Ohio Animals and More
A practical resource for educators, land managers and naturalists interested in the birds, fish, insects, reptiles and animals of Ohio and surrounding states. In addition, find all Ohio information – roads, sports, history, minerals, meteors and more!
Quick Navigation of Ohio Wildlife
Academic Review of Ohio Wildlife
Ohio Amphibians Overview | Ohio Beetles Overview | Ohio Birds Overview | Ohio Butterflies Overview | Ohio Creek Fish Overview | Ohio Fish Overview | Ohio Fossils Overview | Ohio Grasshoppers Overview | Ohio Insects Overview | Ohio Mammals Overview | Ohio Moths Overview | Ohio Mushrooms Overview | Ohio Native Plants Overview | Ohio Forest Types Overview | Ohio Prairies Overview | Ohio Wetlands Overview | Ohio Reptiles Overview | Ohio Shrubs Overview | Ohio Spiders Overview | Ohio Stick Insects Overview | Ohio Wildlife Management Overview | Ohio Trees Overview | Ohio Wildflowers Overview
A–Z Indexes of Ohio Wildlife
Ohio Amphibians Index | Ohio Beetles Index | Ohio Birds Index | Ohio Butterflies Index | Ohio Fish Index | Ohio Fossils Index | Ohio Grasshoppers Index | Ohio Insects Index | Ohio Lichens Index | Ohio Mammals Index | Ohio Mosses Index | Ohio Moths Index | Ohio Mushrooms Index | Ohio Native Plants Index | Ohio Reptiles Index | Ohio Shrubs Index | Ohio Stick Insects Index | Ohio Trees Index | Ohio Wildflowers Index
Behavioral Charts of Ohio Wildlife
Ohio Breeding Calendar Charts | Ohio Diet Charts | Ohio Food Web Charts | Ohio Migration Charts | Ohio Seasonal Activity Charts | Wildlife Abundance Charts
Timing and Monitoring of Ohio Wildlife
Effective monitoring begins with timing. Consult the Ohio Breeding Calendar Charts and the Ohio Seasonal Activity Charts to schedule surveys during peak activity and nesting windows. These pages summarize phenology across taxa and provide practical windows for point counts, amphibian call surveys, and pollinator transects.
When interpreting field signs, place observations into trophic context using the Ohio Diet Charts and the Ohio Food Web Charts. These resources help translate scat, feeding traces, and nest contents into management actions such as targeted plantings or predator management.
For migration planning and stopover habitat, use the Ohio Migration Charts. To establish monitoring baselines and track trends, consult the Wildlife Abundance Charts for relative abundance indices and suggested survey approaches.
Ohio Habitats and Ecosystems
Forests of Ohio
Use the Ohio Forest Types Overview and the Ohio Trees Overview when selecting canopy species for restoration or assessing habitat suitability for forest‑dependent wildlife. These overviews describe composition, successional dynamics, and management considerations.
Prairies and Grasslands of Ohio
The Ohio Prairies Overview and the Ohio Grasshoppers Overview guide seed mix selection, disturbance regimes, and invertebrate support strategies for pollinators and grassland specialists.
Wetlands and Riparian Areas in Ohio
Consult the Ohio Wetlands Overview and the Ohio Creek Fish Overview for hydrology, buffer design, and in‑stream habitat improvements that benefit amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates.
Ohio Herpetology – Amphibians and Reptiles
For species accounts, breeding habitat needs, and survey methods consult the Ohio Amphibians Overview. Use the Ohio Reptiles Overview for detection tips and habitat associations for snakes, turtles, and lizards. When you need species‑level details, reference the Ohio Amphibians Index and the Ohio Reptiles Index.
Ohio Birds and Migration
The Ohio Birds Overview explains flyways, breeding habitat, and monitoring protocols. Combine that context with the Ohio Migration Charts and the Ohio Breeding Calendar Charts to schedule point counts and nest searches. For identification and range notes, use the Ohio Birds Index.
Ohio Mammals
The Ohio Mammals Overview outlines detection methods such as camera trapping and track surveys, and explains seasonal activity patterns. Pair that guidance with the Ohio Seasonal Activity Charts to time surveys for nocturnal or crepuscular species. Use the Ohio Mammals Index for species accounts.
Ohio Fish and Aquatic Life
Stream and lake ecology are covered in the Ohio Fish Overview and the Ohio Creek Fish Overview. These pages describe sampling protocols, indicator species, and restoration priorities. Integrate this information with the Ohio Food Web Charts to design riparian plantings that support aquatic food webs.
Ohio Invertebrates and Pollinators
For pollinator plantings and insect surveys consult the Ohio Butterflies Overview, the Ohio Beetles Overview, and the Ohio Moths Overview. Use the corresponding indexes, such as the Ohio Butterflies Index and the Ohio Beetles Index, for species identification and host plant associations.
Ohio Mites
Bird Mite | Chigger | Clover Mite | Gall Mite | Harvest Mite | Predatory Mite | Rodent Mite | Rust Mite | Spider Mite | Velvet Mite
Ohio Ticks
American Dog Tick | Blacklegged Tick | Brown Dog Tick | Lone Star Tick | Winter Tick
Ohio Grasshoppers
Carolina Grasshopper | Differential Grasshopper | Long-horned Grasshopper | Obscure Grasshopper | Spur-throated Grasshopper
Ohio Crickets
Field Cricket | Snowy Tree Cricket
Ohio Katydids
Broad-winged Katydid | Common Meadow Katydid | Fork-tailed Bush Katydid
Plants, Fungi, Mosses, and Lichens of Ohio
Restoration plant selection is guided by the Ohio Native Plants Overview and the Ohio Trees Overview. For fungal roles in decomposition and soil health consult the Ohio Mushrooms Overview and the Ohio Mushrooms Index. Nonvascular groups are covered in the Ohio Mosses Index and the Ohio Lichens Index.
Small Ohio Taxa and Shrubs
Specialist groups such as spiders and stick insects are discussed in the Ohio Spiders Overview and the Ohio Stick Insects Overview. For shrub selection and wildlife value consult the Ohio Shrubs Overview and the Ohio Shrubs Index.
Rocks and Minerals of Ohio
Silicate Minerals of Ohio
Actinolite | Aegirine | Albite | Amphibolite | Andalusite | Anorthite | Anthophyllite | Arfvedsonite | Augite | Axinite | Beryl | Bronzite | Bytownite | Chrysocolla | Clinohumite | Clinozoisite | Diopside | Enstatite | Epidote | Forsterite | Garnet | Grossular | Hornblende | Jade | Jadeite | Kornerupine | Kyanite | Labradorite | Lepidolite | Microcline | Nepheline | Olivine | Orthoclase | Orthopyroxene | Pargasite | Phlogopite | Pumpellyite | Scapolite | Schorl | Serandite | Serpentine | Sillimanite | Spessartine | Spinel | Spodumene | Staurolite | Titanite | Tourmaline | Tremolite | Ulexite | Vesuvianite | Wollastonite | Zoisite
Carbonate Minerals of Ohio
Ankerite | Aragonite | Calcite | Dolomite | Dolostone | Magnesite | Malachite | Marble | Metavivianite | Rhodochrosite | Siderite | Smithsonite | Travertine
Sulfate Minerals of Ohio
Alabaster | Anhydrite | Barite | Celestine | Gypsum | Heulandite | Mirabilite | Selenite | Stilbite
Oxide Minerals of Ohio
Cassiterite | Chromite | Erythrite | Glauberite | Goethite | Hematite | Ilmenite | Limonite | Magnetite | Rutile | Spinel | Ulvospinel | Wurtzite
Halide Minerals of Ohio
Phosphate Minerals of Ohio
Apatite | Fluorapatite | Jahnsite | Monazite | Phosphorite | Strengite | Variscite | Vivianite
Sulfide Minerals of Ohio
Bornite | Chalcopyryite | Cinnabar | Covellite | Galena | Jordanite | Marcasite | Millerite | Pentlandite | Pyrite | Pyrrhotite | Realgar | Sphalerite
Native Elements of Ohio
Other Minerals of Ohio
Alunite | Apatite | Benitoite | Celestine | Cerussite | Chert | Gypsum | Illite | Kaolinite | Kerite | Mica | Vermiculite
Mineral Varieties of Ohio
Amethyst | Iceland Spar | Jasper | Opal | Tiger’s Eye
Mineraloids of Ohio
Rock Varieties of Ohio
Kyanite Schist | Tremolitic Marble
Organic Non-Mineral Geological Materials of Ohio
Igneous Rocks of Ohio
Andesite | Anorthosite | Basalt | Diorite | Dunite | Gabbro | Granite | Granodiorite | Komatiite | Latite | Monzonite | Obsidian | Peridotite | Phonolite | Pumice | Rhyolite | Scoria | Syenite | Tephrite | Trachyte
Metamorphic Rocks of Ohio
Amphibolite | Blueschist | Eclogite | Gneiss | Greenschist | Hornfels | Marble | Migmatite | Phyllite | Quartzite
Ohio Conservation and Management
Start with the Ohio Breeding Calendar Charts and the Ohio Migration Charts to select survey windows.
Use the Ohio Native Plants Overview and the Ohio Food Web Charts to choose plantings that support target guilds.
When you find an organism, consult the relevant A–Z index (for example, the Ohio Birds Index or the Ohio Amphibians Index) for species‑level details.
Track trends with the Wildlife Abundance Charts and apply guidance from the Ohio Wildlife Management Overview to refine actions.
Local Ohio Interest and Cultural Context
For a local natural history feature and cultural connection, read The Ancient Oak of Ancient Oak Farm, which illustrates how landmark trees anchor community conservation stories. For regional planning, consult Wildlife Regions of Ohio and for angling records see Ohio State Record Fish.
The Ohio Wildlife Guide synthesizes seasonal charts, academic overviews and A–Z species lists. Allowing you to plan surveys, interpret observations and design habitat actions across Ohio. Check out the new National Parks section.
Complete Ohio Wildlife List
Ohio Snakes
Black Racer | Black Rat Snake | Brown Snake | Common Kingsnake | Common Ribbon Snake | Common Watersnake | Copperbelly Watersnake | Eastern Foxsnake | Eastern Hog-nose Snake | Eastern Milk Snake | Gray Ratsnake | Kirtland’s Snake | Lake Erie Watersnake | Midland Rat Snake | Northern Water Snake | Plains Garter Snake | Queen Snake | Red-bellied Snake | Ring-necked Snake | Rough Green Snake | Smooth Green Snake | Timber Rattlesnake | Western Foxsnake | Western Ribbon Snake | Woodland Kingsnake
Ohio Turtles
Blanding’s Turtle | Bog Turtle | Common Musk Turtle | Common Snapping Turtle | Eastern Box Turtle | Midland Painted Turtle | Midland Smooth Softshell | Midland Spiny Softshell | Northern Map Turtle | Ouachita Map Turtle | Red-eared Slider | Spotted Turtle | Wood Turtle
Ohio Lizards & Skinks
Broad-headed Skink | Coal Skink | Common Five-lined Skink | Common Wall Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard | European Wall Lizard | Fence Lizard | Five-lined Skink | Green Anole | House Gecko | Little Brown Skink | Six-lined Racerunner
Ohio Mammals
American Badger | American Beaver | American Marten | American Mink | American Red Fox Squirrel | Bobcat | Black Bear | Coyote | Eastern Gray Squirrel | Fox Squirrel | Fisher | Gray Fox | Long-tailed Weasel | Muskrat | North American River Otter | Raccoon | Red Fox | Red Squirrel | Striped Skunk | Virginia Opossum | White-tailed Deer
Ohio Bats
Big Brown Bat | Brazilian Free-tailed Bat | Evening Bat | Gray Bat | Hoary Bat | Indiana Bat | Little Brown Bat | Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat | Red Bat | Silver-haired Bat | Tri-colored Bat
Ohio Rodents
Allegheny Woodrat | Black Rat | Deer Mouse | Eastern Chipmunk | Groundhog | House Mouse | Meadow Jumping Mouse | Meadow Vole | Norway Rat | Prairie Vole | Snowshoe Vole | Southern Bog Lemming | Southern Flying Squirrel | Southern Red-backed Vole | Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | White-footed Mouse | Woodchuck | Woodland Vole
Ohio Shrews & Moles
American Pygmy Shrew | American Shrew Mole | American Water Shrew | Eastern Mole | Masked Shrew | Smoky Shrew | Star-nosed Mole | Short-tailed Shrew
Ohio Large Mammals Extirpated or Rare
American Bison | American Hog-nosed Skunk | American Pika | American Black Swift | Caribou | Elk | Gray Wolf | Moose | Mountain Lion | Red Wolf | Wolverine
Prepared using the site’s charts, academic overviews, and A–Z species indexes. For detailed species pages and downloadable charts visit the linked pages above.
Ohio Cities, Counties and Regions
Ohio’s cities reflect the state’s cultural and economic diversity. Columbus, the state capital, is known for its universities, research institutions, and growing technology sector. Cleveland, located on Lake Erie, blends industrial heritage with cultural landmarks such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Smaller cities like Athens and Sandusky contribute to Ohio’s character through education, tourism, and regional history.
Cities & Towns of Ohio
Akron | Ashtabula | Ashville | Athens | Beavercreek | Bexley | Canton | Chillicothe | Cincinnati | Cleveland | Columbus | Cuyahoga Falls | Dayton | Delphos | Dublin | Elyria | Fairfield | Findlay | Gallipolis | Galion | Huber Heights | Kent | Kettering | Lancaster | Lima | Logan | Lorain | Mansfield | Marietta | Marion | Maumee | Mentor | Nelsonville | New Philadelphia | Newark | Oberlin | Parma | Perrysburg | Port Clinton | Portsmouth | Sandusky | Springfield | The Plains | Toledo | Upper Arlington | Wauseon | Westerville | Wooster | Youngstown | Zanesville
Colleges & Universities of Ohio
Ashland University | Baldwin Wallace University | Bowling Green State University | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland State University | College of Wooster | Denison University | Hocking College | Heidelberg University | John Carroll University | Kenyon College | Kent State University | Marietta College | Miami University | University of Mount Union | Muskingum University | Oberlin College | Ohio State University | Ohio University | Otterbein University | Shawnee State University | University of Akron | University of Cincinnati | University of Dayton | University of Findlay | University of Toledo | Ursuline College | Wright State University | Xavier University | Youngstown State University
Ohio Roadways and Transportation
Ohio’s transportation network connects major cities, rural communities, and natural areas. Highways such as Interstate 71, linking Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, form the backbone of statewide travel. Scenic routes like the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway offer access to forests, waterfalls, and geological formations. These roadways support commerce, tourism, and everyday life across the state.
Ohio Meteorites
Anderson Turner Mounds Meteorite | Cincinnati Meteorite | Dayton Meteorite | Enon Meteorite | Fairfield Butler Meteorite | Gahanna Meteorite | Hopewell Mounds Meteorite | Kossuth Meteorite | New Concord Meteorite | New Westville Meteorite | Powellsville Meteorite | Pricetown Meteorite | Tarlton Meteorite | Wooster Meteorite
Ohio History
Ohio’s history spans Indigenous mound‑building cultures, early statehood, and major roles in national events. The state became the 17th in the nation in 1803 and later served as a key region for the Underground Railroad. Ohio’s industrial cities helped drive the nation’s manufacturing boom, while innovators like the Wright brothers transformed global transportation. The state’s historical legacy continues to shape its identity today.
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient from Ohio – Forrest E Everhart Sr
Thompson Moving and Storage – Historical Business in Ohio.
Ohio Sports
Sports are deeply woven into Ohio’s culture, from professional teams to college athletics. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals anchor the state’s NFL presence, while the Columbus Blue Jackets represent Ohio in the NHL. College sports, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, draw passionate statewide support. Sporting events and rivalries contribute to Ohio’s sense of community and tradition. Check out the Ohio Sports Card section.
Pro Sports Teams of Ohio
Cincinnati Bengals | Cincinnati Reds | Cleveland Browns | Cleveland Cavaliers | Cleveland Guardians | Columbus Blue Jackets | Columbus Crew | FC Cincinnati
College Teams of Ohio
Akron Zips | Ashland Eagles | Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets | Bowling Green Falcons | Capital Crusaders | Case Western Reserve Spartans | Cincinnati Bearcats | Cleveland State Vikings | Heidelberg Student Princes | John Carroll Blue Streaks | Kent State Golden Flashes | Miami RedHawks | Mount Union Purple Raiders | Muskingum Fighting Muskies | Ohio Bobcats | Ohio Northern Polar Bears | Ohio State Buckeyes | Otterbein Cardinals | Toledo Rockets | Walsh Cavaliers | Wittenberg Tigers | Wright State Raiders
High School Teams of Ohio
Archbishop Hoban Knights | Athens High School Bulldogs | Canton McKinley Bulldogs | Colerain Cardinals | Elder Panthers | Glenville Tarblooders | Hilliard Bradley Jaguars | Hilliard Darby Panthers | Hilliard Davidson Wildcats | Marion Local Flyers | Massillon Tigers | Mentor Cardinals | Moeller Crusaders | Pickerington Central Tigers | Pickerington North Panthers | Springfield Wildcats | St. Edward Eagles | St. Ignatius Wildcats | St. Xavier Bombers | Trotwood-Madison Rams
