Official state animals for Kansas are in or nearing mating seasons. Here's what to know

Keishera Lately, Topeka Capital-Journal

Most Kansans know the animals chosen to represent the state, from bison to box turtles.

But do you know the mating season of each?

Check out this information about the official animals of Kansas.

A herd of bison roam on property in northern Shawnee County Tuesday morning.
A herd of bison roam on property in northern Shawnee County Tuesday morning.

What are some of the official animals of Kansas?

  • The American Bison is the official animal of Kansas adopted as the state animal symbol in 1955.

  • The Western Meadowlark was designated the state bird in 1937.

  • Ornate Box Turtle became the official state reptile in 1986.

  • Barred Tiger Salamander was named the state amphibian of Kansas in 1994.

  • Channel Catfish was named the state fish by Kansas legislators in 2018.

When is mating season for Kansas animals?

Kansas Animal

Mating season

American Bison

June to September

Western Meadowlark

April to early July

Ornate Box Turtle

Early spring to late summer

Barred Tiger Salamander

Late winter or early spring

Channel Catfish

Late spring to early summer

Ornate Box Turtles are currently in a several-month mating season in Kansas.
Ornate Box Turtles are currently in a several-month mating season in Kansas.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: These official Kansas state animals will soon grow their populations

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