We may have your classic deer & elk around here, but here are 10 more incredible animals that reside in the Evergreen state:
1. Nutria (also known as Coypu, or River Rat)
These intriguing rodents are semi-aquatic and can be found in lakes, ditches, wetlands and canals along the Columbia River!
2. Black Bears
They may look huggable, but you may want to give these massive beasts some distance. They live in a variety of places, from the coastal rainforests to the dry woodlands in the eastern slopes of the Cascades!
3. Magpies
These distinctive black-and-white birds with long tails can also be found east of the Cascade Mountains!
4. Skunks
Peee-yeww! If you were wondering where that smell was coming from, Washington skunks can be detected in lowland areas such as open fields, pastures, or croplands, as well as in some suburban and urban locations, near open water.
5. River Otters
River otters aren't seen often, but they're actually pretty common in Washington's ponds, lakes, rivers, sloughs, bays, as well as in open waters along the coast.
6. Mountain Beavers
Contrary to the name, these creatures aren't actually beavers, but were named so because they gnaw bark & cut off limbs similar to how real beavers do. Spot them in the coastal lowlands and/or mountains in Western Washington!
7. Bobcats
Although you can find them all over the state, bobcats in Eastern Washington tend to be a much lighter buff color than ones in Western Washington.
8. Coyotes
These adaptable creatures are able to survive in almost every habitat type in Washington, from densely forested areas to open ranch country!
9. Rabbits
What's up, doc? Washington is home to four species of rabbits (two are native to the state, two have been introduced to the area) and three types of hares!
10. Pocket Gophers
We have 2 types of gophers in Washington - one that occupies eastern Washington, and another that can be found in the Olympic Peninsula and southern Puget Sound region.
We definitely have some fascinating creatures living among us! What kind of wild life have YOU spotted around Washington?? Share in the comments below!
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