Animals

Painted Lady Butterfly on Lichen-covered Quartzite

NPS/A. Deming

Pipestone National Monument has a diverse array of animal species, including thirteen-lined ground squirrels, great blue herons, snapping turtles, and beavers. During the spring and fall months, bird watching is a popular activity.

There are over 25 mammalian species, over 100 bird species, approximately 26 fish species, 9 reptiles and amphibians, and numerous insect families. Click on the links below for more information:

 

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  Reptiles

  A few of the more common reptiles you may see while visiting the Monument

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  Mammals

  Deer, pocket gophers, thirteen-lined ground squirrels, bats, shrews, and other mammals thrive in the prairie

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  Birds

  The diversity of wildlife in the Monument's tallgrass prairie provides a perfect spot for birders

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  Amphibians

  Pipestone's amphibians tend to be elusive, but you're sure to hear them in the spring and summer

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  Fish

  Over 20 species of fish live in Pipestone Creek

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  Insects

  Learn more about the critters who help pollinate the tallgrass prairie and provide food for countless other animals in the Monument

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  Crustaceans

  The tiny omnivores of Pipestone Creek