This article provides valuable information on the 41 most common animals found in Arkansas. From the iconic White-Tailed Deer with its antlers shed in the winter, to the mischievous Raccoons with their adaptability to humans, these creatures are a part of the natural beauty that Arkansas has to offer. Whether it’s the Eastern Gray Squirrel’s love for bird feeders or the Eastern Cottontail’s penchant for garden plants and flowers, these animals have unique characteristics that make them intriguing to observe. However, it’s crucial to remember that despite their charm, caution must be taken with animals like the American Black Bear, as feeding them can create dangerous situations. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready to learn about the fascinating array of creatures that call Arkansas their home.
White-Tailed Deer
Habitat and Distribution
White-tailed deer, scientifically known as Odocoileus virginianus, are commonly found in suburban areas of Arkansas. They are adaptable animals and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands. These deer can be found throughout most of North America and have one of the largest ranges of any hoofed mammal.
Physical Characteristics
White-tailed deer are easily recognizable by their reddish-brown coat, which turns grayish-brown in winter. They have a white underside and a characteristic white patch on their throat and belly. These deer are named after their long, white tail, which is raised when they are alarmed. Adult males, called bucks, have antlers that are shed and regrown each year. These antlers are used for territorial battles and for attracting mates.
Behavior
White-tailed deer are primarily herbivores and have a selective diet that consists of grasses, herbs, leaves, and twigs. They are known for their ability to browse on a wide variety of plant species. These deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They are agile and fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. During mating season, bucks engage in intense battles to establish dominance and win the attention of females.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Habitat and Distribution
The Eastern Gray Squirrel, or Sciurus carolinensis, is another common animal found in Arkansas. These squirrels are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including suburban areas, forests, and parks. They are native to the eastern and central parts of North America.
Physical Characteristics
Eastern gray squirrels are small mammals with a body length of 8-10 inches and a tail length of 7-10 inches. They have a bushy tail that is used for balance and communication. Their fur color can vary from gray to reddish-brown, with a white underside. These squirrels have sharp claws and teeth, which they use for climbing trees and cracking nuts.
Behavior
Eastern gray squirrels are known for their acrobatic abilities and their ability to jump from tree to tree. They are seed and nut eaters, but can also feed on fruits, insects, and bird eggs. These squirrels are known to cache food for the winter, burying acorns and nuts in various locations. They are also attracted to bird feeders and are often seen stealing seeds from them. Eastern gray squirrels are territorial animals and will defend their feeding areas from other squirrels.
Fox Squirrel
Habitat and Distribution
The Fox Squirrel, or Sciurus niger, is the largest tree squirrel in Arkansas and can be found in urban parks and neighborhoods. They are native to the eastern and central parts of North America and have a large range. Fox squirrels can adapt to a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests, pine forests, and urban areas.
Physical Characteristics
Fox squirrels are larger than Eastern gray squirrels, with a body length of 18-21 inches and a tail length of 7-15 inches. They have long, bushy tails that have a mixture of colors, including gray, brown, and red. These squirrels have strong jaws and sharp teeth, which they use for cracking open nuts and seeds.
Behavior
Fox squirrels are diurnal animals, meaning they are active during the day. They are known for their curious and bold behavior and can often be seen exploring their surroundings. These squirrels are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes nuts, fruits, seeds, flowers, bird eggs, and even small birds and insects. They are skilled climbers and often build nests in tree cavities or leafy nests known as dreys.
Raccoon
Habitat and Distribution
Raccoons, or Procyon lotor, are a common sight in Arkansas and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable to human presence and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.
Physical Characteristics
Raccoons have a stocky build with grayish-brown fur and a distinctive mask of black fur around their eyes. They have a ringed tail and dexterous front paws that resemble hands. On average, raccoons weigh between 8-20 pounds and measure 24-38 inches in length, including their tail.
Behavior
Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores with a diet that includes fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, insects, small mammals, birds, and even garbage. They are known for their ability to use their front paws to manipulate objects and open containers. Raccoons are excellent climbers and are capable of descending trees headfirst. They are known for washing their food in water, a behavior that has led to the common misconception that they are “clean” animals. Raccoons are nocturnal animals and are most active during the night.
Eastern Cottontail
Habitat and Distribution
The Eastern Cottontail, or Sylvilagus floridanus, is a small mammal that can be found in suburban yards, open fields, and meadows throughout Arkansas. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats across North America.
Physical Characteristics
Eastern Cottontails have a compact body with a short tail that resembles a ball of cotton, hence their name. They have soft fur that varies in color from gray to brown, with a white or pale belly. These rabbits have large, round eyes and long ears that help them detect predators.
Behavior
Eastern Cottontails are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses, sedges, clover, and other leafy greens. They are known for their ability to rapidly reproduce, with females being able to produce multiple litters each year. These rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They are often seen nibbling on plants in open areas, but will quickly seek cover if they sense danger.
Coyote
Habitat and Distribution
Coyotes, or Canis latrans, have a large range in North America and can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable animals and have successfully expanded their range into human-dominated landscapes.
Physical Characteristics
Coyotes have a slender, dog-like appearance with a gray or reddish-brown coat. They have a bushy tail and large, pointed ears. On average, coyotes weigh between 20-50 pounds and measure 32-37 inches in length, excluding their tail. Male coyotes are usually larger than females.
Behavior
Coyotes are highly versatile in their food selection and have a varied diet that includes small mammals, such as rabbits and mice, as well as fruits, insects, and carrion. They are opportunistic hunters and can take down prey much larger than themselves. Coyotes are solitary animals, but they can form social groups or packs for hunting and raising pups. They are known for their vocalizations, including howling, barking, and yelping, which are used for communication and territorial defense.
Eastern Chipmunk
Habitat and Distribution
Eastern Chipmunks, or Tamias striatus, are diurnal animals known for their burrowing habits. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.
Physical Characteristics
Eastern Chipmunks have a small, compact body with a striped fur pattern that ranges from reddish-brown to grayish-brown. They have prominent cheeks that they use to carry and store food. On average, chipmunks weigh between 2-5 ounces and measure 8-10 inches in length, including their tail.
Behavior
Eastern Chipmunks are herbivores with a diet that consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries. They are known for their ability to collect and store food for the winter, creating an underground cache within their burrow systems. Chipmunks are territorial animals and will defend their burrows from other chipmunks. They are also known for their vocalizations, including high-pitched chirps and trills.
Virginia Opossum
Habitat and Distribution
The Virginia Opossum, or Didelphis virginiana, is the only marsupial found in Arkansas. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and urban areas.
Physical Characteristics
Virginia Opossums have a grayish-brown fur with a long, hairless tail. They have a pointed face with a pink nose and black eyes. On average, opossums weigh between 4-14 pounds and measure 22-36 inches in length, including their tail.
Behavior
Virginia Opossums are opportunistic omnivores and have a diet that includes fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, snakes, and carrion. They are known for their ability to eat ticks, which provides an important service in controlling tick populations. Opossums are nocturnal animals and are most active during the night. When threatened, they have the unique ability to play dead, or “play possum,” by rolling onto their side, becoming limp, and emitting a foul odor.
American Black Bear
Habitat and Distribution
American Black Bears, or Ursus americanus, are found in various habitats across North America, including forests, mountains, and even swamps. In Arkansas, they can be found in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains and other forested areas.
Physical Characteristics
American Black Bears have a large, stocky build with a shaggy black coat. However, some individuals may have brown or cinnamon-colored fur. They have strong forelimbs and sharp claws that are adapted for climbing trees. On average, black bears weigh between 150-400 pounds and measure 4-7 feet in length, excluding their tail.
Behavior
Black bears are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes berries, nuts, fruits, plants, insects, and occasionally small mammals. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, allowing them to access food sources in different habitats. Black bears are solitary animals, except during mating season and when rearing cubs. They are generally shy and tend to avoid human contact, but can become habituated to human presence if they are fed or encounter food sources in residential areas.
Importance of Not Feeding Bears
It is important to never feed bears, as it can have negative consequences for both bears and humans. Feeding bears can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to increased human-bear conflicts. Bears that have become accustomed to human food sources may become aggressive and pose a danger to humans and their pets. Additionally, bears that rely on human-provided food may become malnourished and suffer health issues. To ensure the safety of both bears and humans, it is essential to secure food and garbage properly, and to not intentionally feed bears.