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. A shorter trail connecting Decatur with nearby Rock Springs Center was just opened in late 1996. A multi-use trail is scheduled for construction between Charleston and Mattoon in 1997. See map for exact location of all these facilities.