Animals in Kentucky

A state in the Upland South in the southern United States, Kentucky, has a diverse geology comprising different habitats for all flora and fauna to grow. The state has parts of the Appalachian and Pennyroyal Plateaus, as well as the Bluegrass Region. However, like most other states, Kentucky has lost most of its wild habitats due to deforestation and urbanization.

Today, most of the state’s forests and savannas are protected. The Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the most famous wildlife-watching points in the state.

Listed below are the most common and best-known animals you are likely to see in the state.

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Kentucky

Mammals

American Black Bear
White-tailed Deer
Red Fox
Gray Fox
Bobcat
Eastern coyote
Virginia Opossum
Woodchuck
Muskrat
Eastern Raccoon
Eastern gray squirrel
Eastern cottontail rabbit
Eastern mole
Eastern chipmunk
Striped skunk
Eastern spotted skunk
Eastern harvest mouse
Southern flying squirrel
Little brown bat
Big brown bat
Eastern pipistrelle bat
North American river otter

Birds

Northern Cardinal
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
northern bobwhite quail
Mourning dove
yellow-billed cuckoo
American White Pelican
Canada goose
Wood Duck
Ruby-throated hummingbird

Reptiles

Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Painted Turtle
Snapping Turtle
Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
Five-lined Skink
Northern Fence Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Broadhead Skink
Northern Green Anole
Eastern Slender Glass Lizard
Eastern Worm Snake
Eastern Garter Snake
Northern Red-bellied Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
Northern Copperhead
Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Massasauga
Pigmy Rattlesnake
Eastern Rat Snake
Black Rat Snake
Western Cottonmouth
Eastern Kingsnake
Ring-necked Snake
Common Water Snake

Amphibians

Green Frog
Spring Peeper
Gray Treefrog
American Bullfrog
Northern Leopard Frog
Pickerel Frog
Southern Leopard Frog
Marbled Salamander
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Eastern Spadefoot
Cave Salamander
Two-lined Salamander
Slimy Salamander
Jefferson Salamander
Hellbender
Eastern Newt

Fishes

Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Common Carp
Walleye
Bluegill
Northern Pike
Shovel-nose Sturgeon
Kentucky spotted bass
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Black Crappie
White Crappie
Longear Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Green Sunfish
Rock Bass
Spotted Gar
Longnose Gar
Freshwater Drum
White Sucker
Blue Sucker

Insects And Invertebrates

Honeybee
Viceroy butterfly
Paper Wasp
Assassin Bug
Brown Recluse
Camel Cricket
Cicada Killer Wasp
Hercules Beetle
Pincher Bug
Red Velvet Ant
Southern Devil Scorpion
Tobacco Hornworm
Common Crab Spider
Common Buckeye
Giant Mayfly

State Animals of Kentucky

State Bird	Northern Cardinal
State Horse	Thoroughbred Horse
State Game Animal	Eastern Gray Squirrel
State Fish	Kentucky Spotted Bass
State Insect	Honeybee
State Butterfly	Viceroy Butterfly

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in Kentucky?

Deadly venomous snakes like the cottonmouth, copperhead, timber, and pygmy rattlesnakes are considered to be the most dangerous animals in Kentucky. Among larger mammals, black bears, coyotes, and even deer make the list.

What are some of the most endangered animals in Kentucky?

There are several clams and shells found in the state that are considered endangered. Apart from that, birds like the red knot and whooping crane are also considered threatened and endangered respectively, by the IUCN.

What are some invasive animals in Kentucky?

Asian carp, zebra mussels, and emeral ash borer beetles are some of the most common invasive animals in the state.

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