{"id":13872,"date":"2023-09-25T15:30:08","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T14:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13872"},"modified":"2023-09-25T15:30:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T14:30:08","slug":"what-are-some-animals-that-live-in-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-are-some-animals-that-live-in-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Some Animals That Live In The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Animals That Live in the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the world. It is the second longest river in the United States and is used for drinking water, recreation, commerce, and transportation. The river’s watershed covers over 1.2 million-square-miles, from its headwaters in northern Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. It also provides habitat for many species of animals, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds.<\/p>\n

One of the most well known species that live in the Mississippi River is the American alligator. This large reptile is found in the swamps and backwaters of the lower Mississippi River and its associated bayous. It is an important part of the food chain in the river, and it hunts fish, birds, and other small animals. Other reptiles that live in the Mississippi River include the American crocodile, the invasive Chinese softshell turtle, and the snapping turtle.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River is home to numerous species of fish, such as the striped bass, blue catfish, paddlefish, and the endangered paddlefish. These fish serve as an important food source for local communities, and are especially important in the subsistence fishery culture of the lower Mississippi. Many species of amphibians and water snakes also live in the river. These include the hellbender and the western ribbon snake.<\/p>\n

The Mississippi River also provides habitat for many species of mammals, such as white-tailed deer, bobcats, beavers, river otters, and muskrats. These animals are all an important part of the river’s ecosystem and the food chain, as they provide food for other animals and help to keep the water clean by removing vegetation and organic matter. Finally, the Mississippi River is home to many species of bird, such as the American white pelican and the bald eagle, both of which are important indicators of the health of the river’s ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Unique Species in the Water<\/h2>\n