Maryland, one of the Mid-Atlantic states of the United States, houses a great number of animals and plants. Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the state has an extended shoreline along with wetlands and rich forest habitats. The state’s wildlife comprises so much more than just blue crab and game fish, as it is home to around 90 species of mammals, 90 more reptiles and amphibians, and over 400 birds.
The Assateague Island National Seashore and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge are great places for observing birds, whether you want to see waterbirds or birds of prey. Assateague Island National Seashore also offers a closer look at the state’s wild horses and deer populations. The Catoctin Mountain Park allows you to watch wild animals like black bears and foxes.
Here is a list of the common and notable animals in the state. Most mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are native inhabitants. At the same time, some non-native fishes and insects call the place their home.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Maryland
Mammals
American Black Bear
Red Fox
Coyote
White-tailed Deer
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Raccoon
Virginia Opossum
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Long-tailed Weasel
Least Weasel
American Mink
Eastern Spotted Skunk
Striped Skunk
Eastern Mole
Porcupine
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Eastern Shrew
Eastern Woodrat
Eastern Meadow Vole
Southern Bog Lemming
House Mouse
Eastern Harvest Mouse
Meadow Jumping Mouse
White-footed Mouse
Masked Shrew
Water Shrew
Eastern Red Bat
Big Brown Bat
Little Brown Bat
Eastern Small-footed Bat
Northern River Otter
North Atlantic Right Whale
Blue Whale
Short-beaked Common Dolphin
Mammals like gray wolf, American elk, Eastern cougar, American marten, and Snowshoe hare used to live in Maryland, but their populations are now believed to be extirpated.
Birds
Baltimore Oriole
Northern Cardinal
Downy Woodpecker
Carolina Wren
American Goldfinch
Snowy Owl
Great Horned Owl
Northern Mockingbird
Mourning Dove
Brown Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Wood Duck
Red-tailed Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Mallard
Canada Goose
Reptiles
Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Copperhead
Eastern Garter Snake
Northern Watersnake
Plain-bellied Watersnake
Dekay’s Brownsnake
Eastern Ribbonsnake
Smooth Green Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
North American Racer
Northern Ring-necked Snake
Rainbow Snake
Diamondback Terrapin
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Painted Turtle
Common Snapping Turtle
Eastern Bog Turtle
Broad-headed Skink
Common Five-lined Skink
Eastern Fence Lizard
Amphibians
American Toad
American Bullfrog
Green Frog
Wood Frog
Spring Peeper
American Green Treefrog
Northern Leopard Frog
Pickerel Frog
Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad
Marbled Salamander
Eastern Newt
Red-spotted Newt
Northern Red Salamander
Four-toed Salamander
Fishes
Striped Bass
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Maryland Darter
Bluefish
Summer Flounder
Spotfin Killifish
White Perch
Yellow Perch
Rock Fish
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Red Drum
Black Drum
Shads
Chain Pickerel
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Bluegill
Black Crappie
White Crappie
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
It is common for sharks to visit the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, which is located partially in Maryland. Species like bull sharks and sandbar sharks are the most typical visitors.
Insects and Invertebrates
Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly
Black Swallowtail
Ebony Jewelwing
Blue Dasher
Mole Cricket
Giant Water Bug
Spotted Camel Cricket
Northern Walking Stick
American Cockroach
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Eastern Hercules Beetle
Eastern Tiger Beetle
Mosquitoes
Honeybee
Common House Spider
Blue Crab
Brown recluses and black widows are also found in the state but are not native species.
State Animals of Maryland
State Bird
Baltimore Oriole
State Fish
Rock Fish
State Insect
Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
State Reptile
Diamondback Terrapin
State Crustacean
Blue Crab
State Cat
Calico Cat
State Dog
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
State Horse
Thoroughbred Horse
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in Maryland?
The deadly and venomous copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and black widow are some of the most dangerous animals in the state. Next on the list are the large carnivores like black bears and coyotes. Additionally, sharks are the deadliest animals in the coastal waters.
What are some endangered animals in Maryland?
The endemic fish Maryland darter is considered endangered in the state along with three birds, the piping plover., roseate tern, red knot, and several clams and crustaceans.
What are some common invasive animals in Maryland?
Invasive species in the state include nutrias, mute swans, zebra mussels, and emerald ash borer.
