Mammals of Minnesota
This large mammal, Minnesota’s state animal, is known for its broad antlers and deep grunts.
What is the moose?
This common backyard bird, bright red in males, is a year-round resident.
What is the northern cardinal?
This sharp-toothed fish is Minnesota’s official state fish.
What is the walleye?
This tree-dwelling rodent uses its bushy tail for balance and is often seen raiding bird feeders.
What is the gray squirrel?
This term refers to animals that are active mostly at night.
What is nocturnal?
This black-furred animal is Minnesota’s only bear species.
What is the black bear?
This bird, Minnesota’s state bird, is known for its haunting call and distinctive black-and-white pattern.
What is the common loon?
These small, pan-sized fish are often caught in summer by kids with simple rods.
What are sunfish?
This spiny mammal, which eats bark and leaves, is rarely seen but common in northern forests.
What is the porcupine?
This is the word for a plant or animal that is not native and can harm ecosystems.
What is invasive?
Known for its striped tail and mischievous nature, this nocturnal animal thrives near cities and forests alike.
What is the raccoon?
This large raptor, with a white head and tail, is often seen soaring over lakes and rivers.
What is the bald eagle?
This fish is a common target in winter ice fishing and is known for its whiskers.
What is the catfish?
This type of deer is common across Minnesota and often causes car collisions.
What is the white-tailed deer?
This process helps animals survive winter by lowering body temperature and metabolism.
What is hibernation?
This small predator with a reddish coat and bushy tail is a common sight in both rural and suburban areas.
What is the red fox?
This small black, white, and gray bird is often seen at winter bird feeders and makes a sound that matches its name.
What is the chickadee?
This non-native fish, known for jumping and harming native ecosystems, is an invasive threat in Minnesota.
What is the Asian carp?
This tiny mammal uses echolocation and helps control mosquito populations.
What is a bat?
This term refers to an animal that eats both plants and meat.
What is omnivore?
Once nearly extinct, this large canine has made a comeback in northern Minnesota.
What is the gray wolf?
These long-legged birds stop in western Minnesota during migration and are known for their elegant dances.
What are sandhill cranes
This long, prehistoric-looking fish can live for decades and is known for its bony plates and pointed snout.
What is the lake sturgeon?
This elusive feline predator is rarely seen but does live in northern Minnesota forests.
What is the bobcat?
This term describes a species that plays a critical role in its ecosystem, such as the beaver in wetlands.
What is a keystone species?