Wildlife and nature in the United States
Browse regions across the United States to discover wildlife-rich places, from forests and wetlands to deserts, coastlines, mountains, and family-friendly parks.
Regions to explore
37
Wildlife sightings
18,123
Places to explore
427

Country Overview
Why families explore the United States
The United States spans an enormous range of habitats, from mountains, wetlands, and forests to deserts, coastlines, and urban green spaces. This guide helps families explore wildlife and nature by region, making it easier to discover local places and compare the kinds of outdoor experiences different areas can offer. Some regions are known for alligators, bison, seabirds, or desert wildlife, while others are shaped by forests, wildflowers, and park landscapes that make family nature outings easier to enjoy. Each region guide gives families a more local starting point for exploring wildlife and nature across the country.
Recent wildlife sightings in the United States
A recent snapshot of wildlife activity from across the United States.
Featured Regions
Start with featured regions
These regions are a great starting point for wildlife, places, and variety across the United States.

Virginia
Mountains, wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats
77 Places5,008 Sightings121 Species
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Washington
Rainforests, mountains, islands, coasts, and wildlife
40 Places1,452 Sightings72 Species
View region guide →

New York
Mountains, forests, lakes, coasts, and parks
26 Places1,149 Sightings101 Species
View region guide →
Region Guides
Regions to explore across the United States
Regions are sorted by places first, then wildlife activity.

United States
Virginia
Mountains, wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats
77 Places5,008 Sightings121 Species
View region guide →

United States
California
Coasts, deserts, mountains, forests, and rich biodiversity
42 Places1,436 Sightings77 Species
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United States
Washington
Rainforests, mountains, islands, coasts, and wildlife
40 Places1,452 Sightings72 Species
View region guide →

United States
Florida
Wetlands, coasts, springs, birds, and alligators
40 Places1,082 Sightings75 Species
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United States
New York
Mountains, forests, lakes, coasts, and parks
26 Places1,149 Sightings101 Species
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United States
Pennsylvania
Forests, ridges, rivers, and Appalachian wildlife
20 Places638 Sightings91 Species
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United States
Illinois
Prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and migratory birds
19 Places723 Sightings66 Species
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United States
Texas
Deserts, coasts, plains, forests, and rich variety
19 Places609 Sightings74 Species
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United States
Massachusetts
Coasts, woodlands, marshes, and seasonal birdlife
12 Places1,026 Sightings60 Species
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United States
Michigan
Great Lakes shores, forests, dunes, wildlife
11 Places364 Sightings59 Species
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United States
Maryland
Bays, marshes, forests, and tidal wildlife
9 Places553 Sightings61 Species
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United States
Tennessee
Forests, mountains, rivers, and rich birdlife
9 Places268 Sightings61 Species
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United States
South Dakota
Prairies, badlands, hills, and iconic wildlife
9 Places160 Sightings35 Species
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United States
District of Columbia
Parks, rivers, monuments, and urban wildlife
7 Places491 Sightings38 Species
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United States
Oregon
Coasts, forests, mountains, deserts, and wildlife
7 Places337 Sightings33 Species
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United States
Ohio
Forests, wetlands, rivers, and Lake Erie
7 Places332 Sightings58 Species
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United States
New Jersey
Marshes, shorelines, forests, and migration habitats
6 Places369 Sightings42 Species
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United States
Colorado
Mountains, alpine trails, wildlife, and wildflower summers
6 Places143 Sightings32 Species
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United States
North Carolina
Mountains, forests, wetlands, and Outer Banks
5 Places161 Sightings40 Species
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United States
Georgia
Mountains, marshes, forests, and coastal wildlife
5 Places160 Sightings37 Species
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United States
Oklahoma
Prairies, forests, wetlands, and surprising diversity
5 Places100 Sightings47 Species
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United States
Louisiana
Wetlands, bayous, coasts, birds, and alligators
5 Places88 Sightings50 Species
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United States
Connecticut
Coastal nature, woodlands, marshes, and birdlife
4 Places164 Sightings45 Species
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United States
Alabama
Forests, rivers, wetlands, and Gulf Coast wildlife
4 Places143 Sightings35 Species
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United States
New Mexico
Desert, mesas, mountains, and distinctive wildlife
4 Places56 Sightings19 Species
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United States
Wisconsin
Lakes, forests, wetlands, and northern wildlife
3 Places243 Sightings34 Species
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United States
Indiana
Woodlands, lakes, dunes, and birdlife corridors
3 Places139 Sightings31 Species
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United States
Minnesota
Lakes, forests, prairies, and northern wildlife
3 Places130 Sightings33 Species
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United States
Utah
Canyons, deserts, mountains, and dramatic nature
3 Places41 Sightings18 Species
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United States
South Carolina
Marshes, beaches, forests, and coastal wildlife
3 Places35 Sightings17 Species
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United States
Delaware
Marshes, coastlines, bays, and migrating birds
2 Places128 Sightings38 Species
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United States
Kentucky
Forests, caves, rivers, and rolling hills
2 Places87 Sightings19 Species
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United States
Wyoming
Mountains, basins, plains, and iconic wildlife
2 Places77 Sightings12 Species
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United States
Arizona
Desert wildlife, canyons, mountains, and cactus
2 Places71 Sightings10 Species
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United States
Iowa
Prairies, rivers, wetlands, and open skies
2 Places71 Sightings28 Species
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United States
Missouri
Ozarks, rivers, forests, caves, and wildlife
2 Places53 Sightings29 Species
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United States
New Hampshire
Mountains, forests, lakes, and changing seasons
2 Places36 Sightings20 Species
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Region Map
See where there is the most to explore
Use the map to spot regions with strong wildlife activity and places to explore.
Places to Start
Parks, zoos, aquariums, and nature spots
Good starting points for exploring wildlife and local places across the United States.

Virginia, US
Mount Vernon Woods Park
You might spot Rushes, Engelmann's Spikerush, and Dangleberry.
View place guide →

Maryland, US
Rock Creek Regional Park
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and White-Tailed Deer.
View place guide →

Washington, US
Madison Park
You might spot Strawberry Tree, Mallard, and American Beaver.
View place guide →

Massachusetts, US
Lucy Larcom Park
You might spot Grey Cross Spider, Common Milkweed, and Roses.
View place guide →
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District of Columbia, US
Canal Park
You might spot Mallard, Eastern Gray Squirrel, and European Starling.
View place guide →

Virginia, US
Great Falls Park
You might spot Kiwi Bubbles, Common Pawpaw, and Eastern Skunk Cabbage.
View place guide →
Popular Wildflowers
Popular wildflowers in the United States
A quick look at wildflowers often seen across the United States.
Popular Animals
Popular animals in the United States
A helpful starting set of animals families may spot while exploring the United States.
Popular Birds
Popular birds in the United States
A quick look at birdlife often seen across the United States.
Rare Species
Rare wildlife highlights in the United States
Unusual and hard-to-spot species that make the United States' wildlife feel especially distinctive.







































































