The Unofficial Residents of Turpentine Creek

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is found in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas. It is a home to exotic and native cats, bears, and a hyena. However, due to its location, other wildlife species can be seen throughout the property during any given visit. Read along to learn about some of the animals you might see during your trip that have an unofficial home at TCWR.

Deer

Sometimes when riding in the tram along the Tour Loop guests get distracted by white-tailed deer off in the distance. These deer roam the property but don’t tend to get too close to the fence lines. Occasionally the big cats will notice them and try to stalk them, but luckily for the deer, the fences keep everyone nice and safe. Deer are important for creating and maintaining biodiversity in the ecosystems in which they live, as long as their populations are at the correct numbers.

Vultures

There are two types of vultures that fly over the refuge: turkey vultures and black vultures. Vultures are an important part of the ecosystem. They are scavengers, which means they eat carrion. Carrion is dead and decaying flesh. This means vultures are incredibly helpful with carrion decomposition. Vultures also help to prevent the spread of infection diseases. When they consume carrion, their acidic stomach destroys any infections disease that could otherwise spread to other animals or humans.

Squirrels and Chipmunks

There are many squirrels and chipmunks at TCWR running through the habitats of the big cats and bears. The lions and tigers don’t seem to pay too much mind to them. Squirrels and chipmunks help the ecosystem by dispersing nuts and seeds.

Armadillos

Nine-banded armadillos are a bit of a nuisance on TCWR property. They like to dig and dig and dig. Sometimes they like to dig around fence lines. Our fences here at TCWR go several feet into the ground, but we would still like to avoid any potential holes into the habitats. One of the ways we keep armadillos away is by sprinkling cayenne pepper along the fences. Armadillos are also helpful to the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling pests.

Rabbits

Many guests get a kick out of seeing the bravery of the eastern cottontails around here when they enter the habitats of our bobcats. Sometimes the cottontails will even have their litters in the habitats. Somedays the cats don’t mind and let the bunnies be, other days the cats have a little bit of unscheduled enrichment time. Eastern cottontails helpful with controlling plant populations in the ecosystems they are a part of.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has many animals to see and learn about, plan a visit to learn more!