Species of special concern are species for whom some issue is suspected, either in abundance or distribution, but not yet proven. It’s main purpose is to bring attention to species of concern before they become threatened or endangered

illustration of a lake sturgeon by Virgil Beck
Blanding's Turtle on a log
Wildlife watching at a wetland area is a fun summer time activity.
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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.
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photo of Butler's gartersnake resting on a rock
The Butler's gartersnake is very hard to tell apart from other gartersnakes.
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Eastern Meadowlark
Hark, it's the meadowlark, atop a fencepost, roadside pole, wire or shrub.
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Evening Grosbeak on a branch
A fairly common winter resident in Wisconsin.
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Four-toed Salamander
The four-toed salamander is called the four-toed salamander because it has four toes on its hind feet.
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close-up photo of gophersnake's head
What's that hissing sound? Well, it could be a gophersnake.
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Goshawk
These hawks rely on speed and cunning to catch their prey.
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photo of gray ratsnake sunning on rocks
When looking for snakes, you might not think to look up.
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Mink Frog, Image Credit: Bob Hay
Learn more about the Mink Frog.
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photo of blue racer resting on a tree branch
This sleek and slender snake is one of North America's fastest snakes.
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Pickerel Frog
Learn more about the Pickerel Frog.
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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. 
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prairie skink resting on old piece of wood
Don't you love saying the word, "skink"?
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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.
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smooth softshell turtle resting on sand
Softshells are easy to recognize by their long, pointed snouts and scuteless top shells (carapaces).
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illustration of lake sturgeon by Virgil Beck
Dinosaur Fish Lurk in Wisconsin Waters
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photo of timber rattlesnake basking on a rock
Wisconsin has two rattlesnakes. This is the big one!
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American Woodcock aka Timberdoodle
Coming this spring to Wisconsin's woods.
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Whooping Crane
2006 marked the first year that whooping cranes hatched in the wild in the Midwest in over 100 years!
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