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:

 

Reptiles

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

Mammals

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

Birds

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

Amphibians

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

Fish

Over 20 species of fish live in Pipestone Creek

Insects

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

Crustaceans

The tiny omnivores of Pipestone Creek