Among the beautiful setting of dogwood, hickory, maple, apple and oak trees, lies the world of wildlife in the Ozark mountain area. Hiking through the Ozarks, a black bear is often seen in some areas, however the species is rare in other portions of the mountainous terrain. Once threatened by extinction, the mountain lion shows its tan coat and golden eyes through the tree and rock setting.

Plains bison can be found grazing on the grass or sipping from the cool waters of the mountain streams. Caribou, wolves and moose were once scarce, as hunting and poaching practices dropped them in numbers. Now, thanks to conservation procedures and laws, the animals are protected and their population is on the steady incline. The white tailed deer is normally seen in numbers, eating the cool grass found in a meadow or plains area.

Fewer in number due to hunting, the bobcat, coyote, red and gray foxes are occasionally spotted in the Ozarks. They are under protective laws now as well and are slowly gaining in number.

Reptiles are found slithering through the wooded areas or in the flatter grounds to sun bathe. The timber rattlesnake or the more common garter snake have survived in this area for generations. Traveling toward the streams and lakes, visitors find the walleye or small-mouth bass swimming along in the clear waters of the Ozarks. At night, the Ozark big-eared bat swoops around in the sky, landing in the nearby trees. Ozark hellbenders may startle visitors, as the large, salamander looking creature heads towards the cool water after sitting in the warm sun. Cave fish are located in the darker, rocky areas of the streams and are still doing well in population.

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