Ozark Wildlife

Other wildlife groups that haven't been mentioned are plants, amphibians, fish and the endangered. As for each, just like the other categories, these pages are not sufficient to list the diversity of life that exists. However, for the sake of trying ...

You'll find hickory, maple, dogwood, pine, apple and oak trees in abundance.

Logging and timber was the primary industry in the Ozarks for many years and it continues to play an integral role in Ozark commerce.


In fact, apple trees were so important and plentiful within the region that it influenced the state of Arkansas' decision to name the Apple Blossom their state flower.


Wildflowers and undergrowth are plentiful within the region and people flock to the area for mushroom hunting and nut gathering.



Frogs, lizards and snakes of many types including the Timber Rattlesnake, the Garter Snake and even Box Turtles are numerous. Fishing is just one of the many activities available in the Ozarks and some of the most popular fish filling freezers, coolers and hungry bellies are trout, smallmouth bass and walleye.

Three often mentioned endangered species are the Ozark Cavefish, the Ozark Hellbender (a large aquatic salamander, see below) and the Ozark Big-eared Bat (see below).

Endangered Ozark Wildlife

Ozark Hellbender

Ozark Big-eared Bat

Ozark Cavefish