9 U.S. Animals You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Found in mature pine forests of the Southeast, this small woodpecker is now rare, with only 12,500 left.

Chicken Turtle

This semi-aquatic turtle with a long neck lives in ponds and swamps in the Southeast. It loves basking on logs and rocks.

Pygmy Rabbit

The world’s smallest rabbit, measuring just 9-12 inches, is found in the Western U.S. and mainly feeds on sagebrush.

Short-nose Gar

This ancient-looking fish lives in calm U.S. rivers and lakes and helps keep ecosystems balanced.

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (as the name suggests), the Hawaiian monk seal is a highly endangered species of earless seals. 

Blue Crayfish

Native to Florida, this bright blue crayfish is popular in aquariums and helps clean rivers by feeding on organic waste.

 Island Night Lizard

This lizard from California’s Channel Islands gives birth to live young and can live up to 30 years.

American Paddlefish

This ancient fish, related to sturgeons, is found in the Mississippi River Basin and has a long, paddle-like snout.

Island Fox

This small fox is native to California’s Channel Islands, with each island hosting its own unique subspecies.