Massachusetts is a state in the northeastern region of the United States, known for its rich natural landscape and diverse terrain. The eastern portion of the state boasts of wet marshlands and sandy beaches of Cape Cod, while mountainous forests of the Berkshires characterize the western regions. Naturally, it has fostered the growth of rich wildlife comprising nocturnal predators like coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bats, and hundreds of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.
The state offers ample opportunity for wildlife watching with some of the best spots, including the Cape Cod National Seashore and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which are ideal for watching birds and coastal wildlife like seals and whales. Mount Greylock State Reservation allows you to spot terrestrial animals like bobcats, black bears, and moose.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Massachusetts
The list mainly includes animals native to Massachusetts. Some birds, fishes, and insects may have settled populations in the state.
Mammals
White-tailed Deer
American Black BearÂ
Red FoxÂ
Gray FoxÂ
Bobcat
Coyote
Fisher
Moose
Raccoon
Woodchuck
Snow Shoe HareÂ
Eastern CottontailÂ
Striped SkunkÂ
Woodchuck
River OtterÂ
Common MuskratÂ
Eastern ChipmunkÂ
American BeaverÂ
Virginia Opossum
North American PorcupineÂ
American Mink
American Ermine
Long-Tailed WeaselÂ
American Marten
Big Brown Bat
Little Brown Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Hoary Bat
North Atlantic Right Whale
Eastern wolves and wolverines used to live in the state, but their populations have been extirpated.
Birds
Black-capped Chickadee
American Goldfinch
Tufted Titmouse
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Common Loon
Least Tern
Snowy Egret
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Northern Goshawk
Reptiles
Common Snapping Turtle
Painted Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Musk Turtle
Common Garter Snake
Northern Water Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Northern Brown Snake
Eastern Rat Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
Northern Red-bellied Snake
Eastern Smooth Green Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Smooth Earthsnake
Eastern Worm Snake
Eastern Racer
Dekay’s Brown Snake
Eastern Copperhead
Timber Rattlesnake
Italian Wall Lizard
Common five-lined skink used to inhabit this state, but their population has gone extinct due to habitat loss.
Amphibians
Common Mudpuppy
Spotted Salamander
Marbled Salamander
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Four-toed Salamander
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Eastern Newt
American Toad
Fowler’s Toad
Spring Peeper
American Bullfrog
American Green Frog
Pickerel Frog
Wood Frog
Fishes
Striped Bass
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Bluefish
Flounder
Atlantic Cod
Tautog
Haddock
Pollock
Atlantic Mackerel
Winter Flounder
Atlantic Herring
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Menhaden
Summer FlounderÂ
Winter Skate
Atlantic Bonito
Bluefin Tuna
Weakfish
Black Sea Bass
Chain Pickerel
Northern Pike
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Insects and Invertebrates
Atlas Butterfly
Pipevine Swallowtail
Red Admiral
Polyphemus Moth
Bedbugs
American Cockroach
Asiatic Garden Beetle
Ticks
Mosquitoes
American Pelecinid Wasp
Bald-faced Hornet
Black Widow
Common House Spider
There are many other insects in the state, with several of them, like the Asian longhorn beetles and emerald ash borers, being invasive.
State Animals of Massachusetts
State Fish
Atlantic Cod
State Insect
Lady bug
State Marine Mammal
North Atlantic right whale
State Game Bird
Wild Turkey
State Dog
Boston Terrier
State Horse
Morgan Horse
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in Massachusetts?
The venomous eastern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and black widow are some of the deadliest animals in the state. Predatory carnivores like black bears, foxes, and coyotes should also be mentioned.
What are some of the rarest animals in Massachusetts?
The loggerhead sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, and bog turtle are considered endangered in the state and, thus are among the rarest animals to be seen. The Peregrine falcon, northern harrier, and red knot are a few of the endangered birds. Among amphibians native here, Jefferson’s salamander is an endangered and protected species. Apart from these, there are several fish with their populations under threat.
