Although a variety of wildlife can be seen on your visit to the Fort Smith National Historic Site today, the historic landscape, prior to and during the early peroid of European settlement, contained a greater amount and diversity of animals. Black bear, bison, elk, and the now extinct Passenger Pigeon were all common residents to the area where the Fort Smith National Historic Site is now located. Reintroduction efforts have been proven successful in establishing significant numbers of black bear in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and elk in the Buffalo River region of the Ozarks. 

While walking the grounds keep and eye out for one of the park's many Fox Squirrels. These playful critters thrive on the park's abuntant acorns, walnuts, and pecans;  not mention providing nearly constant entertainment to visitors. 

Other mammals you might see include:

• Ground Hog
• Beaver
• Coyote (rare)
• Red Fox
• Raccoon
• Eastern Cottontail (rabbit)
  
  

The City of Fort Smith is a bird sanctuary and Fort Smith National Historic Site is an ideal place for birdwatchers. Click here for a list of seasonal, resident, and migratory birds.

Every fall, monarch butterflies migrate through the park on their way to Mexico.