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Meet The 20 Most Popular Animals Of Georgia

Baby American Black Bear. Image by MennoSchaefer via Depositphotos

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

#1 White-Tailed Deer

Columbian White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are a very cute looking species with their large ears. Image by Joe Cox via Unsplash

Firstly, the white-tailed deer is a common sight throughout Georgia, known for its distinctive white underside of its tail and graceful bounding gait. Generally, these herbivores are often found in forests, grasslands, and even suburban areas, where they forage on vegetation.

#2 Eastern Gray Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Gray Squirrel hiding away. Image by Johnson Chung via Unsplash


Secondly, the eastern gray squirrel is a familiar resident of Georgia, with its bushy tail and characteristic gray fur. Generally seen darting among trees and scavenging for food, these agile rodents are adaptable and thrive in various habitats.

#3 Eastern Box Turtle

Box turtle on the move. Image via Depositphotos


Evidently, the eastern box turtle is a reptilian native of Georgia, recognized by its domed shell and intricate yellow markings. Additionally, found in woodlands and grasslands, these turtles are known for their ability to retract into their shells for protection.

#4 American Alligator

Alligator
Alligator. Image via Depositphotos


The American alligator is an iconic reptile of Georgia, inhabiting freshwater habitats such as swamps, marshes, and rivers. With powerful jaws and a fearsome appearance, these apex predators play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

#5 North American River Otter

North American River Otter
North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Image via Depositphotos


North American river otters are playful and sleek mammals commonly found in Georgia’s waterways, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Known for their playful antics and streamlined bodies, these otters are skilled hunters and swimmers.

#6 Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle
Close up shot of United States iconic bird facing camera with wings spread in flight. Image via Depositphotos


The bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, is a majestic bird of prey that frequents Georgia’s water bodies and forested areas. With its striking white head and piercing gaze, this iconic raptor holds cultural significance and is protected under federal law.

#7 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
Head of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus). Image via Depositphotos


The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America and is found in Georgia’s coastal plain and pine forests. Recognizable by its diamond-shaped markings and rattling tail, this snake plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as an apex predator.

#8 Black Bear

Baby Black Bear.
Baby Black Bear. Image by jill@ghostbear.org via Depositphotos


Black bears are native to Georgia and can be found in various habitats, including forests and mountainous regions. With a keen sense of smell and impressive strength, these omnivores forage for food such as berries, nuts, and insects.

#9 Cottonmouth Snake

cottonmouth bite
A Cottonmouth Snake bathing in the sunlight. Image via Depositphotos


The cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is a venomous snake commonly found in Georgia’s wetland habitats. Recognized by its dark coloration and cotton-like mouth when threatened, these snakes are skilled swimmers and ambush predators.

#10 Red Fox

Wild red fox
Wild red fox in its natural habitat. Image via Depositphotos


In the middle of our list of most popular animals of Georgia is the red fox. It is a cunning and adaptable predator found throughout Georgia’s diverse landscapes, from urban areas to rural farmland. Known for their bushy tails and reddish fur, these omnivores play a crucial role in controlling small mammal populations.

#11 Bobcat

bobcat
Bobcat lazily yawning. Image via Pixabay


Bobcats are elusive and solitary predators native to Georgia, inhabiting forests, swamps, and brushlands. With their tufted ears and spotted coats, these carnivores are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and birds.

#12 Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey
A pair of wild turkeys on the edge of a forest. Image via Depositphotos


The wild turkey is a symbol of Georgia’s rich wildlife heritage, inhabiting forests and woodlands across the state. Recognized by its large size and distinctive plumage, these birds are known for their elaborate courtship displays.

#13 Copperhead Snake

Copperhead Snake Bite
Copperhead Snake. Image via Shutterstock


Copperhead snakes are venomous pit vipers found in Georgia’s forests and rocky habitats. With their copper-colored heads and hourglass-shaped markings, these snakes are often encountered but generally avoid human contact.

#14 North American Beaver

North American Beaver
North American beaver (Castor canadensis), also known as the Canadian beaver. Image by Wrangel via Depositphotos


North American beavers are industrious rodents that inhabit freshwater ecosystems throughout Georgia, constructing elaborate dams and lodges. With their webbed feet and powerful jaws, these animals play a crucial role in shaping wetland habitats.

#15 Striped Skunk

Striped Skunk. Image by Bryan Padron via Unsplash


The striped skunk is a nocturnal mammal found in various habitats across Georgia, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Known for their distinctive black and white markings and potent scent glands, these omnivores are effective scavengers.

#16 Brown Thrasher

brown thrasher
A brown thrasher perched on my neighbor’s fence. Image by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash


The brown thrasher is a songbird native to Georgia, known for its melodious and varied vocalizations. Found in scrublands, forests, and suburban gardens, these birds are skilled mimics and adept insect hunters.

#17 Gray Fox

gray fox
A gray fox stalking us down. Image by Jonatan Pie via Unsplash


The gray fox is a small carnivore found throughout Georgia’s forests and brushy areas. Distinguished by its grizzled fur and ability to climb trees, these omnivores are opportunistic hunters and scavengers.

#18 Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit in its natural habitat. Image by David Solce via Unsplash


The eastern cottontail rabbit is a common sight in Georgia’s grasslands, fields, and suburban areas. Generally, recognized by its fluffy white tail and brown fur, these herbivores are an important food source for many predators.

#19 Opossum

opossum
Opossum balancing on a branch. Image by Cody Pope, CC BY-SA 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Especially, Opossums are known for their prehensile tails and unique reproductive biology. Furthermore, they are marsupials and found in various habitats across Georgia, including forests and urban areas, these nocturnal scavengers play a vital role in controlling insect populations.

#20 Eastern Hognose Snake

Western Hognose Snake Bite
Closeup Hognose Snake, Heterodon nasicus. Image via Depositphotos


Evidently, the eastern hognose snake is a non-venomous reptile found in Georgia’s sandy habitats and pine forests. Known for its upturned snout and elaborate defensive displays, these snakes are harmless but mimic venomous species for protection.

copperhead snake
Copperhead Snake coiled up on the ground. Image generated by Amy King using Midjourney

In conclusion, these are the most popular animals in Tennessee. Furthermore, I have never seen an Box Turtle before, it would be an incredible sighting! I think I may need to visit Tennessee soon to see one for myself! If you think there should’ve been another more popular animal in the top 20, please feel free to let us know in the comments. In other words, can’t wait to hear from you!

Thank you for following along with this article – 

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