There are plenty of great things to see during a vacation in Branson. There are great shows, geographical wonders, movies playing, museums displaying everything from wax celebrities to antique tractors to Titanic relics, and more. But what about the wildlife in Branson? The neat critters that make this area their home are an attraction in themselves – and there are plenty of different animals for you to see while you are out and about! Read on for a guide to Branson wildlife.
Mammals: Whether you are in town, at Silver Dollar City, or out in the middle of the woods on a hiking trail, one furry member of the Branson wildlife crowd that you are almost guaranteed to see are squirrels. Hailing from the rodent family, these fuzzy, bushy tailed critters are not just adorable, they also play a vital role in establishing the next generation of forests – by burying acorns and other tree nuts with the best of intentions to come back for them, squirrels help seed new trees every year. Helpful, but also seemingly suicidal at times, squirrels are known for making a dash across busy roads to reach the other side – so watch out for these characters while driving!
Other unique mammalian Branson wildlife includes Whitetail Deer. These fleet, agile creatures thrive in the local geography – hills with deep hollows and clear ridgetops are perfect for providing food and cover for deer. Depending on the time of year, you might get lucky enough to spot a monster buck or even a spotted fawn with its mother. Deer are also known to run across roadways, especially at night, so keep an eye on the road shoulders when driving after dark.
Birds: No matter what time of year, Branson is always host to a variety of bird species. Many smaller songbirds, like house sparrows, can be found in the middle of town, snacking on crumbs and other bits of food left behind by people. As you move towards the lakes in Branson, you might spot a hawk, a bald eagle, or even an uncommon osprey. Other cool birds come through only during certain seasons – during the winter, for example, you might see a Common Loon or a Cackling Goose. In the spring you might run across a Nashville Warbler or a Yellow Billed Cuckoo. Be sure to pack a field guide and a pair of binoculars, and remember that the best birds can be found close to consistent water sources.
Reptiles and Fish: Branson wildlife includes some scaly critters too – like fish, for example! If you plan on spending any time at the lakes, chances are that you will see some fish, or at least some folks catching some! Species like rainbow trout, large and small mouthed bass, crappie, and channel catfish all make their home in the Ozark waterways. Snapping turtles, while not classified as a fish, can also be found in the water – mind your toes! Some land reptiles include a host of snakes – mostly non-venomous, but a few that are – like Black Snakes, Corn Rat Snakes, and Copperheads. Some venomous snakes have similar markings to those that are not poisonous, so unless you can confidently identify them, it is recommended that you don’t try to handle them!
You might also see Box or Western Chicken Turtles while hiking around Branson, or smaller critters like Fence Lizards and Blue Tongued Skinks.
These and a host of other critters all make their homes in and around Branson – so make sure to keep an eye out for some Branson wildlife. It’s the ultimate natural attraction!
