The State of Washington is a Pacific Northwest state in the Western US. It has the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges in the west, filling the region with lush, green forests. There are arid and semi-desert regions along with Mount Rainier, an active volcano, on the west-central side. Rugged shorelines and picturesque beaches are along the Pacific coast in its west.
With such diverse habitats, Washington has hundreds of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine animals. The most common and notable native animals are listed below. The state offers ample opportunities for taking a closer look at its wildlife, with multiple national parks and sanctuaries. The Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge are only a few.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in Washington
Mammals
Roosevelt Elk
Moose
Mule Deer
Cougar
American Black Bear
Grizzly Bear
Coyote
Bobcat
Olympic Marmot
American Shrew-mole
American PikaÂ
Snowshoe Hare
Pygmy Rabbit
Mountain Beaver
American Beaver
FisherÂ
Douglas SquirrelÂ
Northern Flying Squirrel
Pacific Jumping Mouse
American Pika
American Marten
North American Porcupine
Long-tailed Weasel
Northern Elephant Seal
North American River Otter
Harbor Seal
California Sea Lion
Orca (Killer Whale)
Pacific White-sided Dolphin
Pacific Harbor Porpoise
Gray wolves have been extirpated from the state. Animals like the red fox and mountain goat have been introduced in the state, and its most notable wildlife reserve, the Olympic National Park.
Birds
American Goldfinch
House Finch
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Cedar Waxwing
Dark-eyed Junco
Canada Goose
Short-tailed Albatross
Red-tailed Hawk
Reptiles
Painted Turtle
Western Pond Turtle
California Mountain Kingsnake
Common Garter Snake
Bull Snake
Rubber Boa
Pacific Gopher Snake
Northwestern Garter Snake
Ringneck Snake
Striped Whipsnake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Rattlesnake
Western Skink
Western Fence Lizard
Sagebrush Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard
Amphibians
Northwestern Salamander
Long-toed Salamander
Ensatina Salamander
Dunn’s Salamander
Western Red-backed Salamander
Great Basin Spadefoot
Cascades Frog
Pacific Chorus Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
Northern Red-legged FrogÂ
Woodhouse’s Toad
Fishes
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Pink Salmon
Steelhead Trout
Rainbow Trout
Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Pacific Halibut
Pacific Cod
Flounder
Herring
Surf Smelt
Sand Lance
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Black Crappie
Northern Pikeminnow
Mountain Whitefish
Peamouth Chub
Redside Shiner
Salmon Shark
Spiny Dogfish
Pacific Sleeper Shark
Brown Catshark
Insects and Invertebrates
Green Darner Dragonfly
Black Swallowtail
American Lady Butterfly
Honeybee
Bumblebee
Carpenter Bee
Paper Wasp
Ladybug
Praying Mantis
Carpenter Ant
Housefly
Mosquito
Yellow Jacket
Crane Fly
Firefly
Boxelder Bug
Stink Bug
Black Widow
Yellow Sac Spider
State Animals of Washington
State Endemic Mammal
Olympic Marmot
State Marine Mammal
Orca
State Bird
American Goldfinch
State Amphibian
Pacific Chorus Frog
State Fish
Steelhead Trout
State Insect
Green Darner Dragonfly
State Oyster
Olympia Oyster
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in Washington?
Typical predatory animals like the brown bear, grizzly, and coyote are among its native residents. There is only one deadly snake in the state, the Western Rattlesnake, while the only deadly spider is the black widow.
Are there any endangered animals living in Washington?
Around 50 species are considered threatened or endangered in Washington. The grizzly bear, orca, blue whale, sandhill crane, and leatherback sea turtle are some of the most recognized endangered animals native to the state, while the sea otter, green sea turtle, and steelhead trout are among the endangered.
