Wildlife at Lake Lucerne Resort and Ranch

Even though we are a few minutes from downtown Eureka Springs, we are in the Ozark Mountains.  We have a lot of wildlife in the area.  In the trip from downtown to the Resort we have seen wild turkeys, deer, a pair of owls, and that’s in less than two miles.  Imagine what you didn’t see that saw you.

Mother deer and fawn that was born at Lake Lucerne Resort and Ranch.

Make sure you bring your cameras and binoculars on your visit to Lake Lucerne Resort and Ranch.  The wildlife is plentiful as you are in the Ozark Mountains.

Lake Lucerne Resort and Ranch is recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. We aspire to stay certified by practicing sustainable gardening and landscaping, providing cover and safe areas.


Notes for your visit…

You are staying in the woods – there is wildlife out your door. Your special furry friend is invited to stay in four of the cottages, if they mind the rules.

There are bugs –

Ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, spiders, hornets, etc. The cottages are treated to keep bugs out, however, this is not fool proof when residing in the woods.  Bug spray is kept under the sink.  If you don’t see it, let us know so that we can replenish it.  Please use it sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.

There are snakes –

Arkansas has three of the four poisonous varieties found in the United States:  Cottonmouth (Water Mocassin), Copperheads and various rattlesnakes.  Rattlesnakes are shy and will try to stay away from humans.  Copperheads and Cottonmouths are related and are more territorial.  We have seen several of the good varieties of snakes on the property.  The good ones are those that keep the poisonous ones away.  Since we first started hiking on the Lake Lucerne property in 2004, we have only seen one Copperhead and one Pigmy Rattlesnake. 

The large, brown snakes most visible during the early spring to early summer along the edge of Lake Lucerne are mostly Brown Water Snakes.  Remember snakes have no hearing.  They sense the vibration and do not want to be around humans, so stomp the ground, bang a stick on the ground in front of you if going through tall grass or brush.

If you are interested in seeing snakes in person, you might want to visit Snake World which is about 6 miles East on Hwy62. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31443-d5063999-Reviews-or10-Snake_World-Berryville_Arkansas.html There is a fee which will you see on this link. I have not been there–not a snake lover but guests that like snakes are positive.

There are bats –

Because of the abundance of caves in the Ozarks, we have lots of bats.  We consider them our friends as they keep the mosquito population down, and are virtually harmless. Usually very shy, they are normally out only at night, and work hard at catching their body weight in bugs to feed their young.  If you find a bat out during the day, it is probably injured or ill.  Please call the office as soon as possible so we can assist.  Keep kids and pets away from the injured bat.

There are skunks –

They only spray when they feel threatened.  If you encounter one, move slowly and back away.  Tell your dog to do the same.  Call us if one of you makes a bad decision, and we will try to help.

List of mammals, birds and reptiles you may encounter (if you are lucky)

  • Bald Eagles        
  • Blue Herons
  • Falcons
  • Hawks
  • Kingfishers
  • Owls* – You can hear them hooting in the late afternoon
  • Pilated Woodpeckers (aka Woody the Woodpecker)
  • Turkey Vultures
  • General Birds:  All kinds of Finch, Bluebirds, Blue Jay, Cardinals, Catbird, Chickadee, Crow, Golden Thursh, Titmouse, Lark, Robins, Sparrow, Warblers, Wren.
  • Armadillos*
  • Possom*
  • Raccoons*
  • Squirrels
  • River Otter (Certain times of the year they pass through the property)
  • Turtles of all kinds, including large snapping turtles
  • Salamanders
  • Lizards – All kinds
  • Woodchucks or Groundhogs (same thing)
  • Beaver (We hope they keep moving as they very destructive to our trees.)
  • Bear (Very difficult to see)
  • Bobcat (Very difficult to see)
  • Coyote* (You can hear them yipping and howling after dark.)
  • Deer – (They hangout up by the farm animals)
  • Fox – Red and Gray
  • Mountain Lion – (Very difficult to see)

* Normally nocturnal (Out at night)

Emergencies: If you see an injured animal, including our geese, please be kind to them and notify us immediately, so we can respond appropriately.  We have a small mammal rescue center nearby, as well as a vet on call.  Most things are harmless, and more a nuisance to humans than a real threat.  Any guest discovered or suspected of killing or poaching our wildlife will be asked to leave immediately, no refunds, and reported to Fish and Game Law Enforcement.