New Mexico, the 5th largest state in US in terms of area, is located in the southwestern region of the country. Part of the southern Rocky Mountains, including the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez ranges, are loathed in the state. The iconic Rio Grande carves through the heart of the state, forming dramatic canyons. As a result, the state boasts various habitats, including arid desert regions, pine-juniper woodlands, grasslands, alpine forests, marshlands, and riparian areas.
The state is characterized by its rich flora and fauna and is home to several national parks and protected areas for wildlife that offer a chance to get a closer look at the native animals of the state. These include the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Carson National Forest, and Gila Wilderness.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in New Mexico
Mammals
Rocky Mountain Elk
Pronghorn
White-tailed Deer
Mule Deer
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Pains Bison
American Black Bear
Mexican Wolf
Cougar
Bobcat
Gray Fox
Kit Fox
Swift Fox
Collared Peccary
Virginia Opossum
New Mexico Shrew
Striped Skunk
American Hog-nosed Skunk
Hooded Skunk
North American River Otter
Eastern Fox Squirrel
American Red Squirrel
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
Abert’s Squirrel
Nine-banded ArmadilloÂ
Cliff Chipmunk
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Snowshoe HareÂ
Desert CottontailÂ
White-tailed Jackrabbit
Meadow Vole
Yellow-bellied Marmot
American Pika
White-footed Mouse
Bushy-tailed Woodrat
Prairie Vole
Meadow Jumping Mouse
Hoary Bat
Spotted Bat
The grizzly bear and wolverine populations have been extirpated from the state. Animals like the Mexican wolf, plains bison, and North American river otter have been reintroduced and have a stable population at present
Apart from the native species, there are quite a few ungulates that are introduced to the state – like the Siberian ibex, Himalayan tahr, and wild goat.
Birds
Greater Roadrunner
House Finch
Northern Cardinal
American Robin
Great-tailed Grackle
Chipping Sparrow
Burrowing Owl
Great Blue Heron
Sandhill Crane
Ferruginous Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Wood Duck
Reptiles
Common Snapping Turtle
Painted Turtle
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Desert Tortoise
Mojave Rattlesnake
Western Diamondback
Prairie Rattlesnake
Arizona Black Rattlesnake
Great Basin Gopher Snake
Speckled Kingsnake
Smooth Green Snake
Coral Snake
Western Hognose Snake
Gila Monster
Western Banded Gecko
Southwestern Fence Lizard
New Mexico Whiptail
Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard
Desert Iguana
Amphibians
New Mexico Spadefoot
Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad
Chiricahua Leopard Frog
Rio Grande Leopard Frog
Western Chorus Frog
Northern Cricket Frog
Tiger Salamander
Sacramento Mountain Salamander
Jemez Mountains Salamander
Fishes
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Bluegill
Green Sunfish
Longear Sunfish
Warmouth
Redear Sunfish
White Sands Pupfish
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Guadalupe Bass
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
White Catfish
Razorback Sucker
Rio Grande Chub
Pecos Gambusia
New Mexico Sucker
Insects and Invertebrates
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Yellowjacket
Paper Wasp
Sandia Hairstreak
Monarch Butterfly
Swallowtail Butterfly
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Carpenter Ant
Fire Ant
Honeybee
Bumblebee
Termite
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Western Black Widow
Western Desert Tarantula
State Animals of New Mexico
State Mammal
New Mexico Black Bear
State Bird
Greater Roadrunner
State Fish
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
State Reptile
New Mexico Whiptail
State Amphibian
New Mexico Spadefoot
State Insect
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
State Butterfly
Sandia Hairstreak
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in New Jersey?
The state is home to venomous reptiles like the western diamondback and Mojave rattlesnakes. Other deadly animals, like the prairie and Arizona black rattlesnakes, Arizona bark scorpions, and black widow spiders also live here. Large predatory carnivores like the black bear, coyote, Mexican wolf, and cougars are also among the most dangerous animals in the state.
What are some rare animals in New Jersey?
The bobcat, piping plover, bog turtle, least tern, and Chiricahua leopard frog are some rare animals as they are considered threatened or endangerd, and are protected by law in New Mexico.
What are some common invasive animals in New Jersey?
One of this state’s most notable invasive animals is the Oryx, originally native to Africa. Another species that is threatening the local ecosystem is the wild boar.
Are there any animals that only live in New Mexico?
The Harris’s antelope squirrel, New Mexico shrew, New Mexico whiptail, and white sands pupfish are some examples of animals endemic to New Mexico. Apart from these, several mollusks and clams are found only in this state.
