The US state of Pennsylvania spans the Great Lakes, Appalachian, Northeastern, and Mid-Atlantic regions. It has the majestic Appalachian Mountains running through its central region, while the sweeping Allegheny and Pocono mountains adorn the northeastern part of the state. Almost 60% of the state is covered in lush forests. It also features different habitats, like rolling hills, wetlands, and fertile valleys, for its native wildlife.
The first zoo to open in the US, the Philadelphia Zoo, is located in this state. There are also many state and national parks where wildlife enthusiasts can experience the state’s flora and fauna in their natural habitat. These include the Allegheny National Forest, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, and Delaware Water Gap. The list below gives an idea of what native animals you may find in these places.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Pennsylvania
Mammals
White-tailed Deer
Eastern Coyote
American Black Bear
Bobcat
Raccoon
Gray Fox
Red Fox
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Eastern Chipmunk
North American Beaver
Virginia Opossum
Eastern Mole
Striped Skunk
Spotted Skunk
Red Squirrel
Eastern Shrew
Short-tailed Shrew
Woodchuck
North American River Otter
Meadow Vole
White-footed Mouse
Fisher
Eastern Red Bat
Little Brown Bat
Big Brown Bat
Rocky Mountain elk was introduced to the state following the extinction of the original native easter elk and has a steady population now.
Animals that used to live in Pennsylvania, but have been extirpated since, include cougar, eastern wolf, wolverine, bison, and moose. Fishers and beavers are two more animals that were reintroduced.
Birds
Ruffed Grouse
American GoldfinchÂ
Northern Cardinal
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Song Sparrow
Canada Goose
Wild Turkey
Bald Eagle
Eastern Screech Owl
American Kestrel
Reptiles
Common Snapping Turtle
Northern Map Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Bog Turtle
Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Copperhead
Eastern Massasauga
Northern Ring-necked Snake
Eastern Ratsnake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Milksnake
Northern Watersnake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Eastern Gartersnake
Smooth Green Snake
Eastern Fence Lizard
Common Five-lined Skink
Amphibians
American Toad
Wood Frog
American Bullfrog
Northern Leopard Frog
Green Frog
Pickerel Frog
Spring Peeper
Gray Treefrog
Eastern Hellbender
Northern Dusky Salamander
Red-backed Salamander
Eastern Red-spotted Newt
Four-toed Salamander
Northern Slimy Salamander
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Eastern Newt
Fishes
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Lake Trout
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Striped Bass
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Yellow Perch
Walleye
Muskellunge
Northern Pike
Chain Pickerel
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Blue Catfish
White Catfish
Black Crappie
White Crappie
Rock Bass
Redbreast Sunfish
Green Sunfish
Warmouth
Sauger
Yellow Bullhead
American Eel
Insects And Invertebrates
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Eastern Comma Butterfly
Pennsylvania Firefly
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Carpenter Ant
Pavement Ant
Odorous House Ant
Asian Lady Beetle
Eastern Carpenter Bee
Eastern Boxelder Bug
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Eastern Dobsonfly
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Luna Moth
Ticks
Green Darner
American Dog Tick
Common House Spider
Western Black Widow
State Animals of Pennsylvania
State Animal
White-tailed Deer
State Bird
Ruffed Grouse
State Amphibian
Eastern Hellbender
State Fish
Brook Trout
State Insect
Pennsylvania Firefly
State Dog
Great Dane
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 3 species of venomous snakes, two of them being the deadly Timber rattlesnake and Massasauga. The third one is the eastern copperhead. Then there are venomous black widows and disease-carrying ticks. Coyotes and black bears are among the most dangerous predatory animals.
What are some rare animals living in Pennsylvania?
Over two dozen animals are endangered in the state, including the short-eared owl, piping plover, northern flying squirrel, and least shrew. The long-eared owl, northern harrier, and small-footed bats are some species considered threatened. Since all these animals’ populations are declining, spotting them in the wild is rather rare.
What are some common invasive animals in Pennsylvania?
Some invasive insects include the spongy moth and Japanese beetle. At the same time, zebra mussels and northern snakeheads are some invasive aquatic species. Wild boars have also been threatening the native ecosystem of the state.
