species. In this article, we will explore some of the features of wildlife in Missouri, such as the types of animals, their adaptations and their conservation status. We will also learn about some of the threats and challenges facing Missouri’s wildlife, and what we can do to protect and preserve this valuable natural resource.
#1. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most common and widely distributed mammals in North America. However, within this large range, there are significant variations in the morphology, behavior, and ecology of this species. In Missouri, the white-tailed deer has some unique characteristics that distinguish it from other populations.
One of these characteristics is the size of the deer. Missouri deer tend to be larger than deer in other regions, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state. This is likely due to the availability of high-quality food sources, such as agricultural crops, acorns, and browse. Larger deer have higher survival rates, reproductive success, and antler growth.
Another characteristic is the coloration of the deer. Missouri deer have a lighter coat than deer in other areas, especially in the winter. This is probably an adaptation to the climate and habitat of Missouri, where snow is rare and forests are mixed with open fields. A lighter coat helps the deer blend in with the background and avoid predators.
A third characteristic is the behavior of the deer. Missouri deer are more social and tolerant of each other than deer in other places, especially during the breeding season. This is possibly a result of the high density and diversity of deer in Missouri, where different subspecies and hybrids coexist. Social behavior helps the deer communicate, cooperate, and compete with each other.
#2. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a majestic and iconic bird of prey that can be observed in Missouri throughout the year, but especially in the winter months. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation 1, bald eagles have a dark brown body with a white head and tail, a large hooked yellow bill, yellow eyes and legs, and powerful talons. They can reach a length of up to 43 inches and a wingspan of up to 96 inches. Females are larger than males but otherwise look similar. Juveniles have brown heads and bodies with white speckles until they reach maturity at about five years of age.
Bald eagles prefer habitats near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and marshes, where they can find plenty of fish, their favorite food. They also feed on other animals, such as waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, and carrion. They may hunt their prey themselves or steal it from other birds. Bald eagles are opportunistic and adaptable feeders that can survive in different environments. They nest in tall, mature trees that offer good visibility and protection. Their nests are large and made of sticks, grasses, and feathers. They usually mate for life and raise one to three young each year.
Bald eagles are a species of conservation concern in Missouri, as they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, illegal shooting, and collisions with power lines and vehicles. However, they have also remarkably recovered from near extinction in the 20th century, thanks to conservation efforts such as banning the pesticide DDT, protecting their nesting sites, and reintroducing them to areas where they had disappeared. Bald eagles are a symbol of strength, freedom, and beauty that inspire awe and admiration among people who see them soaring in the sky or perching on a tree.
#3. Black bear (Ursus americanus)
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is one of the largest and heaviest wild mammals in Missouri, with a glossy black fur, a brown muzzle, and often a white patch on the chest. The average length of an adult black bear is about 4–6 feet, and the average weight is about 200–600 pounds, depending on the sex and the season.
Black bears are usually silent, but they can make a variety of sounds, such as grunts, mumbles, squeaks, roars, huffs, bellows, hums, moans, or purrs. Black bears are mostly found south of Interstate 44 in Missouri, where they prefer high-quality forested habitats with abundant food sources. However, they are also capable of adapting to more marginal areas and expanding their range into new territories.
Some bears have been seen crossing the Missouri River and wandering into urban areas. Missouri's black bear population is estimated to be around 700 bears statewide, and it is growing at a rate of about 9 percent per year. This means that Missouri residents need to be aware of living in a bear country and take precautions to avoid conflicts with these magnificent animals.
#4. Bobcat
The bobcat is a medium-sized wild cat that inhabits most of Missouri. It has a tawny coat with dark spots and stripes and a short tail with a black tip. The bobcat is an adaptable and elusive predator that can live in various habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban areas. The bobcat feeds mainly on rabbits, rodents, birds, and sometimes deer. It is mostly active at dawn and dusk but may hunt during the day or night depending on the availability of prey.
The bobcat is territorial and solitary, except during the mating season in winter. The female gives birth to two to four kittens in spring and raises them alone until they are ready to disperse in fall. The bobcat is a protected species in Missouri, and its population is stable or increasing.
#5. River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits the waterways of Missouri. It is one of the most charismatic and playful animals in the state, often seen sliding, wrestling, and chasing each other. The river otter is also an important indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems, as it requires clean water and abundant prey to survive.
The river otter was once widespread in Missouri, but it suffered a drastic decline due to habitat loss, water pollution, and unregulated trapping. By the 1930s, it was nearly extirpated from the state. Thanks to a successful reintroduction program in 1982, the river otter population has recovered and expanded to all major watersheds in Missouri. The river otter is now a protected species in the state, with a regulated trapping season and a limited harvest quota.
They are highly adaptable animals that can live in a variety of habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps. It prefers habitats with dense vegetation, deep water, and abundant fish. The river otter is mostly nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning it is active at night and during dawn and dusk. It has a home range of several miles along a waterway, which it marks with scent glands. The river otter is usually solitary or lives in small family groups of a female and her offspring.
River otters at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri. (Image from fws.gov)
In addition, they are an excellent swimmer and diver, capable of staying underwater for up to eight minutes. It has a streamlined body, webbed feet, a long tail, and a thick fur that insulates it from cold water. It can close its ears and nostrils when submerged. The river otter feeds mainly on fish, but also eats crayfish, frogs, turtles, birds, and small mammals. It consumes its prey on land or the ice, often leaving behind characteristic remains.
The river otter is a unique and valuable member of Missouri's wildlife community. It contributes to the biodiversity and balance of aquatic ecosystems, as well as to the enjoyment and education of people who observe it. The river otter is a symbol of conservation success and a reminder of the need to protect and restore our natural resources.
Watch more: Multi-Species Fishing on Missouri River (Catfish, Walleye and Bass)
Missouri is home to a rich and diverse wildlife that can be found in various habitats across the state. Some of the top wildlife species that can be found in Missouri include the white-tailed deer, the bald eagle, the black bear, and the river otter. These animals are important for the ecological balance and the cultural heritage of Missouri. By conserving and protecting their habitats, we can ensure that they will continue to thrive and delight us for generations to come.