The southern US state of West Virginia is unique in its own right as it is located entirely within the Appalachian Region. As a result, the state is characterized by mountainous terrain, earning it the ”nickname, ”Mountain State.” It offers diverse habitats, including rolling hills, lush valleys, dense forests, and freshwater bodies, making it a heaven for wildlife.
The state’sstate’s breathtaking landscapes and outdoor opportunities also make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. There are several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and Blackwater Falls State Park. Here are some common native animals that can be spotted in the state’sstate’s wilderness.
List of Different Types of Animals Found in West Virginia
Mammals
Eastern Coyote
Bobcat
American Black Bear
Gray Fox
Red Fox
Raccoon
Virginia Opossum
White-tailed Deer
Eastern Cottontail
Snowshoe Hare
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel
Groundhog
Eastern Mole
Striped Skunk
Eastern Spotted Skunk
North American Porcupine
American Beaver
Muskrat
American Mink
Eastern Red Bat
Big Brown Bat
Little Brown Bat
Virginia big-eared batÂ
Fisher
North American River Otter
The cougar, eastern wolf, and American bison have been extirpated from the state. Some mammals, like the North American beaver and fisher, had also gone extinct from the state, but they have been reintroduced, with stable populations now.
Birds
American Goldfinch
Northern Cardinal
Tufted Titmouse
Scarlet Tanager
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Bobwhite Quail
Ruffed Grouse
Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Reptiles
Eastern Box TurtleÂ
Common Snapping Turtle
Painted Turtle
Eastern Musk Turtle
Eastern Garter Snake
Black Rat Snake
Northern Watersnake
Eastern Milk Snake
Eastern Worm Snake
Northern Brown Snake
Ring-necked Snake
Smooth Green Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Dekay’s Brown Snake
Queen Snake
Eastern Smooth Earthsnake
Northern Rough Green Snake
Northern Pine Snake
Eastern Copperhead
Timber Rattlesnake
Common Five-lined Skink
Eastern Fence Lizard
Amphibians
Northern Leopard Frog
American Bullfrog
Mountain Chorus Frog
Northern Spring Peeper
Wood Frog
Eastern Spadefoot
Eastern Red-Backed Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Red-Spotted Newt
Eastern HellbenderÂ
Fishes
Bluegill
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Black Crappie
White Crappie
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Striped Bass
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Blue Catfish
Redbreast Sunfish
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Longear Sunfish
Rock Bass
Green Sunfish
Redear Sunfish
Yellow Perch
Northern Pike
Chain Pickerel
Muskellunge
Walleye
Sauger
Freshwater Drum
Spotted Bass
Bluehead Chub
Insects and Invertebrates
Monarch Butterfly
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Cabbage White Butterfly
Honey Bee
Eastern Carpenter Bee
Firefly
Ladybug
Common Green Darner
Widow skimmer Dragonfly
Eastern Boxelder Bug
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Carolina Locust
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Periodical CicadaÂ
Carpenter Ant
Dobsonfly
Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp
Mosquitoes
Black Widow
State Animals of West Virginia
State Animal
American Black Bear
State Bird
Northern Cardinal
State Reptile
Timber Rattlesnake
State Fish
Brook Trout
State Insect
Honey Bee
State Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly
FAQ
What are the most dangerous animals in West Virginia?
Large to medium predators like black bears and coyotes, along with deadly snakes like the timber rattlesnake and copperhead, are the most dangerous animals in this state. Additionally, venomous black widow spiders are also pretty common.
Are there any endangered animals in West Virginia?
More than 20 species are considered endangered or threatened in the state, with some notable animals on the list, including the Virginia big-eared bat, Indiana bat, eastern black-rail (bird), and monarch butterfly.
