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Meet The 20 Most Popular Animals Of Michigan

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

Ever wondered what the most popular animals are in all of Michigan? 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


White-tailed deer are iconic residents of Michigan, commonly found in forests, fields, and even suburban areas. Their graceful appearance and adaptability make them a beloved sight for both residents and tourists alike.

#2 American Black Bear

Baby American Black Bear. Image by MennoSchaefer via Depositphotos


Michigan is home to a healthy population of American black bears, particularly in the northern regions. These bears play a crucial role in the state’s ecosystem, feeding on various plants and animals while also captivating observers with their strength and beauty.

#3 Eastern Gray Squirrel

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


The eastern gray squirrel is a familiar sight in Michigan’s parks, neighborhoods, and woodlands. Their acrobatic antics and bushy tails make them a popular subject for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers across the state.

#4 Bald Eagle

Bald eagle
Bald eagle soaring through the air. Image by Stephen Meyers via Pexels


As a symbol of strength and freedom, the bald eagle holds a special place in the hearts of Michiganders. These majestic birds can be spotted soaring over lakes, rivers, and forests, serving as a reminder of the state’s natural beauty.

#5 Raccoon

Raccoon sniffing around. Image by Henry Dinardo on Unsplash.


Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures found throughout Michigan, from urban areas to rural landscapes. Known for their cleverness and mischievous antics, these masked critters are both admired and sometimes seen as pests by residents.

#6 Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Image via Depositphotos


With their striped backs and cheeky personalities, eastern chipmunks are a common sight in Michigan’s woodlands and gardens. Their burrowing habits and distinctive chirps add charm to the state’s outdoor spaces.

#7 Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

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


Eastern cottontail rabbits are abundant in Michigan’s grasslands, fields, and suburban neighborhoods. These small mammals are known for their cottony tails and swift movements, making them a favorite among wildlife watchers.

#8 Canada Goose

Canada Goose
Canada Goose swimming in a lake. Image by Nennieinszweidrei via Pixabay


Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and parks are frequented by flocks of Canada geese throughout the year. Their distinctive honking calls and V-shaped flight formations are synonymous with the changing seasons in the state.

#9 Wild Turkey

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


Wild turkeys roam Michigan’s forests and farmlands, delighting birdwatchers and hunters alike. Their striking plumage and elusive nature make them a challenging yet rewarding sight for those exploring the state’s outdoors.

#10 Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl. Image by Caroline Ebinger via Unsplash


In the middle of our list of most popular animals of Michigan is the Great horned owl. They are nocturnal predators that inhabit Michigan’s woodlands and wetlands. With their piercing yellow eyes and distinctive hoots, these birds of prey command respect and admiration from residents and visitors alike.

#11 Red Fox

Endangered swift fox in the wild
Endangered swift fox in the wild. Image by jill@ghostbear.org via Depositphotos


Red foxes are skilled hunters found throughout Michigan’s diverse habitats, from forests to urban areas. Their fiery fur and cunning behavior make them both a symbol of wilderness and a fixture of suburban ecosystems.

#12 Eastern Box Turtle

Box turtle on the move. Image via Depositphotos


Eastern box turtles are cherished inhabitants of Michigan’s woodlands, where they roam through leaf litter and forest clearings. These slow-moving reptiles are known for their distinctive domed shells and gentle demeanor.

#13 American Bullfrog

american bullfrog animals in washington
American bullfrog about to leap. Image by Maddy Weiss via Unsplash


American bullfrogs are prominent residents of Michigan’s ponds, marshes, and wetlands. Their deep croaks and impressive leaps add a lively soundtrack to the state’s summertime evenings.

#14 White-footed Mouse

White-footed Mouse
White footed Mouse. Image by icefront via Depositphotos


White-footed mice are common rodents found in Michigan’s forests and fields, where they play important roles in the ecosystem as prey for larger predators. Their small size and nimble movements allow them to thrive in a variety of habitats.

#15 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Massasauga Rattlesnake
Eastern Massasauga Sistrurus catenatus catenatus is a small rattlesnake. Image via Depositphotos


The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is a venomous snake species native to Michigan’s wetlands and grasslands. Despite their fearsome reputation, these snakes are typically shy and elusive, preferring to avoid human encounters.

#16 American Mink

American Mink
American Mink. Image by Tcalle via Depositphotos


American minks are semi-aquatic mammals that inhabit Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and marshes. Their sleek fur and playful behavior make them a fascinating subject for wildlife enthusiasts, though they are often elusive due to their nocturnal habits.

#17 Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinal. Image by steve_byland via depositphotos


Northern cardinals are vibrant songbirds that brighten Michigan’s forests and backyard feeders with their brilliant red plumage and melodious songs. These iconic birds are a symbol of beauty and resilience in the state’s natural landscapes.

#18 Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird
Male Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) in flight Image by PantherMediaSeller via depositphotos.


Eastern bluebirds are beloved songbirds that inhabit Michigan’s open woodlands and meadows. With their striking blue and orange plumage, these birds bring a splash of color to the state’s countryside throughout the year.

#19 White-tailed Jackrabbit

tortoise vs. hare
White-tailed Jackrabbit. Image by 12019 via Pixabay


White-tailed jackrabbits are swift and agile hares found in Michigan’s grasslands and agricultural fields. Their large ears and powerful hind legs enable them to evade predators and thrive in open habitats.

#20 Painted Turtle

western painted turtle animals in new jersey
Painted Turtle. Image by Mark Valentine via Unsplash


Painted turtles are a familiar sight in Michigan’s ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Their colorful shells and sun-loving behavior make them a popular subject for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles are one of the world’s largest raptors. Image generated by Animals Around the Globe using DALL-E

In conclusion, these are the most popular animals in Michigan. Furthermore, I have never seen an Box Turtle before, it would be an incredible sighting! I think I may need to visit Michigan soon to see one for myself! If you think there should have 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!

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