Animals of America: 10 Emblematic Species in the United States
Animals of theUnited States of America infographic
When you think of the animals of the United States, what comes to mind? Maybe the soaring bald eagle, the rugged bison, or even the clever raccoon rooting through your trash. From coast to coast, the U.S. is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, shaped by millions of years of natural history.
Long before European settlers arrived, North America was a land of megafauna—mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths roamed its vast plains and forests. During prehistoric times, millions of bison also roamed the continent, illustrating the deep cultural and ecological connections between these animals and Indigenous communities. While many of these prehistoric species are gone, their ecological legacy lives on in the wild landscapes and resilient animals that still call this country home. By 1963, there were only 487 nesting pairs of bald eagles remaining in the contiguous states, highlighting the significant conservation challenges faced by the species.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at 10 emblematic animals of America, explore what makes them special.
Top 10 Emblematic Animals of America
1. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
No animal says “America” quite like the bald eagle. With its striking white head, piercing yellow eyes, and massive wingspan, this bird of prey has long been a symbol of strength and freedom. It sits proudly at the center of the Great Seal of the United States, and while many assume it's the officially designated national bird, Congress has actually never passed legislation to lock that in—yet.
These eagles are most often found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas where they swoop down to hunt fish with deadly precision. Long before it became a patriotic icon, the bald eagle held deep spiritual meaning for many Indigenous tribes across North America, symbolizing courage, wisdom, and a divine connection.
After nearly vanishing in the mid-20th century due to DDT pesticide use, the bald eagle became one of the greatest conservation comeback stories in U.S. history—thanks to the Endangered Species Act and decades of protection. Today, it’s more than just a bird; it’s a cultural and ecological emblem that still commands awe from sea to shining sea.
Status: Least concern (IUCN), formerly endangered
Bald Eagle | Photo by Ken Cannings
2. American Bison (Bison bison)
Towering, shaggy, and unmistakably powerful, the American bison is the largest land mammal in North America—and an icon of the Great Plains. Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison roamed freely across grasslands, prairies, and river valleys until the 19th century, when unchecked hunting nearly drove them to extinction.
In 2016, the bison was officially named the national mammal of the United States, a long-overdue nod to its deep cultural, ecological, and historical importance. For many Native American tribes, the bison was—and still is—a sacred animal, central to life, ceremony, and survival. Every part of the animal was used: from food and clothing to tools and shelter.
While most people still call them buffalo, the correct name is bison (Bison bison, to be exact). These animals are surprisingly agile, capable of running up to 35 miles per hour and crossing rivers with ease. They may look like lumbering tanks, but their speed and resilience have helped them endure.
Status: Near threatened
American Bison | Photo by Jillian Cooper
3. American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Native to the southeastern U.S., particularly the wetlands and swamps of Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia, the American alligator thrives in freshwater environments like marshes, bayous, and slow-moving rivers. Female alligators, known as cows, play a crucial role in the breeding and nurturing of young alligators. Alligators were once critically endangered but bounced back through strict wildlife management and conservation programs. They play a vital ecological role by digging “gator holes” that retain water during droughts, providing refuge for other animals.
Status: Least concern
American Alligator | Photo by Tom Reville
4. Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)
Grizzly bears roam the wild corners of Alaska, the Rockies (including Canada), and parts of the Pacific Northwest, where they need vast, untamed landscapes to thrive. With their immense power and solitary nature, grizzlies are among the strongest animals on Earth and have long been revered by Indigenous cultures as symbols of protection and spiritual force. They hibernate through winter and emerge in spring ready to reshape the landscape—dispersing seeds, digging for roots, and keeping prey populations in check. More than just icons of the wild, grizzlies are essential players in maintaining balance across North America’s rugged ecosystems.
Status: Threatened in the lower 48 states
Grizzly Bear | Photo by Andre Anita
5. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
The monarch butterfly is best known for its epic migration—traveling up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the U.S. to central Mexico each fall. These vibrant orange and black pollinators rely on specific habitats along the way, particularly milkweed plants for breeding. In many Indigenous cultures, monarchs are seen as messengers or symbols of transformation. Every year, millions gather in Mexico’s highland forests, creating one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, and earning the monarch a place among the most iconic animals of Mexico. Despite their beauty, monarchs face serious threats from habitat loss and climate change, making their conservation a priority across borders.
Status: Endangered (IUCN)
Monarch Butterfly | Photo by American Wildlife
6. North American Beaver (Castor canadensis)
The North American beaver is a master builder, famous for its dam-making skills that transform landscapes and create thriving wetlands. By slowing down rivers and creating ponds, these “ecosystem engineers” support a wide range of wildlife—from frogs and fish to birds and moose. Once nearly wiped out by the fur trade, beavers have made a strong comeback and are now celebrated for their vital role in maintaining healthy watersheds and boosting biodiversity. Quiet, hardworking, and endlessly resourceful, beavers prove that small mammals can make a big ecological impact.
Status: Least concern
North American Beaver | Via Getty Images
7. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
An iconic animal from California and with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet, the California condor is North America’s largest land bird. Historically found throughout the western continent, they now inhabit rocky cliffs, canyons, and scrublands in parts of California, Arizona, and Utah. Condors were brought back from the brink of extinction through intense captive breeding and reintroduction programs. Culturally significant to several Indigenous nations, condors were seen as sacred messengers.
Status: Critically endangered
California Condor | Photo by Cesar Medina Davila
8. Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Gray wolves once roamed across nearly all of the U.S acting as apex predators, but now reside primarily in the Northern Rockies, parts of the Great Lakes, and the Pacific Northwest. Congress has played a significant role in the protection and reintroduction of gray wolves in various regions. These intelligent and social predators live in forested, tundra, and mountainous regions, hunting in packs and maintaining the health of prey populations like deer and elk. Wolves hold deep symbolic meaning in Indigenous cultures, often associated with loyalty, courage, and teaching. Their reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s helped restore ecosystem balance by controlling overgrazing and rejuvenating habitats for other species.
Status: Varies by region (some protected, some hunted)
Gray Wolf | Via Getty Images
9. Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Also known as wapiti, elk are one of North America’s largest land animals, second only to the American bison, the largest mammal on the continent. Revered by Indigenous peoples and popular with wildlife watchers, they’re a keystone species in many national parks.
Status: Least concern
Tule Elk | Photo by Porsche Herskorn
10. Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Resourceful and highly adaptable, the raccoon has become an unofficial urban mascot across North America. Though not a national animal, it’s deeply embedded in American pop culture and backyard ecosystems.
Status: Least concern
Raccoon | Photo by Jack Vanden Heuvel
What Animals Are Native to America?
Hundreds of animals are native to America, from iconic megafauna to lesser-known critters. Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the United States where bison have continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. National symbols are representations that embody the identity of the United States, highlighting their significance in reflecting the country's values and heritage:
Birds: Bald eagle, wild turkey, blue jay
Mammals: Bison, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion
Reptiles: Gopher tortoise, alligator, king snake
Amphibians: Hellbender salamander, American bullfrog
Insects: Monarch butterfly, American burying beetle
In addition to these animals, the oak is recognized as the national tree and the rose as the national flower of the United States.
Each species plays a unique role in the country’s ecological systems, contributing to pollination, pest control, seed dispersal, and more. The oak tree, as a national symbol, underscores the importance of these emblems in American culture.
What Is USA’s National Animal (and Why Does It Matter)?
The national animal US title goes to the bald eagle for its symbolism of freedom and strength. Over time, the attitudes of the American people towards the bald eagle have evolved, reflecting a growing sense of responsibility and connection to this iconic bird. The national mammal, the bison, has been officially recognized, highlighting America’s natural heritage and conservation efforts. Together, they reflect a dual narrative: one of wild power and one of redemption.
Understanding and honoring the United State national animal helps foster a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems they represent and the conservation work still ahead. The rose, as the national flower, also plays a significant role in symbolizing the nation's beauty and resilience.
The bald eagle, much like the stars on the flag, is an enduring symbol of the United States, representing the country's identity and history.
Black Bear | Canva images
Protecting the National Animals of America
Conservation isn’t just about admiration—it’s about action. The National Eagle Center in Minnesota is a leading advocate for bald eagle conservation and education. National symbols play a crucial role in conservation efforts, embodying the identity and values of the United States. Several organizations are working to protect the animals of America, including:
WWF and Defenders of Wildlife: Working on wolf recovery and habitat protection
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Leading species recovery programs
National Parks Service: Managing protected lands and educational outreach
The bald eagle, often thought of as the national bird, lacks an official designation from Congress, highlighting the importance of formal recognition of national symbols. The stripes of the national flag also serve as a powerful symbol of American identity and patriotism.
You can get involved by:
Visiting national parks and wildlife refuges
Supporting conservation organizations
Planting native species in your garden
Advocating for science-based environmental policy
San Francisco Garter Snake | Photo by Jan J Brand
Importance of American Wildlife
From the soaring bald eagle to the industrious beaver, the animals of the United States are more than just scenery, they’re storytellers, ecosystem engineers, and symbols of a wilder past and future. Here are some fun facts about American wildlife that highlight their fascinating roles and characteristics.
National symbols, such as the bald eagle and the oak tree, embody the identity of the United States, reflecting the country's values and heritage.
Whether you’re watching elk in Yellowstone, spotting raccoons in your backyard, or learning about the incredible monarch migration, American wildlife invites us to connect, protect, and respect the natural world around us.
