The article highlights the vast and diverse natural landscapes of the United States, including its national parks, refuges, and monuments, that are home to a rich variety of wildlife species. The current administration’s commitment to protecting 30% of the country’s land and oceans by 2030 is viewed as a positive step towards conserving these natural habitats and their inhabitants.
However, the article also cautions against participating in activities that may contribute to animal suffering, such as visiting facilities where captive animals are forced to perform or pose for tourists. Instead, it is recommended to see animals in the wild or in reputable sanctuaries and rehab centers. Additionally, it is essential to take measures to ensure both human and animal safety, such as keeping a safe distance and avoiding interactions that may disturb or harm wildlife.
10 incredible creatures to spend time with in the United States, including the best places to see them…
1. Sea otter
The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the northern and eastern coasts of the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest marine mammal in North America, weighing between 35 to 100 pounds and measuring 4 to 5 feet in length.
Sea otters are known for their dense, waterproof fur, which helps keep them warm in cold ocean waters. They also have webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers, and use rocks to crack open shellfish, their primary food source.
Sea otters play an important role in the marine ecosystem by helping to maintain healthy kelp forests, which in turn provide habitat and food for a variety of other marine species. Unfortunately, sea otters were hunted extensively for their fur in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to a significant decline in their populations. Today, they are classified as an endangered species and are protected by law.
Where to see: Monterey, California, has high concentrations of southern sea otters. It’s possible to kayak alongside them on Elkhorn Slough, a wildlife-rich estuary, or spot otters in the water from Cannery Row, near the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They’re also seen in Morro Bay, Point Lobos State Reserve and other locations in California. Northern sea otters can be spotted in Resurrection Bay in Alaska and Olympic NP in Washington.
2. Manatee
The manatee is a large aquatic mammal that belongs to the order Sirenia. They are sometimes referred to as “sea cows” due to their gentle nature and herbivorous diet, which mainly consists of sea grasses and other aquatic plants. Manatees are found in the shallow, warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, as well as in the waters of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America and in coastal areas and rivers of West Africa.
Manatees are typically slow-moving and can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 1,300 pounds. They have paddle-like flippers, no dorsal fin, and a rounded tail. Their skin is thick and wrinkled and is usually gray or brown in color.
Manatees are considered to be endangered species, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with boats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these gentle creatures, including habitat preservation and restoration, boater education programs, and strict laws and regulations.
Where to see: Manatees are commonly spotted around Florida, including Homosassa Springs, Tarpon Springs, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where it’s also possible to paddle alongside these placid animals in clear-bottomed kayaks. At Crystal River you can even swim with them. The Antillean subspecies of West Indian manatee can be encountered at Puerto Rico’s Condado Lagoon.
3. Prairie dog
Prairie dogs are small, burrowing rodents that are native to the grasslands of North America. They are closely related to squirrels and are known for their distinctive “bark” vocalizations and their complex social structures.
Prairie dogs live in large colonies, called towns, that can span hundreds of acres and contain thousands of individuals. Within these towns, they build complex tunnel systems that can be several feet deep and extend for hundreds of yards. They use these tunnels to escape predators, regulate temperature, and store food.
Prairie dogs are herbivores and feed primarily on grasses, seeds, and other vegetation. They play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil with their burrows, which allows water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the ground.
Despite their important ecological role, prairie dogs are often considered pests by ranchers and farmers because they compete with livestock for resources and can damage crops. Additionally, their burrows can be a hazard to livestock and machinery. As a result, prairie dog populations have declined significantly in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning.
Where to see: Badlands NP in South Dakota has colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs, the most common species in the US, with many more found nearby at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. They are also seen in Theodore Roosevelt NP in North Dakota and around Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. For a chance to spy Utah prairie dogs, the rarest and smallest of the five species, head to Bryce Canyon NP.
4. Brown bear
The brown bear is a large species of bear that can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its distinctive fur color, which can range from dark brown to light blonde, and its impressive size, with some individuals weighing over 1,000 pounds.
Brown bears are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet can include berries, nuts, fish, small mammals, and even larger prey such as elk or moose. They are also known to scavenge from human settlements and garbage dumps, which can sometimes bring them into conflict with people.
In many cultures, the brown bear has been regarded as a powerful and respected animal. In some Native American traditions, for example, the bear is seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and healing. However, due to habitat loss and hunting, many populations of brown bears are currently threatened or endangered. Conservation efforts are underway in many areas to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats.
Where to see: A huge percentage of America’s brown bears roam Alaska, where Katmai NP is renowned for its population of over 2,000 bears. They are also found in smaller numbers across the American North-west, including Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington, with bears often sighted around Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.
5. Alligator
Where to see: Take a guided boat tour of Florida’s Everglades NP; this is classic ’gator territory with over 200,000 living in the sprawling wetlands. But even that’s just a drop in the ocean compared with the wider state: some 1.5 million alligators live in Florida. They are also found across North Carolina, eastern Texas and Georgia, with the latter’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge a good location for sightings.
6. Mustang
Like the bald eagle, free-running wild horses have taken on an almost mythic status in the US as a distillation of the classic American ideals of strength, freedom and independence. However, the last genuinely wild horses here died out 10,000 years ago; today’s American mustangs are actually descendants of escaped domestic horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 1600s, meaning they’re technically not ‘wild’ but ‘feral’. More than 85,000 currently roam free across ten western US states, and their numbers are growing each year. Seeing these muscular animals galloping across America’s grand, open landscapes is a potent combination.
Where to see: More than half of North America’s wild-roaming mustangs are found in Nevada. The Virginia Range, between Virginia City and Reno, is a standout area with around 2,000. Other stomping grounds include the Outer Banks barrier islands in North Carolina and Theodore Roosevelt NP in North Dakota.
7. Bald eagle
The bald eagle is a bird of prey found in North America, and is the national bird and symbol of the United States. It is known for its distinctive white head and tail feathers, which contrast with its dark brown body.
Bald eagles are powerful hunters and primarily feed on fish, although they will also eat other prey such as small mammals and birds. They are known for their sharp talons, strong beak, and keen eyesight, which help them to catch and kill their prey.
In the 20th century, bald eagle populations were severely threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and the use of pesticides such as DDT. However, conservation efforts and the banning of DDT have helped bald eagle populations to recover, and they are no longer listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Despite this recovery, bald eagles still face threats such as habitat loss and collisions with power lines.
Where to see: Alaska’s Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve has the USA’s largest gathering of bald eagles. Each October and November, up to 4,000 eagles congregate at the 194 sq km area in Haines for the valley’s annual salmon run. However, bald eagles can be seen across the US, including Klamath Basin on the Oregon-California border, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. The San Juan Islands in north-west Washington have one of the highest densities of resident nesting bald eagles.
Where to see: Alaska’s Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve has the USA’s largest gathering of bald eagles. Each October and November, up to 4,000 eagles congregate at the 194 sq km area in Haines for the valley’s annual salmon run. However, bald eagles can be seen across the US, including Klamath Basin on the Oregon-California border, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. The San Juan Islands in north-west Washington have one of the highest densities of resident nesting bald eagles.
8. Leatherback turtle
The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest turtle and one of the largest living reptiles in the world. It can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length and can weigh over 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds).
Leatherback turtles are found in all the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the sub-Arctic. They have a unique, flexible shell made up of connective tissue and covered in a leathery skin, which gives them their name. Their bodies are streamlined and designed for swimming long distances, with large front flippers that can propel them through the water.
These turtles are known for their migrations, with some individuals traveling over 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) between their nesting and feeding grounds. They feed primarily on jellyfish and other soft-bodied creatures, using their sharp-edged jaws to tear apart their prey.
Leatherback turtles are considered endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their nesting beaches and reduce the impact of fishing on their populations.
Where to see: St John in the US Virgin Islands has a reputation for reliable leatherback sightings, especially at Trunk Bay Beach where turtles are known locally as ‘trunk turtles’ (or ‘trunks’ for short). Along the coast, Maho Bay is another hotspot. Around the contiguous US, leatherbacks can be seen along the Pacific coasts of California, Oregon and Washington, and on Florida’s Atlantic coast.
9. American bison
The American bison, also known as the American buffalo, is a large mammal that is native to North America. Historically, bison herds roamed across the Great Plains of North America in huge numbers, but overhunting and habitat loss greatly reduced their population in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the American bison is considered a symbol of American history and is an important species for conservation efforts.
The American bison is one of the largest land animals in North America. It can grow to be up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). They have a distinctive hump on their back, which is made up of strong muscles that help them move through deep snow and dig through snowdrifts to find food. Both male and female bison have horns, which can grow up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) long.
Bison are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses and other tough, fibrous plants. They are well adapted to grazing on tough, low-nutrient vegetation, and can survive harsh winters by digging through the snow to find food. Bison are social animals and typically live in herds, with females and young in one group and males in another.
In recent years, efforts have been made to increase the population of American bison through conservation efforts and breeding programs. The American bison is now listed as a species of “least concern” on the IUCN Red List, but their habitat is still threatened by human activities such as agriculture and urbanization.
Where to see: Montana-based non-profit American Prairie reintroduced bison to the state in 2005 after a 120-year absence; the biggest herd can now be seen on Sun Prairie. Bison can also be spotted in Yellowstone NP, or visit Theodore Roosevelt NP in North Dakota, which has hundreds of roaming bison. Calving season typically begins from April onwards.
10. Big horn sheep
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are a species of wild sheep native to North America, typically found in mountainous regions from Canada down to Mexico. They are named for their massive curved horns, which can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg) and are used by males to fight for dominance and access to females.
Bighorn sheep are social animals that live in herds, with females and their offspring forming separate groups from males. They are herbivorous, primarily grazing on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Their diet can vary depending on the season and availability of food.
Bighorn sheep have been threatened by habitat loss and hunting, but conservation efforts have helped some populations to recover. They are also at risk of contracting diseases from domestic sheep, which can be fatal to bighorn sheep. As a result, some areas have implemented measures to separate domestic and wild sheep populations.
Where to see: Colorado is estimated to have more than 7,000 bighorns, more than any other state. Head to Horseshoe Park in Rocky Mountain NP where those in charge of handing out names have outdone themselves again with the Sheep Lakes, two areas where bighorn sheep are often seen. They can also be sighted throughout the American South-west, including the Grand Canyon and the Mojave and Sonoran deserts where you can encounter a desert-adapted subspecies of bighorn.
