Animals in Washington

The State of Washington is a Pacific Northwest state in the Western US. It has the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges in the west, filling the region with lush, green forests. There are arid and semi-desert regions along with Mount Rainier, an active volcano, on the west-central side. Rugged shorelines and picturesque beaches are along the Pacific coast in its west. 

With such diverse habitats, Washington has hundreds of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine animals. The most common and notable native animals are listed below. The state offers ample opportunities for taking a closer look at its wildlife, with multiple national parks and sanctuaries. The Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge are only a few.

Animals in Washington (WA)

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Washington

Mammals

Gray wolves have been extirpated from the state. Animals like the red fox and mountain goat have been introduced in the state, and its most notable wildlife reserve, the Olympic National Park. 

Birds

Reptiles

  • Painted Turtle
  • Western Pond Turtle
  • California Mountain Kingsnake
  • Common Garter Snake
  • Bull Snake
  • Rubber Boa
  • Pacific Gopher Snake
  • Northwestern Garter Snake
  • Ringneck Snake
  • Striped Whipsnake
  • Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
  • Western Rattlesnake
  • Western Skink
  • Western Fence Lizard
  • Sagebrush Lizard
  • Side-Blotched Lizard

Amphibians

  • Northwestern Salamander
  • Long-toed Salamander
  • Ensatina Salamander
  • Dunn’s Salamander
  • Western Red-backed Salamander
  • Great Basin Spadefoot
  • Cascades Frog
  • Pacific Chorus Frog
  • Northern Leopard Frog
  • Northern Red-legged Frog 
  • Woodhouse’s Toad

Fishes

  • Chinook Salmon
  • Coho Salmon
  • Sockeye Salmon
  • Pink Salmon
  • Steelhead Trout
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Coastal Cutthroat Trout
  • Brook Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Pacific Halibut
  • Pacific Cod
  • Flounder
  • Herring
  • Surf Smelt
  • Sand Lance
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Bluegill
  • Pumpkinseed Sunfish
  • Black Crappie
  • Northern Pikeminnow
  • Mountain Whitefish
  • Peamouth Chub
  • Redside Shiner
  • Salmon Shark
  • Spiny Dogfish
  • Pacific Sleeper Shark
  • Brown Catshark

Insects and Invertebrates

  • Green Darner Dragonfly
  • Black Swallowtail
  • American Lady Butterfly
  • Honeybee
  • Bumblebee
  • Carpenter Bee
  • Paper Wasp
  • Ladybug
  • Praying Mantis
  • Carpenter Ant
  • Housefly
  • Mosquito
  • Yellow Jacket
  • Crane Fly
  • Firefly
  • Boxelder Bug
  • Stink Bug
  • Black Widow
  • Yellow Sac Spider
Washington State Animals

State Animals of Washington

State Endemic MammalOlympic Marmot
State Marine MammalOrca
State BirdAmerican Goldfinch
State AmphibianPacific Chorus Frog
State FishSteelhead Trout
State InsectGreen Darner Dragonfly
State OysterOlympia Oyster

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in Washington?

Typical predatory animals like the brown bear, grizzly, and coyote are among its native residents. There is only one deadly snake in the state, the Western Rattlesnake, while the only deadly spider is the black widow.

Are there any endangered animals living in Washington?

Around 50 species are considered threatened or endangered in Washington. The grizzly bear, orca, blue whale, sandhill crane, and leatherback sea turtle are some of the most recognized endangered animals native to the state, while the sea otter, green sea turtle, and steelhead trout are among the endangered.

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