Okay, animal lovers, today let’s talk about some of the wild animals in Missouri that are rarely seen. A few of them are making a comeback in the state. Spotting one of these wild animals from a distance can be a real treat. (Wouldn’t it be awesome to turn on the zoom on your camera or smartphone for a few photos?) However, never get too close to any of these wild animals in Missouri.

1. Mountain Lions
Flickr/Nathan Rupert
Sightings of mountain lions have increased in Missouri in recent years, after being declared extinct in the early 20th century. They disappeared from Missouri, according to officials, because of trapping and over-hunting. However, experts believe that, in time, mountain lions may again become a permanent fixture in Missouri. Out of thousands of alleged sightings in the last two decades, just 97 have officially been confirmed as mountain lions by the Missouri Department of Conservation. A nocturnal animal, mountain lions tend to keep to themselves and are often confused - at least from a distance - with bobcats and sometimes even ordinary house cats.
2. Black Bears
Flickr/Jethro Taylor
Black bears aren't technically out-of-place in Missouri. However, the number of American black bears in Missouri is certainly increasing. In fact, the Missouri Department of Conservation is conducting a study over the next few years to pinpoint just how many black bears live among us in Missouri. Preliminary estimates put the number at between 540 and 840. The black bear population in Missouri is increasing at a rate of nine percent annually, the Missouri Department of Conservation asserts.

Want to avoid an encounter with a black bear? Don't leave dog, cat, bird, or other food that might attract black bears in your yard.

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3. Bobcat
Flickr/matt knoth
Just like with mountain lions, bobcats have been growing in numbers in Missouri in the last two or three decades. That increase is due, in part, to a lack of trapping since wearing fur has gone out of fashion. What's more, bobcats don't really have to worry about predators in Missouri. Do you have to worry about bobcats? Generally a shy animal, bobcats tend to leave people alone.
4. Gray Wolf
Flickr/Josh More
Gray wolves hold protected status in Missouri and other parts of the United States. A federally endangered species, gray wolves aren't often seen in Missouri. However, you might read a news story or two about a gray wolf sighting or about a gray wolf - who likely traveled from Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin - who was shot and killed because they were mistaken for a coyote or another animal.

Have you ever seen any of these wild animals in Missouri (other than in a zoo or a wildlife sanctuary)? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, if you want to see an animal you will never see in the wild in Missouri, visit the National Tiger Sanctuary.

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More to Explore

Animals In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | December 14, 2022

What are some other dangerous animals in Missouri?

While you may not spot the wild animals discussed above, there are some dangerous animals in Missouri of which you should be aware. Here are just a few of the dangerous animals in Missouri:

  • Black bears are most commonly sighted in Missouri’s forests and wooded areas. If you come face-to-face with a black bear, make a lot of noise to announce your presence.
  • Coyotes are another common wild animal in Missouri and pose the greatest risk to small animals, dogs, and cats. Keep an eye on your pets when they’re outdoors.
  • Ticks are extremely dangerous to both humans and dogs as they carry Lyme Disease.
  • Black widows are found throughout Missouri, and their bites are extremely dangerous. If you get bit by one, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Missouri is home to more than 45 types of snakes, including the Osage copperhead. Avoid them and go the other way if you see one; killing snakes is illegal in Missouri.

 

Where are some places to see animals in Missouri?

While we may want to stay clear of wild animals in Missouri, there are still plenty of places where we can see other animals in the state. Here are just a few places to see an assortment of animals in Missouri:

 

Are there any zoos in Missouri?

One of the best ways to see wild animals and rare animals is to visit one of Missouri’s zoos. Here are several zoos in Missouri that are worth a visit:

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