Indiana’s location at the confluence of several ecological zones, including eastern deciduous forests, prairie habitats, and extensive wetlands, results in a rich diversity of wildlife. The state’s varied landscape, which includes the rugged, forested hills of the south, the flat agricultural plains of the center, and the Great Lakes shoreline to the north, supports over 60 native mammal species and more than 400 bird species. This guide explores the animals that inhabit these distinct environments, from the elusive creatures of the deep woods to the adaptable neighbors found in backyards and city parks.
Large and Mid-Sized Terrestrial Mammals
The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most numerous large mammal found across Indiana, thriving in both deep forests and smaller wooded areas near human development. These generalist herbivores are highly adaptable, utilizing a mosaic of habitats including young forests, early successional fields, and mature hardwood lots. Their populations are robust, and they are commonly found foraging near roadsides; vehicle collisions with deer exceed 14,000 per year in the state.
The state’s primary native predators include the coyote, the red fox, the gray fox, and the bobcat. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are widespread and highly tolerant of human presence, occupying a variety of landscapes from forests to agricultural and suburban areas. Red and gray foxes are also present, with the red fox typically favoring open areas and the gray fox being more associated with forested habitats.
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is Indiana’s only native wild cat, and its population has been gradually expanding since the 1970s after nearly being extirpated. These secretive, solitary animals are most common in the southern and west-central regions, where the terrain is more rugged and forested. Bobcats prefer areas with brushy cover and mixed habitats.
Avian Species and Waterfowl
Indiana is positioned within the Mississippi Flyway, making it a significant stopover point for hundreds of migratory bird species traveling between the Arctic and Central America. The state’s diverse habitats, particularly its wetlands and lakes, provide essential resources for birds to rest and refuel. Over 400 species of birds have been documented within the state.
The northern cardinal is the official state bird and is a common sight year-round in backyards and woodlands. Common songbirds like American Robins and Blue Jays are also familiar residents, easily adapting to parks and residential areas. Raptors, or birds of prey, such as the widely distributed Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), can be spotted soaring over open country or perched on fence posts.
Waterfowl are particularly abundant, drawn to the state’s rivers, lakes, and extensive restored wetlands. Species such as the Mallard and the Wood Duck are common. Larger waterfowl like Canada Geese are extremely common, and the state also hosts impressive concentrations of migrating birds like the Sandhill Crane, with tens of thousands often staging in wetlands during migration.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Venomous Species
Indiana is home to 54 species of reptiles and 41 species of amphibians, including a wide array of snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. Common non-venomous snakes are frequently encountered, such as the Eastern Garter Snake and the Northern Water Snake, which is often mistaken for a venomous species. Turtles are represented by the Eastern Box Turtle, a terrestrial reptile, and the Common Snapping Turtle, which inhabits aquatic environments.
Of the 32 native snake species, only four are venomous, and three of those are considered rare or state-endangered. The Eastern Copperhead is the most commonly encountered venomous snake, primarily found in the rocky, forested hills of southern Indiana. They are identified by their distinctive, dark brown, hourglass-shaped crossbands on a lighter background.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a state-endangered species restricted mainly to the rugged, heavily forested ridges of south-central Indiana. This heavy-bodied snake is recognized by the segmented rattle on its tail. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is federally threatened and found only in scattered, declining populations within the northern third of the state’s wetlands. The fourth venomous species, the Cottonmouth, is state endangered and possibly extirpated, with the last confirmed sightings occurring decades ago.
Common Urban and Suburban Wildlife Neighbors
Many species have developed tolerance for human activity, allowing them to thrive in residential neighborhoods, parks, and city peripheries. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are a widespread example, easily recognized by their black mask and ringed tail, and are common throughout the state. They are highly adaptable omnivores that use a variety of den sites, including tree cavities, attics, and chimneys, a behavior that often brings them into conflict with homeowners.
The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North America’s only marsupial and adapts well to the urban environment. Opossums are opportunistic foragers, consuming insects, fruit, and carrion, and are often found near human dwellings supplementing their diet with pet food or garbage. Skunks, primarily the Striped Skunk, are also common nocturnal foragers in suburban settings, identifiable by their characteristic white stripes.
Squirrels are highly visible daytime residents, with the Eastern Gray Squirrel and the Fox Squirrel being the most common species. These rodents are frequently observed burying nuts and seeds in lawns and parks. Indiana is home to 13 native bat species, including the common Big Brown Bat, which often roosts in human structures like attics.