Rhode Island is the smallest state in terms of area, located in the New England region of the Northeastern US. Despite its small size, the state boasts diverse terrain consisting of coastal plains, sandy beaches, marshlands, and rocky cliffs and hills. A significant portion of the state is covered in lush forests, while there are numerous lakes and ponds as well. The coastline extends for over 400 miles.
Naturally, such a variety of habitats has given rise to abundant flora and fauna. Most animals native to the other New England states are also found in Rhode Island. The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Block Island, and Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge are excellent places for birdwatching. The Colt State Park allows you to spot rabbits, chipmunks, and deer alongside birds.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Rhode Island
All the following animals are native to the state.
Mammals
White-tailed Deer
Moose
Eastern Coyote
Red Fox
Eastern Gray Fox
Bobcat
Common Raccoon
Striped Skunk
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
New England Cottontail
Snowshoe Hare
Gray Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
American Beaver
Muskrat
Eastern Mole
Woodchuck
Short-tailed Shrew
American Mink
North American River Otter
Long-tailed Weasel
Fisher
Eastern Pipistrelle
Big Brown Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Harbor Seal
North Atlantic Right Whale
Fin Whale
Humpback Whale
Eastern wolves, cougars, and eastern elks also used to live in this state, but their populations have been extirpated.
Birds
Rhode Island Red Chicken
American Goldfinch
American Robin
American Crow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Tufted Titmouse
Barn Swallow
Blue Jay
Burrowing Owl
Red-tailed Hawk
Bald Eagle
Osprey
Reptiles
Eastern Box Turtle
Common Snapping Turtle
Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
Black Rat Snake
Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Eastern Smooth Green Snake
Eastern Worm Snake
Northern Black Racer
Northern Brown Snake
Northern Redbelly Snake
Northern Ringneck Snake
Northern Water Snake
Though there are no native lizards in Rhode Island, scientists have found an individual five-lined skink of unknown origin in the South County.
Amphibians
Green Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
Northern Spring Peeper
American Toad
Gray Treefrog
Northern Red-backed Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander
Spotted Salamander
Fishes
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Striped Bass
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Redbreast Sunfish
Black Crappie
White Catfish
Brown Bullhead
American Eel
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Golden Shiner
Bluefish
Scup
Winter Flounder
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic Mackerel
Atlantic Menhaden
Winter Skate
Summer Flounder
Weakfish
Chain Pickerel
Yellow Perch
White Perch
Sandbar Shark
Maco Shark
Thresher Shark
Insects and Invertebrates
American Burying Beetle
Asian Lady Beetle
Eastern Honeybee
Cabbage White Butterfly
Mosquito
Blacklegged Tick
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Common Whitetail Dragonfly
Luna Moth
Odorous House AntÂ
American Carrion BeetleÂ
FireflyÂ
Carolina Mantis
Dog-day Cicada
Bee Fly
Housefly
Katydid
Eastern Forktail Damselfly
HorseflyÂ
Carpenter Ant
State Animals of
State Bird
Rhode Island Red
State Fish
Striped Bass
State Insect
American Burying Beetle
State Shell
Quahaug
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in Rhode Island?
This state does not have any deadly animals. The only animal that can be considered dangerous is the coyote, while other animals to be wary of include skunks, fishers, and raccoons. There are no venomous spiders or insects.
Are there any threatened animals in Rhode Island?
Several native animals and birds have a declining population in the state. The American burying beetle, shortnose sturgeon, roseate tern, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles are endangered in the state. Piping plovers, red knots, and northern long-eared bats are considered threatened.
