Plains Bison in Louisiana
The plains bison (Bison bison) once ranged far beyond the Great Plains, including parts of what is now Louisiana. Prior to European settlement, bison occupied open grasslands, prairie margins, and…
White-tailed Deer in Louisiana
The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most widespread and ecologically adaptable native mammals in Louisiana. Present throughout the region long before European arrival, white-tailed deer occupied a…
Mammals of Louisiana
Louisiana’s mammals reflect the state’s diverse landscapes, shaped by rivers, floodplains, forests, prairies, and coastal environments. Prior to sustained European settlement, a wide range of native mammal species occupied habitats…
Black Bears in Louisiana
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the largest native terrestrial mammal historically found in Louisiana. Prior to sustained European settlement, black bears occupied extensive forested habitats across the state,…
Ouachita River Floodplain
The Ouachita River Floodplain is a major inland floodplain system in northeastern Louisiana, associated with the Ouachita River and its tributaries. This floodplain has shaped regional landscapes, ecosystems, and settlement…
Red River Floodplain
The Red River Floodplain is a major inland floodplain system extending across northwestern and central Louisiana, associated with the Red River and its connected waterways. This floodplain has played a…
Atchafalaya Floodplain
The Atchafalaya Floodplain is one of the largest and most dynamic floodplain systems in Louisiana. Associated with the Atchafalaya River and its surrounding wetlands, this floodplain plays a central role…
Mississippi River Floodplain
The Mississippi River Floodplain is the largest and most influential floodplain system in Louisiana. Extending along the lower course of the Mississippi River, this floodplain has shaped the state’s landscape,…
The Grand Lake Floodplain
The Grand Lake Floodplain is a floodplain landscape in south-central Louisiana, primarily associated with Grand Lake in Cameron Parish. Although Grand Lake is a named water body, the surrounding area…
White Lake
The White Lake Floodplain is a broad, low-lying floodplain landscape in southwestern Louisiana, primarily within Vermilion Parish, with portions extending into Cameron Parish. Centered around White Lake, this floodplain functions…