The 50 Cutest Native Animals in America
Whether big or small, these wild residents have won our hearts.
Like plant life, the types of animals you'll find in every state can vary greatly. From massive bears to the tiniest bird in the United States, here's a look at all the animals who make America their home — some living right next door to you, others nesting across the continent. One thing unites them all: They’re pretty darn cute. Who can resist the chance to meet the delightful creatures living among us?
And after you’ve gazed into their fluffy little faces, you’d be sad to know that many of these animals are becoming endangered. If you want to know more about how you can protect local wildlife, visit the National Wildlife Federation. There, you can donate to conservation funds, find out information about petitions that may be helpful to your area, or learn how to turn an area near you (like a garden or schoolyard) into a certified wildlife habitat. Or, to help animals not just in your backyard but all across the globe, visit the World Wildlife Federation.
Want more? See 50 amazing animals from our national parks and learn about endangered animals that need our help.
Alabama: Swamp Rabbit
The swamp rabbit can adapt to a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to honeysuckle patches. Their name may make it seem like they eat, well, swamp things, but their diet includes leaves, fruit, corn, and soybeans.
Alaska: Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
The Pacific white-sided dolphin is grey and black, with a stockier shape than other dolphin varieties. They can live for up to 45 years and like to hang with other marine mammals, but sadly, their main predators are humans.
Arizona: Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds have to keep busy to stay healthily fed, seeking out the nectar of more than 90 species of plants. You'll generally find them in open areas, though they don't mind urban settings if there are enough flowers and vines nearby for them.
Arkansas: Black Bear
Black bears might seem scary, but they really are averse to human contact. And their babies? Adorable.
California: California Sea Lions
California sea lions can often be spotted along offshore rocks, hanging out with their sea lion buddies. It's worth waiting around, just in case they decide to play in the surf.
Colorado: Prairie Dogs
Black-tailed prairie dogs are found throughout 500,000 acres of Colorado. Though developers and ranchers often consider them nuisances, they play an important part in their ecosystem. They also seem to enjoy biscuits.
Connecticut: Snowshoe Hare
Found mainly in the northwest region of the state, the snowshoe hare is born with a distinctive advantage: They're born fully-furred, with open eyes, and can pretty much walk and hop right away.
Delaware: Gray Fox
The gray fox is the state's official wildlife animal, but it is far, far older than the fair state. These swift animals (which can also climb trees) are estimated to have origins from 10 million years back.
Florida: Manatee
Massive and graceful, manatees are a fascinating native mammal to Florida. You can spot them in rivers and springs, slowly navigating the waters. And see those facial bristles on the mouth and nose? Manatees use them kind of like an elephant uses its trunk, to explore objects.
Georgia: River Otter
The adorable river otter thrives in Georgia, as long as they have the right habitat. As their names suggest, they are at home in the water, capable of diving up to depths as far as 60 feet.
Hawaii: Hawaiian Monk Seal
You'll find the Hawaiian monk seal swimming and hanging out in the northwestern region of the islands. Sadly, they are critically endangered, so if you're lucky enough to spot one, you should keep your distance and leave it be.
Idaho: Calliope Hummingbird
With its brilliant purple throat feathers, the calliope hummingbird is one of the tiniest animals in Idaho. In fact, it's the tiniest bird in North America! Coming in at 3 inches in length and weighing one-tenth of an ounce, this hummingbird is stronger than you think. Some can migrate from Canada to Mexico.
RELATED: The Best Hummingbird Feeders to Create a Bird Sanctuary at Home
Illinois: Least Weasel
The least weasel is tiny, but pretty ferocious. They need to eat 40% to 60% of their body weight every day in order to survive, meaning they're always on the hunt.
Indiana: Red Fox
This Indiana native animal can be found all over this fine country. The standout feature of the red fox is its bushy tail that it uses to signal to fellow foxes.
Iowa: Black-Capped Chickadee
The black-capped chickadee lives in Iowa all year round. You can easily hear them before you even see them, with its distinctive call (described as a "dee-dee-dee" noise). This type of call helps alert other chickadees to danger, and the more dee-dee noises you hear, the higher the perceived threat.
RELATED: Here's How Birds Stay Warm in the Winter, In Case You Were Wondering
Kansas: Mule Deer
Mule deer can be found throughout the state, though they primarily seek canyons, hills, flood plains and river bottoms for their habitat. Though they're known to be far-sighted, they have a really great sense of hearing and smell.
RELATED: How to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden
Kentucky: Eastern Chipmunk
Kentucky is one of the many homes of the eastern chipmunk, Kentucky's only striped squirrel. (No, really.) If you've ever wondered why you frequently find chipmunks hanging out on stumps, there's a great reason. The high elevation allows the chipmunk to keep a lookout for predators.
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Louisiana: Barred Owl
The most common owl in Louisiana, barred owls enjoy living in the marshes found in the southern part of the state. And, while it's mostly active at night, you can also hear it hooting and calling to other owls in the daytime.
Maine: Puffins
These adorable little birds have a hidden talent: They can fly up to 50 mph. On land, you'll find them hopping around rocky areas near the shore.
Maryland: Assateague Ponies
Since the 1600s, these wild ponies have called Assateague Island home. (You can also find them in Virginia.) The ponies stick to herds of about 160, enjoying the relative solitude of the island.
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