Skip to Content

Meet The 20 Most Popular Animals Of Ohio

raccoon
Raccoon resting its head on a trre trunk. Image by Chalo Garcia via Unsplash.

Ever wondered what the most popular animals are in all of Ohio? 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 an iconic symbol of Ohio’s wildlife, commonly found throughout the state’s forests, fields, and suburbs; these graceful creatures are known for their distinctive white tail, bounding leaps, and keen senses.

#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 sight in Ohio, often seen darting among trees or scavenging for food in urban areas; with their bushy tails and acrobatic abilities, they are beloved by many Ohioans.

#3 American Robin

American robin,Turdus migratorius is a migratory songbird of the true thrush genus and Turdidae. Image via depositphotos.


Thirdly, the American robin is a ubiquitous bird across Ohio, heralding the arrival of spring with its cheerful song. Furthermore, these plump, red-breasted birds are commonly spotted in parks, gardens, and suburban neighborhoods.

#4 Raccoon

Raccoon sniffing around. Image by Henry Dinardo on Unsplash.


Fourthly, with their distinctive black mask and ringed tail, raccoons are a common sight in Ohio. Additionally, these adaptable creatures are known for their intelligence and dexterous front paws, which they use to forage for food.

#5 Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

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


Evidently, the eastern cottontail rabbit is a familiar sight in Ohio’s meadows, fields, and suburban landscapes; these small, cotton-tailed mammals are known for their rapid breeding and ability to adapt to various habitats.

#6 Canada Goose

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


Canada geese are a familiar sight in Ohio’s parks, lakes, and rivers, especially during migration season. Furthermore, with their distinctive honking calls and V-shaped flying formations, they are a symbol of the changing seasons.

#7 Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Image via Depositphotos


Eastern chipmunks are lively inhabitants of Ohio’s woodlands. Generally spotted darting among fallen leaves and tree roots, these small rodents are known for their striped backs and cheek pouches, which they use to store food.

#8 Eastern Box Turtle

Box turtle on the move. Image via Depositphotos


Emphatically, the eastern box turtle is a terrestrial turtle species native to Ohio’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands; these distinctive turtles are known for their domed shells and ability to retract their heads and limbs for protection.

#9 Mallard Duck

Mallard Duck
Mallard ducks are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, from urban ponds to remote marshes, making them one of the most widespread duck species in Illinois. Image by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash


Mallard ducks are a common sight in Ohio’s ponds, lakes, and rivers, where they can be seen dabbling for aquatic plants and insects. Especially, with their vibrant green heads and distinctive quacking calls, they are a familiar part of Ohio’s waterfowl community.

#10 American Bullfrog

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


Evidently, we are halfway through our list of most popular animals in Ohio. Furthermore, American bullfrogs are large amphibians found in Ohio’s ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams; known for their deep croaking calls and voracious appetites, they play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems.

#11 Northern Cardinal

Northern cardinal. Image via depositphotos


The northern cardinal is a vibrant red bird that is a favorite among birdwatchers in Ohio. With its distinctive crest and melodious song, it adds color and charm to gardens, parks, and woodlands throughout the state.

#12 Wild Turkey

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


Wild turkeys are native game birds that inhabit Ohio’s forests and rural landscapes. With their impressive size and distinctive gobbling calls, they are a symbol of the state’s natural heritage.

#13 American Crow

Wild crow
Wild crow standing in a field looking for food. Credit: Loz (L. B. Tettenborn) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2380746


American crows are highly adaptable birds found in both urban and rural areas throughout Ohio. Known for their intelligence and raucous cawing calls, they are often seen foraging for food or perching on telephone wires.

#14 Red-tailed Hawk

Hawk
The Red-Tailed Hawk is a bird of prey that breeds throughout most of North America, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. Image via Depositphotos


The red-tailed hawk is a majestic bird of prey that can be found soaring over Ohio’s fields and forests. With its broad wingspan and piercing gaze, it is a symbol of strength and wilderness.

#15 Eastern Bluebird

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


Eastern bluebirds are small, colorful songbirds that brighten Ohio’s meadows, fields, and suburban neighborhoods. With their vibrant blue plumage and melodious songs, they are a welcome sight for birdwatchers.

#16 Eastern Box Turtle

Box turtle on the move. Image via Depositphotos


The eastern box turtle is a terrestrial turtle species native to Ohio’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These distinctive turtles are known for their domed shells and ability to retract their heads and limbs for protection.

#17 Black-capped Chickadee

Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee. Image by Veronika_Andrews via pixabay


Black-capped chickadees are small, energetic birds that frequent Ohio’s woodlands and backyard feeders. Known for their cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” calls and bold personalities, they are a delight to observe.

#18 Eastern Garter Snake

Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Garter Snake. Image via Depositphotos


Eastern garter snakes are non-venomous reptiles commonly found in Ohio’s grasslands, forests, and wetlands. With their distinctive stripes and docile nature, they are often encountered by hikers and nature enthusiasts.

#19 American Toad

American toad
American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) basking on a rock. Image by Christina Brinza via Unsplash


American toads are amphibians that inhabit Ohio’s forests, fields, and gardens, where they feed on insects and other small invertebrates. Known for their distinctive “trilling” calls and warty skin, they are a familiar sight in the state.

#20 Great Blue Heron

great blue heron
A great blue heron takes flight. Image by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash


Great blue herons are large wading birds that frequent Ohio’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers in search of fish and other aquatic prey. With their towering stature and slow, deliberate movements, they are a striking presence in the state’s natural landscapes.

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

In conclusion, these are the most popular animals in Ohio. Furthermore, I have never seen an Box Turtle before, it would be an incredible sighting! I think I may need to visit Ohio 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!

Thank you for following along with this article – 

Next up in the animal kingdom:

Man Narrowly Escapes Moose Attack in His Yard in Alaska Hippos at Zoo Eating Whole Pumpkins as a Snack Bald Eagle Family Expand Their Nest In California Bear Walks Past Alaska Hikers and They Don’t Move an Inch Man Trains Alligator to Be a Cuddle Buddy