27+ American Animals with Facts & Pictures
America’s wildlife is diverse and quite interesting, with over 27+ unique animal species calling the country home.
From the majestic bald eagle to the tiny desert pupfish, these creatures showcase the rich biodiversity across the United States.
This guide explores various American animals, providing key facts and images to help you learn about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation status.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about local fauna, you’ll find interesting information about well-known species like the grizzly bear and lesser-known animals like the otter species.
By understanding these animals better, we can appreciate the importance of protecting their habitats and ensuring their survival for future generations.
Let’s explore the list on a closer note!
1. Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears are large, powerful mammals known for their muscular bodies and distinctive hump on their shoulders.
They have a keen sense of smell and are primarily found in North America, where they dominate forest and mountain regions.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.3 to 4.3 feet (1 to 1.3 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 400 to 790 pounds (180 to 360 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Ursus arctos horribilis |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Roar, growl |
Fun Facts
- Grizzly bears can run up to 30 miles per hour despite their large size.
- They hibernate for up to 7 months without eating, drinking, or passing waste.
- The grizzly bear’s name comes from the word “grizzled,” referring to its grayish, grizzled fur.
2. American Bison
The American bison, also known as the buffalo, is the largest land animal in North America, recognized for its massive head and thick fur.
They are social animals that roam the grasslands in large herds and play a key role in the ecosystem by grazing.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 to 6.5 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 900 to 2,200 pounds (410 to 1,000 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Bison bison |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunts, snorts |
Fun Facts
- American bison can run up to 35 miles per hour.
- They have a thick coat that allows them to survive harsh winters.
- Bison were once on the brink of extinction but have significantly recovered.
3. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey known for its white head and tail. It is the national symbol of the United States.
These powerful birds are excellent hunters, often seen soaring above rivers and lakes, searching for fish.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5 to 3.5 feet (0.75 to 1.1 meters) |
| Wingspan | 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters) |
| Weight | 6.6 to 14 pounds (3 to 6.3 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (mainly fish) |
| What Sound They Make | High-pitched whistling, chirping |
Fun Facts
- Bald eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird, sometimes weighing over a ton.
- Their eyesight is up to four times sharper than that of a human.
- Despite their name, bald eagles are not bald; “bald” comes from an old English word meaning “white.”
4. American Alligator
The American alligator is a large reptile native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its powerful bite and armored skin.
These reptiles are typically found in freshwater environments such as swamps, rivers, and lakes.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) |
| Weight | 450 to 1,000 pounds (200 to 450 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southeastern United States |
| Scientific Name | Alligator mississippiensis |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Roar, hiss |
Fun Facts
- American alligators can live up to 50 years in the wild.
- They have up to 80 teeth at a time and can go through thousands of teeth over their lifetime.
- Alligators play an important role in their ecosystem by creating “gator holes” that provide habitats for other animals.
5. Mountain Lion
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are adaptable predators across various regions of the Americas.
They are solitary animals with powerful limbs, allowing them to leap great distances in pursuit of prey.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 to 2.5 feet (0.6 to 0.8 meters) at the shoulder |
| Length | 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) |
| Weight | 64 to 220 pounds (29 to 100 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North and South America |
| Scientific Name | Puma concolor |
| Place of Origin | Americas |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Screams, growls |
Fun Facts
- Mountain lions are excellent jumpers, capable of leaping up to 15 feet vertically.
- They are one of the most widely distributed mammals in the Americas.
- Unlike most big cats, mountain lions cannot roar; instead, they make high-pitched sounds like screams and chirps.
6. American Lobster
The American lobster is a marine crustacean valued for its sweet, succulent meat, found along the Atlantic coast of North America.
They are known for their large claws, which they use for hunting and defense.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 25 inches (64 cm) |
| Weight | Up to 44 pounds (20 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Atlantic coast of North America |
| Scientific Name | Homarus americanus |
| Place of Origin | North Atlantic Ocean |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | No significant sound |
Fun Facts
- American lobsters can live over 50 years in the wild.
- They continue to grow throughout their lives, shedding their shells periodically.
- Lobsters can regenerate lost limbs over time.
7. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America, recognized by its diamond-shaped pattern.
They inhabit forests and coastal scrublands and are known for their distinctive rattle, which warns of potential threats.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) |
| Weight | 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southeastern United States |
| Scientific Name | Crotalus adamanteus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Rattle, hiss |
Fun Facts
- The Eastern diamondback’s venom is highly potent, capable of killing prey almost instantly.
- They can strike at a distance of up to two-thirds their body length.
- Eastern diamondbacks give birth to live young, unlike many other snakes that lay eggs.
8. Monarch Butterfly
The monarch butterfly is famous for its incredible migration, which occurs annually, traveling thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico.
Their bright orange wings with black and white markings make these butterflies easily recognizable.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 3.5 to 4 inches (8.9 to 10.2 cm) |
| Weight | 0.25 to 0.75 grams |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Danaus plexippus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (nectar) |
| What Sound They Make | No significant sound |
Fun Facts
- Monarch butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles during their migration.
- They use the sun and Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
- Monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on milkweed, which makes them toxic to predators.
9. Gray Wolf
Gray wolves are highly social animals that live and hunt in packs, known for their sharp intelligence and complex communication.
They are the largest members of the dog family and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5 to 3 feet (0.75 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Length | 4.5 to 6.5 feet (1.4 to 2 meters) |
| Weight | 50 to 110 pounds (23 to 50 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus |
| Place of Origin | North America, Eurasia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Howl, bark, growl |
Fun Facts
- Gray wolves can communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including howls, barks, and whines.
- They can cover vast distances, sometimes up to 12 miles in a single night.
- A single gray wolf can consume up to 20 pounds of meat in one meal.
10. American Bullfrog
The American bullfrog is the largest frog in North America and is known for its deep, resonant croak that can be heard over great distances.
They are commonly found near ponds, lakes, and swamps, where they prey on insects, small fish, and other frogs.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.5 to 6 inches (9 to 15 cm) |
| Weight | Up to 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Lithobates catesbeianus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Deep croak, “jug-o-rum” |
Fun Facts
- American bullfrogs are known for their loud croak, often used to attract mates.
- They can leap up to 6 feet in a single bound.
- Bullfrogs have a unique hunting method, using their sticky tongues to snatch prey with lightning speed.
11. Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is renowned for being the fastest bird in the world. During a dive, it can reach speeds over 240 miles per hour.
These birds of prey are found across various habitats, including urban areas where they nest on tall buildings.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5 to 2 feet (0.5 to 0.6 meters) |
| Wingspan | 3.3 to 3.6 feet (1 to 1.1 meters) |
| Weight | 1 to 3.5 pounds (0.5 to 1.6 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Worldwide |
| Scientific Name | Falco peregrinus |
| Place of Origin | Worldwide |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Kak-kak-kak |
Fun Facts
- Peregrine falcons have been recorded diving at over 240 mph, making them the fastest animals on the planet.
- They were once endangered due to pesticide use but have remarkably recovered.
- Peregrine falcons have excellent vision, allowing them to spot prey over a mile away.
12. Gila Monster
The Gila monster is a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States, easily identified by its striking black and pink coloration.
They are one of the few venomous lizards in the world and use their venom primarily for defense.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) |
| Weight | 3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southwestern United States |
| Scientific Name | Heloderma suspectum |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- Gila monsters can store fat in their tails and survive without food for months.
- Their bite is extremely painful but rarely fatal to humans.
- Gila monsters are the only venomous lizard native to the United States.
13. Sea Otter
Sea otters are playful marine mammals known for their dense fur, which is the thickest of any animal and helps keep them warm in cold ocean waters.
They often float on their backs, using rocks to crack open shellfish.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 3.3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) |
| Weight | 31 to 99 pounds (14 to 45 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Pacific coast of North America |
| Scientific Name | Enhydra lutris |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Whistles, chirps, screams |
Fun Facts
- Sea otters can use tools like rocks to break open shells, a behavior rare among animals.
- They have the densest fur of any animal, with up to a million hairs per square inch.
- Sea otters are crucial in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems by controlling sea urchin populations.
14. California Condor
The California condor is the largest North American land bird, with an impressive wingspan and distinctive bald head.
These scavengers are critically endangered, but conservation efforts have helped their populations recover.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 9.5 feet (2.9 meters) |
| Weight | 15 to 31 pounds (7 to 14 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | California, Arizona, Utah |
| Scientific Name | Gymnogyps californianus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Scavenger |
| What Sound They Make | Hissing, grunting |
Fun Facts
- California condors can live up to 60 years in the wild.
- They are one of the world’s rarest bird species, with only 500 individuals left.
- Condors can soar up to 15,000 feet, using thermal updrafts to glide for hours without flapping their wings.
15. American Black Bear
The American black bear is North America’s most common bear species, known for its adaptability and varied diet.
Despite their name, black bears can come in various colors, including brown and white.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5 to 3 feet (0.75 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 200 to 600 pounds (90 to 272 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Ursus americanus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunts, moans, growls |
Fun Facts
- American black bears are excellent climbers, often seen scaling trees for food.
- They have a keen sense of smell, which is seven times better than that of a bloodhound.
- During hibernation, a black bear’s heart rate drops from 40-50 beats per minute to as low as 8 beats per minute.
16. Raccoon
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals known for their distinctive black “mask” of fur around their eyes and dexterous front paws.
They are highly adaptable and thrive in various environments, from forests to urban areas.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 16 to 28 inches (41 to 71 cm) |
| Weight | 8 to 20 pounds (3.6 to 9 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Procyon lotor |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Chattering, growling, hissing |
Fun Facts
- Raccoons are known for their problem-solving abilities and can open latches, doors, and jars.
- They have extremely sensitive paws that allow them to identify objects by touch alone.
- Raccoons can swim and are often found near water, where they wash their food before eating it.
17. American Pika
The American pika is a small, herbivorous mammal that lives in rocky, mountainous regions of western North America.
They are known for their high-pitched calls and habit of collecting and storing food for the winter.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) |
| Weight | 5 to 6 ounces (140 to 170 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Western North America |
| Scientific Name | Ochotona princeps |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | High-pitched squeaks |
Fun Facts
- American pikas do not hibernate; instead, they store large amounts of dried grasses and plants in “haypiles” to eat during the winter.
- They are very sensitive to temperature changes and can suffer heat stress if exposed to temperatures above 77°F (25°C).
- Pikas are related to rabbits and hares; like them, they have large, continuously growing incisors.
18. American Crocodile
The American crocodile is a large reptile that inhabits coastal areas of Central America, South Florida, and parts of the Caribbean.
They are more tolerant of saltwater than most crocodiles and are typically found in brackish waters.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 meters) |
| Weight | 400 to 1,100 pounds (180 to 500 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central America, South Florida, Caribbean |
| Scientific Name | Crocodylus acutus |
| Place of Origin | Americas |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hissing, growling, bellowing |
Fun Facts
- American crocodiles can live up to 70 years in the wild.
- They have a V-shaped snout, distinguishing them from alligators, which have a U-shaped snout.
- Crocodiles have one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom, with a force of up to 3,700 pounds per square inch (psi).
19. Red Fox
The red fox is a small, omnivorous mammal known for its beautiful reddish coat and bushy tail.
They are highly adaptable and can be found in many habitats, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and urban areas.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 18 to 35 inches (46 to 89 cm) |
| Weight | 6.5 to 24 pounds (3 to 11 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Scientific Name | Vulpes vulpes |
| Place of Origin | Northern Hemisphere |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Barking, screaming, howling |
Fun Facts
- Red foxes can make a variety of vocalizations, including a distinctive scream that can be heard for miles.
- They are known for their cunning and intelligence, often outsmarting predators and hunters.
- Red foxes use their bushy tails as a warm cover in cold weather and as a signal flag to communicate with other foxes.
20. Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is a powerful bird of prey known for its “horns,” which are tufts of feathers, and its deep hooting call.
They are highly adaptable and can be found in many habitats, including forests, deserts, and even suburban areas.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 to 25 inches (46 to 64 cm) |
| Wingspan | 3.3 to 4.8 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) |
| Weight | 2 to 5.5 pounds (0.9 to 2.5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North and South America |
| Scientific Name | Bubo virginianus |
| Place of Origin | Americas |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hooting, screeching |
Fun Facts
- Great horned owls have excellent night vision and can hunt in complete darkness.
- They have powerful talons that can exert a force of 300 pounds per square inch, enough to crush bones.
- These owls are known to attack prey much larger than themselves, including other birds of prey.
21. American Badger
The American badger is a stocky mammal known for its digging prowess, powerful build, and distinctive black-and-white facial markings.
They are solitary animals that live in caves and are known for their ferocity when threatened.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 20 to 34 inches (51 to 86 cm) |
| Weight | 9 to 26 pounds (4 to 12 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Taxidea taxus |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Growling, hissing, snarling |
Fun Facts
- American badgers are excellent diggers, capable of digging up to 10 feet in just a few minutes.
- They have a mutualistic relationship with coyotes; they hunt together, with the badger digging and the coyote chasing prey.
- Badgers have loose skin that allows them to twist around and bite attackers even when being held.
22. American Kestrel
The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, known for its beautiful plumage and agile flight.
These highly adaptable birds of prey can be found in open areas, including grasslands, deserts, and agricultural lands.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) |
| Wingspan | 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) |
| Weight | 2.8 to 5.8 ounces (80 to 165 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | North and South America |
| Scientific Name | Falco sparverius |
| Place of Origin | Americas |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Klee, Klee, Klee |
Fun Facts
- American kestrels can hover in place while hunting, a behavior known as “kiting.”
- They are one of the few raptors that can see ultraviolet light, which helps them track prey by following urine trails.
- Kestrels often cache extra food, storing it in tree cavities or other hidden spots to eat later.
23. American Beaver
The American beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent known for its ability to build dams, lodges, and canals, which significantly alter their habitat.
Beavers have large, flat tails and strong teeth that allow them to cut down trees and build intricate structures.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 29 to 35 inches (74 to 90 cm) |
| Weight | 35 to 66 pounds (16 to 30 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Castor canadensis |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Whining, growling, slapping tails |
Fun Facts
- Beavers are second only to humans in their ability to manipulate their environment.
- They have a special gland that produces castoreum, a scent that marks their territory.
- Beavers’ teeth never stop growing, and they must constantly gnaw on wood to keep them from becoming too long.
24. Coyote
The coyote is a highly adaptable member of the dog family, known for its intelligence and ability to thrive in wild and urban environments.
Coyotes are skilled hunters and scavengers. They are known for their distinctive howl, which is often heard at night.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 32 to 37 inches (81 to 94 cm) |
| Weight | 20 to 50 pounds (9 to 23 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Canis latrans |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Howling, yipping, barking |
Fun Facts
- Coyotes are known for their adaptability and can live in various environments, from deserts to cities.
- They are excellent communicators, using complex vocalizations, body language, and scent markings.
- Coyotes often hunt in pairs or small groups and can run up to 40 miles per hour when chasing prey.
25. American Marten
The American marten is a small, agile mammal found in forests across northern North America. It is known for its thick fur and excellent climbing abilities.
Martens are solitary and primarily nocturnal, hunting small mammals and birds.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 18 to 26 inches (46 to 66 cm) |
| Weight | 1.5 to 3.5 pounds (0.7 to 1.6 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern North America |
| Scientific Name | Martes americana |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Chirping, growling, hissing |
Fun Facts
- American martens have semi-retractable claws that help them climb trees.
- They are excellent hunters, capable of catching prey in trees or on the ground.
- Martens have a keen sense of smell, which they use to track prey and navigate their forest habitats.
26. North American Porcupine
The North American porcupine is a large rodent known for its coat of sharp quills, which it uses to defend against predators.
They are slow-moving but excellent climbers, often found in forests where they feed on tree bark and leaves.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 25 to 36 inches (64 to 91 cm) |
| Weight | 12 to 35 pounds (5.4 to 16 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Erethizon dorsatum |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunts, whines, teeth chattering |
Fun Facts
- Porcupines have up to 30,000 quills, which they can release when threatened.
- Their quills have barbed tips, making them difficult to remove once embedded in a predator’s skin.
- Porcupines are excellent swimmers, using their buoyant quills to stay afloat.
27. North American River Otter
The North American river otter is a playful and agile aquatic mammal known for its sleek body and webbed feet, which make it an excellent swimmer.
They are commonly found in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas across North America, where they hunt for fish and other aquatic prey.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 26 to 42 inches (66 to 107 cm) |
| Weight | 11 to 31 pounds (5 to 14 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Lontra canadensis |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Whistles, chirps, growls |
Fun Facts
- River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes underwater.
- They have thick, water-repellent fur that keeps them warm in cold water.
- Otters are known for their playful behavior, often sliding down muddy or snowy slopes for fun.
28. American Pronghorn
The American pronghorn is a unique ungulate native to the grasslands of North America. It is known for its incredible speed, second only to the cheetah.
Despite its appearance, the pronghorn is not a true antelope and belongs to a distinct family.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 32 to 41 inches (81 to 104 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 90 to 150 pounds (41 to 68 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | North America |
| Scientific Name | Antilocapra americana |
| Place of Origin | North America |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Whistles, grunts |
Fun Facts
- Pronghorns can run up to 60 miles per hour, making them the fastest land animal in North America.
- They have large eyes that provide a wide field of vision, allowing them to spot predators from great distances.
- Pronghorns have unique, forked horns that are shed and regrown annually, unlike true antelopes, whose horns are permanent.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has given you a peek into the amazing world of American animals. Each creature plays a vital role in our ecosystems.
As someone who’s spent countless hours observing and learning about these animals, I can’t stress enough how important it is to protect their habitats.
What’s next? Why not visit a nearby national park or wildlife refuge to spot some of these beautiful creatures in person? Or, if you’re feeling inspired, consider supporting local conservation efforts.
Remember, every small action counts. Whether you reduce plastic use or plant native species in your backyard, you can make a difference.
Let’s work together to ensure these amazing animals thrive for generations!
