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Discover American States With The Most Fascinating Wildlife

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Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

Poster map of United States of America with state names. Black and white print map of USA for t-shirt, poster or geographic themes. Hand-drawn black map with states. Image via depositphotos.

The United States is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, thanks to its vast landscapes and varied climates. From the Pacific Northwest’s dense forests to the Southwest’s arid deserts, each region offers unique habitats that support a wide array of species. We explore the top 15 American states with the most fascinating wildlife here.

1. Alaska

Denali (also known as Mount McKinley, its former official name) is the highest mountain in North America at 20,310ft. Located in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA. Image via Depositphotos.

Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Known for its rugged wilderness, the state boasts animals like grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. In the coastal areas, you can spot marine life such as humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters.

Alaska’s vast national parks and preserves provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

2. Florida

alligator
Vacanze in USA, Florida

Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from the Everglades to its coastal waters, are home to a wide range of species. The Everglades National Park is famous for its alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther. The state’s beaches and marine areas are also habitats for sea turtles and a variety of bird species, making it a key state for wildlife enthusiasts.

3. California

National park
The national park in California. Image via Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Joshua Tree National Park (California, USA) — 2012 — 5663” / CC BY-SA 4.0For print products: Dietmar Rabich / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joshua_Tree_National_Park_(California,_USA)_–_2012_–_5663.jpg / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

California’s varied geography includes deserts, mountains, and coastline, each hosting unique wildlife. The state is home to iconic species such as the California condor, mountain lions, and sea otters. Yosemite National Park, the Sierra Nevada, and the coastal regions offer prime spots for observing diverse animal life.

4. Montana

Beautiful evening sunset in Glacier National Park, Montana. Image by snehitdesign on depositphotos.

Montana’s vast wilderness areas and national parks, such as Glacier and Yellowstone, provide habitats for some of North America’s most impressive wildlife. Bison, grizzly bears, elk, and wolves roam the open landscapes. The state’s rivers and lakes also support a variety of fish, making it a great destination for anglers.

5. Wyoming

Views of the fields and Mountains in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Image by oscity on depositphotos.

Wyoming shares Yellowstone National Park with Montana, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. Visitors can see herds of bison, elk, and pronghorns, as well as predators like grizzly bears and wolves. The state’s diverse ecosystems also support a rich array of bird species and smaller mammals.

6. Colorado

Mountain Bull Elk in autumn forest, Colorado, USA. Image via depositphotos.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are a haven for wildlife. Elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain lions inhabit the mountainous terrain. The state’s numerous national parks and forests provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly in areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and the San Juan Mountains.

7. Arizona

Coyote
Coyote Howling in American Southwest standing on a rock with blue sky and saguaros. Image via depositphotos.

Arizona’s desert landscapes are teeming with unique wildlife adapted to arid conditions. The iconic saguaro cactus is home to many species, including Gila woodpeckers and elf owls. The state also hosts diverse animals like the javelina, roadrunner, and the elusive jaguar in its southern regions.

8. Texas

National park in Texas. Image via depositphotos.

Texas’ vast size means it encompasses a variety of habitats, from coastal marshes to arid deserts. The state is home to animals like the nine-banded armadillo, bobcat, and American alligator. Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Valley are hotspots for birdwatching, attracting species from both the United States and Mexico.

9. Washington

Washington. Image via depositphotos.

Washington state’s Pacific coastline, mountains, and rainforests create diverse habitats for wildlife. The Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity, including species like the Roosevelt elk, black bears, and marbled murrelets. The coastal waters are rich with marine life, including orcas and sea lions.

10. Hawaii

Beautiful aerial view of spectacular Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii. Image by MNStudio via Depositphotos.

Hawaii’s isolated location in the Pacific Ocean has led to the evolution of unique species found nowhere else on Earth. The Hawaiian Islands are home to the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), the Hawaiian monk seal, and a variety of endemic birds and insects. The coral reefs surrounding the islands support a vibrant marine ecosystem.

11. Maine

Upper Hadlock Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine. Image via depositphotos.

Maine’s dense forests and coastal areas provide rich habitats for a variety of wildlife. Moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer are commonly seen in the state’s woodlands. Along the coast, you can find seals, puffins, and a range of seabirds. Acadia National Park offers excellent opportunities for observing Maine’s wildlife.

12. Michigan

The Paint Quarter horse and Tennessee Walking horse on a farm in Leelanau county, Michigan. Image via depositphotos.

Michigan’s Great Lakes and extensive forests support diverse wildlife. The state is known for its population of white-tailed deer, black bears, and wolves. Birdwatchers flock to Michigan for its migratory bird species, and the lakes and rivers are home to a variety of fish, including trout and salmon.

13. Minnesota

Lake in Minnesota. Image via depositphotos.

Minnesota’s “Land of 10,000 Lakes” provides abundant habitats for wildlife. The state is home to the gray wolf, black bear, and moose. Its wetlands and forests support numerous bird species, including the common loon, the state bird. Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

14. Oregon

Oregon. Image by jpldesigns via Depositphotos

Oregon’s diverse landscapes include coastal regions, forests, and high deserts, each teeming with wildlife. The state is known for its populations of black bears, Roosevelt elk, and beavers. The Pacific coastline is also a great place to see marine mammals like gray whales and sea lions.

15. New Mexico

New Mexico
New Mexico. Image via Christopher Michel, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Mexico’s varied terrain includes deserts, mountains, and forests, supporting a wide range of wildlife. The state is home to species like the pronghorn antelope, black bear, and mountain lion. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of unique species such as the roadrunner, New Mexico’s state bird, and a variety of raptors.

Conclusion

Image via depositphotos.

Each of these states offers unique and fascinating wildlife experiences, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the United States. Whether you’re exploring the frozen tundra of Alaska, the vibrant coral reefs of Hawaii, or the dense forests of Maine, there is always something amazing to discover in America’s wild places. I hope you enjoyed reading about America’s states with interesting wildlife. To read more sotires like this, check out the articles below:

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