Get to Know Ohio’s State Animals

You might know that the Buckeye State has a state bird, but did you know we also have a state insect, amphibian and mammal?

Ohio’s state animals all play important roles in biodiversity — and, it turns out, the local economy, too.

“More than six out of every 10 dollars spent in 2022 on wildlife-related recreation came from wildlife watchers,” says Jamey Emmert of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

(Photo courtesy iStock)

Mammal: White-Tailed Deer

Year Designated: 1988

Region: From Southern Canada through Central and South America. 

Fun Fact: Ohio’s state tree, the Ohio buckeye, is named after deer, because it is dark brown with a light spot, resembling the shape and color of a deer’s eye.

(Photo courtesy iStock)

Reptile: Black Racer Snake

Year Designated: 1995

Region: Mainly eastern and southern Ohio, but also Northeast America going partially into the South. 

Fun Fact: Black racers are excellent climbers and can climb up to 10 feet high, moving at speeds of up to 10 mph.

(Photo courtesy of Ohio Division of Natural Resources)

Bird: Cardinal

Year Designated: 1933

Region: Eastern and Central North America. 

Fun Fact: Cardinals get their red tint from carotenoids found in their food.

(Photo courtesy iStock)

Amphibian: Spotted Salamander

Year Designated: 2010

Region: Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.

Fun Fact: Spotted salamanders can live up to 30 years.

(Photo courtesy iStock)

Insect: Ladybug

Year Designated: 1975

Region: All of North America. 

Fun Fact: One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects in a lifetime.

(Photo courtesy iStock)

Frog: American Bullfrog

Year Designated: 2010

Region: North America, mainly eastern.

Fun Fact: The bullfrog’s deep call can be heard half a mile away.

RELATED: Meet our full list of more than 35 resilient and adorable critters from our September 2024 issue.

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