Oklahoma, located in the south-central region of the United States, is home to hundreds of amazing wildlife species. Most of the state is located within the Tornado Alley, with its borders covering parts of the Great Plains, Interior Highlands, and the Cross Timber. As a result, Oklahoma offers various habitats, including vast grasslands, dense forests, and riparian areas along rivers where the native flora and fauna can thrive.
There are over 50 state and national parks, with some famous ones being the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, and Beavers Bend State Park.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Oklahoma
The State Mammal, American bison was reintroduced to the state, having a stable population at present. Animals like cougars, grizzlies, and gray wolves were once at large in Oklahoma, but their population has been extirpated.
Oklahoma is home to several venomous snakes, including 5 deadly rattlesnakes. These are the western diamondback, Massasauga, timber, prairie, and pygmy rattlesnakes. Additionally, the venomous copperheads and cottonmouths also live here. There are deadly spiders like the black widow and brown recluse as well. The sole scorpion native to Oklahoma, the striped bark scorpion, is not considered lethal, but it can still inflict a painful sting.
Larger predatory animals like black bears and crocodiles are among the most dangerous.
Oklahoma has over two dozen native animals considered endangered, with their numbers dwindling. This means they are rarely spotted in the wild. The piping plover, whooping crane, red knot, and red-cockaded woodpecker are among the endangered birds in the state. The northern-longnose bat, gray bat, and longnose darter are some other rare and endangered animals.
What are some common invasive animals in Oklahoma?
The wild boar is an invasive mammal threatening the local ecosystem of the state. Among aquatic animals, several carp species, like the bighead and grass carp, are invasive in Oklahoma waters.
