The Milking Shorthorn was selected for 1997, followed by the Brown Swiss in 1998. Like badgers, they moved into abandoned mine shafts and makeshift burrows for shelter. Chapter 14, Laws of 1971, amended Section 1.10 to make galena the official state mineral and red granite the state rock. The proposal was introduced at the request of the Kenosha Gem and Mineral Society to promote geological awareness. Galena met the criteria for selection, as set by the Wisconsin Geological Society, including abundance, uniqueness, economic value, historical significance and native nature.
Red granite is an igneous rock composed of quartz and feldspar.
It is mined in several sections of the state and was selected as the state rock because of its economic importance. The honey bee was designated as the official state insect when Section 1.10 was amended by Chapter 326, Laws of 1977. The bill was introduced at the request of the third grade class of Holy Family School of Marinette and the Wisconsin Honey Producers. Attempts to allow all elementary school pupils in the state to decide the selection by popular ballot were unsuccessful. Other contenders for the title were the monarch butterfly, dragon fly, ladybug and mosquito.