Animals in Mississippi

The Southeastern US state Mississippi is characterized by diverse terrains, rich with abundant waterways, mountainous regions, and lush forests. The mighty Mississippi River forms its western border, while the southern border features sandy beaches as it runs along the Gulf of Mexico. Different habitats in the state include broadleaf forests, oak savannas, prairie grasslands, temperate pine forests, and delta wetlands.

Naturally, these habitats have allowed the growth of abundant flora and fauna. There are hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Another special thing about the state is that it has one of the highest numbers of native fish species in its waters (over 200) – thanks to the Mississippi RIver flowing through.

There are several wildlife refuges and state parks, including the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi River State Park, and Pascagoula River Audubon Center, where you can take a closer look at the state’s wildlife.

Animals in Mississippi (MS)

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Mississippi

The list mainly includes animals native to Mississippi, but there may be some non-native fishes, and insects with settled populations in the state.

Mammals

The wolf and cougar populations of Mississippi have been extirpated.

Birds

Reptiles

Amphibians

Fishes

  • Blue Catfish
  • Channel Catfish 
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Bayou Darter (Endemic)
  • Yazoo Shiner (Endemic)
  • Yazoo Darter (Endemic)
  • Slenderhead Darter
  • White Bass
  • Bluegill
  • Black Crappie
  • White Crappie
  • American Eel
  • Long-nosed Gar
  • Muskellunge 
  • Northern Pike
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Longear Sunfish
  • Sauger
  • Lake Sturgeon
  • Shovelnose Sturgeon
  • Walleye
  • Skipjack Herring
  • Paddlefish

Insects and Invertebrates

State Animals of Mississippi

State Animals of Mississippi

State Land MammalsWhite-tailed Deer, Red Fox
State Marine MammalBottlenose Dolphin
State BirdNorthern Mockingbird
State WaterfowlWood Duck
State ReptileAmerican Alligator
State FishLargemouth Bass
State InsectWestern Honey Bee
State ButterflySpicebush Swallowtail 
State ShellEastern Oyster

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in Mississippi?

Large predators like the American Alligator and black bears are the most dangerous animals in the state. Additionally, there are deadly venomous snakes like the cottonmouth, copperhead, eastern diamondback, and pygmy rattlesnake.

Are there any endangered animals in Mississippi?

There are over 80 endangered species in Mississippi, with the list including everything from clams and crayfishes to amphibians like the dusky gopher frog and hellbender and Reptiles like Gopher Tortoise, green turtle, and Mississippi diamondback terrapin. The endemic fish species bayou darter, Yazoo shiner, and Yazoo darter are also considered threatened.

Some noteworthy bird species with their populations under threat are Bachman’s warbler, Mississippi sandhill crane, and brown pelican. The American black bear and West Indian manatee are two of the most endangered mammals.

More on Animals in This State

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