Illustrated Map – State Animals Of The USA

Map of USA Showing State Animals or Birds by Jennifer Farley - Dark Palette

This illustrated map shows the official state animals of the USA.

The United States map includes each state name, each state capital and a hand-drawn icon of the state animal or mammal.

Some American states share the same animal for their animal symbol. For example, the whitetail deer is the state animal for over 10 states.

The State Animals of the USA map is available in two colour schemes. A dark brown and green palette and a lighter, retro-inspired colourful palette.

New Shop Is coming very soon!


What Are The State Animals Of The USA?

Words & Illustrations by Jennifer Farley


Black Bear State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Black Bear – State Animal of Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia

The American States which have chosen the Black Bear as the state animal are Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia *.

Black bears are clever, shy, and low-key animals. An encounter with them in the wild is a rare and exciting experience. These versatile creatures, scientifically known as Ursus americanus, are not always black; they can also be cinnamon, white, beige, or even “blue” (slate gray).

They are quite the athlete, with the ability to run up to 30mph and to swim adeptly in rivers and lakes. They are solitary by nature and as cubs, they stay with their mummy bear until their second summer.

* Minnesota is currently proposing the black bear as a potential state animal (along with white-tailed deer and the eastern wolf. They have not yet been officially adopted)


Arizona Ringtail State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Ringtail – State Animal of Arizona

Arizona’s ringtail, a fascinating creature, resembles a small fox with a long, raccoon-like tail. With its large, expressive eyes, Zorro-style mask and distinctive ringed tail, the Ringtail is a beloved symbol of the Arizona desert.

The ringtail’s most distinctive feature is its long, black-and-white “ringed” tail, with 14–16 stripes—about the same length as its body.

Equipped for climbing and hunting, ringtails play an important role in the Arizona ecosystem. These agile climbers help by controlling rodent populations and dispersing seeds.

Despite its nickname “ringtail cat,” it’s not related to cats at all; instead, its closest relatives are the coati and raccoon.


Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – State Animal of Colorado

Meet Colorado’s official state animal, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep! Known for their impressive curved horns and their remarkable agility and balance.

These bighorns (scientific name Ovis canadensis) are found in the rugged Rocky Mountains, typically above the tree line in the high-altitude regions of the Rockies.

Unlike deer and elk, whose antlers are shed annually, bighorn horns grow continuously throughout their lives, with a single pair weighing close to 13 kg (approximately 30 pounds).

As with so many other animals, their population declined due to overhunting and from diseases introduced by non-native animals. However, conservation efforts are helping to preserve these beautiful and unusual sheep.


Bison State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The American Bison – State Animal of Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming. Official national mammal of the United States.

The American bison, sometimes known as “buffalo,” is a true icon of the American West. These gentle giants once roamed the Great Plains in vast herds, numbering in the millions.

They are not only the state animal of Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming, but also hold special significance as the national mammal of the United States, since 2016.

They played a vital role in the lives of Native American tribes, providing them with food, shelter, clothing, and a deep spiritual connection. Sadly, European settlers hunted bison to near extinction in the 19th century, driven by a desire for their hides and a misguided belief that they were a threat to cattle ranching. By 1889, only a few hundred bison remained.

But, thanks to conservation efforts, the American bison has made a remarkable comeback. Today, there are an estimated 500,000 bison in North America, and their numbers continue to grow. These majestic creatures are a symbol of resilience and hope, reminding us of the importance of protecting the planet’s natural heritage.


Moose State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Moose – State Animal of Alaska & Maine

The Moose holds the distinction of being the official state land mammal of both Alaska and Maine. In Alaska, this choice is fitting considering the state’s vast wilderness and abundant wildlife.

Moose are not only admired for their size and beauty but also respected as a vital part of the ecosystem and a key resource for subsistence living. With their large populations roaming the forests and tundra, Moose are deeply intertwined with Alaska’s identity and way of life, making them a natural choice for state representation alongside the iconic grizzly bear.

In Maine, the Moose is equally significant. Maine is the only eastern state to have a sizable moose population. The moose sub-species found in Maine is known as Taiga Moose (Alces alces). They are calm yet fierce animals, embodying the spirit of the state.


Nokoto Horse State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Nokoto Horse – State Animal of North Dakota

The Nokota horse holds a special place in North Dakota’s heart and serves as the honorary equine (horse) of the state. The name “Nokota” is linked to the Native American Nakota people, who inhabited the North and South Dakota regions

Nokota horses embody a blend of intelligence, resilience, and sociability, making them a fascinating and versatile breed.

During the early 20th century, the Nokota horse population was nearly wiped out due to efforts by ranchers, state, and federal agencies to reduce competition for livestock grazing. However, when Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in the 1940s, a few Nokota bands were inadvertently trapped inside the park, accidentally preserving them

Today there is an active Nokota Horse Conservancy organisation ensuring the survival of these fabulous horses.


Grizzly Bear State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Grizzly Bear – State Animal of California

While the grizzly bear once roamed freely throughout California’s rugged landscapes, sadly it is now extinct within the state.

Historically, grizzly bears were revered by Native American tribes as symbols of strength, courage, and wisdom, and their presence shaped the ecological balance of California’s ecosystems. Due to hunting, persecution, habitat loss, and a lack of legal protection, the survival of grizzly bears was not ensured. These powerful beautiful animals had vanished from the state by the late 1800s.

Today, the memory of the California grizzly lives on in historical records, art, and the state flag, serving as a reminder of the need for conservation efforts to prevent the loss of other iconic species.


Beaver State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Beaver – State Animal of Oregon and New York

The beaver, renowned for its industrious nature and remarkable engineering skills, holds the esteemed title of state animal in Oregon and New York.

Beavers exemplify industriousness, environmental impact, and interconnectedness within ecosystems. Their ability to engineer intricate dams and lodges has left a lasting legacy in Oregon’s history, earning the state the nickname “The Beaver State.”

Similarly, in New York, the beaver holds a special place as a symbol of the state’s pioneering spirit and resilience. Beavers role as a keystone species underscores both states commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship.


Big Horn Sheep State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The Desert Big Horn Sheep – State Animal of Nevada

The desert bighorn sheep, with its majestic horns and rugged adaptability, proudly stands as the state animal of Nevada.

These iconic creatures are perfectly suited to the arid and rocky landscapes of the state’s deserts and mountains. Revered for their strength, agility, and resilience, desert bighorn sheep symbolize the wild spirit of Nevada’s untamed wilderness.

These majestic creatures represent the enduring legacy of the American West as they navigate cliffs and harsh terrain.

The magnificent horns of these animals can grow up to three feet in length, serving dual purposes of breaking open cacti, which they eat, and for self-defence.


White Tailed Deer State Animals USA illustrated by Jennifer Farley

The White-Tailed Deer – State Animal Of Many US States

The white-tailed deer holds a special place as the state animal in many states across the United States: Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, South Carolina * .

As a keystone species, the white-tailed deer plays a vital role in shaping ecosystems by influencing plant diversity and providing sustenance for predators. However, an overabundance of deer can lead to conflicts with humans and other wildlife when populations exceed the capacity of their habitats.

White-tailed deer represent resilience, adaptability, and the connection between humans and nature in states from Wisconsin to Mississippi.

* Minnesota is currently proposing the white-tailed deer as a potential state animal (as well as the black bear and the eastern wolf. They have not yet been officially adopted)


Full List of State Animals of the USA

StateState Animal or State Mammal
AlabamaBlack Bear
AlaskaMoose
ArizonaRingtail
ArkansasWhite-tailed Deer
CaliforniaGrizzly Bear
ColoradoRocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
ConnecticutSperm Whale
DelawareGray Fox
Florida
Florida marine mammal
Florida saltwater mammal
Florida Panther
Manatee
Dolphin
GeorgiaRight Whale
Hawaii mammal
Hawaii marine mammal
Hawaiian monk seal
Humpback whale
Idaho horse:Appaloosa
IllinoisWhite-tailed Deer
Indiana birdnorthern cardinal
Iowa birdeastern goldfinch
KansasAmerican buffalo
Kentucky wild game animalgray squirrel
Louisiana mammalblack bear
Mainemoose
Maryland horsethoroughbred
Massachusetts dogBoston terrier
Michigan game mammalWhite-tailed Deer
Minnesota*Currently proposing the black bear, white-tailed deer and the eastern wolf.
MississippiWhite-tailed Deer
MissouriMissouri mule
Montanagrizzly bear
NebraskaWhite-tailed Deer
Nevadadesert bighorn sheep
New HampshireWhite-tailed Deer
New Jerseyhorse
New Mexicoblack bear
New Yorkbeaver
North Carolinagray squirrel
North Dakota honorary equineNokota horse
OhioWhite-tailed Deer
Oklahomabuffalo
Oregonbeaver
PennsylvaniaWhite-tailed Deer
Rhode Island
South CarolinaWhite-tailed Deer
South Dakotacoyote
Tennessee wild animalraccoon
Texas large mammal
Texas small mammal
Texas Longhorn
nine-banded armadillo
UtahRocky Mountain elk
VermontMorgan horse
Virginia dogAmerican fox hound
Washington marine mammalorca whale
West Virginiablack bear
Wisconsinbadger
Wyomingbuffalo
Jennifer Farley

Jennifer Farley

Jennifer Farley is an award-winning Irish illustrator, map maker, designer, and author. She creates colourful, retro-inspired characters for books, illustrated maps, print, web, advertising and promotional events. Jennifer is also a design instructor and has been teaching Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom and InDesign for over 15 years.

email: jennifer@jenfarley.com