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What is Fifty State
Animals? |
| In 1782, the United States'
founders selected the American Bald Eagle as the
official symbol for the infant nation. The
majestic, soaring bird and its connection
with the
vast frontier inspired the country. |
| About 150 years later, individual
states began choosing their own animal symbols for local
representation and regional pride. Each state in
the union has at least a bird as an official symbol.
Many states have also selected a variety of other
species within the animal kingdom as
representatives. The animals reflect their local
habitats, regional economic contributions and historical
connections. |
| In 2008, I embarked on the painting
project, "Fifty State Animals." A piece dedicated
to Americana, fifty 8 x 8" panels hang in a grid
displaying fifty state animal symbols. First, I
painted abstract, patterned backgrounds. I
then selected the animals that fit best for each
composition. Each animal's story within
the series is listed below.* |
|
"American Bald Eagle," 2009, acrylic on panel, 24
x 24" |
Andrew
Woodward
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Alabama Wild Turkey |
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The wild turkey was designated official Alabama
game bird in 1980. A true native American, the eastern wild
turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is the largest and most
widely distributed of the six recognized subspecies of wild
turkey in North America. The male can grow up to four feet tall
and weigh well over 20 pounds. Hens may be almost as tall but
usually weigh no more than 12 - 14 pounds. The wild turkey is
also an official state symbol of Massachusetts, South Carolina,
and Oklahoma. |
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Alaska Moose |
| The moose
was designated the official Alaska land mammal in 1998. Moose (Alces
alces) are the world's largest member of the deer family, and the
Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest of all moose (males
weigh 1,000 - 1,600 pounds). Moose mostly inhabit northern forests
of North America, Europe, and Russia (in Europe they are called
"elk"). |
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Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake |
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The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus
willardi) was recognized as the official state reptile of Arizona in
1986. First known to science in 1905, this small brown snake is one
of the most primitive rattlesnakes found in this country. This snake
is a unique species which is an important and irreplaceable part of
the North American natural heritage. |
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Arkansas Mockingbird |
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The mockingbird was recognized as the official state bird of
Arkansas in 1929. Northern Mockingbirds have extraordinary vocal
abilities - they can sing up to 200 songs, including the songs of
other birds, insect and amphibian sounds, even an occasional
mechanical noise. The northern mockingbird is also the state bird
symbol of Florida, Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi. |
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California Quail |
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California designated the California valley quail as official state
bird in 1931. Known for their hardiness and adaptability, the native
California valley quail (Callipepla Californicus) is a plump bird,
smaller than a pigeon, with a distinctive black plume on its head
and a black bib with a white stripe under its beak. Other common
names: California partridge, Catalina quail, Topknot quail and
Valley Quail. |
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Colorado Rocky Mountain Bighorn |
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The magnificent Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
was designated official state animal of Colorado in 1961.
Named for their massive, curling horns (which can grow to 50
inches in length) and known for their agility and perfect
balance, Rocky Mountain bighorns (Ovis canadensis) are found
only in the Rockies (usually above the timberline) in
extremely rugged terrain . |
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Connecticut American Robin |
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Connecticut designated the American Robin
(Turdus migratorius) as state bird in 1943. The Robin is
also the official state bird of Michigan and Wisconsin.
Robins are a true thrush and one of America's favorite
songbirds. Migratory robins are watched for each year as the
herald of spring, but many spend the entire winter in New
England swamps, roosting in evergreens and feeding on winter
berries. |
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Delaware Ladybug |
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The lady bug was
adopted as the official state bug of Delaware in 1974 thanks
to an intensive effort made by Mrs. Mollie Brown-Rust and
her 2nd grade students of the Lulu M. Ross Elementary School
in Milford, Delaware. Also called lady beetle, ladybird, or
ladyfly, lady bugs help gardeners and farmers by eating tiny
insect pests that damage plants. A ladybug can consume up to
60 aphids per day, but will also eat a variety of other
insects and larvae (including scales, mealy bugs, leaf
hoppers, mites, and other types of soft-bodied insects), and
also pollen and nectar. OH, MA, NH, TN, and NY also
designate the ladybug as an official state symbol. |
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Florida Panther |
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In 1982 the students of Florida elected the
Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) as the
official state animal of Florida. A large predator (can grow
more than 6 feet in length), panthers play an important role
in the ecosystem. Florida panthers were persecuted to
near-extinction out of fear and misunderstanding (folklore
refers to them as "catamounts"). The Florida panther was
listed on the federal endangered species list in 1967, and
on the state of Florida's endangered list in 1973. |
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Georgia Brown Thrasher |
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Georgia's governor first proclaimed the brown
thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) as the state bird in 1935, and it was
finally recognized by the Georgia legislature as the official state
bird in 1970 (at the request of the Garden Clubs of
Georgia). |
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Hawaiian Goose (Nene) |
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The Nēnē, or Hawaiian goose (Branta
sandwicensis) was designated the official state bird of
Hawaii in 1957. The Nēnē seldom swims and is not bothered by
predators or cold temperatures, so they do not fly as much
and their wings are weak compared to other geese. Today the
Nene has feet that are only half as webbed as other geese,
and longer toes for climbing on the rocky Hawaiian surfaces. |
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Idaho Peregrine Falcon |
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The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
was designated the official state raptor of Idaho in 2004.
Idaho recognizes two bird symbols (the mountain bluebird is the
official state bird.) The Peregrine Falcon
became an endangered species due to the use of pesticides, but
populations are recovering since the ban of DDT in the 1970's
(supported by extensive protection of nesting places and releases to
the wild), and was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999.
The peregrine falcon is also featured on the state quarter. |
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Illinois Painted Turtle |
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The painted turtle was designated as the official
state reptile in 2005 after winning the vote of the citizens of
Illinois in 2004. Also state reptile of Michigan. |
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Indiana Cardinal |
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Indiana designated the northern cardinal
(Richmondena Cardinalis) as official state bird in
1933. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are
distinctive in appearance and song - known for their "cheer
cheer cheer," "whit-chew whit-chew" and "purty purty purty"
whistles. |
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Iowa Eastern Goldfinch |
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In summer this tiny finch
with the rollercoaster flight and canary like song is readily
identified by its black wings, tail, and cap. In winter, the
male loses the bright yellow and looks much like the drab
female. Goldfinches are feeding-tray addicts and are especially
fond of thistle seed. Found at one season or another over much
of North America, they are partially migratory. |
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Kansas Tiger Barred Salamander |
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Kansas designated the barred tiger salamander
(Ambystoma mavortium) as the official state amphibian in 1994. A
large amphibian that can grow to 14 inches, they can be found in the
wild from southwestern Canada through the western United States to
northern Mexico. |
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Kentucky Thoroughbred |
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The thoroughbred (Equus caballus) was designated official state
horse of Kentucky in 1996 (a thoroughbred horse is also featured on
the Kentucky state quarter). Each year the Kentucky Derby
features some of the state renowned throroughbreds. |
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Louisiana Brown Pelican |
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The brown pelican was designated the state bird
of Louisiana in 1966. Early European settlers were impressed
with the pelican's generous and nurturing attitude toward their
young, and the brown pelican has been a symbol of Louisiana
since that time.
Louisiana's official nickname is "The Pelican
State" and the brown pelican appears on Louisiana's state flag,
state seal, the official state painting (along with many other
symbols and icons of Louisiana), and is one of three Louisiana
symbols displayed on the U.S. mint's bicentennial quarter.
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Maine Coon Cat |
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The Maine coon cat was recognized as the
official state cat of Maine in 1985. Well established more
than a century ago, Maine coon cats are one of the oldest
natural breeds in North America. Though tabby coloring is
most well-known, Maine coons come in many colors. |
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Maryland Blue Crab |
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Maryland designated the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) as
the official state crustacean in 1989. Its scientific name
translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." The name also
honors Mary Jane Rathbun, the scientist who described the species in
1896. The blue crab is native to the western edge of the Atlantic
Ocean from Nova Scotia to Argentina and the Chesapeake Bay is famous
for its blue crabs. |
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Massachusetts Boston Terrier |
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The Boston Terrier (Canis familiaris
bostenensis) was recognized by the Massachusetts legislature
as official state dog in 1979. A cross between an
English bulldog and an English terrier, the Boston
terrier was the first "purebred" dog developed in
America (1869). |
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Michigan Wolverine |
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With a heavy body and short muscular
legs, the wolverine resembles a small bear. The two light
chestnut stripes extending along its dark brown sides from the
shoulders to the base of a hairy tail give it a strikingly
skunk-like appearance. The wolverine belongs to the weasel
family, being the largest member at
35 to 44 inches long, including its bushy tail. Neither the
skunk nor the bear can match the vicious disposition and
destructive capabilities of the wolverine. Never found
in great numbers, even in Canada and Alaska, where the climate
is best suited to their tastes, the wolverine population has
dwindled alarmingly. Just how Michigan came to be known as the
Wolverine State is subject to many theories, particularly since the wolverine
has never been in abundance in
Michigan.** |
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Minnesota Common Loon |
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The common loon (Gavia immer) was adopted as the official state bird
symbol of Minnesota in 1961. Loons are known for their cries, wails,
and yodels - their eerie, echoing calls are a distinctive feature of
Minnesota’s northern lakes. |
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Mississippi Red Fox |
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Mississippi designated the red fox (Vulpes
vulpes) as an official mammal symbol of the state in 1997
(the white-tailed deer and the bottlenose dolphin are also
mammal symbols of Mississippi). The red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
is a member of the canidae family (includes the wolf, coyote
and domestic dog). |
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Missouri Fox Trotter |
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On June 4, 2002, the Missouri fox trotting horse became Missouri’s
official state horse. Missouri fox trotters were developed in the
rugged Ozark hills of Missouri during the early 19th
century.Bloodlines can be traced from early settlers to Missouri
from the neighboring states of Kentucky,Illinois, Tennessee and
Arkansas.The distinguishing characteristic of the fox trotter is its
rhythmic gait, in which the horse walks with the front feet and
trots with the hind feet. This gait gives the rider a smooth gentle
ride.*** |
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Montana Grizzly Bear |
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Montana designated the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) as the
official state animal in 1983. Grizzly bears can be found in Glacier
National Park and the mountains of northwest Montana. Grizzly bears
are the largest carnivores in America. An adult grizzly bear can
stand 8 feet tall on its hind legs, weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and
run at speeds up to thirty-five miles an hour. |
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Nebraska Honeybee |
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Nebraska designated the honeybee (Apis mellifica) as official state
insect in 1975. Bee pollination is critical to plant and human
survival - beeswax and honey are just surplus gifts from this tiny
wonder of nature. The plant world expends a lot of energy attracting
bees and other insects with brilliantly colored flowers and sweet
nectar (nectar is produced solely to attract pollinating insects).
The honeybee is recognized as an official state symbol in seventeen
states (see State Insects), primarilly because honeybees play such
an important role in agriculture. |
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Nevada Mountain Bluebird |
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Nevada designated the mountain bluebird (Sialia
currucoides) as the official state bird in 1967 (also the state bird
of Idaho). A member of the thrush family, the mountain bluebird
lives in Nevada's high country and sings with a clear, short warble. |
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New Hampshire Red Spotted Newt |
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New Hampshire designated the spotted newt
(Notophthalmus viridescens) as the official state amphibian
in 1985 after a two-year effort by high school students.
Very common in New Hampshire, the Union Leader newspaper
(April 25, 1985, p. 48) lists the spotted newt as "the
perfect symbol for ensuring ecology in New Hampshire, as
they exist predominantly in the rain and runoff sodden areas
heavily affected by acid rain." |
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New Jersey Brook Trout |
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The brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, is the
state's official fish, having been so declared by Chapter 342 of the
Laws of 1991. The Legislature passed
Assembly Bill 2608 and Governor James J. Florio signed it
January 8, 1992 at Hopatcong Middle School, Hopatcong. |
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New Mexico Road Runner |
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The roadrunner was designated the official state bird
of New Mexico in 1949. Also called the chaparral bird, the
roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) inhabits desert and shrubby
country in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. |
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New York American Beaver |
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The beaver (Castor canadensis) was adopted as the
State animal of New York in 1975. Unique animals with flat tails
and lustrous fur, beavers have the ability to change a landscape
second only to humans. Beavers prefer to dam streams in shallow
valleys, turning much of the flooded area into wetlands (almost
half of endangered and threatened species in North America rely
on wetlands). |
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North Carolina Grey Squirrel |
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The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus
carolinensis) was designated the
official state mammal of North Carolina in 1969. Gray squirrels
are found statewide in forests, city parks, and yards with shade
trees. Squirrels build bulky nests of twigs and leaves on tree
limbs, but they may also use nest boxes or natural cavities.
Young are born in spring, and often another litter is produced
in the summer. These popular game animals often bury acorns and
other seeds that may germinate and grow into trees.**** To
learn about NC's state dog, visit
luckysplott.com |
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North Dakota Western Meadowlark |
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The western meadowlark (Sturnella Neglecta) was
designated official state bird of North Dakota in 1947 (see list of
all state birds). The western meadowlark is a familiar songbird of
open country across the western two-thirds of the continent. (from
Wisconsin to Texas and west to the Pacific). Kansas, Montana,
Nebraska, Oregon, and Wyoming also recognize the western meadowlark
as state bird. |
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Ohio White Tailed Deer |
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The Ohio General Assembly designated the
white-tailed deer official state animal in 1988. An animal
of incredible beauty and power, white-tailed deer are able
to run up to 40 miles per hour, jump 9 foot fences, and swim
13 miles per hour. The white underside of the deer's tail
waves when running and is flashed as a warning when danger
is sensed. Both native Americans and settlers relied on the
white-tailed deer for buckskin and food. |
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Oklahoma Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher |
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Oklahoma designated the scissor-tailed
flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) as official state bird in
1951. Protected by law, the scissor-tailed flycatcher is of
great economic value (its diet consists almost entirely of
non-useful and harmful insect species such as grasshoppers,
crickets, and beetles). This songbird's unique
scissor-like tail can be twice as long as its body. It
catches most prey by aerial hawking, but will also grab
insects off vegetation. |
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Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly |
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The Oregon swallowtail butterfly (Papilio oregonius)
was designated as Oregon’s official state insect in
1979. This strikingly beautiful butterfly is a true
native of the Northwest. The Oregon Swallowtail
butterfly can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of
the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the
Snake River drainage. |
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Pennsylvania Great Dane |
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The Great Dane was designated the official state dog
of Pennsylvania in 1965. A portrait of William Penn and
his Great Dane hangs in the Governor's reception room
(Best Friend, by Pennsylvania artist Violet Oakley).
Great Danes were used as a hunting and working breed in
frontier Pennsylvania. PA Legislation states that naming
an official dog of the Commonwealth would "recognize the
steadfast service and loyal devotion of all dogs in
Pennsylvania." |
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Rhode Island Red |
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The Rhode
Island red chicken was designated the official state
bird of Rhode Island in 1954. When the bill was signed
into law, then Governor Dennis J. Roberts stated: "The
Rhode Island red has become a symbol of Rhode Islanders
all over the world." |
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South Carolina Wolf Spider |
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South Carolina designated the Carolina wolf spider
(Hogna carolinensis) as the official state spider in 2000. The
Carolina wolf spider is the largest North American wolf spider.
South Carolina is the only state that recognizes a state spider. |
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South Dakota Coyote |
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The coyote (Canis latrans) was adopted as South Dakota's state
animal in 1949. Native to the desert southwest, the coyote now
ranges from Alaska, throughout most of Canada and the USA, and south
to central America. In South Dakota, the coyote (also called prairie
wolf) is found in the greatest numbers in the Black Hills and along
the Missouri River and its tributaries. |
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Tennessee Raccoon |
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The raccoon was adopted as Tennessee's wild animal
symbol in 1971. The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a mammal
native to the Americas. The name "raccoon" is derived from the
Algonquian Indian word "aroughcoune," which means "he who scratches
with his hands." Raccoons range over the entire USA except for the
Rockies and desert southwest. Raccoons were hunted aggressively in
earlier times, mostly for their water repellent fur. In the days of
Davy Crockett & Daniel Boon, the coonskin cap was a common clothing
item. So many raccoons were killed that a tax was imposed to prevent
their extinction in the 1800's. It was estimated that more than a
million raccoons were killed each year for their fur. The raccoon
population suffered greatly, but this mischievous little bandit has
made a remarkable comeback and is not on the endangered species
list. |
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Texas Nine Banded Armadillo |
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Texas designated the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus
novemcinctus) as the official state small mammal in 1995. A distant
cousin of the sloth and the anteater, the nine-banded armadillo is
the only species that occurs in North America. A bony, scaled shell
protects the armadillo from predators. Originally native to South
America, the nine-banded armadillo now ranges as far north as Texas,
Oklahoma, Kansas and Louisiana. The other twenty or so armadillo
species remain in Central and South America. |
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Utah Rocky Mountain Elk |
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The Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis)
became the official State animal of Utah in 1971. Called
'wapiti' by the Shawnee Indians, elk are members of the deer
family and associate closely with the deer and moose of
Utah. Elk once inhabited most of the USA, but are now found
only west of the Rocky Mountains (elk are plentiful in the
mountain ranges of Utah). |
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Vermont Monarch Butterfly |
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Vermont designated the monarch (Danaus plexippus) as
the official state butterfly in 1987. Both caterpillar and butterfly
are brilliant in color as a warning (the monarch butterfly ingests
toxins from the milkweed plant which are poisonous to predators). |
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Virginia American Fox Hound |
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Virginia designated the American foxhound as the
official state dog in 1966. Known for a sweet, kind,
loyal disposition, the American foxhound requires ample
exercise and need
careful training and constant socialization. American foxhounds come
in four colors: red, tri, black and tan, and blue. American
foxhounds were developed in colonial times by landed gentry purely
for the sport of hunting foxes. Today there are several different
strains of American foxhound (including Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July
and Penn-Marydel) that differ in appearance but are all recognized
as members of the same breed. |
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Washington Orca (Killer Whale) |
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Washington designated the orca whale (Orcinus orca)
as the official marine mammal in 2005 due to the research and
persuasion of second graders from the Crescent Harbor Elementary
School in Oak Harbor, Washington. This symbol is intended to promote
orca awareness and to encourage protection of the natural marine
habitat. Pods of orcas migrate annually through Puget Sound and
many people visit Washington state to watch them. The orca whale is
a significant symbol for the Native American culture. |
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West Virginia Black Bear |
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The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a
poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for West Virginia in 1954.
The students, teachers, and sportsmen of West Virginia chose the
black bear as the the animal symbol for West Virgnia by a large
margin. The bear population has been increasing since then, living
in all of West Virginia's 55 counties. The black bear is also the
state mammal of Louisiana and state animal of New Mexico. |
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Wisconsin Dairy Cow |
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The dairy cow (Bos taurus) was designated the state domesticated
animal of Wisconsin in 1971. The dairy industry has been important
to Wisconsin's economy and heritage. |
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Wyoming Bison |
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Wyoming designated the American buffalo as
official state mammal in 1985. A bull
buffalo can weigh over 1800 pounds and stand 6' tall at the
shoulder. Buffalo once roamed the American prairie by the tens of
millions. Settlers hunted buffalo to the brink of extinction - it's
estimated that between 300 - 500 animals remained when the federal
government passed stricter game laws in 1889. The buffalo is an
inseparable part of American history; no other wild animal has
played such a significant role in human affairs. The tribes of the
American plains relied on bison for food, shelter, clothing, and as
a powerful spiritual symbol. The American buffalo is also a state
symbol of Kansas and Oklahoma. |
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The American Bald Eagle |
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(Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) was adopted as the
official emblem of the United States of America in 1782. The bald
eagle was chosen because of it's majestic beauty, great strength,
long life, and because it's native to North America. In the wild, an
eagle will live 30-35 years (up to 50 years in captivity). A
full-grown Bald Eagle has a wingspan of up to 7 foot. They fly up to
30 miles an hour and can dive at 100 miles an hour! Eagles feed
primarily on fish, supplemented by small mammals, waterfowl, and
carrion. |
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