How well do you know American wildlife?
From bald eagles to bison, the United States is home to remarkable animals. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- Pronghorns are not true antelopes. They are the last surviving members of an ancient North American family, with no close living relatives anywhere else in the world.
- The American alligator was one of the first species listed as endangered in 1967. It recovered so well that it was removed from the endangered list in 1987.
- Bison can weigh up to about 2,000 pounds, yet they can run at speeds of about 35 mph and jump high fences. Park visitors are warned to stay at least 25 yards away.
Wild America
The United States has an enormous variety of wildlife thanks to its many habitats, from Arctic tundra and deserts to swamps, prairies, forests and coral reefs. Many species came close to extinction because of hunting and habitat loss, but conservation laws, national parks and wildlife refuges have helped some recover. Protecting wildlife remains a major challenge as landscapes and climate change.
Conservation success stories
The bald eagle nearly disappeared from the lower 48 states because of hunting and the pesticide DDT. After DDT was banned in 1972 and the eagle was protected, populations rebounded, and it was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. The American alligator and the gray whale also recovered.
The Endangered Species Act
Passed in 1973, the Endangered Species Act protects species at risk of extinction and the habitats they depend on. It has helped many animals and plants survive, though some species still decline. Scientists regularly review which species need protection.
Great migrations
American wildlife makes remarkable journeys. Monarch butterflies fly to Mexico, caribou in Alaska travel hundreds of miles across tundra, and millions of birds migrate along flyways each spring and fall. Some national wildlife refuges exist mainly to protect these migration routes.
Wildlife and people
Many wild animals live close to people, from raccoons and coyotes in cities to black bears in suburbs. Learning to live safely alongside wildlife — securing trash, keeping pets safe and giving animals space — helps reduce conflicts.
Watching wildlife
National parks and wildlife refuges offer excellent chances to see animals in their natural habitats. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times, and binoculars and patience make sightings more likely. Visitors should always keep a safe distance and never feed wild animals.
Wildlife refuges
The National Wildlife Refuge System, begun in 1903 with Pelican Island in Florida, now includes more than 560 refuges. These protected lands and waters provide homes for migrating birds, fish and mammals, and many welcome visitors for wildlife watching, photography and hiking.