Mississippi Gopher Frog (Rana capito sevosa): This frog is endemic to Mississippi and is found only in a small area of the state. It is a federally threatened species and is known for its unique call, which sounds like a muffled bark.
Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum): This salamander is found in the pine forests of Mississippi and Alabama. It is a small, dark-colored salamander with yellow spots and a flattened body.
Pine Woods Snake (Rhadinaea flavilata): This snake is found in the pine forests of Mississippi and other southeastern states. It is a small, slender snake with a brown or gray body and a yellow or orange belly.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus): This venomous snake is found throughout the southeastern United States, including Mississippi. It is one of the largest rattlesnakes in the world and is known for its aggressive behavior.
Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis): This hawk is found in the eastern United States, including Mississippi. It is a medium-sized hawk with a gray body, white head, and black wingtips.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis): This woodpecker is found in the pine forests of Mississippi and other southeastern states. It is a small, black-and-white woodpecker with a distinctive red patch on the back of its head.
Bachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis): This sparrow is found in the open fields and pine forests of Mississippi and other southeastern states. It is a small, brown sparrow with a distinctive song that sounds like a series of high-pitched whistles.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis): This bird is found throughout the eastern United States, including Mississippi. It is a small, bluebird with a rusty-red breast and a white belly.
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis): This large reptile is found in the swamps, rivers, and lakes of Mississippi. It is a carnivore and is known for its powerful jaws and long, muscular tail.
Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi): This fish is found in the Gulf of Mexico and its tributaries, including the Mississippi River. It is a large, prehistoric-looking fish with a long snout and rows of bony plates along its body.
These are just a few examples of the many animals that are indigenous to Mississippi. The state's diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, provide homes for a wide variety of wildlife.