Nebraska’s location at the ecological crossroads of the Great Plains provides a unique blend of habitats, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. The landscape transitions from eastern deciduous forests and tallgrass prairies to the vast, dune-covered Sandhills and the rugged Pine Ridge in the west. Major river systems like the Platte and Missouri create environments that host approximately 450 bird species, 80 mammal species, and over 60 different reptiles and amphibians. This diverse geography supports one of the world’s most significant avian migrations and provides refuge for iconic grassland species.
The Great Mammals of the Plains
The large, grazing mammals that once defined the Great Plains are present in Nebraska today. The American Bison, once roaming in millions, was nearly extirpated from the region but now exists in managed herds on public and private lands, serving as a powerful symbol of the prairie’s heritage. Elk were eliminated from the state by the 1880s but have successfully reestablished populations since the 1950s and 60s, with current estimates placing their population at approximately 1,400 individuals distributed across seven herds in western and central Nebraska.
The state is home to two distinct deer species, the White-tailed Deer and the Mule Deer, which occupy different ecological niches. White-tailed Deer are widespread and adaptable, thriving in wooded riparian zones and agricultural areas throughout the state, including suburban environments. Mule Deer are primarily found in the more rugged, open terrain of the western half of the state, such as the Pine Ridge and Sandhills. They are distinguished by their larger ears and a bounding gait known as “stotting.” The fleet-footed Pronghorn, often mistakenly called an antelope, also inhabits the western half. Its stable population of around 6,000 individuals is a recovery achieved through conservation efforts after they were nearly lost in the early 20th century.
Avian Life on the Central Flyway
Nebraska is positioned directly beneath the Central Flyway, a massive migratory corridor that funnels millions of birds through the state annually. This phenomenon is most globally recognized by the spring migration of the Sandhill Crane, where nearly 80% of the world’s population, totaling up to one million birds, congregates along the Platte River. The cranes stop from late February to mid-April to rest and refuel in the river’s wide, shallow, braided channels, which provide safety from ground predators at night.
Joining the cranes are millions of migrating waterfowl, including ducks and geese, which rely on the Platte River Valley’s wet meadows and agricultural fields to gain the body mass needed to continue their journey north. The state also harbors a number of permanent and migratory raptor species that hunt over the expansive prairies. The Red-tailed Hawk is a common year-round resident, frequently seen soaring over open fields. The American Kestrel, the continent’s smallest falcon, patrols roadsides and fields, preying on insects and small rodents.
Wildlife of Nebraska’s Waterways
The state’s 23,000 miles of rivers and streams, along with numerous lakes and wetlands, provide a rich aquatic environment for a variety of species. The Channel Catfish, Nebraska’s official state fish, is widely distributed in warm-water rivers and reservoirs. It is known for its spotted skin and characteristic barbels. Many anglers also pursue species like Largemouth Bass in the numerous ponds and reservoirs across the state.
Semi-aquatic mammals, like the North American River Otter, have made a significant comeback in Nebraska’s waterways. Otters were extirpated by the early 1900s due to trapping and habitat loss but were successfully reintroduced starting in 1986. They now have stable populations in core areas, including the Platte, Elkhorn, and Niobrara River systems. The American Bullfrog, one of the largest amphibians in the state, is also commonly found in permanent bodies of water, though it is considered a non-native, invasive species in many regions.
Coexisting with Common Adaptable Species
Many of Nebraska’s species exhibit remarkable adaptability, enabling them to thrive in human-modified landscapes, from rural farmlands to urban centers. The Coyote is a highly successful predator that occupies virtually every habitat in the state, including metropolitan areas, where it skillfully hunts small rodents and scavenges for food. The Raccoon is a nocturnal omnivore known for its dexterity and intelligence, frequently exploiting human environments for food and den sites.
Among the state’s common reptiles is the Plains Garter Snake, a non-venomous species found throughout the central and eastern prairies. This snake is easily identified by the bright orange or yellow stripe running down its back. It is one of North America’s most cold-tolerant snakes, sometimes emerging from hibernation on warmer winter days.