Skip to Content

Meet The 10 Most Popular Animals Of Oregon

Published:

Author:
Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

Racoon
Raccoon hiding behind leaves. Image by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash

Ever wondered what the most popular animals are in all of Oregon? Now is your time to have the answer revealed. I have been pretty curious myself. So let’s jump right in together!

#1 Gray Wolf

gray wolf
Gray wolves are highly social animals that live and hunt in packs, relying on cooperation and coordination to bring down large prey such as moose or caribou. Image by Lucie via Unsplash

Once extirpated from Oregon, gray wolves have made a comeback in recent years, particularly in the northeastern part of the state.

#2 Elk

Rocky Mountain Elk
Elk (Cervus canadensis) are highly adaptable animals. Image by Byron Johnson via Unsplash

These majestic animals are commonly spotted in various parts of Oregon, including the Cascade Range and the northeastern region.

#3 Black Bear

Black Bear in dense folliage. Image by Pete Nuij on Unsplash

Found throughout the state, black bears are often seen in forested areas, particularly in the Cascade Mountains.

#4 Cougar (Mountain Lion)

Mountain lion
Cougars are incredibly skilled predators, capable of silently stalking and ambushing their prey with precision. Image by Jean Paul via Pexels.

Although elusive, cougars inhabit many regions of Oregon, including forests and mountainous areas.

#5 Roosevelt Elk

Roosevelt Elk
Young Roosevelt Elk. Image by Y S via Unsplash

Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, these large elk are native to the Pacific Northwest and are commonly seen in Oregon’s coastal regions.

#6 Bald Eagle

Bald eagle
Bald eagles build some of the largest nests of any bird species, often reaching up to 10 feet in diameter and weighing hundreds of pounds. Image by Andreas Barth via Pexels

As a symbol of strength and freedom, bald eagles are frequently spotted along the coast and near bodies of water throughout Oregon.

#7 Raccoon

raccoon
Curious Raccoon looking up at camera. Image by Chris Ensminger on Unsplash.

Urban areas in Oregon are often inhabited by raccoons, known for their distinctive facial markings and nocturnal habits.

#8 Osprey

osprey animals in new jersey
Osprey. Image by Mathew Schwartz via Unsplash

These fish-eating birds are often seen near rivers and lakes throughout Oregon, particularly during the summer months.

#9 Salmon

Salmon
Salmon. Image created by Animals Around the Globe using DALL-E

Various species of salmon, including Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead, are iconic to Oregon’s rivers and streams, supporting both ecosystems and fishing industries.

#10 Western Meadowlark

Western Meadowlark Image via Channel City Camera Club

Oregon’s state bird, the western meadowlark, is known for its melodious song and can be found in grasslands and agricultural areas across the state.

Raccoon sniffing around. Image by Henry Dinardo on Unsplash.

In conclusion, these are the most googled animals in Oregon. Furthermore, I have never heard of a Western Meadowlark before, it would be an incredible sighting! I think I may need to visit Oregon soon to see one for myself! If you think there should’ve been another more googled animal in the top 10, please feel free to let us know in the comments. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Thank you for following along with this article – 

Next up in the animal kingdom:

Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)