9 animal species found only in the national parks of the US (original) (raw)

Unique animals in the U.S.

The United States' national parks are home to some of the most unique and rare wildlife species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Canva

Island fox, Channel Islands National Park

The island fox is a tiny, cat-sized fox found only on six of California’s Channel Islands. Due to their isolation, these foxes evolved into a distinct species, much smaller than their mainland relatives.

Canva

Yosemite toad, Yosemite National Park

These toads are known for their distinctive golden-yellow coloring and are highly sensitive to environmental changes, making them an important indicator species for climate change.

Canva

Devils hole pupfish, Death Valley National Park

This critically endangered fish has the smallest known range of any vertebrate, living only in a single water-filled limestone cavern called Devils Hole.

Canva

Dunes sagebrush lizard, White Sands National Park

This small, sand-colored lizard is found only in the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. Its light coloring helps it blend perfectly into the shifting white dunes, providing excellent camouflage against predators.

Canva

Red-cheeked salamander, Great Smoky Mountains NP/Tennessee/North Carolina

This tiny, lungless salamander is found only in the moist, forested environment of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is one of the many salamander species that give the Smokies their reputation as the "Salamander Capital of the World."

Canva

You may also like

Kerala in March: 10 must-visit places fo...

From Manali to Spiti: Best snow destinat...

Kaibab squirrel, Grand Canyon National Park

The Kaibab squirrel is a unique subspecies of the Abert’s squirrel, found only in the Kaibab Plateau on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Canva

Olympic marmot, Olympic National Park

Unlike other marmots, the Olympic marmot has adapted to the park’s unique, isolated environment. They are highly social and known for their distinctive whistling calls.

Canva

San Francisco garter snake, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Often called the most beautiful snake in North America, the San Francisco garter snake is highly endangered and found only in a few wetland areas around the San Francisco Peninsula.

Canva

Key deer, Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks

A tiny subspecies of the white-tailed deer, the Key deer is found only in the Florida Keys, particularly within protected areas of the Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks.

Canva

Thanks For Reading!

Next: Kerala in March: 10 must-visit places for nature lovers

Read Next