Wisconsin’s varied landscapes, forged by ancient glaciers and bordered by two Great Lakes, support a remarkable diversity of animal life. The state is situated within the temperate forest biome, but its geography creates unique ecological communities. These habitats range from boreal-like forests along the Superior Coastal Plain to the open grasslands of the Southwest Savanna, allowing Wisconsin to host a substantial number of native vertebrate species.
Large and Small Land Mammals
The state’s largest terrestrial animal population is the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which is distributed statewide. The population is managed through hunting to control herd size and minimize agricultural and vehicle conflicts. Wisconsin is also home to a population of North American Black Bears (Ursus americanus), estimated at over 24,000 individuals. Historically confined to the northern third of the state, these omnivores have been steadily expanding their range southward. Black bears den from October until late March or early April, during which time pregnant females give birth.
Another widely distributed predator is the Coyote (Canis latrans), an adaptable canid found in every county, including urban environments. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores whose diet primarily consists of small animals like rabbits and rodents, though they also scavenge deer carcasses. Their varied diet and ability to breed in their first year contribute to their abundance.
The American Badger (Taxidea taxus), Wisconsin’s state animal, is a solitary member of the weasel family. It prefers open grasslands, meadows, and forest edges with loose soils, using its powerful claws to dig after small burrowing mammals. Badgers are protected in Wisconsin and cannot be recreationally hunted or trapped. The American Marten (Martes americana), another member of the weasel family, is the state’s only endangered mammal. Martens require mature, structurally complex conifer and hardwood forests, primarily in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests.
Avian Life and Seasonal Migrants
Wisconsin’s location places it directly beneath the Mississippi Flyway, a major route that brings hundreds of migratory bird species through the state twice a year. The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is a visible migrant that utilizes large wetlands as staging areas before flying south for the winter. Significant gatherings of cranes can be observed in areas like Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area and near the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) represents a conservation success story in Wisconsin, having rebounded from a low of 108 occupied nests in 1973. The recovery was spurred by the national ban on the pesticide DDT in 1972 and federal and state protections. The population has soared, with nearly 1,700 nests confirmed across the state in recent years, and nesting is now documented in all 72 counties.
The state bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius), is common across all habitats and is often one of the first birds seen returning in the spring. Other notable species include the endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana), which is the focus of reintroduction efforts. The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge serves as a breeding ground for the Eastern Migratory Population.
Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Species
Wisconsin’s extensive network of over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams provides habitat for a variety of aquatic species. The state fish, the Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), is the largest predatory fish found in the state. It is managed as a trophy species, with populations found in approximately 667 lakes and 48 streams.
Native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are the only stream trout indigenous to Wisconsin, thriving in cold, clear, spring-fed streams. These populations are sensitive to rising water temperatures, which can lead to habitat loss. Other popular fish species such as Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass are widely sought by anglers and share various lake and river habitats.
Semi-aquatic mammals, like the River Otter (Lontra canadensis), are members of the weasel family adapted for life in the water. They possess webbed toes and the ability to close their ears and nostrils, preying primarily on fish, crayfish, and frogs. The state is also home to roughly 55 native amphibian and reptile species. These include 12 frog and toad species and 11 turtle species, such as the Painted Turtle and the Snapping Turtle, which are often seen basking on logs along waterways.
Wildlife Management and Conservation Efforts
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for managing and conserving Wisconsin’s fish, wildlife, and forest resources. The DNR oversees the Wildlife Management Program, which uses tools like hunting and trapping seasons to manage game species such as White-tailed Deer and Black Bears. The goal is to balance species viability with human interests.
The recovery of the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) in Wisconsin is a long-term conservation effort, with the population having naturally repopulated from Minnesota since the mid-1970s after being extirpated. Following a federal court ruling in February 2022, Gray Wolves were re-listed as a federally protected endangered species, prohibiting harvest and lethal depredation control. The DNR continues to monitor the population, estimated at over 1,200 wolves in 2025, and manages the species using an approved Wolf Management Plan.