Bobcats, and Black Bears, and Bats…Oh my! Kentucky is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. We are known for our Wildcats, perhaps more commonly known as Bobcats, and the comeback of the native Black Bear population is considered a biodiversity success.
You may not want to meet either of those furry friends up close, but you’re sure to find an Eastern Gray Squirrel just about everywhere you look. The Kentucky General Assembly declared this critter to be the official Wild Animal Game Species of Kentucky on June 13, 1968. Not only does the Eastern Gray Squirrel population offer an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, they are a historically important source of food from Kentucky’s early years. Squirrels were even an important ingredient in burgoo!
You may already know that the State Bird is the Cardinal, but did you know that Kentucky also has an official State Fish? Yep. The Spotted Bass’s status was oFISHally declared in 1956 and those who petitioned for its title noted an affinity for its ability to put up a good fight on the other end of the rod. The Spotted Bass is one of four black bass species to make their homes in Kentucky waters.
🔗River City Recipes: Kentucky Burgoo (squirrel optional 😊)
