Page last update: 17 March 2026
The United States is home to a vast and diverse range of wildlife, from large mammals like bears and deer to rare birds and reptiles. With over 63 national parks and 568 wildlife refuges, the country provides essential habitats for countless species.
How Many Animal Species Are There in the U.S.?
The U.S. is home to over 200,000 known animal species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
- There are approximately 1,100 bird species and over 400 mammal species recorded across the country.
- The U.S. has 295 reptile species, 300 amphibian species, and 800 freshwater fish species, making it one of the most biodiverse nations.
What Unique Animals Live in the U.S.?
- White-tailed Deer: Population of approximately 30 million; this population is stable and increasing.
- American Robin: Estimated 370 million breeding individuals.
- American Alligator: Once endangered, now 5 million strong.
- Mourning Dove: One of the most hunted birds, with 42 million harvested annually.
- Gray Squirrel: Estimated population of 30 million, stable.
Wildlife Conservation and Threats
How Many Species Have Been Extinct in the U.S.?
- A total of 235 species have gone extinct in the United States.
- In 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared 21 species extinct, including the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and several freshwater mussels.
- Habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species remain leading causes of extinction.
Number of Threatened Species in the U.S.
A total of 1,211 species are threatened and under monitoring by the IUCN Red List in the US.
- These include 376 invertebrates, 320 molluscs and 282 fishes.
- 85 bird species are also threatened, along with 66 amphibian species, 43 mammals species and 39 reptile species.
How Many Animals Are Hunted Each Year in the US?
- Approximately 150 million-200 million wild animals are harvested annually. Of those, around 5 million-6 million are deer, making deer one of the most commonly hunted species in the country.
Legal vs. Illegal Hunting Statistics
- Legal hunting is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while illegal poaching remains a major issue.
- Poaching cases have remained a significant issue, with thousands of incidents reported annually.
Note: Poaching is the illegal killing or capturing of wild animals.
Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
Number of Poaching Cases Each Year
Over 10,000 poaching cases have occurred annually in the U.S. since 2016, according to federal and state agencies.
- FWS reports over 21,000 cases combined for 2013-2014, averaging an estimated 10,500 cases per year.
- Wildlife crime investigations identified over 11,000 incidents in 2015, which then decreased to 10,350 reported cases in FY2016.
Note: Comprehensive year-by-year national data for poaching incidents after 2016 are not readily published. However, FWS and state wildlife agencies consistently report approximately ten thousand poaching-related cases each year through the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Poaching Statistics by Animal Type
- Deer (White-tailed, Mule Deer): Most commonly poached game animals.
- Elk, Moose, Pronghorn: Frequent big-game poaching targets.
- Black Bears: Poached for gallbladders and paws for illegal trade.
- Sturgeon, Salmon, Trout: Targeted for caviar and illegal fishing.
- Waterfowl (Ducks, Pheasants): Over-limit and out-of-season violations.
- Reptiles (Turtles, Snakes): Smuggled for pet trade.
- Marine Life (Abalone, Crab, Lobster): Common in coastal poaching cases.
Where Can the Most Wildlife Be Found in the U.S.?
- Yellowstone National Park: Home to bison, wolves, elk, and bears.
- Everglades National Park: Rich in birdlife, alligators, and panthers.
- Great Smoky Mountains: Hosts over 65 species of mammals and 200+ bird species.
How Many Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in the U.S.?
The U.S. has over 350 accredited zoos and aquariums. More than 500 wildlife sanctuaries operate across the country.
- Zoos and wildlife facilities receive over 180 million visitors annually.
How Many People Die From Wildlife in the U.S.?
- Approximately 200 people die annually from animal encounters.
- CDC mortality data from 2008–2015 recorded 201 deaths per year on average.
Where Do Most Animal-Related Deaths Occur?
- Texas recorded 559 animal-related deaths from 2000 to 2022, followed by California with 312 deaths.
- Florida (257), Tennessee (165), New York (113), North Carolina (110).
- Lowest-risk states: Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island (almost no fatalities).
Which Animal Species Are Most Involved in Death Incidents in the U.S.?
- Bees, Wasps, Hornets: 60-100 deaths/year (largest cause of fatalities).
- Dogs: 30-40 deaths/year (fatal dog attacks).
- Cows (Cattle): 20 deaths/year (farm incidents, trampling).
- Horses: 20 deaths/year (riding accidents, kicks).
- Venomous Insects (Ants, etc.): 10 deaths/year (allergic reactions).
- Venomous Snakes: 6 deaths/year (rattlesnakes most deadly).
- Venomous Spiders: 6 deaths/year (black widow, brown recluse).
- Sharks: Fewer than 1 death/year (rare attacks).
- Bears: 1 death/year (occasional fatal encounters).
- Alligators: 1 death/year (Southeastern states like Florida).