Ohio’s diverse landscapes, from farmlands and forests to rivers and Lake Erie, provide a wide array of habitats for numerous wildlife species. This rich biodiversity allows different animal communities to thrive, making Ohio home to a broad spectrum of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life.
Mammals of Ohio
White-tailed deer are common throughout all 88 counties of Ohio, demonstrating their adaptability across various habitats, including forests, brushlands, and agricultural fields. As the largest herbivore mammal in the state, these deer are most active during dawn and dusk, often seen grazing in fields or along forest edges. They are browsers and grazers, consuming a variety of leaves, twigs, buds, and agricultural crops.
Raccoons are widespread, inhabiting both rural and urban areas. These nocturnal omnivores forage for berries, acorns, small birds, frogs, fish, and even human-related food sources like garbage. They typically rest in hollow trees, logs, or abandoned dens during the day.
Ohio is home to several squirrel species, including the Eastern Gray, Fox, Southern Flying, Northern Flying, and American Red squirrels. The Eastern Gray squirrel is particularly common, found in urban parks, woodlands, and suburban settings. Fox squirrels, the largest of Ohio’s tree squirrels, often inhabit woodlots bordering agricultural fields. These agile rodents primarily consume nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi, but also supplement their diet with insects and bird eggs.
Coyotes have expanded their range and are now found in all of Ohio’s counties. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from forests and grasslands to increasingly urban landscapes. Primarily nocturnal, coyotes are opportunistic feeders, preying on small mammals like rodents and rabbits, and consuming plants or even human-provided food sources. Red foxes, another common canine, prefer woodland edges and open fields, while the less common gray fox typically inhabits denser wooded and brushy areas.
Birds of Ohio
Ohio’s location along the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways makes it a significant stopover for numerous migratory bird species. Many waterfowl species utilize the state’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
Mallards are one of the most common duck species, frequently found in ponds, rivers, and flooded fields. Wood ducks, known for their vibrant plumage, inhabit forested wetlands and small streams. Other common ducks include the Blue-winged Teal, often seen in shallow wetlands, and the Ring-necked Duck, which frequents various aquatic environments. Diving ducks such as Canvasbacks, Redheads, Scaup, and Buffleheads are found in deeper waters, including Lake Erie and larger reservoirs. Canada Geese are also abundant, thriving in fields, lakes, and along rivers across the state.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Ohio
Ohio supports a variety of reptile species, including several types of turtles. The Eastern Box Turtle, a highly terrestrial species, lives in woodlands and seeks refuge under rotting logs and decaying leaves, emerging during cooler parts of the day or after rain. Common Snapping Turtles are found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, known for their powerful jaws. Spotted Turtles prefer shallow wetlands and small streams, while Blanding’s Turtles inhabit marshes and bogs, with some individuals demonstrating remarkable longevity.
The state is also home to numerous snake species, inhabiting various terrestrial and aquatic environments. Amphibians are well-represented, with diverse frog and toad populations found in wetlands, forests, and suburban areas. Ohio boasts 24 different salamander species. The Eastern Hellbender, Ohio’s largest amphibian, is an aquatic salamander that can reach over two feet in length and prefers swift-flowing streams in southern and eastern Ohio. The Red-spotted Newt exhibits a complex life cycle, featuring a terrestrial juvenile stage before returning to aquatic adult life. These amphibians play important roles in their ecosystems and can serve as indicators of environmental health.
Aquatic Life in Ohio
Ohio’s extensive network of rivers, lakes, and streams supports a diverse array of aquatic life, including numerous fish species. Many native fish populate these waterways, providing popular sport fishing opportunities throughout the state. The health of these aquatic environments is also supported by a variety of invertebrates.
Crayfish are abundant in Ohio, with 22 native species and two introduced species, such as the Rusty Crayfish and the Red Swamp Crayfish, found within the Ohio River Basin. Some burrowing crayfish species construct distinctive “chimneys” of mud near their burrows. Freshwater mussels are another significant component of Ohio’s aquatic ecosystems, with 127 species historically present in the Ohio River basin. These filter-feeding invertebrates contribute to water quality and serve as indicators of ecosystem health, though many species face endangerment or extinction due to environmental changes. Other aquatic macroinvertebrates, including mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, are also integral to the health of Ohio’s waterways, with their presence often indicating good water quality.