Animals in North America

Least Concern

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is North America's largest frog, reaching 9 to 20 cm in body length and weighing up to about 0.5 kg. It lives in and around ponds, lakes, marshes and slow streams, where the male's deep, resonant call carries far across the water.

Least Concern globally; the Scandinavian population remains critically small

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Canidae

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) has the warmest coat of any mammal, does not begin shivering until around −40°C, and changes from a brown-grey summer coat to thick white winter fur; its main modern threat is the red fox expanding north.

Least Concern — recovered from near-extirpation in the contiguous United States

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Linnaeus, 1766) — family Accipitridae

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large North American fish eagle that recovered from roughly 400 nesting pairs in the contiguous United States in the 1960s to tens of thousands today, after DDT was banned and legal protection was strengthened.

Least Concern

Blue Crab

Callinectes sapidus

The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is a swift swimming crab of the western Atlantic, abundant in the brackish estuaries of the United States east coast and Gulf of Mexico. It has a broad shell up to about 23 cm (9 in) across and a pair of flattened rear legs that let it swim sideways through the water.

Least Concern

Boa Constrictor

Boa constrictor

The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is a large, heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake native to tropical forests, savannas, and deserts across Central and South America. It typically reaches 2 to 3 m and weighs around 10 to 15 kg, killing prey not with venom but by coiling around it and squeezing until it can no longer breathe.

Least Concern

Brown Bear

Ursus arctos

The brown bear is one of the world's largest land carnivores, found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Adults typically weigh 130–360 kg (290–800 lb), run up to 56 km/h (35 mph), and hibernate through winter in dens.

Least Concern

Cane Toad

Rhinella marina

The cane toad is a large, warty terrestrial toad native to the Americas, reaching up to 1 kg (2.2 lb). It secretes a powerful toxin from glands on its shoulders and is famous as a destructive invasive species in Australia, where it was introduced in 1935.

Least Concern

Capuchin Monkey

Cebus capucinus

The capuchin is a small, highly intelligent New World monkey found in the tropical forests of Central America and northwest South America. Weighing about 3 to 4 kg and measuring roughly half a metre in body length, it is an agile tree-dweller that uses its prehensile tail for balance.

Least Concern

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

The channel catfish is one of the most popular sport and farmed fish in North America, recognised by barbels ('whiskers'), smooth scaleless skin, and a forked tail. Native to central and eastern rivers and lakes, it grows to 10–25 kg (22–55 lb), tastes mild, and uses taste buds across its body to find food.

Least Concern

Corn Snake

Pantherophis guttatus

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a gentle, colourful North American rat snake and one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. Native to the fields, woodlands and farmland of the southeastern United States, it grows to around 1.4 m (up to about 1.8 m) and is a non-venomous constrictor that hunts rodents.

Varies by species — North American Glaucomys species Least Concern; some Asian giants threatened

Flying Squirrel

Tribe Pteromyini — over 50 species in the squirrel family Sciuridae

Flying squirrels are over 50 species of nocturnal gliding rodents with a skin membrane between wrists and ankles; they cannot truly fly, and a 2019 study found that all three North American Glaucomys species fluoresce pink under ultraviolet light.

Least Concern — North Atlantic plunge-diver; large colonies on British cliffs

Gannet

Morus bassanus (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Sulidae

The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a large white North Atlantic seabird that plunge-dives from height to catch fish; Britain holds major cliff colonies including Bass Rock and Bempton, with breeding success linked to sandeel and pelagic fish availability.

Least Concern

Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

The garter snake is one of the most common and widespread snakes in North America, found in meadows, marshes, woodlands, and gardens from Canada to Mexico. It is a slender snake, typically 0.5 to 1.3 m long and about 150 g, usually striped in yellow or green along a darker body.

Least Concern

Glass Frog

Hyalinobatrachium valerioi

Glass frogs are small tree frogs of Central and South American rainforests, famous for the translucent skin on their bellies that reveals their internal organs and beating heart. They are nocturnal, arboreal, and care for their eggs on leaves above streams.

Least Concern

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the largest and fastest birds of prey, found across the mountains, open hills, and tundra of the Northern Hemisphere. It weighs around 4.5 kg with a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.3 m, and in a hunting dive it can exceed 240 km/h (150 mph).

Least Concern overall; the western Pacific population is Critically Endangered

Gray Whale

Eschrichtius robustus (Lilljeborg, 1861) — family Eschrichtiidae

The gray whale migrates up to around 20,000 km a year between Arctic feeding grounds and Mexican calving lagoons, and is the only baleen whale that feeds mainly by rolling on the seabed to filter sediment.

Least Concern

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

The great horned owl is a large, powerful owl found throughout the Americas, named for the tufts of feathers on its head that look like horns or ears. A fierce nocturnal predator with crushing talons, it hunts a wide range of prey, even skunks and other raptors.

Least Concern

Grey Seal

Halichoerus grypus

The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is a large North Atlantic seal named for its long, horse-like muzzle. It swims after fish, squid, and crustaceans along rocky coasts, islands, and ice edges, and a big bull can weigh up to 230 kg.

Least Concern

Howler Monkey

Alouatta spp.

The howler monkey is a large, leaf-eating New World primate famous for having one of the loudest calls of any land animal in the Americas. Living in the tropical forests of Central and South America, it weighs around 5 to 10 kg and spends almost its whole life high in the canopy.

Least Concern — but taken for the pet trade and bushmeat

Kinkajou

Potos flavus (Schreber, 1774) — family Procyonidae

The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a nocturnal Central and South American rainforest mammal in the raccoon family, one of only two carnivorans with a fully prehensile tail, feeding mainly on fruit and nectar and acting as an incidental pollinator.

Least Concern

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

The largemouth bass is a top predator in North American lakes and rivers, named for a jaw extending past the eye. Prized by anglers worldwide, it strikes lures aggressively, grows to 10 kg (22 lb) in rich waters, and has been stocked on every continent except Antarctica for sport fishing.

Least Concern in native range — invasive Atlantic populations are a major ecological case study

Lionfish

Genus Pterois — red lionfish P. volitans and devil firefish P. miles invasive in the Atlantic

Lionfish (genus Pterois) are venomous Indo-Pacific reef fish whose red lionfish and devil firefish became invasive in the Atlantic from the 1980s — unchecked by predators, they devastate native reef fish communities.

Least Concern in native North America — invasive and ecologically destructive across much of Europe

Mink

Neogale vison (Schreber, 1777) — family Mustelidae

The American mink (Neogale vison) is a semi-aquatic mustelid listed Least Concern in native North America but invasive across Europe after fur-farm escapes, where it devastated water vole populations and displaced the Critically Endangered European mink.

Least Concern — recovered from near extinction; climate change threatens Arctic habitat

Muskox

Ovibos moschatus (Zimmermann, 1780) — family Bovidae

The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is an Arctic bovid with a shaggy coat, curved horns and defensive circle formation — recovered from near extinction and now Least Concern, but vulnerable to rapid Arctic climate change.

Least Concern natively — invasive and EU-listed across much of Europe

Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766) — family Cricetidae

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a large semiaquatic rodent native to North American wetlands and listed Least Concern there; introduced to Europe from 1905 for fur farming, it burrows into dikes and river banks and is an EU-listed invasive species.

Least Concern

Northern Elephant Seal

Mirounga angustirostris

The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) is a huge deep-diving seal of the eastern Pacific, breeding on beaches in California and Mexico and feeding far offshore. Bulls are enormous, reaching around 3.5 m long and weighing anywhere from 400 to 2,300 kg, far heavier than females.

Least Concern in native South America — among the world's worst invasive mammals elsewhere

Nutria

Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) — family Myocastoridae

The nutria or coypu (Myocastor coypus) is a large semiaquatic rodent Least Concern in native South America but listed among the world's worst invasive species after fur-farm escapes — it destroys wetlands, undermines banks and was eradicated from Britain by 1989.

Least Concern

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a crow-sized bird of prey found on every continent except Antarctica, making it one of the most widespread birds in the world. It hunts other birds in mid-air and is the fastest animal on the planet, reaching over 380 km/h (240 mph) in a hunting dive.

Least Concern — native to Asia; introduced to Britain as a gamebird; millions released annually for shooting

Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Phasianidae

The common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a large Asian gamebird introduced to Britain for shooting; males are brightly coloured with a long barred tail, females are mottled brown, and millions are released annually — making road deaths, cat predation on chicks and fence entanglement common in rural gardens and lanes.

Varies by species — Utah and black-tailed prairie dogs Least Concern; white-tailed and Gunnison's Near Threatened or Vulnerable

Prairie Dog

Genus Cynomys — five species of North American ground squirrel

Prairie dogs (genus Cynomys) are five species of social North American ground squirrel whose colony burrows keystone the Great Plains prairie — reduced to a fraction of historic range by poisoning, plague and habitat loss.

Least Concern globally — some island subspecies threatened; wapiti often split as C. canadensis

Red Deer

Cervus elaphus (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Cervidae

The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is a large Eurasian cervid — stags with branched antlers, autumn rut, Least Concern globally — closely related to North American elk and widely introduced outside native range.

Least Concern — some subpopulations declining; caribou and reindeer are the same species

Reindeer

Rangifer tarandus (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Cervidae

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are Arctic and subarctic deer in which both sexes grow antlers; the Eurasian name reindeer and the North American name caribou refer to the same species, with some Eurasian populations herded and most North American ones wild.

Common snapping turtle Least Concern; alligator snapping turtle Vulnerable

Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758) and Macrochelys temminckii (Troost, 1835)

Snapping turtles are two North American freshwater species — the common snapping turtle and the larger alligator snapping turtle, which lures fish with a worm-shaped appendage on its tongue; both are far less dangerous than their reputation, with bite forces well below those of a large dog.

Least Concern — widespread; white winter coat prized as ermine fur

Stoat

Mustela erminea (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Mustelidae

The stoat (Mustela erminea) is a small mustelid of Eurasia and North America that turns white in winter except for a black-tipped tail, hunts prey far larger than itself including rabbits, and was introduced to New Zealand where it is now a major invasive predator.

Least Concern — widespread migrant; long-term declines linked to farmland and insect loss

Swallow

Hirundo rustica (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Hirundinidae

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a long-distance migrant that breeds across the Northern Hemisphere and winters in Africa, South Asia or South America; in Britain it nests in mud cups under eaves and barns and feeds entirely on flying insects caught in agile aerial pursuit.

Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2020) in the wild

Axolotl

Ambystoma mexicanum

An axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a neotenic salamander from the Xochimilco canals near Mexico City that stays aquatic and larval-looking for life, keeping external gills. Famous for regenerating limbs, organs and brain tissue, it is Critically Endangered in the wild yet common in captivity.

Varies by species: Andean Condor — Vulnerable (IUCN); California Condor — Critically Endangered (IUCN)

Condor

Vultur gryphus (Andean) / Gymnogyps californianus (California)

Condors are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere: the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN with roughly 6,700 mature individuals remaining, while the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is Critically Endangered but recovering, with approximately 607 birds alive as of 2025 thanks to an intensive captive-breeding and reintroduction programme that saved it from a low of just 22 birds in 1982.

Critically Endangered

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

The hawksbill is a small sea turtle of tropical coral reefs worldwide, named for its narrow, bird-like beak. It grows to about 0.9 m (3 ft) and 45 to 90 kg, feeds mainly on sponges, and can swim at up to 24 km/h (15 mph).

Critically Endangered

Vaquita

Phocoena sinus

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the world's rarest marine mammal, a small porpoise found only in Mexico's Gulf of California, with fewer than ten individuals remaining as of 2025 due to drowning in illegal gillnets.

Endangered

Sea Otter

Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758)

The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is an Endangered North Pacific keystone predator that maintains kelp forests by controlling sea urchins — insulated by the densest fur of any mammal, not blubber.

Endangered — the largest fish alive, and a filter feeder

Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) — family Rhincodontidae

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish on Earth at up to around 18 metres, a filter feeder that eats plankton and small fish, and is listed as Endangered.

Vulnerable

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Atlantic cod is a cold-water groundfish that shaped the economies of Newfoundland, Iceland, and New England for centuries before overfishing collapsed many stocks. Growing to 40 kg (88 lb) and living 25 years, it supports fisheries where recovered and remains Vulnerable in the northwest Atlantic.

Vulnerable

Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

Limulus polyphemus

The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is an ancient marine arthropod, more closely related to spiders and scorpions than to true crabs. It has a domed horseshoe-shaped shell, a long spike-like tail, and reaches about 60 cm (24 in) including the tail.

Vulnerable (IUCN, 2021)

Atlantic Puffin

Fratercula arctica

A puffin is a small North Atlantic seabird of the auk family, best known as the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica). Nicknamed the "sea parrot" for its large, colourful striped bill, it nests in clifftop burrows in summer and spends the winter alone far out at sea.

Vulnerable

Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a small, land-dwelling turtle of the eastern United States, known for the hinged shell it can close like a box for protection. It lives in woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, eating insects, fruit, mushrooms, and carrion.

Vulnerable

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The fin whale is the second-largest animal on Earth after the blue whale, reaching 25 m (82 ft) and 70 tonnes with an asymmetric jaw colouring. A fast baleen whale capable of 40 km/h bursts, it filters krill and small fish and is listed Vulnerable after decades of commercial whaling.

Vulnerable

Hellbender

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

The hellbender is the largest salamander in North America, reaching up to 74 cm (29 in) long. It is fully aquatic, living its whole life in clean, fast-flowing streams where it breathes mainly through the wrinkled folds of its skin.

Vulnerable globally — Pacific subpopulations Critically Endangered

Leatherback Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761) — family Dermochelyidae

The leatherback is the world's largest turtle at up to 700 kg, the only sea turtle without a hard shell, and the deepest-diving reptile at over 1,200 m; it feeds almost entirely on jellyfish and is Vulnerable globally, with Pacific subpopulations Critically Endangered.

Vulnerable

Polar Bear

Ursus maritimus (Popham, 1774)

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with an estimated 22,000–31,000 individuals; climate change and the loss of Arctic sea ice are the primary threats to its survival.

Vulnerable — reassessed in 2017 after population estimates were revised sharply downward

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758) — family Strigidae

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, mainly white Arctic owl that hunts by day and is nomadic rather than territorial; its breeding success tracks lemming abundance, and it was reclassified as Vulnerable in 2017.

Near Threatened

American Bison

Bison bison

The American bison is the largest land mammal in North America, listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN with an estimated 15,000 truly wild individuals remaining after a dramatic near-extinction in the 19th century.

Near Threatened

Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

The Gila monster is a heavy, slow-moving venomous lizard of the American Southwest, classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to habitat loss, road mortality, and climate-driven changes to its desert home.

Near Threatened

Quetzal

Pharomachrus mocinno (de la Llave, 1832) — family Trogonidae

The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a Near Threatened cloud-forest trogon of Central America whose males carry iridescent green plumage and long tail streamers; revered in Maya and Aztec culture, it is difficult to maintain in captivity but has been bred successfully in modern facilities.

Varies by species (Least Concern to Critically Endangered)

Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin, 1802) and Alligator sinensis (Fauvel, 1879)

Alligators are broad-snouted crocodilians with two living species — the recovered American alligator of the US South-east and the Critically Endangered Chinese alligator of the Yangtze — both vital wetland predators whose status ranges from Least Concern to Critically Endangered.

Varies; nine-banded armadillo Least Concern (IUCN)

Armadillo

Dasypus novemcinctus and relatives (order Cingulata)

An armadillo is a small to medium New World mammal of the order Cingulata, protected by a distinctive shell of bony plates covered in leathery skin. Around 20 species live across the Americas, digging burrows and feeding mainly on insects, grubs and other invertebrates.

Varies by species (Vulnerable to Least Concern)

Bear

Family Ursidae — 8 living species across North America, South America, Europe and Asia

Bears are eight living species in the family Ursidae across North America, South America, Europe and Asia; conservation status ranges from abundant (American black bear) to Vulnerable (polar bear, sun bear) to dependent on intensive protection (giant panda).

Least Concern (IUCN)

Beaver

Castor fiber (Linnaeus, 1758) and Castor canadensis (Kuhl, 1820)

Beavers are Least Concern rodents of the genus Castor — the Eurasian and American species build dams and lodges that create wetlands supporting fish, birds and amphibians; Eurasian beavers recovered from near extinction through reintroduction.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Beluga Whale

Delphinapterus leucas

The beluga whale is a small, all-white Arctic cetacean renowned for its extraordinary vocal range, flexible neck and ability to navigate beneath sea ice, currently assessed as Least Concern overall by the IUCN but with several regional populations in serious decline.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2016)

Black Bear

Ursus americanus (Pallas, 1780)

The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated 800,000+ individuals across North America — the continent's most common and widespread bear species.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

A blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a bold, crested blue songbird of eastern and central North America, and a member of the corvid family alongside crows and ravens. Known for mimicking hawk calls and caching acorns, it is common, intelligent, and listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2016)

Bobcat

Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777)

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized North American wild cat listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; it is the continent's most widespread and adaptable felid, recognised by its tufted ears, spotted coat and short tail.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

A brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a large, adaptable rodent that lives alongside humans worldwide. Native to Asia, it has spread to every continent except Antarctica. Highly intelligent and social, it is the wild ancestor of both pet "fancy rats" and laboratory rats, and is listed as Least Concern.

Least Concern (IUCN) — most species; Peñasco subspecies Endangered (US ESA, 2024)

Chipmunk

Tamias striatus (eastern); Neotamias spp. (western); Eutamias sibiricus (Siberian)

Chipmunks are small striped rodents of the subtribe Tamiina — found across North America and in one Asian species — that are mostly Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though one New Mexico subspecies was listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act in December 2024.

Least Concern (IUCN) globally; UK Red List of conservation concern

Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a stocky, glossy black songbird native to Eurasia and North Africa, famous for vast swirling winter flocks called murmurations and for skilled vocal mimicry. Globally common and rated Least Concern, it has declined sharply in Britain and is UK Red-listed.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2014)

Cougar

Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771)

The cougar (Puma concolor) — also known as puma or mountain lion — is a large solitary cat native to the Americas, listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; it is the most widespread wild cat in the Western Hemisphere but faces habitat loss and human conflict in many regions.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Coyote

Canis latrans

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable wild canid found across North and Central America — from Alaska to Panama — where it plays a vital role controlling rodent populations and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable and expanding population.

Varies by species (Critically Endangered to Least Concern)

Crane

Family Gruidae

Cranes are a family (Gruidae) of 15 large, long-lived wading birds found on every continent except South America and Antarctica; the family spans conservation statuses from Least Concern (Common Crane, over 700,000 birds) to Critically Endangered (Siberian Crane, roughly 6,500–7,000 birds), making them collectively one of the most threatened bird groups in the world.

Varies by species; common crows Least Concern (IUCN)

Crow

Corvus

A crow is a medium-to-large, mostly black bird of the genus Corvus, part of the corvid family that includes ravens and jays. Found on most continents, crows are among the world's most intelligent birds — using tools, solving problems and recognising individual human faces.

Varies; common species Least Concern

Duck

Family Anatidae (e.g. Anas platyrhynchos)

A duck is a waterbird in the family Anatidae — smaller and shorter-necked than its relatives the geese and swans. Ducks have a broad flat bill, webbed feet and waterproof feathers, live on fresh and salt water worldwide, and feed by dabbling at the surface or diving underwater.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Elk (Wapiti)

Cervus canadensis

The elk (Cervus canadensis) is a Least Concern deer species numbering over one million in North America, renowned for its towering antlers, powerful bugle call, and remarkable recovery from near-extinction in the early twentieth century.

Domesticated; not a threatened species

Ferret

Mustela furo

A ferret (Mustela furo) is a domesticated member of the weasel family, bred from the European polecat about 2,500 years ago. Long-bodied, playful and carnivorous, it has long been used to hunt rabbits and is today a popular household pet, typically living seven to ten years.

Varies; common species Least Concern (IUCN)

Goose

Family Anatidae (Anser and Branta)

A goose is a large, social grazing waterfowl in the family Anatidae, split mainly into grey and white geese (Anser) and black geese (Branta). Bigger than ducks, geese feed on grass, form lifelong pair bonds and migrate long distances in energy-saving V-formations.

Least Concern globally (locally Endangered or extirpated in many regions)

Grey Wolf

Canis lupus

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is the largest wild dog and the ancestor of the domestic dog; it is listed as Least Concern globally with an estimated 200,000–250,000 in the wild, but remains locally endangered or extinct across much of its former range.

Least Concern brown bear; threatened in parts of USA

Grizzly Bear

Ursus arctos horribilis (Ord, 1815)

The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is a North American brown bear subspecies; the brown bear is Least Concern globally, but grizzlies in the contiguous United States are protected under the Endangered Species Act with roughly 1,900 individuals south of Canada.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Groundhog

Marmota monax

A groundhog (Marmota monax) is a large North American ground squirrel, or marmot, in the squirrel family. A stout, powerful burrower and true hibernator weighing up to about 6 kilograms, it lives across the eastern United States and Canada and is famous for Groundhog Day.

Least Concern — most species (IUCN); some regional populations declining

Hare

Lepus spp. (European hare: Lepus europaeus)

Hares (genus Lepus, ~32 species) are large, fast-running lagomorphs found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, most classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though European hare populations have declined significantly since the 1960s due to agricultural intensification.

Varies by species; most Least Concern, some Critically Endangered (IUCN)

Hummingbird

Family Trochilidae

A hummingbird is a very small, nectar-feeding bird in the family Trochilidae, found only in the Americas. With more than 360 species, they are the world's smallest birds and the only ones able to hover and fly backwards, beating their wings up to around 50 or more times a second.

Least Concern (green iguana); other iguana species threatened

Iguana

Iguana iguana

An iguana is a large, mostly herbivorous, tree-dwelling lizard of the Americas. The familiar green iguana (Iguana iguana) reaches about 1.7 metres including its long tail, sports a spiny crest and throat dewlap, and is listed as Least Concern, though several other iguana species are endangered.

Not a threatened group; some species data deficient

Lobster

Family Nephropidae

A lobster is a large clawed marine crustacean of the family Nephropidae, including the American and European lobsters. It grows by moulting its hard shell, can regenerate lost claws, has blue copper-based blood, and may live an estimated 45 to 50 years in the wild.

Varies by species (Vulnerable to Endangered)

Manatee

Trichechus manatus, T. inunguis and T. senegalensis — three living species

Manatees are plant-eating sirenians with three species in the Americas and West Africa — slow-moving mammals threatened by boat collisions, habitat loss and pollution, with IUCN status from Vulnerable to Endangered.

Varies by species — most Least Concern (IUCN); Vancouver Island marmot Critically Endangered; Mongolian marmot Endangered

Marmot

Marmota (genus)

Marmots are large, burrowing ground squirrels of the genus Marmota found across mountain and steppe habitats in North America and Eurasia; most of the 15 species are Least Concern, though the Vancouver Island marmot is Critically Endangered and the Mongolian marmot is Endangered.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Moose

Alces alces

The moose (Alces alces) is the world's largest deer, standing up to 2.1 m (7 ft) at the shoulder and weighing up to 771 kg (1,700 lb), found across the boreal forests of North America, Northern Europe, and Russia.

Near Threatened (IUCN)

Narwhal

Monodon monoceros (Linnaeus, 1758)

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a Near Threatened Arctic whale whose males bear a long spiralled tusk — actually an enlarged tooth — with roughly 80,000 individuals dependent on sea ice and deep-water prey.

Most species Least Concern; the great crested newt is protected in the UK

Newt

Subfamily Pleurodelinae

A newt is a small semi-aquatic salamander in the subfamily Pleurodelinae. Newts alternate between water and land, breeding in ponds in spring and feeding on insects and other invertebrates. They are famous for regenerating lost limbs and organs, and many produce defensive skin toxins.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2014)

Ocelot

Leopardus pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a spotted wild cat of the Americas, listed as Least Concern by the IUCN but declining locally due to habitat loss and historical over-trapping; a small population persists in southern Texas.

Varies by species (Least Concern to Endangered — IUCN)

Pika

Ochotona spp.

Pikas (genus Ochotona) are small, round-eared alpine mammals related to rabbits that live on cold, rocky mountain slopes across Asia and western North America, where they are threatened by rising temperatures that their heat-sensitive bodies cannot tolerate.

Varies by species; most Least Concern (IUCN)

Porcupine

Hystricidae (Old World) & Erethizontidae (New World)

A porcupine is a large herbivorous rodent covered in sharp quills — stiffened, modified hairs that defend it from predators. About 30 species exist in two distantly related families: Old World porcupines of Africa, Asia and Europe, and tree-climbing New World porcupines of the Americas.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Raccoon

Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758)

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a Least Concern omnivorous procyonid native to the Americas, famous for its eye mask, ringed tail and dexterous paws; it thrives in wild and urban habitats and has been introduced to Europe.

Varies by species (Least Concern to Endangered)

Rattlesnake

Genera Crotalus and Sistrurus — ~36 species in the Americas

Rattlesnakes are American pit vipers (~36 species) with tail rattles and heat-sensing pits — venomous rodent controllers whose status varies from Least Concern to Endangered.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2018)

Raven

Corvus corax (Linnaeus, 1758)

The common raven (Corvus corax) is a Least Concern corvid of the Northern Hemisphere — the largest passerine, renowned for intelligence, tool use and deep cultural significance.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a swift, ground-dwelling cuckoo of the southwestern United States and Mexico, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List with an estimated 1.4 million mature individuals and an increasing global population trend.

Least Concern globally (IUCN, 2018) — Endangered in parts of range

Salmon

Salmo salar (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is Least Concern globally but Endangered in much of its southern range; anadromous fish threatened by dams, aquaculture, sea lice, overfishing and river pollution.

Varies by species; most Least Concern (IUCN)

Seagull (Gull)

Family Laridae

A seagull is any of around 50 species of gull, seabirds in the family Laridae. Typically white and grey with black wingtips and webbed feet, gulls are adaptable, intelligent coastal birds that scavenge, fish and increasingly thrive in towns and cities worldwide.

Varies by species; most Least Concern (IUCN)

Shrew

Soricidae

A shrew is a small insect-eating mammal of the family Soricidae, with a long pointed snout, tiny eyes and velvety fur. Though mouse-like, shrews are not rodents but relatives of moles and hedgehogs, and are known for their extremely high metabolism and near-constant feeding.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Skunk

Mephitis mephitis (striped skunk); Family Mephitidae

The skunk (family Mephitidae) is a small-to-medium omnivorous mammal found throughout the Americas, best known for its powerful sulphur-compound defensive spray, which it can aim accurately at threats up to six metres away.

Threatened (Vulnerable–Critically Endangered, varies by species)

Spider Monkey

Ateles (Geoffroy, 1806) — family Atelidae, seven species

Spider monkeys are large, long-limbed monkeys of the genus Ateles found in Central and South American rainforests, distinguished by a fully prehensile tail used as a fifth limb and hands that lack a functional thumb. All seven species are threatened, and two — the brown and black-headed spider monkeys — are Critically Endangered.

Varies by species — majority Critically Endangered (IUCN)

Sturgeon

Family Acipenseridae

Sturgeons (family Acipenseridae) are ancient, armoured freshwater and anadromous fish of the Northern Hemisphere; they are the most endangered group of animals on Earth, with 17 of 26 surviving species listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, driven to the brink by poaching for caviar, dams that block migration, and widespread habitat loss.

Most species Least Concern (IUCN)

Swan

Cygnus

A swan is a large, long-necked waterbird of the genus Cygnus and the biggest member of the duck and goose family. There are six living species worldwide. Swans feed mainly on aquatic plants, form strong, often lifelong pair bonds, and are renowned for their graceful appearance.

Varies by species — many Critically Endangered (IUCN)

Tortoise

Family Testudinidae

Tortoises (family Testudinidae) are fully terrestrial reptiles found across warm regions worldwide; over 86% of species are threatened or extinct, driven by illegal trade, habitat loss, and the pet industry.

Varies by species; most Least Concern, several Near Threatened or Vulnerable (IUCN)

Toucan

Family Ramphastidae

A toucan is a brightly coloured, fruit-eating rainforest bird of the family Ramphastidae, native to Central and South America. Around 40 species exist, all recognised by an enormous yet lightweight bill used for feeding, display and heat regulation. They are important seed dispersers in tropical forests.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2021) — Southern bluefin Endangered

Tuna

Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is Least Concern after stock recovery (IUCN, 2021); Southern bluefin is Endangered. Global tuna fisheries face overfishing, bycatch of sharks and turtles, and IUU fishing.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Virginia Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

An opossum (Didelphis virginiana, the Virginia opossum) is North America's only native marsupial — a cat-sized, pouched mammal with a pointed snout, grasping prehensile tail and grey-white fur. It is famous for "playing dead", eating ticks and pests, and resisting many snake venoms.

Varies; many Old World vultures Critically Endangered

Vulture

Old World vultures (family Accipitridae) and New World vultures (family Cathartidae)

A vulture is a large scavenging bird of prey that feeds mainly on carrion. There are two unrelated groups: Old World vultures of Africa, Asia and Europe, and New World vultures of the Americas, which evolved similar features independently. Most have a bald head and soar to find food.

Least Concern (IUCN, 2016 assessment)

Weasel

Mustela nivalis

A weasel (Mustela nivalis), or least weasel, is the world's smallest carnivorous mammal: a slim, agile, short-legged hunter with a brown back and pale belly. Found across Europe, Asia and North America, it preys mainly on mice and voles, chasing them into their own burrows.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

A wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large North American ground bird and the wild ancestor of the domestic turkey. Males have iridescent feathers, a bare red-and-blue head and a fan-shaped tail, and produce a loud gobble that carries up to a mile.

Least Concern globally (IUCN); regional populations vary

Wolf

Canis lupus (Linnaeus, 1758) and related subspecies

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is a Least Concern pack-hunting canid of the Northern Hemisphere and wild ancestor of dogs — regionally extirpated in much of Europe and North America but recovering where reintroduced.

Least Concern (IUCN)

Wolverine

Gulo gulo

The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is a large, powerful member of the weasel family found across boreal and Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, classified as Least Concern globally by the IUCN but facing serious pressure from climate-driven snowpack loss, trapping, and habitat fragmentation.

Varies by species; most Least Concern

Woodpecker

Picidae

A woodpecker is a tree-climbing bird of the family Picidae, with around 240 species worldwide. It uses a chisel-like bill to drum and excavate wood, aided by a shock-absorbing skull, gripping zygodactyl feet, a stiff propping tail and a long, barbed tongue for extracting insects.