List of U.S. State Animals

State animal of Alabama is the Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Found in diverse habitats across the state, from forests to swamps, these bears are adaptable and can thrive in various environments. Their diet includes berries, nuts, insects, and small mammals, as well as occasional human food. The current population of black bears in Alabama is estimated to be around 200 individuals.

Arizona’s state animal is the Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus). This small, nocturnal mammal is known for its cat-like appearance and bushy tail with alternating black and white rings. It inhabits a range of ecosystems, including deserts, rocky areas, and woodlands. The ringtail’s diet consists of insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetation. The population of ringtails in Arizona is not precisely known.

State animal of California is the California Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos californicus). This majestic bear once roamed the state’s diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, and grasslands. Its diet comprised a wide range of foods, from berries and plants to fish and large mammals. The California grizzly be¬¬ar is currently extinct in the state, with the last known individual being shot in the early 1920s.

Connecticut’s state animal is the Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus). While not commonly found in the state’s waters, it has historical significance due to Connecticut’s whaling heritage. Sperm whales inhabit deep oceans, primarily consuming squid and deep-sea fish. Since they are not commonly found in Connecticut’s coastal waters, their population within the state is relatively limited and irregular.

Florida’s state animal is the Florida Panther (Puma concolor coryi). These elusive big cats inhabit various habitats, including swamps, forests, and grasslands. Their diet consists of white-tailed deer, hogs, and other small mammals. As of the latest estimates, the population of Florida panthers in the state is approximately 120 to 230 individuals.

Georgia mentions the North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) as their official state marine mammal. These majestic marine mammals inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, including the coast of Georgia. Their diet primarily consists of tiny marine organisms like zooplankton. The North Atlantic right whale population is critically endangered, and the exact number of individuals in Georgia waters can vary. Its population is estimated to be around 400 individuals for the entire North Atlantic region, which includes areas off the coasts of the United States and Canada, where the whales migrate and give birth.

Hawaii’s state animal is the Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi). These marine mammals inhabit the coastal waters and sandy shores of Hawaii’s islands. Their diet mainly consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans. The current population of Hawaiian monk seals in the state is estimated to be around 1,570 individuals.

State animal of Idaho is the Appaloosa Horse (Equus ferus caballus). Renowned for its distinctive spotted coat, this breed thrives in diverse habitats across the state, adapting well to the rugged terrain and varied climates. Appaloosa Horses are known for their versatility, used historically by Native American tribes and prized for their endurance and intelligence. The population of Appaloosa horses in Idaho is not precisely known.

Indiana does not have an official state animal. It has a state bird named, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Thriving in diverse habitats, from woodlands to urban areas, these striking birds are known for their vibrant red plumage and distinctive song. Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and fruits. While there isn’t a specific population estimate for northern cardinals in Indiana, they are commonly found throughout the state, making them one of the most recognizable and abundant bird species in Indiana.

Kansas’s state animal is the American Bison (bison bison). These majestic creatures once roamed the Great Plains and are well-adapted to grassland habitats. Their diet primarily consists of grasses. The current population of American bison in Kansas is estimated to be around 5,800 individuals, with many of them living in protected areas and private ranches.

Louisiana’s state mammal is the Louisiana Black Bear (Ursus americanus luteolus). The Louisiana black bear inhabits bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and marshes in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Its diet includes vegetation, insects, and occasional small mammals. Ranging from Mississippi to Texas, it once roamed widely but faced habitat loss and fragmentation. The current population of Louisiana black bears in the state is estimated to be around 700 to 1,000 individuals.

Maryland’s state mammal is the Thoroughbred Horse (Equus ferus caballus). Thriving in various equestrian settings, these versatile horses are known for their speed and agility. Their diet consists of hay, grains, and supplements tailored for their high-energy needs. Their population is estimated to be around 4,500 to 5,000 individuals.

Massachusetts’s state animal is the Boston Terrier (Canis lupus familiaris). Bred in Boston, these affectionate and intelligent dogs are beloved companions. They inhabit various settings, adapting well to city life. Their diet comprises dog food tailored to their nutritional needs. The population of Boston terrier in Massachusetts was estimated to be around 6,860,000 in the year 2017.

Minnesota does not have an official state animal. While several animals have been proposed as potential candidates, such as the white-tailed deer, the Eastern timber wolf, the black bear, and others, none of them have been formally adopted as the official state animal of Minnesota.
However, Minnesota recognizes Common Loon (Gavia immer) as its official state bird. The Common Loon is often found in freshwater lakes and ponds across Minnesota. Its diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized fish, including perch, sunfish, and minnows. The population of Common Loons in Minnesota is around 12,000 individuals.

State animal of Missouri is the Missouri Mule (Equus asinus x Equus caballus). These hybrid animals, created by crossbreeding donkeys and horses, have been significant in the state’s history for agricultural and transportation purposes. They can thrive in various habitats and are often associated with farms and rural areas. Their diet typically consists of hay, grains, and pasture forage. The current population of Missouri Mule in Missouri is not precisely known.

Nebraska’s state animal is the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). They are adaptable to various habitats, from woodlands to prairies, and are often spotted near water sources. Their diet mainly consists of plants, including grasses, leaves, and fruits. The current population of white-tailed deer in Nebraska is estimated to be around 300,000 to 350,000 individuals. These deer are a familiar sight in the state’s woodlands and open areas.

New Hampshire’s state animal is the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). They inhabit varied landscapes, including forests, fields, and rural areas. Their diet encompasses vegetation like grasses, leaves, acorns and fruits. The current population of white-tailed deer in New Hampshire is estimated to be around 100,000 individuals.

New Mexico’s state animal is the Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Thriving in diverse habitats, from forests to mountainous regions, these bears are known for their adaptability and distinctive appearance. Their diet includes a variety of foods such as berries, nuts, insects, and occasionally larger mammals. The current population of black bears in New Mexico is estimated to be around 5,000 to 6,000 individuals.

State mammal of North Carolina is the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). These adaptable rodents thrive in a range of habitats, from forests to urban areas. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. The exact population of Eastern gray squirrels in North Carolina is not currently known.

State animal of Ohio is the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). They inhabit diverse environments, including woodlands, fields, and urban areas. Their diet consists of vegetation like leaves, grasses, and fruits. The current population of white-tailed deer in Ohio is estimated to be around 700,000 to 750,000 individuals.

Oregon’s state animal is the Beaver (Castor canadensis). Flourishing in aquatic habitats like rivers, lakes, and wetlands, these industrious creatures are known for building dams and lodges. Their diet mainly consists of bark, twigs, and aquatic plants. The current population of beavers in Oregon is not precisely known.

State animal of Rhode Island is the Rhode Island Red Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). These hardy birds are well-suited for urban and rural settings, thriving in diverse habitats. Their diet includes grains, seeds, insects, and plants. The current population of Rhode Island Red Chicken in Rhode Island is not precisely known.

South Carolina’s state animal is the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). They inhabit various habitats in South Carolina, from forests to grasslands, and often near water sources. Their diet consists of plants, including grasses, leaves, and nuts. The current population of white-tailed deer in South Carolina is estimated to be around 730,000 individuals.

Tennessee’s state animal is the Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Thriving in a variety of habitats, from forests to urban areas, these clever and adaptable mammals are known for their distinctive masked faces and dexterous paws. Their diet includes a wide range of foods such as fruits, insects, small animals, and human waste. The current population of raccoons in Tennessee is not precisely known.

Vermont’s state animal is the Morgan Horse (Equus ferus caballus). These versatile horses thrive in various equestrian disciplines and settings. Their diet typically includes hay, grains, and supplements. The Morgan horse is a versatile and historic breed that holds significance in the state. The exact population of Morgan horses in Vermont is not readily available.

State animal of Washington is the Olympic Marmot (Marmota olympus). These marmots inhabit alpine meadows and rocky slopes within the Olympic Mountains. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, herbs, and flowers. The population of Olympic Marmot is estimated to be 2,000-4,000 individuals.

West Virginia’s state animal is the Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Thriving in various habitats, from forests to mountains, these powerful creatures are known for their distinctive appearance and behaviors. Their diet includes a variety of foods such as berries, nuts, insects, and occasionally larger mammals. The current population of black bears in West Virginia is estimated to be around 13,000 individuals.

State animal of Wyoming is the American Bison, also known as buffalo. Thriving in grasslands and prairies, these iconic mammals once roamed the region in vast herds. Their diet mainly consists of grasses. The current population of American bison in Wyoming is estimated to be around 4,500 individuals.