Wildlife in America

Wildlife in America: The fauna of the United States is very diverse, consisting of a variety of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. With approximately 432 species of mammals, over 800 species of birds, more than 100,000 known species of insects, 311 reptile species, 295 amphibian species, and 1154 fish species, the country offers diverse wildlife. From the iconic white-tailed deer and bald eagle to the myriad butterflies, snakes, and frogs, the US is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

This article provides an overview of the interesting fauna found throughout the diverse landscapes of the United States, highlighting some of its most notable and beloved inhabitants.

Wildlife in America: 15 Most Interesting Animals in the United States

Here’s a list of 15 Most Fascinating Animals in the United States:

Wildlife Species	Description	Where to See
Sea Otter	Considered one of the world’s cutest animals, sea otters are the smallest marine mammal in North America. They have thick fur and use tools to break open shellfish. Found in Monterey, California, Morro Bay, and other locations along the California coast. Also spotted in Resurrection Bay, Alaska, and Olympic National Park, Washington.	Monterey, California; Morro Bay, California; Resurrection Bay, Alaska; Olympic National Park, Washington
Manatee	Also known as sea cows, manatees are large, docile herbivores found in slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas with seagrass. Concentrated in Florida, particularly in Homosassa Springs, Tarpon Springs, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Crystal River. Also encountered in Puerto Rico’s Condado Lagoon.	Florida (Homosassa Springs, Tarpon Springs, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River); Condado Lagoon, Puerto Rico
Prairie Dog	Rodents living in North America’s grasslands, living in tight-knit family groups called coteries. Black-tailed prairie dogs are commonly seen in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota. Utah prairie dogs are found in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.	Badlands National Park, South Dakota; Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota; Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Brown Bear	Also known as grizzlies, brown bears are powerful predators found across Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Katmai National Park in Alaska is renowned for its population of over 2,000 bears. Also spotted in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.	Katmai National Park, Alaska; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho; Glacier National Park, Montana
Alligator	American alligators are ancient reptiles found in Florida’s Everglades National Park, where over 200,000 live. Also found in North Carolina, eastern Texas, and Georgia, particularly in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.	Everglades National Park, Florida; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
Mustang	Descendants of escaped domestic horses, mustangs roam free across the western United States, particularly in Nevada, where over half of North America’s wild-roaming mustangs are found. Also seen in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota.	Nevada; Virginia Range, Nevada; Outer Banks, North Carolina; Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Bald Eagle	The national bird of the United States, bald eagles are majestic raptors with a distinctive white head and bright yellow beak. Large gatherings of bald eagles can be seen in Alaska’s Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Also spotted in various locations across the U.S., including Klamath Basin, Starved Rock State Park, and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.	Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska; Klamath Basin, Oregon-California; Starved Rock State Park, Illinois; Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Leatherback Turtle	Leatherback turtles are the largest turtles in the world, known for their lack of a hard shell. Sightings are common in St. John, US Virgin Islands, particularly at Trunk Bay Beach and Maho Bay. Also seen along the Pacific coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as on Florida’s Atlantic coast.	St. John, US Virgin Islands; California coast; Oregon coast; Washington coast; Florida Atlantic coast
American Bison	Once nearly driven to extinction, American bison have made a remarkable comeback. Large herds can be seen in Montana’s American Prairie Reserve and Yellowstone National Park. Also encountered in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota.	American Prairie Reserve, Montana; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho; Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Bighorn Sheep	Bighorn sheep are native to North America and known for their large, curled horns. Found in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, where Sheep Lakes is a common sighting area. Also spotted throughout the American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon and Mojave and Sonoran deserts.	Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; Grand Canyon, Arizona; Mojave Desert, California; Sonoran Desert, Arizona
Coyote	The coyote is a canid found throughout the United States, known for its adaptability and distinctive howls. Encountered in various national parks, including Acadia National Park in Maine, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Also frequently seen in Southern California, including Los Angeles.	Acadia National Park, Maine; Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota; Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Los Angeles, California
Moose	Although often associated with Canada, moose can also be found in the northern regions of the United States. Alaska is home to the largest moose population, particularly around Anchorage and Denali National Park. Also encountered in Maine’s Moosehead Lake and New Hampshire’s Moose Alley.	Alaska (Anchorage, Denali National Park); Moosehead Lake, Maine; Moose Alley, New Hampshire
Black Bear	American black bears are widely distributed across forested areas of the United States and Canada. Seen in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Yellowstone National Park, and Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska.	Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee-North Carolina; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho; Tongass National Forest, Alaska
Pronghorn Antelope	Pronghorn antelope are the fastest land mammals in North America, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60mph. Found in Wyoming’s Red Desert, Yellowstone National Park, and other locations across Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona.	Wyoming (Red Desert); Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho; Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho; Montana, Utah, Colorado, Arizona
Orca	Also known as killer whales, orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family. Commonly seen around the San Juan Islands off the northern tip of Washington state, southeast Alaska’s Resurrection Bay, and Monterey Bay in California.	San Juan Islands, Washington; Resurrection Bay, Alaska; Monterey Bay, California

Wildlife in America: The Two National Animals of the United States

The United States has not one, but two national animals. The first is the Bald Eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom. Once endangered, the Bald Eagle population has recovered in recent years, thanks in part to conservation efforts.

Originally, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were tasked with choosing a seal for the new United States. When they couldn’t agree, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress, stepped in. He created a sketch of an American Bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and war. This design was accepted, and the Bald Eagle became the national bird of the United States on September 16, 1782.

The second national animal is the American Bison, the largest land mammal in North America. Declared the national mammal on May 9, 2016, the American Bison once roamed the continent in the millions but faced near extinction with only a few hundred remaining. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded, though they are still considered near threatened. Today, there are about 10,000 American Bison in 17 known herds across the United States.

Wildlife in America: The 5 Largest Animals in the United States

In the United States, you can find some of the largest animals on the planet. Here are five:

• Blue Whale: Weighing around 448,000 pounds, the blue whale is the largest animal worldwide. Despite its massive size, it primarily feeds on tiny krill, consuming up to 8,000 pounds daily.
• Great White Shark: Known as the largest predatory fish globally, they can grow over 26 feet long and weigh more than 4,000 pounds. Though often feared, they don’t typically target humans as prey.
• Alaska Moose: The tallest mammals in North America, adult moose can reach heights of 6 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 1200 and 1800 pounds. Their antlers can span up to 6 feet and they can run as fast as 35 mph.
• American Alligator: Found mainly in Florida and Louisiana, they can grow up to 15 feet long and live for 50 years. With speeds reaching up to 15 mph on land, they’re formidable predators.
• California Condor: The largest bird in the US with a wingspan of 9 feet. They scavenge carcasses and have been around for thousands of years.

Wildlife in America: The Top Wild Animals in the United States

The United States boasts a rich array of native wildlife, offering opportunities to encounter some iconic species:

• Bald Eagle: With a population resurgence, Bald Eagles can be spotted near bodies of water across many states. The Klamath Basin Refuges in California host the largest concentration of Bald Eagles, with up to 1,000 birds.
• American Bison: Yellowstone National Park is home to nearly 5,000 American Bison, particularly in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys. The National Bison Range in Montana is another great spot to see them.
• Grey Wolves: Spotting Grey Wolves can be challenging, but Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks offer some of the best chances. The total population is estimated around 13,000, including Alaska.
• Beaver: Found near rivers, marshes, and ponds, American Beavers are most active at night. Their distinctive tail-slapping warns of danger.
• American Black Bear: Commonly seen in forests, swamps, and mountains, especially in the northeastern U.S. Black Bears also inhabit the midwest, rocky mountain region, and as far south as Georgia.
• Cougar: North American cougars inhabit the Western U.S. and parts of Florida. While sightings are rare, they’re starting to rebound in the Midwest. Although not endangered, their populations are low.

Wildlife in America: The Most Dangerous Animals in the United States

While many animals in the US are harmless, there are a few that pose a danger:

• Killer Bees: These aggressive bees, created through hybridization by biologist Warwick E. Kerr, have caused an estimated 1,000 deaths in recent decades. They aggressively defend their hives and can chase humans for long distances.
• Grizzly Bears: Despite being mostly isolated to Alaska and the northwestern US, grizzly bears cause an average of 3 fatal attacks each year. Their large size, surprising speed, and protective instincts make them deadly, especially when cubs are present.
• Black Widow Spiders: Abundant throughout the US, black widows are known for their venomous bite. While not usually fatal, their neurotoxins can cause cramping, headaches, fever, and nausea. In 2013 alone, there were 1,866 reported bites.
• Rattlesnakes: Found throughout North America, rattlesnakes are responsible for an estimated 5 deaths and 7,000 – 8,000 reported bites annually in the US. With expanding human populations, encounters are increasing, but prompt administration of anti-venom within two hours typically ensures survival.

Wildlife in America: 12 Iconic American Animals for National Wildlife

The refuges play a vital role in preserving and protecting these iconic wildlife species, contributing to their conservation and providing opportunities for people to appreciate and observe them in their natural habitats.

Wildlife Species	National Wildlife Refuge	Location	Notable Features
Elk	National Elk Refuge	Wyoming	Hosts the 11,000-strong Jackson elk herd, known for their winter migration.
American Alligator	Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge	Georgia	An estimated 200,000 alligators in Georgia, mostly reside in protected areas like Okefenokee and rarely pose threats to humans.
Bald Eagle	James River National Wildlife Refuge	Virginia	Iconic American birds, symbolizing national identity, populations have recovered significantly over the years.
Bison	National Bison Range	Montana	Bison conservation success story, the refuge hosts hundreds of bison, contributing to the species-wide comeback.
Polar Bear	Arctic National Wildlife Refuge	Alaska	Only national conservation area where polar bears regularly den, significant wildlife presence including caribou and musk oxen.
Manatee	Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge	Florida	Protected habitat for West Indian manatees, important for conservation efforts due to vulnerability to human-caused threats.
Moose	Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge	Alaska	Moose symbolize the robust natural bounty of North America, refuge offers vital shelter for moose populations.
California Condor	Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge	California	Endangered species making a comeback, refuge provides essential habitat for survival and recovery efforts.
Grizzly Bear	Swan River National Wildlife Refuge	Montana	Modern grizzly populations are limited, refuge serves as a habitat corridor and potential sighting area during the spring.
Pronghorn Antelope	Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge	Arizona	Habitat for Sonoran pronghorns, significant conservation efforts in place to protect this endangered subspecies.
Sandhill Crane	Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge	New Mexico	Winter habitat for Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes, popular tourist attraction for birdwatching.
Bighorn Sheep	Kofa National Wildlife Refuge	Arizona	Protects one of Arizona’s largest populations of desert bighorn sheep, notable conservation success in recent years.

Wildlife in America: The 7 Rarest Animals in the United States

In the United States, some animals are on the brink of extinction. Here are seven of the rarest:

• Florida Panther: The only puma species that breeds in the US. With impressive speed and leaping abilities, they’re top predators. Listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1973.
• Red Wolf: Native to the southeastern US, with only around 100 left in the wild. Smaller than gray wolves, they once roamed from Texas to Florida.
• Florida Manatee: Often called sea cows, they’re more like elephants. Threatened by human activities, they spend their days grazing on vegetation in shallow waters.
• Black-Footed Ferret: Solitary and nocturnal, they’re skilled communicators. Found in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona, they primarily prey on prairie dogs.
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle: The world’s largest hard-shelled turtle. While widespread, their US habitat is mainly around Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
• Mississippi Gopher Frog: Almost extinct, with only 100-250 left in Mississippi. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.
• Woodland Caribou: Found in Washington state and Idaho, they’re often hunted for meat, contributing to their endangered status. Both males and females have antlers.

FAQs on Wildlife in America

What is the wildlife in the USA?

There are more than 400 mammal species, ranging from large carnivores like grizzly bears, mountain lions and wolves to beavers and squirrels, armadillos and bats and marine mammals like blue whales, spinner dolphins, orcas and porpoises.

What animal lives in USA?

There are 311 known reptiles, 295 amphibians and 1154 known fish species in the U.S. Known animals that exist in all of the lower 48 states include white-tailed deer, bobcat, raccoon, muskrat, striped skunk, barn owl, American mink, American beaver, North American river otter and red fox.

Where in the US has the most wildlife?

Alaska, the last frontier, offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife photography opportunities in the world. This isolated state in the far north is unlike anywhere else on earth and the lack of humans combined with the abundance of pristine wilderness makes it a wildlife hotspot.

Where can I see animals in USA?

Here are seven places in the US great for wildlife watching:

• Yellowstone National Park.
• San Juan Islands.
• Katmai National Park.
• US Virgin Islands.
• New York City.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
• Everglades National Park.

Is animal hunting legal in USA?

Regulations vary widely from state to state and govern the areas, time periods, techniques and methods by which specific game animals may be hunted. Some states make a distinction between protected species and unprotected species.