Connecticut, the third-smallest state in the US, has not let its size come in the way of its wildlife population. Over 50% of the state is covered by forest, so naturally, it boasts a diverse flora and fauna. Most of the animals living here are native to the state, with some invasive species, like emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and spotted lanternfly, also calling it home.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Connecticut
Mammals
Bobcat
Black Bear
Eastern Coyote
Gray Fox
Eastern Gray Fox
White-tailed Deer
New England Cottontail
Snowshoe Hare
Eastern Chipmunk
Raccoon
Striped Skunk
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Southern Flying Squirrel
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Mole
Star-nosed Mole
Virginia Opossum
Long-tailed Weasel
American Beaver
Eastern Spotted Skunk
American Mink
Eastern Woodchuck
Muskrat
Meadow Jumping Mouse
Eastern Harvest Mouse
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Eastern Long-eared Bat
Silver-haired Bat
Eastern Small-footed Bat
Eastern Pipistrelle Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Little Brown Bat
Big Brown Bat
River Otter
American Marten
Harbor Seal
Sperm Whale
Birds
American Robin
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
House Wren
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Osprey
Reptiles
Eastern Box Turtle
Common Snapping Turtle
Painted Turtle
Eastern Red-bellied Turtle
Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Five-lined Skink
Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Massasauga
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Northern Black Racer
Northern Copperhead
Dekay’s Brownsnake
Eastern Ratsnake
Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
Northern Water Snake
Northern Redbelly Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Northern Ringneck Snake
Smooth Green Snake
Amphibians
Blue-spotted Salamander
Jefferson Salamander
Marbled Salamander
Spotted Salamander
Four-toed Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander
Northern Spring Salamander
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Red-backed Salamander
Northern Slimy Salamander
Mudpuppy
Red-spotted Newt
American Toad
Gray Treefrog
Spring Peeper
Northern Leopard Frog
Pickerel Frog
Eastern Spadefoot Toad
Fishes
Largemouth Bass
Rock Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Striped Bass
American Shad
American Eel
Atlantic Salmon
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Chain Pickerel
Channel Catfish
Common Carp
Northern Pike
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Redbreast Sunfish
Green Sunfish
White Perch
Yellow Perch
Bluegill
Black Crappie
White Catfish
Goldfish
Walleye
Summer Flounder
Insects And Invertebrates
American Lady Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Cabbage White Butterfly
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Silver-spotted Skipper Butterfly
European Grape Vine Moth
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle
Praying Mantis
Common Green Darner Dragonfly
Halloween Pennant Dragonfly
Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly
Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly
Eastern Dobsonfly
Common Whitetail Dragonfly
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
American Dog Tick
Black-legged Tick
Eastern Carpenter Bee
Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp
Eastern Yellow Jacket
Common House Spider
Brown Recluse Spider
Black Widow
Eastern Subterranean Termite
State Animals of Connecticut
State Animal
Sperm Whale
State Bird
American Robin
State Fish
American Shad
State Shellfish
Eastern Oyster
State Insect
Praying Mantis
FAQ
1. What are the most dangerous animals in Connecticut?
The American black bear is considered the most dangerous animal because it is the largest predatory animal in this state. Other nocturnal predators, like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats, can be equally deadly. The state is also home to the timber rattlesnake, eastern diamondback, brown recluse spider, and black widow.
2. Are there any endangered animals in Connecticut?
Many of the native animals in this state are considered threatened or endangered by the IUCN. The endangered species include all turtles, birds like Grasshopper Sparrow, sharp-shinned hawk, long-eared owl, and the northern slimy salamander. Animals that are on the threatened list include the short-eared owl, bald eagle, and five-lined skink.
3. Can you hunt wild animals in Connecticut?
Hunting large animals like bears is prohibited. Waterfowl, turkey, and deer are the common animals that often become targets for hunters.
