Some people will have you believig that the U.S. is just highways and fast-food, but they couldn’t be more wrong. It’s one of the most wildlife-rich countries on Earth. From gators and grizzlies to tropical fish and desert predators, some states are practically bursting with biodiversity. Here are the top 10 states where nature really went all out.
1. California
From redwood forests to desert landscapes, California has more ecosystems than some entire countries. You’ll find black bears in the mountains, sea otters on the coast, mountain lions in the hills, and even elephant seals just chilling on the beach. Oh, and let’s not forget rattlesnakes, bobcats, bald eagles, and gray whales migrating offshore.
2. Texas
Texas isn’t just about cowboys and BBQ—it’s home to 11 different eco-regions, meaning you get desert creatures, swamp beasts, forest dwellers, and even coastal marine life. You’ll see alligators, ocelots, armadillos, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and even jaguars.
3. Florida
Florida’s got beaches, swamps, forests, and coral reefs, which means wildlife everywhere. This state boasts both alligators and crocodiles (the only U.S. state with both), manatees, panthers, sharks, flamingos, and a ridiculous number of invasive species like Burmese pythons and monitor lizards. Some of these you’ll hope to encounter, and some not so much.
4. Alaska
Alaska is essentially a big Nat Geo documentary. Here, you’ll find grizzly bears, moose, wolves, bald eagles, orcas, humpback whales, and walruses all in their natural, untamed habitat. And let’s be real, everything in Alaska is either massive, majestic, or trying to kill you.
5. Hawaii
Hawaii is wildlife paradise, filled with endemic species you won’t find anywhere else. Think Hawaiian monk seals, nene geese, manta rays, sea turtles, and an absolutely unthinkable number of tropical fish. It’s also a birdwatcher’s dream, with rare native species like the ‘I’iwi and the Hawaiian honeycreeper.
6. Colorado
Colorado’s stunning landscapes aren’t just for Instagram. They’re home to black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, beavers, and foxes. You can also spot golden eagles soaring overhead, making it the perfect escape from the concrete jungles of places like New York, for example.
7. Louisiana
The swamps and wetlands of Louisiana are bursting with life. You’ll find alligators, snapping turtles, water moccasins, bobcats, pelicans, and spoonbills. The Mississippi River Delta also makes this state one of the best spots for birdwatching in the country.
8. Montana
Montana is wild and proud of it. It’s home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, bison, elk, and mountain lions. Thanks to Yellowstone National Park, it’s one of the best places to see large mammals in their natural habitat. So grab your hiking boots and digital camera, cause this is a must-visit state.
9. Oregon
Oregon has rainforests, mountains, deserts, and a wild coastline, making it one of the most diverse states in the U.S. Expect to see gray wolves, black bears, sea lions, bald eagles, beavers, and even migrating whales. It’s basically an all-you-can-see buffet of wildlife.
10. Washington
Washington’s Pacific coastline, dense forests, and towering mountains make it a wildlife hotspot. You’ll find orcas, bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, cougars, otters, and even lynxes. Basically, if you love the outdoors, you’ll love it upstate.
The U.S. Is Wild in the Best Way
No matter what kind of wildlife gets your heart racing, the U.S. has a state for you. Whether it’s grizzlies in Alaska, alligators in Florida, or whales off the West Coast, America. You don’t have to travel outside the country to see nature at its best, it’s all right here in your backyard. Which state would you most like to visit and why?
