Many birds and animals have adapted to farmed areas, while along streams and lakes and in state parks and conservation areas, a number of native species flourish. In August and September, the rows of corn are seven feet high, forming living walls on each side of the road. Pine trees exist almost exclusively in plantations and are not native to the area. A number of animal species feel at home in the corn and soybean fields, most prominent being the red-winged blackbird roosting on fences and reflectorized poles next to fields. Robins, blue jays, and a number of other birds also are common in farmed areas.
Deer are ubiquitous, as well as the squirrel.
In wooded areas raccoons and rabbits are more common. Less common, but still frequently spotted are a variety of non-poisonous snakes such as the garter and the prairie king. Poisonous species are quite rare. Frogs of all types haunt wetlands and lakes and can be heard most summer nights. Occasionally, small lizards may be spotted.