5 animals endemic to the U.S. and where to spot them

The United States is known for its diverse ecosystems harboring a wealth of endemic wildlife — animals found in this part of the world. These creatures not only reflect the country’s ecological beauty but also the conservation efforts.
Let’s have a look at five notable species endemic to the U.S. and the best places to observe them in the wild.

Where to spot: Florida and Louisiana
The American Alligator is native to the southeastern United States and can be spotted in freshwater wetlands, swamps, and slow-moving rivers, mostly in Florida and Louisiana. It was once an endangered species but thanks to the conservation efforts, these are back and how!. Recognizable by its broad snout and armored body, these crocodiles play an important role in maintaining ecosystems.

Where to spot it: Kaibab Plateau, northern Arizona (North Rim of Grand Canyon)
It’s a beautiful species of squirrel known for its white tail and tufted ears. It can be spotted only in the ponderosa pine forests of the Kaibab Plateau, so rare it is! The Kaibab squirrel is restricted to this isolated area and feeds on pine seeds, fungi, and bark. People visiting North Rim trails of the Grand Canyon National Park often report sightings.

Where to Spot: Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear is among the largest brown bear subspecies breathing on the planet. This predator, native to southwestern Alaska, thrives in the salmon-rich rivers of Katmai National Park. A number of photographers visit the park to capture these powerful bears catching fish. Weighing up to 1,500 pounds, these bears are larger than their inland relatives. Best time to watch bears in action is from July to September.

Where to Spot: Olympic National Park, Washington
This cute-looking creature can only be spotted in the high alpine meadows of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. It’s basically a burrowing rodent which is also a symbol of Olympic National Park and is known for its loud whistle to alert others of predators. The animal has a thick coat and social colonies. These go into hibernation when it snows in the prime winters.

Where to Spot It: Channel Islands National Park, California
One of the most unique animals to spot in the U.S. is the Island Fox which is a tiny fox species that can be spotted only on six of California’s Channel Islands. The weird thing is that each island population is genetically distinct. These animals only weigh 2.5 kg which makes them one of the smallest canids in North America. Visitors to Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa Islands often see them.