The endangered American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus Olivier) is considered a habitat generalist because it can be trapped into many habitats. It is unknown if they are also reproductive habitat generalists. If reproductive habitat preferences exist then increasing these habitats may increase populations. Their reproductive dynamics and habitat preferences were examined in nine different habitats at Camp Gruber Army Training Center in Muskogee County, Oklahoma. Rattus norvegicus carcasses (200g) were provided for burial at two replicate locations for each of the nine habitat types (18 total) from late May to early June of 2006 and 2007. Enclosures were placed over buried carcasses to trap departing parents and newly eclosed offspring. Soil compaction, pH, temperature, texture, and nutrient levels were measured at all sites. N. americanus buried 17% of carcasses. Vertebrate scavengers utilized 60% of carcasses and remaining carcasses were used by invertebrates. N. americanus were more likely to bury carcasses in grasslands in 2006 and forested habitats during 2007. Burial of carcasses was most likely when soil compaction (P=0.003) and clay content (P=0.019) were low. Adults emerged 12 days post burial in 2006. This was delayed by 10 days during 2007. Offspring emerged 31-42 days after burial during 2006 and required a minimum of 60 days during 2007. The delay was likely due to lower soil temperatures and higher rainfall in 2007. While it appears that N. americanus may have habitat preferences for reproduction, reproductive success may be mitigated by competition with scavengers and weather parameters.