Wildlife of Missouri facts for kids

Missouri River near Rocheport, Missouri

Missouri is a state full of amazing plants (called flora) and animals (called fauna)! It has lots of fresh water thanks to big rivers like the Mississippi River and the Missouri River, and a huge lake called Lake of the Ozarks. Many smaller rivers, streams, and lakes also crisscross the state. North of the Missouri River, you'll find rolling hills that are part of the Great Plains. South of the river, the land is mostly covered by thick hardwood forests with lots of oak and hickory trees.

Let's explore some of the cool native species you can find in Missouri!

Missouri's Mammals

Missouri is home to many different kinds of mammals, from tiny shrews to large deer. Some of these animals have lived here for a very long time.

In the past, animals like pronghorn, gray wolf, and brown bear also lived in Missouri, but they are no longer found here. Wapiti (elk) and American bison used to be very common. Today, you can only see them on private farms and in special parks.

Missouri's Birds

Missouri is a great place for birdwatching! You can see many different types of birds throughout the year, while others visit only in summer or winter.

Year-Round Birds

These birds live in Missouri all year long.

Summer Visitors and Breeders

These birds come to Missouri in the summer to build nests and raise their young.

Winter Residents

These birds fly to Missouri to spend the colder months here.

Sadly, some birds that used to live in Missouri, like the passenger pigeon, the carolina parakeet, and the ivory-billed woodpecker, are no longer found anywhere in the world.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Missouri's warm, wet areas are perfect for many reptiles and amphibians.

Reptiles

Here are some of the reptiles you might find slithering or crawling in Missouri:

Amphibians

Amphibians like frogs and salamanders love Missouri's watery habitats.

Missouri's Fish

With so many rivers and lakes, Missouri is home to a wide variety of fish.

Missouri's Mollusks

Mollusks are soft-bodied animals, often with shells, like snails and mussels. Many types live in Missouri's waters and on land.

Trees and Shrubs of Missouri

Missouri's landscapes are filled with many different kinds of trees and shrubs, which provide homes and food for many animals.

Insect Migrations

Sometimes, insects travel from warmer southern areas to Missouri. One example is the Polistes exclamans wasp, which has been seen migrating here.