Mammals
The Mississippi River is home to a variety of mammals of both native and non-native species. Some examples of mammals known to inhabit the river are river otters, beavers, muskrats, mink, and white-tailed deer. River otters are a species of mammals that inhabit both the freshwater and brackish water of the river. They are semi-aquatic, playing and foraging in the water and laying on land to bask in the sun. Beavers are another mammal found along the banks of the Mississippi River who build lodges in the woody areas. The lodges are used as a place to rest, hide from predators, and socialize. Muskrats are amphibious rodents that build dens similar to beavers, using mud and plant material. Like the other mammals, muskrats forage for food both in and out of the water.
Mink are another species of mammals found living along the banks of the Mississippi River. They inhabit the grassy and brushy areas of the river, where they are able to hunt for frogs, mussels, fish, and other small animals or insects. The final mammal species that inhabit the Mississippi River is the white-tailed deer. Although initially shy, they can become quite accustomed to people when food is available.
Birds
There are also a variety of avian species that inhabit the Mississippi River. These include aquatic birds, such as ducks and geese, as well as migratory birds, such as swans, herons, and terns. Ducks and geese are most commonly found in open water areas, where they find fish, insects, and other aquatic animals to feed on. However, they will also feed on terrestrial plants, such as grass seed and corn.
Some species of migratory birds have also been spotted on the Mississippi, including tundra swans, great blue herons, American white pelicans, and federally-protected piping plovers and least terns. Tundra swans are typically seen in wet areas of the river during the summer months, when they feed on small crabs, fish, and amphibians. Great blue herons, American white pelicans, and black-crowned night herons can usually be found perched on tree branches in areas with shallow water, where they can easily hunt for fish and aquatic snails.
Fish
In addition to mammals and birds, the Mississippi River is home to a myriad of fish species. Some of the most abundant fish species in the river include the bluegill, the largemouth bass, and the smallmouth bass. These fish generally inhabit the banks and shallow waters of the river, although they can also be found in small ponds or streams. Smallmouth bass are often found in large schools near rocky substrate and can survive in both clean and muddy waters.
As the waters of the Mississippi flow further south, more fish species become available. These include the channel catfish, black crappie, and flathead catfish. The channel catfish are typically found in areas with impressive aquatic vegetation, where they can hide from other predators and search for food. Black crappie and flathead catfish can be found in deeper waters, where they feed on other fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. These species of fish are well-known game-fish and are highly sought-after by anglers.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The Mississippi River also supports a great diversity of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the most common species include turtles, frogs, and snakes. Turtles, such as the red-eared slider, are abundant in the river, where they can find safety from predators in the depths of the water. Female turtles lay their eggs in sandy areas along the banks of the river. Frogs can be heard in the warm months, their deep croaks rising up from the marshy areas. Examples of frog species found in the Mississippi River include the green frog, northern leopard frog, and bullfrog. Lastly, several species of dangerous and non-venomous snakes can be found sunning themselves on logs or basking in the grassy areas along the river banks.
Invasive Species
There are also many invasive species inhabiting the Mississippi River. One of the most significant are the Asian carp, which were introduced in the early 1990s. These fish are highly adaptable and have the potential to out-compete native species for food and resources. A number of other aquatic invasive species can also be found in the Mississippi River, such as the zebra mussel, Rudd, and riverine plants. These species have the potential to cause physical damage to native species and their habitats, further exacerbating the effects of climate change and human activities.
Conservation and Preservation
The Mississippi River is of great importance to the people who inhabit its banks and to the region as a whole. As such, there is an ongoing effort to conserve and preserve the species that inhabit it. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting and managing the fish and wildlife populations, while other organizations are focused on protecting their habitats and promoting their recovery. Furthermore, many conservation organizations have implemented restoration projects and introduced conservation measures to ensure that these species and their habitats are preserved for future generations.
Impact of Human Activity
Lastly, it is important to recognize the impact of human activity on the animals inhabiting the Mississippi River. While human activity, such as pollution and overfishing, has certainly impacted their populations, it is also true that some species have adapted and persisted in spite of these conditions. For example, beavers and muskrats have successfully adapted to the presence of dams, while mink, turtles, and snakes have been able to exploit the islands and marshes created by human activity. It should also be noted that human activity has opened up new habitats for some species, such as the white-tailed deer.
Climate Change Impact
The shrinking of the river’s natural habitats due to climate change is also an important factor when it comes to the animals inhabiting the Mississippi. Shorter periods of seasonal flooding are known to have a significant impact on the populations of both native and non-native species. For example, the Asian carp, which is highly adaptable, has been found to thrive in areas where there is reduced flooded land. Furthermore, anthropogenic climate change has also been found to increase the spread of invasive species.
Role of Education
It is also important to recognize the role of education in understanding and protecting the animals that inhabit the Mississippi River. By providing accurate information and empowering individuals to take action, it is possible to both protect and preserve the various species that inhabit the river and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, it is also necessary to raise awareness of the environmental threats and challenges related to human activities and climate change.
Environmental Legislation
It is also critical to consider the need for effective legislation that is designed to protect the environment and the species that inhabit the river. This should include laws that address the pollution of rivers and waterways and that create incentives for individuals and businesses to act responsibly. Additionally, it is important to ensure ongoing funding for organizations that are actively engaged in conservation efforts, as well as for research into the long-term impacts of human activities and the effects of climate change.
