Learn About Midwest Native Species
Black Bear
A native icon, the black bear evokes both joy and strife in locals. Often misunderstood as threatening, the black bear is a curious and intelligent creature that plays an important role in Minnesota and Wisconsin’s forest ecosystem.
Bobcat
The bobcat, aptly named because of its short, bobbed tail, is a recluse by nature and is not often seen. Opportunistic hunters, bobcats feed on a variety of prey including mice, rabbits, reptiles, insects, birds, and carrion.
Canada Lynx
Often confused with the bobcat, the Canada lynx has larger ear tufts, longer legs, and larger feet. It is these characteristics that make it an optimal hunter of snowshoe hares in the winter. Canada lynx play an integral role in keeping the snowshoe hare population in check.
Cougar
A cat with many names, the cougar is known also as puma, catamount, mountain lion and panther. As with many of the other large cat species, cougars are often feared and have been hunted with extreme prejudice throughout U.S. history.
Coyote
Possibly one of the most adaptable animals in the U.S., the coyote is found in every continental state in a variety of habitats. Partly due to the loss of the wolf, coyote populations have been consistently on the rise and are becoming more prevalent in urban settings.
Gray Wolf
The wolf is one of the most controversial carnivore species in North America. They have been hunted to near extinction, brought back from the brink, and hunted again. The future of the wolf in America is in our hands today.
Gray Fox
The gray fox is known for its excellent tree climbing ability and being one of only two canid species able to do so. Gray foxes are smaller than their red counterparts but play a large role in their ecosystem by hunting small rodents.
Red Fox
The red fox is the most widely distributed canid species, inhabiting much of the Northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to Central America. While their numbers are on the rise, they are still the most popular animals in the fur trade.