Explore Wisconsin ecosystems! Here you’ll find information on habitat types, plants and animals found in Wisconsin and much more.

Exploring
A northern saw whet owl starring at camera.
Lions, tigers, and bears-oh my!!  Frogs, turtles, spiders-eek!  Birds, butterflies, worms-How fun…
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario—and their connecting channels form the…
painted turtle basking in the sun with its legs stretched out behind it
Can you name the four main habitats of Wisconsin?  Check out this page to get to know our natural…
Identification in the Woods
Curious kids of all ages can easily answer the question “hey, what is this?”  No need to be a…
Forest Plant
From the tiniest mosses to the towering oaks,  plants are important and unique to Wisconsin…
A field of coneflowers and natural prairie grasses
Prairies are made up of mostly grasses, sedges (grasslike plants), and other flowering plants called forbs (e.g. coneflowers, milkweed).
Read More
13-lined Ground Squirrel
Sometimes called "Federation Squirrels" because the pattern on their back looks like stars and stripes.
Read More
Gypsy moth caterpillar
The gypsy moth (caterpillar) is a serious defoliator of trees and shrubs in North America.
Read More
sea lamprey in an aquarium with their mouths attached to the aquarium glass
Sea lampreys are members of an ancient family of "jawless fishes" that were around before the dinosaurs.
Read More
Spiny Water Flea
Spiny water fleas eat zooplankton and compete directly with small fish that also need to eat it.
Read More
photo of spongy moth showing feathery antennae
When spongy moths have an "outbreak," the caterpillars defoliate trees (eat all the leaves).
Read More
a huge pile of zebra mussel shells
These invasive critters remove incredible amounts of food from the water.
Read More
The American Bald Eagle
We all know the bald eagle as a national symbol with its distinctive "bald" white head.
Read More
American Black currant
The black currant is a shrub with maple-like leaves with toothed edges.
Read More
American Goldfinch on a branch
The male goldfinch, easily recognized in the summer by its yellow body and black wings.
Read More
an American Kestrel perching on a branch
This small falcon is sometimes called the "sparrow hawk."
Read More
American Toad
Learn facts about the American Toad.
Read More
American Tree Sparrow on a tree branch
Sparrows are common winter residents of southern Wisconsin.
Read More
White pelicans on edge of water
Believe it or not, these once-scarce pouched birds are now appearing in ever-growing numbers in Wisconsin.
Read More
Aphids on milkweed
Aphids come in a variety of colors - yellow, red, black, etc.
Read More
illustration of an aquatic sowbug
The isopod is a scavenger that uses its seven pairs of legs to move around.
Read More
a group of aquatic springtails
Just like people at a mall, these tiny wingless insect-like creatures mill around in huge numbers.
Read More
map showing the location of all of the Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes Watershed
An Area of Concern (AOCs) is a location where the  environment has been damaged by people. To qua
Read More
Female arrowhead plant
The leaves of this plant give its name away.
Read More
illustration of backswimmer as seen from above
The name of this critter describes it perfectly.
Read More
Tree tops with Balsam Fir
Balsams are used by people for many products, especially holiday trees.
Read More
Barred Owl
Whoooo is this owl with such a strange name? Let's find out.
Read More
Brown Bat
Bats belong to a special group of flying mammals called Chiroptera.
Read More
photo of tricolored bat hanging from ceiling of cave
Here's the scoop on Wisconsin's bats!
Read More
Beaver
The beaver holds the title for being the largest rodent in North America.
Read More
Big Bluestem with blue sky
Imagine grass reaching as high as 12 feet.
Read More
Black Bear
It is rare that you will come in contact with a bear unless you are near bear country.
Read More
A black spruce in a bog
Needles of the black spruce are blue-green, short, and pointed.
Read More
a twig of black willow with long, narrow leaves and catkins
Black willows are part of a large family of trees and shrubs that usually grow along streams and in other moist places.
Read More
Black-capped Chickadee
Chick-a-dee-dee, chick-a-dee-dee-dee.
Read More
Blanchard's cricket frog in the mud
Learn more about the Blanchard's Cricket Frog.
Read More
Blanding's Turtle on a log
Wildlife watching at a wetland area is a fun summer time activity.
Read More
Blazing Star in bloom
No, this is not something you'll find in the sky.
Read More
Blooming bloodroot
Any guesses how this plant got its name?
Read More
Blue jay in tree
Everyone knows the blue jay and its angry "ki-ki-ki" or "j-j-j" call.
Read More
Blue-spotted salamander on a rock
This colorful critter is one of three Wisconsin species of mole salamanders.
Read More
illustration of a bluegill by Virgil Beck
Bluegill are the most common sunfish in Wisconsin.
Read More
Bobcat
What has a stubby "bobbed" tail, sideburns, spiky ear hair and gets called lots of names?
Read More
Bobolink
This colorful bird is well suited to life in the prairie. Its tan, black and white markings hide it well in the yellow-tan grasses.
Read More
Boreal chorus frog
Learn more about the Boreal Chorus Frog.
Read More
front end of a bristle worm
These tiny, uncommon animals have pairs of bristles on each segment. They are sometimes called feather duster worms!
Read More
illustration of a brook trout by Virgil Beck
This brightly colored fish is Wisconsin's only native stream trout.
Read More
illustration of a brown bullhead by Virgil Beck
The bullhead is an interesting, smooth-skinned fish.
Read More
Bunchberry with berries
In the fall, the bunchberry lives up to its name.
Read More
photo of Butler's gartersnake resting on a rock
The Butler's gartersnake is very hard to tell apart from other gartersnakes.
Read More
Monarch butterfly on Black-Eyed Susans
Butterflies are beautiful to watch fluttering about.
Read More
Monarch butterfly on flower
You'll want to get a closer look to enjoy their beauty and observe their activities.
Read More
illustration of a caddisfly larva inside its case of sand particles
The caddisfly lives only a short time as an adult but may spend several years as a larva.
Read More
Campsite in fall, with woman holding leaves
There is always stuff to do outside and lots of fun outdoor events for kids.
Read More
Canada Goose
Hundreds of thousands of Canada geese (not "Canadian" geese) pass through Wisconsin in their famous V-formations, honking up a storm.
Read More
Lynx
You'll probably never see a lynx in the wild. They are uncommon in Wisconsin and pretty secretive.
Read More
illustration of chinook salmon by Virgil Beck
You may know this fish by another name such as king salmon, spring salmon, blackmouth, tschawytscha, chin, king, magnum, or shaker.
Read More
Chipmunk
Sometimes called "chipppie" or "chipping squirrel."
Read More
Cicada on a twig
It's a short season in the sun for this buzzing insect.
Read More
illustration of coho salmon by Virgil Beck
The coho salmon has many different names.
Read More
Close up of cattail
This wetland plant is very common to Wisconsin's marshes, ponds, ditches, rivers and lakes.
Read More
eastern gartersnake
The common gartersnake is, well, common.
Read More
The Common Loon
That eerie sound you hear is not a ghost haunting a northern lake.
Read More
Common Redpoll
In flight and behavior these birds resemble goldfinches or siskins.
Read More
photo of common watersnake basking on a rock
You're sitting on a dock, minding your own business, when you notice a snake swimming by in the water.
Read More
Common Yellowthroat
Keep an eye and ear out for this black-masked yellow-throated male bird.
Read More
photo of long, soft needles of white pine by Caitlin Campbell (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Conifers are trees that bear their seeds in cones. When you find a conifer that you don't recognize, ask yourself some questions!
Read More
Cope's Gray Tree frog hanging on to a leaf
There aren't many differences between this and the gray treefrog.
Read More
Cottontail Rabbit
If you like to play freeze tag, you might want to take a few lessons from the cottontail rabbit.
Read More
Coyote
The coyote is a smart and highly adaptable animal.
Read More
illustration of black crappie by Virgil Beck
Beware of the trademark spiny-rays on the dorsal fin of this sunfish - ouch!
Read More
Crawling Water Beetle, Photo Credit: Robert Webster
This beetle lives among plants in shallow water.
Read More
prairie crayfish in an observation container
Crayfish are related to lobsters, but live in freshwater. 
Read More
Bats flying
One person's creepy critter is another person's favorite animal.....
Read More
illustration of two copepods
The copepod is a small crustacean that looks like a swimming apostrophe mark (').
Read More
Damselfly illustration
The damselfly is closely related to the dragonfly.
Read More
Dark-eyed Junco in tree
The dark-eyed junco is sometimes known as the "snowbird."
Read More
DeKay's brownsnake resting on a fallen log
You can find this snake in oak savannas, prairies, marshes, old field, and under trash in vacant city lots.
Read More
Trees in the Forest
Have you ever wondered how you can tell different species of trees apart?
Read More
a view of one of the great lakes
More than 33 million people live, work, and play in the Great Lakes watershed. Discover the unique characteristics of each of the Great Lakes. Then dive into some of the big issues facing the Great Lakes, including climate change, humans, invasive species, and the future. 
Read More
Badger
If you live in Wisconsin, you may already be a badger—a badger football fan that is.
Read More
illustration of a dobsonfly larvae with many legs
Trout and other fish find the young of these insects delicious.
Read More
Downy Woodpecker
You can spot this critter as it hops along tree trunks looking for food.
Read More
Hine's Emerald Dragonfly on a twig
Dragonflies are a spectacular and colorful group of insects.
Read More
Dune Thistle, Photo Credit: Samara Hamze
Wisconsin Status: ThreatenedFederal Status: Threatened
Read More
Close up of Dutchman's breeches
What do these flowers look like to you?
Read More
Earthworm
Want to watch an earth-moving, dirt munching, soil making machine?
Read More
Eastern Bluebird
The bluebird is one of a birdwatcher's favorite bird
Read More
photo of foxsnake coiled up and resting on soil
Many people mistake this snake for a venomous copperhead. We don't have copperheards in Wisconsin.
Read More
photo of eastern hog-nosed snake resting in dried grass
This is one interesting snake, and not just because of its sharply upturned nose.
Read More
photo of massasauga resting on a fallen log
Massasaugas are one of Wisconsin's most endangered reptiles. 
Read More
Eastern Meadowlark
Hark, it's the meadowlark, atop a fencepost, roadside pole, wire or shrub.
Read More
musk turtle perched on a stump under the large leaf of an aquatic plant
This critter is often known by its nickname, "stinkpot."
Read More
Eastern Newt
These critters can go through three phases beyond the larval stage.
Read More
Eastern Red Cedar
People use this tree for woodwork in their homes, hope chests, closets, for lead pencils, posts, and poles.
Read More
long, skinny eastern ribbonsnake resting on dried leaves
This gartersnake resembles other gartersnakes at first glance.
Read More
Eastern White Pine  Tree isolated on white background
The Eastern White Pine can grow to be 100 feet tall.
Read More
Elk
Elk are members of the deer family along with moose, caribou, mule deer, and white-tailed deer.
Read More
Emerald Ash Borer on leaf
Once these invaders get into a tree, the tree always dies.
Read More
Person using app in field
The world of apps is expanding rapidly and it seems like there is a new nature app released every day.
Read More
Eurasion Water-Milfoil on white background, Photo Credit: Flora of Wisconsin, Paul Skawinski, CC BY-SA
Preventing milfoil from reaching a lake or spreading is extremely important.
Read More
Evening Grosbeak on a branch
A fairly common winter resident in Wisconsin.
Read More
Fairy shrimp, Photo Credit: Distant Hill Gardens
This graceful animal lives only in temporary ponds, never in pond
Read More
false map turtle resting on a floating log
Both false and southern map turtles are very wary and will flee at the slightest disturbance.
Read More
Monarch catapillar eating a leaf
Without caterpillars, there wouldn't be any butterflies.
Read More
Butterfly on Black-eyed Susans
Watching butterflies is a fun summer activity and you can invite them to your very own yard.
Read More
Fingernail Clam
This pale tiny clam never gets bigger than a fingernail.
Read More
Sturgeon fish
Any time of year, many fish are moving about in Wisconsin's waters.
Read More
six-spotted fishing spider resting on the top of the water
This water spider has eight legs, no wings, an
Read More
Five-lined skink with a bright blue tail
Skinks have very shiny, smooth scales and their colors change as they age.
Read More
Fresh Animal Tracks on Snow
Have you ever tracked someone's footprints in the sand or snow?
Read More
A forest of old spruce, fir and pine trees
Evergreen trees give us vibrant green color in winter when the rest of the world has turned brown
Read More
Mussels
How would you like to have a shell, no eyes and catch your food with your nose? No?
Read More
Bobcat
Do you know what makes a mammal a mammal?
Read More
Garlic Mustard
No—It's not something you put on your sandwich
Read More
illustration of a giant water bug
This huge insect sometimes grows to be two or more inches in length.
Read More
close-up photo of gophersnake's head
What's that hissing sound? Well, it could be a gophersnake.
Read More
Goshawk
These hawks rely on speed and cunning to catch their prey.
Read More
photo of gray ratsnake sunning on rocks
When looking for snakes, you might not think to look up.
Read More
Gray Squirrel
Have you ever watched a gray squirrel get to a "squirrel-proof" bird feeder?
Read More
Gray Treefrog
Learn more about the Gray Treefrog
Read More
Majestic Great Blue Heron
Have you ever seen groups of huge nests made of large sticks weighing down tall tree tops?
Read More
Greater Prairie Chicken in a field
Other names for this bird include pinneated grouse, prairie hen, and old yellowlegs.
Read More
Green Frog
Learn more about the Green Frog.
Read More
Hairy Woodpecker
Dryobates villosus
Read More
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is the last Friday in April each year.
Read More
Close up of Eastern Hemlock needles
This conifer grows high in the sky, 60-100 feet.
Read More
Hepatica
This plant gets its name from the Latin word for liver, hepaticus.
Read More
Hines emerald dragonfly on a twig
Wisconsin Status: EndangeredFederal Status: Endangered
Read More
Honey Bee on flower
Wisconsin state insect.
Read More
Horsehair Worm
This unsegmented worm looks just like a horsehair.
Read More
photo of a tiny hydra clinging to algae
The amazing hydra is related to the jellyfish.
Read More
Indian Grass, Photo Credit- Flora of Wisconsin, Aaron Carlson, CC BY-SA
This grass can grow taller than you, measuring 3 to 10 feet tall.
Read More
Space view of earth
Did you know that milkweed can indicate ozone pollution?
Read More
Young jack pine tree
The jack pine is unique because its resinous cones open and release seeds during a fire or from an intense, hot sun.
Read More
eastern gray treefrog with vocal sac inflated, calling from a marshy area in Milwaukee County
by Dreux J. Watermolen
Read More
Karner Blue Butterfly on leaf
Beauty and grace best describe this federally endangered species.
Read More
Karner blue butterfly on a leaf
The karner blue butterfly life history.
Read More
Lake Erie Lighthouse
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes (averaging only 62 feet) and overall the smallest by volume. Erie is also exposed to the greatest effects from urbanization and agriculture. Lake Erie measures 241 miles wide and 57 miles from north to south, and has 871 miles of shoreline. Because it's not as deep as the other lakes, Erie warms rapidly in the spring and summer and is frequently the only Great Lake to freeze over in winter.
Read More
Lake Huron Highlighted Map
Lake Huron is the third largest of the Great Lakes by volume, holding nearly 850 cubic miles of water. The shores of Huron extend more than 3,800 miles and are characterized by shallow, sandy beaches and the rocky coasts of Georgian Bay. Lake Huron is 206 miles wide and approximately 183 miles from north to south. Home to many ship wrecks, the lake averages a depth of 195 feet.
Read More
illustration of lake trout by Virgil Beck
Lake trout are native to the Great Lakes area, New England, and Canada.
Read More
Forest with white trillium in blossom
The trillium gets its name from the Latin word for three.
Read More
illustration of largemouth bass by Virgil Beck
This brainy fish is the largest of the sunfish family, and has a mighty cavernous jaw.
Read More
Close up of leafy spurge
Leafy spurge is considered a noxious weed under Wisconsin law.
Read More
Leech
Can you imagine one of your friends clinging onto you, sucking your blood?
Read More
painted lady butterfly feeding on purple coneflower
Butterflies go through a complete metamorphosis. This means they have four stages to their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 
Read More
photo of lined snake resting on a tree stump
Lined snakes spend most of their time hiding underneath things.
Read More
Little bluestem plant
Look for bluestem in the winter with fuzzy white seeds which small birds love to feed on.
Read More
slender glass lizard being held by a person
Lizards in Wisconsin? Yep.
Read More
Luna moth resting on a tree branch
If you see a fluorescent green, large moth in the moonlight, it's
Read More
Tapped maple tree with little boy holding a bucket
Those Marvelous Maples
Read More
photo of maple sap dripping from a spile in a sugar maple tree
Maple sap flows, hibernating mammals wake up, migratory birds return, amphibians stir, and woodland wildflowers take advantage of the warming sun.
Read More
March Marigold, Image Credit: Thomas Meyer
Another plant of wet places is the marsh marigold.
Read More
photo of mayfly nymph
The mayfly and damselfly nymphs look almost like twins, but look closely at their gills.
Read More
Meadow Vole
Voles are easy to find by their "runways" that are lined with grass and other material from where they were digging.
Read More
an illustration of a midge or bloodworm larvae
Young midges can be found in all sorts of water; some live in hot
Read More
Birds migrating flying over water
Images of birds that migrate.
Read More
photo of milksnake that is very camouflaged against a background of woodchips
Legend has it that this snake sneaks into barns and sucks milk from cows.
Read More
Milkweed plant
Can you guess where the Milkweed plant got its name from?
Read More
Milkweed beetle
There are several types of beetles that feed on milkweed.
Read More
Mink
Sleek with thick, chocolate brown fur, minks are related to the badger and skunk.
Read More
Mink Frog, Image Credit: Bob Hay
Learn more about the Mink Frog.
Read More
Monarch Butterfly on Black-eyed Susans
What's small, has orange wings with black veins and flies to Mexico for the winter?
Read More
Monarch caterpillar on milkweed
Can you find the monarch caterpillar on the leaf?
Read More
Moose
How do you get a 900 pound moose to stand still and let you put a radio-collar on her?
Read More
an Asian mosquito biting someone's skin
This interesting insect goes through four distinct stages.
Read More
Perched Mourning Dove
The mourning dove was named the state symbol of peace in 1971.
Read More
photo of mudpuppy taken from above
You'll never walk this critter on a leash because the mudpuppy isn't a dog and it doesn't live on land.
Read More
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
The multicolored Asian lady beetles look like common "ladybugs."
Read More
illustration of muskellunge by Virgil Beck
Meet the muskellunge—a lean, mean fightin' machine.
Read More
Muskrat in grass
The name comes from the musky odor that this small mammal gives off.
Read More
Freshwater mussels on rock in water
Winged mapleleaf, rock-pocketbook, monkeyface—sounds like World Wrestling Federation wrestlers?
Read More
photo of blue racer resting on a tree branch
This sleek and slender snake is one of North America's fastest snakes.
Read More
Male and Female Nothern Cardinals
The scarlet male cardinal needs no introduction, but the female is less obvious.
Read More
The Flying Squirrel
It's small, furry, and "flies" from tree to tree.
Read More
leopard frog resting in shallow water with back legs extended
Which frog wears spots like a leopard and snores like a bear?
Read More
nine northern map turtles on a log floating in the water
The females of this species have large broad heads and jaws adapted for cracking mollusk and crayfish shells. Ouch!
Read More
illustration of northern pike by Virgil Beck
This is Wisconsin's second largest predator fish.
Read More
Northern White Cedar stands against a white background, while a little bit of grass surrounds its base
The Northern White Cedar is easy to identify. It grows nearly everywhere in Wisconsin, except the southwest.
Read More
Northern White Cedar stands against a white background, while a little bit of grass surrounds its base
The Northern White Cedar is easy to identify. It grows nearly everywhere in Wisconsin, except the southwest.
Read More
Oposum walking
Have you ever heard of "playing 'possum"?
Read More
a snail with an elongate shell held in a person's hand
Think how hard it would be to carry your house on your back!
Read More
ornate box turtle resting on a rock
The ornate box turtle is an endangered species in Wisconsin.
Read More
Osprey with carp, Image Credit: Joe Riederer
The Osprey is also known as the fish hawk.
Read More
Ovenbird
This warbler can be found hopping on the floor of Wisconsin's mature forests.
Read More
painted turtle basking on a log
The painted turtle is the most common turtle in Wisconsin.
Read More
Paper Birch trees
In the winter, birch are also easy to identify by the dangling flower clusters in small bunches.
Read More
a small clump of pasqueflowers blooming in a prairie
The first prairie flower to bloom is the pasqueflower.
Read More
Peregrine Falcon
Faster Than A Speeding Bullet?
Read More
illustration of a phantom midge larvae
The phantom midge larva is so clear it's nearly invisible.
Read More
Pickerel Frog
Learn more about the Pickerel Frog.
Read More
Pileated Woodpecker
Have you ever seen oval, 3-4 inch holes bored into the trunks of standing dead trees?
Read More
Pine Grosbeak on a branch
A rare winter resident of southern Wisconsin and uncommon in the north.
Read More
Pine Marten in tree
The pine marten is nocturnal and we don't know much about them.
Read More
Pine Siskin at a feder
This member of the finch family is an uncommon summer resident in northern Wisconsin.
Read More
photo of two plains gartersnakes with their heads right on top of each other in grass
There is nothing plain about this boldly-striped snake. 
Read More
Planaria
The planaria or flatworm looks a lot like a garden worm.
Read More
Porcupine on a log eating berries
This mammal is not the sharp-shooter that many people think.
Read More
Close up of Prairie Coneflower
This delicate yellow coneflower stands between 2 and 5 feet tall.
Read More
Prairie Dock plant
Not to be mistaken for the sunflower or the compass plant.
Read More
prairie skink resting on old piece of wood
Don't you love saying the word, "skink"?
Read More
Prairie White-Fringed Orchid Close Up, Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer, CC-BY-SA 3.0
Before wet meadows and moist prairies were drained and tilled for agriculture, the prairie white-fringed orchid was more common.
Read More
illustration of a predaceous diving beetle
This beetle is one of the most common of all aquatic beetles.
Read More
illustration of pumpkinseed by Virgil Beck
This is the number one fish for kids to catch all over Wisconsin!
Read More
Purple Coneflower
The purple coneflower is a beautiful summer/fall bloomer.
Read More
Purple Finch
A famous bird expert once described the male purple finch as "a sparrow dipped in raspberry juice."
Read More
Blooming purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) growing at a garden
Purple loosestrife is a non-native invasive plant that has taken over some wetland areas.
Read More
photo of a quagga mussel
A quagga mussel feeds all year, even in winter.
Read More
photo of queensnake resting on a branch
This beautiful snake calls water home.
Read More
young raccoon walking in tall grass
The raccoon is a common backyard "bandit" that is easy to spot.
Read More
illustration of inland Rainbow Trout with bright lateral stripe
Steelhead and rainbow trout are really the same species of fish.
Read More
Red (Norway) pines
The red pine stands tall in the forest (80-120 feet) with a narrow trunk measuring only 2-3 feet in diameter.
Read More
Red fox in snow
Foxes no doubt got their crafty reputation from the way they look.
Read More
photo of red-bellied snake on a bed of moss, showing off its red belly
Have you ever seen a red-bellied snake?
Read More
Red-headed Woodpecker
Common name: red-headed woodpecker
Read More
Red-winged Blackbird in Flight
Find any wet or moist habitat in Wisconsin and there you'll find the common red-winged blackbird.
Read More
Ring-necked Pheasant
This ornate game bird is not native to Wisconsin, but is stocked for sport hunting.
Read More
photo of ring-necked snake on a lichen-covered rock with the back half of its body showing off the brightly-colored underbelly
No other snake in Wisconsin can be mistaken for a ring-necked snake.
Read More
Otter in water
Wild otters are not often seen because they are very secretive.
Read More
Robin
Wisconsin state bird.
Read More
Round Goby
This invader is a bottom dwelling fish with a large head, resembling a tadpole.
Read More
Ruffed Grouse
You're walking in the woods on a nice spring day, when suddenly y
Read More
photo of rusty crayfish
Most alien invaders come from another country, but not this one.
Read More
Graphic of salamander life cycle
A tadpole with gills!
Read More
Sandhill Crane
What is that large stork-like bird flying over Wisconsin's marshes?
Read More
Silhouette of Sandhill Cranes flying, Photo Credit: Joe Riederer
Crane fall staging areas map.
Read More
Scud
Can you tell why the scud is often called the sideswimmer?
Read More
Seed shrimp, Photo Credit: Dann Thombs
This almost microscopic member of the freshwater plankton is a scavenger.
Read More
Milkweed Seeds
Seeds are on the move! Match the seed with the way it's dispersed.
Read More
Shooting stars
Cranesbill, star shower, diamond-sparks—these are all names for this plant. Can you guess why?
Read More
Sideouts Grama, Photo Credit: Drew Avery, CC-BY
This Wisconsin prairie grass can be found in high prairies in southern Wisconsin to the north.
Read More
Six-lined racerunner resting in dried leaves
With a name like racerunner, you'd have to be fast. And, as their name suggests, racerunners are very fast.
Read More
slender glass lizard moving through grass
The name for this lizard is appropriate. When it's caught sometimes its tail breaks into many pieces like glass.
Read More
photo of a bright green snake resting on a rock with its tail in the water
This snake is often called a grass snake because of its green color.
Read More
smooth softshell turtle resting on sand
Softshells are easy to recognize by their long, pointed snouts and scuteless top shells (carapaces).
Read More
eastern gartersnake being held by a person
Did you know that there are as many as 21 kinds of snakes in Wisconsin? Wow, that's a lot!
Read More
closeup of a snapping turtles head and front legs
This turtle is long on tail, but short on temper.
Read More
photograph of snow peppered with thousands of tiny dark snow fleas
What, snow has fleas? Where?
Read More
Snowshoe Hare
This hare changes its coat twice a year, exchanging a thin brown summer coat for a heavy, white winter coat.
Read More
Groundhog Emerging from Snowy Den
What happens to animals when the days get shorter and the snow starts to fly?
Read More
southern map turtle basking on a floating log
Check out the carapace (top shell) on the southern map turtle.
Read More
Spider web with dew
Are you afraid of spiders? There's a name for that fear—Arachnophobia.
Read More
spiny softshell turtle basking on floating log
The spiny softshell looks a lot like its relative the smooth softshell.
Read More
Knapweed close-up in field
Spotted knapweed secretes chemicals into the soil that kill surrounding plants.
Read More
Spring Peeper
Learn more about the Spring Peeper.
Read More
Lightning  in the Clouds
Spring is a great time to get outside and see some of the art and beauty of nature.
Read More
stonefly nymph
Stonefly nymphs need to eat all they can because when they become adults they don't eat!
Read More
Skunk in grass
The skunk is a member of the weasel family.
Read More
illustration of lake sturgeon by Virgil Beck
Dinosaur Fish Lurk in Wisconsin Waters
Read More
Sugar Maple Tree
The sugar maple was selected as the state tree by school children in a statewide vote in 1893.
Read More
Firefly on leaf
A story about fireflies by Genny Fannucchi.
Read More
Frog Life Cycle
Baby frogs or toads are called tadpoles.
Read More
A Tamarack tree stands tall in it's fall dress of yellow with a dusting of snow on it's branches and needles
The tamarack is NOT an evergreen because an evergreen tree is one that is never totally without leaves.
Read More
nighttime photo of a badger taken on a Snapshot Wisconsin trail camera
Snapshot Wisconsin has trail cameras all over the state. Can you identify the animals that were captured on these cameras? 
Read More
a closeup look at a nematode
The threadworm is commonly found in bottom muck or sand throughout the world.
Read More
photo of timber rattlesnake basking on a rock
Wisconsin has two rattlesnakes. This is the big one!
Read More
Wolf pack
Have you ever heard a wolf howl in the wild? Not many people have.
Read More
American Woodcock aka Timberdoodle
Coming this spring to Wisconsin's woods.
Read More
Eastern Red Cedar
Test how much you know about trees with this quiz!
Read More
Trumpeter Swans on ice
Snow-white trumpeter swans are a spectacular sight.
Read More
illustration of tubifex worms
This aquatic angleworm is right at home in mucky water.
Read More
Tundra Swan
Come spring and fall you may have the good fortune to see these large, white birds.
Read More
Two wild turkey in a feild
Tips and tricks to help you when hunting this holiday favorite.
Read More
Turkey Vulture
This large bird species has been around since prehistoric times.
Read More
spiny softshell turtles basking on fallen log
Have you ever seen a turtle sunning itself on a log on a warm summer day?
Read More
Tussock Moths on Milkweed
These very hungry caterpillars can be abundant on milkweed.
Read More
Upland Plover
Another name for this bird is upland sandpiper.
Read More
illustration of walleye by Virgil Beck
The walleye is the largest member of the perch family.
Read More
Water Boatman illustration
This insect's body is shaped like a boat, perfect for swimming.
Read More
Crawling water beetle
Pick a critter and see if you can identify it!
Read More
Water flea or daphnia
Did you ever itch to catch a water flea?
Read More
Water mite
The water mite is a round critter with eight legs and one eye.
Read More
photograph of a water scavenger beetle
Just as you would expect from its name, this large beetle feeds on dead stuff.
Read More
Water Scorpion Nepa
How long can you stand without moving?
Read More
northern map turtle floating in the water
You and your family can help protect Wisconsin's turtles and liza
Read More
western ribbonsnake resting on sand
There are less than a half dozen records of this endangered snake being seen in Wisconsin.
Read More
western wormsnake wrapped around a twig
This snake spends most of its time underground.
Read More
Ellingson Island & Split Rock Lighthouse at Sunset
Wisconsin - the word is thought to refer to a running river, which makes sense because lakes and rivers make up a large part of Wisconsin's natural resources.
Read More
Whirligig Beetle
This beetle zips in wild patterns all around the surface of quiet water.
Read More
White Spruce, Photo Credit: Steven Isaacson CC-BY-SA 3.0
The white spruce reaches 60-80 feet with a wide crown (top).
Read More
stalks of white-flowered wild white indigo growing in a prairie
Why would a beautiful white-flowering prairie plant have a name that is a shade of blue?
Read More
White-tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer is one of North America's most abundant big-game animal.
Read More
Whooping Crane
2006 marked the first year that whooping cranes hatched in the wild in the Midwest in over 100 years!
Read More
red oak leaves at Havenwoods State Forest - photo by Beth Mittermaier
While you were playing in the hot sun during summer vacation the trees on the streets, in the parks, and it the forests were working hard to keep you cool. They need a rest!
Read More
Wild Parsnip in field
Scientific name: Pastinaca sativa
Read More
Wild Turkey
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble.
Read More
Osprey nest with two birds in it
If you can't get outside to see wildlife, bring the wildlife to you!
Read More
Portrait of an american badger
Although badgers have been associated with our coat of arms, the state flag, the University of Wisconsin, the official seal and Cornish miners since the days of the Wisconsin Territory,
Read More
Large crowd of people celebrating and dancing the polka at an Oktoberfest celebration
For those who simply must know why the polka was recently given official status over the Chicken
Read More
Close-up of cows in summer
The dairy cow was added to the statutes as Wisconsin's official "domestic animal" in recognition
Read More
Wisconsin state flag 1848
Wisconsin's state flag includes the Coat of Arms which represents many of our valued natural resources and the contributions of early pioneers to the state's development.
Read More
Fossil of a trilobite
The Wisconsin Geological Society proposed a state fossil in 1985 to encourage interest in our geological heritage.
Read More
Galena
The state mineral became Galena at the same time red granite became the state rock
Read More
Red granite rocks
Red granite became the state rock in 1971.
Read More
Farmer holding soil in hands
Believe it or not, we even have a state soil!
Read More
Gray wolf in snow
Take a look at these Wisconsin wolf photos taken from the air!
Read More
Tall oak tree in the spring
Armed with a flexible measuring tape and a ruler, big tree hunters are searching Wisconsin's cities and countryside for champion trees.
Read More
Chickadee flying in winter, Photo Credit: Joe Riederer
Point to and click on any bird to learn more about them and what they're eating at the feeder.
Read More
a tiny fairy shrimp being held in a handful of water
Lake life is plentiful and not all lake creatures are easy to see.
Read More
Wood Anemone growing
You'll find this plant in dry to medium open woods and clearings.
Read More
Male and Female Wood Ducks
The wood duck is often called Wisconsin's most beautiful duck with its bright, multi-colored feathers.
Read More
wod turtle resting on forest floor
This medium-sized turtle is most easily recognized by its shell.
Read More
Close-up of a single Purple flowered Wild Violets (Viola papilionacea)
State flowers were first nominated in 1908.
Read More
Yellow and green birch trees
Tell-tale smooth, peeling bark that looks like paper with small horizontal lines is a sure sign of a yellow birch.
Read More
Yellow lotus in bloom
This beautiful wetland plant can be found throughout the Midwest and eastern United States.
Read More
illustration of yellow perch by Virgil Beck
Perch are found everywhere in Wisconsin and are very popular to catch and eat.
Read More
a wasp-like bee with a two yellow marks on its face on a bright pink flower
This ¼ inch bee is slender and looks somewhat like a wasp.
Read More