The National Animal Identification System in the US tracks animals, including those intended for commercial food, to monitor and control epidemics. Participation is voluntary but tied to government aid. Critics argue it will increase costs and disadvantage smaller farms. In the United States, the National Animal Identification System is a program intended to track a […]
Maine’s state animal is the moose, the largest species in the deer family. Moose range in North America, northern Asia, and Europe, and Maine’s heavily forested land is excellent habitat. Moose can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and consume 45 kg of vegetation per day. They are not endangered, and licensed hunting is permitted. During […]
Best Friends Animal Society is a US animal welfare organization, promoting legislation and providing shelter for 2,000 animals. They were founded in 1986 and have helped reduce euthanasia rates. They offer veterinary services, outreach, and shelter programs, and coordinate disaster responses. They house a variety of animals and aim to rehabilitate them for adoption. Visitors […]
The Rocky Mountain elk, also known as wapiti, was reintroduced to Utah by conservation groups after overhunting in the 1800s. It is Utah’s state animal and lives in mountain ranges, migrating to lower elevations in the fall. Bulls shed their horns over winter and new horns emerge each spring. They prefer a diet of native […]
New York recognized the beaver as its state animal in 1975 due to its historical importance in attracting explorers. Beavers can grow up to 50 pounds and are known to reconfigure habitats, creating both positive and negative consequences. The beaver skin trade nearly led to their extinction, but they were reintroduced and protected. New York […]
The Florida panther, a subspecies of Puma concolor, is the state animal of Florida and is endangered with only 100 to 160 left. They have a fawn-beige fur and are carnivores, eating medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are solitary, territorial animals that mark their territory and have a home range of up to 200 […]
The moose is the official state animal of Alaska, with males growing large antlers and weighing over 1,000 pounds. They inhabit wooded and rural areas, but can also be found in populated areas. Other recognized animals in Alaska include the bowhead whale, willow ptarmigan, Alaskan Malamute, king salmon, and the four-spot skimmer dragonfly. The moose, […]
Hawaii has official state animals, including the monk seal, humpback whale, Kamehameha butterfly, Hawaiian goose, and rectangular triggerfish. The monk seal is endangered, while the humpback whale can weigh up to 79,000 pounds. The Kamehameha butterfly has multi-colored wings, the Hawaiian goose has large feet and a long neck, and the rectangular triggerfish has bold […]
The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is Colorado’s state animal due to its strength, location, and symbolization of a prosperous state. They are known for their head-to-head fighting and large horns, and were once endangered. Colorado’s state animal is the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. It was given this designation in 1961. The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep […]
The California grizzly bear is the state animal of California and appears on the state flag. It was designated as the state animal in 1953, long after other state symbols. The last known California grizzly bear was shot in 1922 due to ranchers and settlers protecting their livestock. Other state symbols include the California quail, […]
The white-tailed deer is the official state animal of Illinois, chosen by schoolchildren in 1980 and officially recognized by the State General Assembly two years later. They have a distinctive white patch on their tail and are hunted by humans due to declining populations of predators. They have a varied diet and are found throughout […]
The North American beaver, known as Castor Canadensis, is the state animal of Oregon. It was adopted in 1969, and now features on the back of the state flag. Oregon is nicknamed the “Beaver State” and its athletic teams are called the “Beavers.” The beaver’s adoption was delayed due to dwindling numbers caused by extensive […]
Animal magnetism was a medical theory in the late 1700s that used magnetic force to cure disease. German physician Franz Anton Mesmer is considered the father of hypnotism for his work with animal magnetism. While the theory was later found to be a fraud, it impacted the study of psychology and medicine. Today, animal magnetism […]
Georgia’s state animal is the northern right whale, which is endangered with only about 350 living. It was hunted for its blubber and bones, almost leading to extinction by the end of the 19th century. The right whale is a gentle giant that feeds primarily on crustaceans and migrates to the Georgian coast to give […]
Virginia does not have an official state animal, but the American foxhound, bred for fox hunting in colonial times, is considered the state dog. George Washington played a role in developing the breed, which is known for its genial nature and high energy. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1866. American foxhounds are […]
Texas has three state animals: the nine-banded armadillo, the Mexican free-tailed bat, and the Longhorn cattle. Armadillos have nine bands on their scaly skin and give birth to identical quadruplets. Mexican free-tailed bats use echolocation to fly and gather in groups to raise their young. Longhorn cattle are raised for beef and are a symbol […]
Minnesota does not have an official state animal, despite attempts to recognize the white-tailed deer or timber wolf. The state has an unofficial nickname, “The Gopher State,” but the gopher is not the state animal. Minnesota has an official state bird, insect, and fish. Other states have official state animals, but this designation is usually […]
The Olympic woodchuck is Washington state’s animal, a marmot from the squirrel family. The Olympic marmot is unique to the alpine region of Washington’s Olympic Mountains and is protected by state law. Marmots are herbaceous mammals that live in colonies and hibernate for eight months. The Olympic marmot population has been declining, and hunting is […]
Indiana does not have a state animal, but the cardinal is the state bird. State emblems represent what makes a state special, and Indiana has 11 other state emblems, including a state river, rock, and tree. These emblems were adopted at different times by the Indiana General Assembly. There is no state animal in Indiana, […]
Zoophobia, or fear of animals, is a common fear, especially among children, and varies based on location and certain factors. Fear of specific animals is more common than fear of all animals, with spiders, birds, and bees being the most common fears. Severity of a phobia is based on unpredictability, dangerousness, disgust, and uncontrollability. Fear […]
