Wildlife That Can Be Found Around Terre Haute Campground

When camping at Terre Haute Campground in Indiana, you’ll find a variety of wildlife typical of the Midwest, particularly in forested areas and near water sources. Here’s a list of animals you might encounter:

Mammals:

1. White-tailed Deer: Common in the area, often seen grazing in meadows or near forest edges.
2. Eastern Gray Squirrel: A frequent sight in wooded areas, these squirrels are often seen gathering acorns or scampering up trees.
3. Raccoon: Nocturnal animals that often come near campsites in search of food.
4. Eastern Cottontail Rabbit: These rabbits are often seen in open grassy areas or along the edges of wooded areas.
5. Coyote: While more elusive, coyotes can be heard howling at night and sometimes seen in open fields or wooded areas.

Birds:

1. American Robin: A common sight with its red breast, often seen foraging on the ground for worms.
2. Northern Cardinal: Easily recognizable by its bright red color, often seen in shrubs or trees.
3. Red-tailed Hawk: Frequently spotted soaring above open areas, hunting for small mammals.
4. Eastern Bluebird: Known for its vibrant blue feathers, often seen perched on fences or tree branches.
5. Great Blue Heron: Often seen near water bodies, this large bird is known for its slow, graceful flight.

Reptiles and Amphibians:

1. Eastern Box Turtle: Common in the area, these turtles are often found crossing trails or roads.
2. Garter Snake: A non-venomous snake that can be found in gardens, fields, and near water.
3. American Toad: Often found near water or in moist, shaded areas, known for its distinctive croak.
4. Bullfrog: A large frog commonly found near ponds and lakes, known for its deep, resonant call.
5. Painted Turtle: Frequently seen basking on logs or rocks near water.

Fish:

1. Largemouth Bass: Common in nearby lakes and rivers, a popular target for anglers.
2. Bluegill: Abundant in ponds and lakes, these small sunfish are frequently caught by fishermen.
3. Channel Catfish: Often found in rivers and lakes, known for their whisker-like barbels.

Insects and Invertebrates:

1. Fireflies: A common sight in the summer, creating a magical light show at dusk.
2. Monarch Butterfly: Often seen during migration periods, these butterflies are recognizable by their orange and black wings.
3. Cicadas: Known for their loud, buzzing calls in the summer, cicadas are a frequent presence in the trees.
4. Dragonflies: Commonly seen near water, these insects are known for their fast, agile flight.
5. Orb-Weaver Spider: These spiders are known for their large, intricate webs, often seen in the morning dew.

Aquatic Wildlife:

1. Beaver: Often found near streams or rivers, known for building dams and lodges.
2. Muskrat: Similar to beavers, muskrats are smaller and often seen near water, where they build burrows in the banks.
3. Snapping Turtle: A large, aggressive turtle often found in ponds or slow-moving water, known for its powerful jaws.

Invasive Species to Watch Out For:

1. European Starling: An invasive bird species that competes with native birds for food and nesting sites.
2. Asian Carp: An invasive fish species that has spread through many waterways in the Midwest, often outcompeting native fish.

The wildlife at Terre Haute Campground reflects the rich biodiversity of the Midwest, making it an interesting destination for nature lovers. As always, remember to observe wildlife from a distance and respect their natural habitat.