Oklahoma is home to a diverse range of terrain boasting everything from mountains and prairies to caves and forests. As a result, the state is a great place to see some wildlife in action while spending time in the great outdoors hiking, biking, camping and even spelunking. Get up close and personal with the second largest herd of Asian elephants in North America on a visit to the Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo. See the magnificent buffalo roam free on nearly 60,000 acres of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Lawton along with Texas longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, elk and deer.
With even more diversity, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska is home to a huge number of different kinds of plants and animals. It’s also the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie in the world. Bring your binoculars and take a walk on the wild side to spend the day with one of the largest herds of bison in the country, as well as white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchucks, badgers and coyotes. Bring your camera and capture some of these majestic creatures on film to preserve your memories.
Oklahoma is a birder's paradise with plenty of opportunities to watch eagles, search for feathered friends while on a trek through a state park and witness the rare Lesser Prairie Chicken. Head to Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers, including the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in Broken Bow, to see quail, turkeys, waterfowl and maybe even some river otters. Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to several species of cave dwellers including the Cave Myotis and Mexican Free-tailed bats. With an abundance of beauty and wildlife, animal lovers flock to Oklahoma for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience.
Encounter rich Native American history through the exploration of native-owned art galleries, historical sites and the natural beauty found in Osage County.
Lace up your hiking boots, grab your binoculars and head to the Oklahoma panhandle where you'll find a birding paradise at Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve. Over 100 species of birds are frequently spotted amidst the plateaus and junipers that dot this rugged landscape.
Each winter you can follow Oklahoma eagles on a path to adventure with these handy eagle viewing tips and this list of top statewide eagle watching hot spots.
Whether you strike out on a solo birding adventure, or join one of the orchestrated events across the state, Oklahoma is a great place to catch a peek at an amazing variety of feathered marvels.