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Meet The 20 Most Popular Animals Of Utah

Wild Golden Eagle
Wild Golden Eagle. By Giles Laurent - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142134111

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

#1 Rocky Mountain Elk

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

Firstly, the number one on our list of most popular animals of Utah is the Rocky Mountain elk. Additionally, it is one of the most iconic species in Utah, known for its large antlers and majestic presence. These herbivores inhabit mountainous regions, forests, and grasslands across the state, and they’re a significant draw for wildlife enthusiasts and hunters.

#2 Mule Deer

Mule deer, are among the most readily seen mammals on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Mule deer, are among the most readily seen mammals on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. By Grand Canyon National Park – Grand Canyon National Park: Mule Deer 0891, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89301388

Secondly, Mule deer are a common sight throughout Utah, thriving in various habitats ranging from mountainous terrain to arid deserts. Furthermore, with their large ears and impressive leaping abilities, they are well-adapted to navigating diverse landscapes, making them a beloved species among locals and visitors alike.

#3 American Bison

Bison
Despite their massive size, bison can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Image via Flickr

Thirdly, Utah is home to populations of American bison, symbolizing the wild spirit of the American West. These massive herbivores once roamed the plains in vast herds and are now conserved in designated areas, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich natural history.

#4 Bighorn Sheep

bighorn sheep
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Image by UgputuLf via Depositphotos

Bighorn sheep are an emblematic species of Utah’s rugged landscapes, often spotted scaling steep cliffs and rocky terrain with ease. With their distinctive curved horns and agile movements, they embody the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in challenging environments.

#5 Moose

A male moose takes a rest in a field during a light rainshower.
Moose are the tallest mammals in North America. Image by Ryan Hagerty – http://www.public-domain-image.com/public-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/deers-public-domain-images-pictures/moose-and-elk-public-domain-images-pictures/a-male-moose-takes-a-rest-in-a-field-during-a-light-rainshower.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24856721

Moose are occasionally spotted in Utah’s mountainous regions, particularly in areas with abundant water sources and dense vegetation. These solitary animals are characterized by their large size, distinctive antlers, and preference for wetland habitats, adding to the state’s diverse wildlife population.

#6 Wild Turkey

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

Wild turkeys are native birds that inhabit Utah’s woodlands and forests, foraging for seeds, nuts, insects, and small animals. With their impressive plumage and distinctive gobbling calls, they are a prized species for birdwatchers and hunters alike.

#7 Pronghorn Antelope

Pronghorn Antelope
Pronghorn Antelope. Image by jose ramos via Unsplash

Pronghorn antelope are a common sight in Utah’s sagebrush plains and grasslands, known for their remarkable speed and endurance. These swift herbivores have adapted to the open terrain, utilizing their keen eyesight and agility to evade predators and thrive in their arid surroundings.

#8 Coyote

Coyote, Tule Lake, California
Coyote, Tule Lake, California. By USFWS Pacific Southwest Region – Coyote at Tule Lake NWR, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22826609

Coyotes are highly adaptable predators found throughout Utah, inhabiting a variety of ecosystems ranging from deserts to urban areas. Known for their intelligence and resourcefulness, these canids play a crucial role in regulating local ecosystems by controlling prey populations.

#9 Black Bear

Black Bear
Black bears are excellent climbers and can ascend trees with ease, using their strong claws and agile limbs to reach heights of up to 50 feet. Image by Aaron Brewer via Pexels

Black bears are occasionally sighted in Utah’s forests and mountainous regions, where they forage for berries, nuts, and other food sources. Despite their name, these bears can vary in color from black to cinnamon or brown, and encounters with them are a highlight for many outdoor enthusiasts.

#10 Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) flying. Image via Depositphotos

Tenth on our list of most popular animals of Utah are the Golden eagles. They are majestic raptors that soar above Utah’s expansive landscapes, preying on small mammals and birds. With their keen eyesight and powerful talons, they are apex predators in their ecosystems and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

#11 Mountain Lion

Portrait of a cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, striking a pose on a fallen tree, Winter scene in the woods, wildlife America

Also known as cougars or pumas, mountain lions are elusive predators that inhabit Utah’s rugged terrain, preying on deer and other ungulates. Despite their elusive nature, these large cats are occasionally spotted by hikers and wildlife enthusiasts venturing into their territory.

#12 Great Horned Owl

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

Great horned owls are nocturnal predators found in Utah’s forests, canyons, and urban areas, where they hunt rodents, birds, and other small animals. Named for their prominent ear tufts, these formidable birds of prey are known for their distinctive hooting calls echoing through the night.

#13 Red-tailed Hawk

red tailed hawk
Red-tailed hawks, known for their piercing scream and keen eyesight, are skilled hunters often seen soaring majestically over open fields and highways in search of prey. Image via Depositphotos

Evidently, Red-tailed hawks are widespread in Utah and can be observed soaring high above open fields and woodlands in search of prey. Additionally, with their broad wingspan and characteristic reddish tail feathers, they are a familiar sight in the state’s diverse habitats.

#14 Western Rattlesnake

western diamondback rattlesnake
Western diamondback rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Image generated by Animals Around the Globe using Midjourney

For instance, Western rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers found in Utah’s desert regions, where they play a vital role in controlling rodent populations. However, recognizable by their distinctive rattles and diamond-shaped patterns, these snakes are best admired from a safe distance.

#15 Boreal Owl

Boreal Owl
Boreal Owl. Image by martin_kubik via Depositphotos

Certainly, Boreal owls are small, elusive birds of prey that inhabit Utah’s coniferous forests, where they hunt for small mammals and birds under the cover of darkness. With their cryptic plumage and piercing yellow eyes, they are a rare but captivating sight for dedicated birdwatchers.

#16 California Quail

Californian Quail
Californian Quail. Image by Vijayalakshmi Nidugondi via Unsplash

California quail are ground-dwelling birds found in Utah’s shrublands and grasslands, where they forage for seeds, insects, and vegetation. In other words, with their distinctive plumes and cheerful calls, they are a charming addition to the state’s avian diversity.

#17 Western Bluebird

Western Bluebird
Western Bluebird. Image by Vijayalakshmi Nidugondi via Unsplash

Firstly, Western bluebirds are vibrant songbirds that inhabit Utah’s woodlands and open habitats, where they feed on insects and berries. Evidently, with their striking blue plumage and melodious songs, they are a welcome sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

#18 Desert Tortoise

desert tortoise
Large tortoise reptile walking on sandy ground through an arid desert landscape. Image by paulvinten via Depositphotos

Evidently, Desert tortoises are iconic reptiles of Utah’s arid landscapes, where they burrow underground to escape the heat and conserve moisture. Furthermore, these slow-moving herbivores are adapted to desert life, relying on succulent plants and seasonal water sources for sustenance.

#19 Cutthroat Trout

cutthroat trout
Cutthroat Trout. Image by Nataly Grb via Pexels

Evidently, cutthroat trout are native to Utah’s cold, clear streams and rivers, where they are prized by anglers for their beauty and fighting spirit. Additionally, with their vibrant coloration and distinctive markings, these trout species are an integral part of the state’s freshwater ecosystems.

#20 Utah Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog
Prairie Dog. Image by Wildphoto1 via Pixabay

Finally, last on our list of most popular animals in Utah are the Utah prairie dogs. Furthermore, they are social rodents that inhabit the state’s grasslands and sagebrush plains, where they construct elaborate burrow systems for shelter and protection. Despite their small size, these charismatic mammals play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their grassland habitats.

Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle photograghed in Moscow. Image by Dmitry Grigoriev via Unsplash

In conclusion, these are the most googled animals in Utah. Furthermore, I have never seen a Western Bluebird before, it would be an incredible sighting! I think I may need to visit Utah 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!

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