Animals that Start with P

Pachycephalosaurus

The Pachycephalosaurus' head was up to 30 times thicker and stronger than a human skull.

Pacific Coast Tick

Pacific Coast ticks can go without food for two to three years without dying.

Pacific Sleeper Shark

In 2015, a Pacific Sleeper Shark was filmed living underneath an active volcano near the Solomon Islands. This shark is able to survive in waters with very high temperatures and acidity!

Pacific Spaghetti Eel

They have excellent eyesight

Paddlefish

Paddlefish have existed since the Cretaceous Period

Pademelon

Inhabits the jungles of the far east!

Painted Bunting

They are one of the most colorful species of birds.

Painted Turtle

Male painted turtles have longer nails.

Palaeoloxodon namadicus

Palaeloxodon namadicus was the largest land mammal ever found

Palaeophis

This snake was as long as a school bus!

Paleoparadoxia

Scientists were able to determine that Paleoparadoxia was exclusively aquatic by comparing the rib cages of fossils to modern species of mammals like dugongs and polar bears.

Palm Rat

Domesticated house rats were bred in England during the 1920s, and one of these variations had a green-tinted fur.

Palo Verde Beetle

The palo verde beetle is one of the largest beetles in North America

Panda Pied Ball Python

The panda pied ball python morph is a combination of the piebald and black pastel traits.

Pangolin

Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell

Panther

Prefers to hunt at night than during the day!

Panthera atrox (American Lion)

Panthera atrox was about 25 percent larger than modern lions

Papillon

Originally called the Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is one of the oldest breeds in the toy group. They can be found in artwork dating back to the 16th century.

Papillon Mix

Fluffy, energetic lap dog

Paradise Flying Snake

Paradise Flying Snakes can glide over 100 yards!

Parakeet

Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Parasaurolophus

The Parasaurolophus ran on its hindlegs at speeds of up to 30mph!

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Parrot Snake

The parrot snake shows off with bright green and bronze colors that cover its entire body.

Parrotfish

The parrotfish can change from female to male at some point in its life.

Parrotlet

Parrotlets aren't the world's tiniest parrot — that would be the pygmy parrot of Australasia.

Parson Russell Terrier

The root stock of the breed was a dog named Trump

Parti Schnauzer

Parti Schnauzers are great pest controllers. They were bred to catch rodents, so if you have a rat problem, they might be the pet for you.

Partridge

Long-lost civilizations have immortalized male partridges in art, depicting them as a symbol of fertility.

Patagonian Cavy

Patagonian cavies run anywhere from 18-45 mph!

Patagonian Mara

Patagonian maras mate for life, but raise their pups in large communal dens!

Patagotitan

The patagotitan's bones were hollow and air-filled.

Patas Monkey

The fastest species of primate in the world!

Patterdale Terrier

A Patterdale Terrier’s small body structure allows it to squeeze into fox burrows.

Pea Puffer

Peacock

Most commonly found on the Indian mainland!

Peacock Bass

Peacock bass is known for their aggressive behavior and predatory instincts, making them a challenging target for sport fishermen.

Peacock Butterfly

The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings deter predators from attacking.

Peacock Spider

They can jump up to 10 centimeters (40 times their body size) and see the full rainbow spectrum of light, including UV.

Peagle

Most Peagles love playing with children and can be very gentle and affectionate!

Peekapoo

Peekapoos were first bred in the 1950’s, making them one of the first designer dog breeds.

Pekingese

Thought to be over 2,000 years old!

Pelagornis

The Pelagornis is larger than the largest living bird today.

Pelagornithidae

The biggest members of the Pelagornithidae family were the largest flying birds known.

Pelican

Can have a wingspan of up to 3 meters!

Pelycosaurs

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II

Penguin

Spends 75% of it's time hunting for food!

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

Seeks out sources of light

Peppered Moth

Teachers in schools often use the evolution of the peppered moth as a good example of Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Peppermint Angelfish

The peppermint angelfish was only first described in 1992.

Perch Fish

Some of the most delicious gamefish in the world

Père David’s Deer

Has webbing between its toes, aiding in swimming!

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Peringuey’s Adder

Peringuey's adders' eyes are nearly on the tops of their heads!

Perro De Presa Canario

The breed has feet like a cat, with rounded toes that are not too close together. His unique feet give him a distinctive, long, elastic stride.

Persian

Thought to have originated in the Middle East!

Peruvian Guinea Pig

The Peruvian guinea pig is well known for its long, soft tresses and edgy bangs.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is the national dog of Peru

Pesquet’s Parrot (Dracula Parrot)

It’s one of only three parrots with naked faces.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

A small dog with a big, lively personality.

Petite Goldendoodle

Like their purebred parents, these dogs love the water!

Pharaoh Hound

The blushing dog of Malta.

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

The pheasant-tailed jacana is the only species in its family that migrates long distances.

Philippine Cobra

Philippine cobra is a highly venomous species of spitting cobra.

Phoenix Chicken

These small chickens have tails that can be up to five feet long!

Phorusrhacos

It's a genus of terror birds

Phytosaurs

Picardy Spaniel

Picardy spaniels are one of the few working dogs that do well in apartments as long as they get their long walks every day.

Pictus Catfish

Pictus catfish are social fish that should be kept in groups of 4 or more

Piebald Dachshund

Hotdogs were originally called "Dachshund sausages" because they resembled the dachshund's wiener-like body!

Pied Ball Python

Pied Tamarin

Only found in one area of Brazil!

Pied-Billed Grebe

Chicks stay on the parents' backs until they learn to swim

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pig-Nosed Turtle

Their family lineage dates back 140 million years

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pike Fish

Pileated Woodpecker

Pairs establish territories and remain all year

Pinacate Beetle

Pinacate beetles do a headstand if they feel threatened

Pine Beetle

Female pine beetles can lay up to 75 eggs at once, and the males will stay with their mates for up to 3 weeks after fertilizing the eggs

Pine Marten

A pine marten can jump from tree to tree similar to a squirrel.

Pine Siskin

When foraging, pine siskins hang upside down to pick through the leaves and bark, collecting seeds from coniferous trees.

Pine Snake

Pine Snake

Pine snakes bluff with the best, trying to scare you away.

Pinfish

Pinfish make loud croaking sounds during their spawning season.

Pink Bollworm

N/A

Pink Fairy Armadillo

The smallest known species of Armadillo

Pink Salmon

The smallest of the North American salmon

Pink Toed Tarantula

Can jump short distances

Pink-Necked Green Pigeon

They make whistling and quacking noises

Pipe Snake

Some of these snakes flatten their neck and raise their heads to imitate cobras if they’re threatened.

Pipefish

The male pipefish has the ability to carry fertilized eggs with him

Piranha

Generally found in fast-flowing streams!

Pit Bull

It is a myth that pit bulls have locking jaws.

Pit Viper

Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.

Pitador

There are several names for this breed, including the Labrabull or the Pitador Retriever.

Pitsky

Most Pitskies will do best as the only pet in a home. They may become aggressive with other dogs (especially two unneutered male dogs) and could try to chase or catch small pets due to their higher prey drive.

Plains Hognose Snake

The plains hognose snake gets its name from the upturned end of its snout.

Platinum Arowana

The male broods the eggs and baby fish in his mouth.

Platybelodon

Platypus

One of the only mammals to lay eggs!

Plesiosaur

Plesiosaur had a short tail and an extremely long neck

Pliosaur

Pliosaurs were the short-necked version of plesiosaurs.

Plott Hound Mix

While the Plott hound is the state dog of North Carolina, it is a very rare breed and not well-known in other states.

Plott Hounds

Plymouth Rock Chicken

Plymouth Rock hens have a calm and friendly nature. They usually get along with flock mates and will shy away from confrontation or disputes.

Pocket Beagle

Queen Elizabeth I of England once owned several Pocket Beagles!

Pocket Pitbull

The smaller size of the Pocket Pitbull made it better suited for fleeing game as compared to larger Foxhounds.

Podenco Canario

It has a peculiar bark that locals refer to as "the song of the rabbit".

Pointer

An independent, loyal and high energy breed!

Pointer Mix

One of the best things about owning a pointer pit is its low-maintenance requirements.

Poison Dart Frog

Inhabits the jungles of Central and South America!

Polacanthus

Spiky Herbavore that looks like "bowser"

Polar Bear

Could be extinct within the next 30 years!

Polecat

They can run at a speed of 15mph

Polish Chicken

The Polish chicken has a large, feathered crest supported by a round, bony prominence on the skull!

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Despite having shaggy hair that covers its eyes, this dog is known for its watchful gaze when guarding a herd.

Polish Tatra Sheepdog

This gigantic breed is known for its guardian skills, but they are non-aggressive and always manage to stay calm towards people and animals.

Polka Dot Stingray

Can detect electrical fields from other creatures

Pollock Fish

Pollock is a nutritious fish, generally readily available for human consumption, and more sustainable and affordable than other whitefish species like hake or haddock.

Polyphemus Moth

The Polyphemus moth doesn’t and can't eat, except when it's a caterpillar!

Pomapoo

Pomapoos like companionship and do not like being alone. They may do better in a home with other dogs.

Pomchi

A deliberate cross like the Pomchi is commonly referred to as a designer dog

Pomeagle

Pomeagles are sweet and fun dogs that like to spend time exploring their environment.

Pomeranian

The ancestors of the Pomeranian were sled dogs.

Pomeranian Mix

Tiny dog breed with a huge personality

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pomsky

The howls and barks of a Pomsky can sound like singing

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Poochon

The Poochon was first bred in Australia.

Poodle

Intelligent, alert and active!

Poogle

The Poogle is one of 40 different doodle dog breeds (poodle mixes).

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porbeagle Shark

The porbeagle is one of the few sharks that jumps out of the water

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Porcupinefish

The Porcupinefish secrete a potent neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin; this poison can kill both people and predators.

Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is considered to be quite possibly the world’s smallest hunting dog.

Possum

There are 69 species on the Australian continent!

Potato Beetle

These beetles have a polygynandrous mating system where they choose multiple mates once breeding season starts.

Potoo

The potoo’s eyelids have slits that let them see even when their eyes are closed.

Potoroo

They can carry items with their tail.

Powderpost Beetle

Powderpost beetles prefer living in moist tree limbs, dead wood, and branches. They get into homes through infested joists, paneling, rafters, flooring, and finished wood products.

Prairie Chicken

They inflate their orange neck patches during their mating displays

Prairie Dog

Prairie dog “towns” can consists of hundreds of individuals

Prairie Rattlesnake

The striking distance of a prairie rattlesnake is 2/3rds the length of its body.

Prawn

Closely related to crabs and lobsters!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Proboscis Monkey

Natively found on the island of Borneo!

Procoptodon

The largest variety of kangaroo to have ever been discovered.

Pronghorn

While pronghorns are the fastest runner of any Western Hemisphere land animal, they are not good jumpers.

Psittacosaurus

The Psittacosaurus dinosaurs had four limbs but were mostly bipedal.

Psittacosaurus

These parrot-headed dinosaurs had beaks and feather-like quills on their tails!

Pteranodon

Pterodactyl

Pterodactyl is not technically a dinosaur. Although they lived during the same time as dinosaurs, they are classified as winged reptiles.

Pudelpointer

Like their poodle parent, Pudelpointers love to swim in pools!

Puertasaurus

"The ribcage of a Puertosaurus was as large as a school classroom!"

Puff Adder

This large snake is so-named because it will puff up its body to appear bigger than it is when directly threatened by a predator or person.

Pufferfish

The second most poisonous creature in the world!

Puffin

Can remain in the water for up to 2 minutes!

Pug

Fun and sociable, yet stubborn!

Pug Mix

The puggle is a heavy shedder, so to control any unwanted hair, owners must brush their pug mix at least twice a week.

Pugapoo

The pugapoo is the fusion of a pug and a poodle.

Puggle

These dogs are active and are often patient around children.

Pugshire

With their incredible desire to show affection, Pugshire make great lap dogs.

Puli

Puma

Has longer back legs than front legs!

Pumi

Pumik developed their loud bark to communicate with shepherds at long distances.

Pumpkin Patch Tarantula

They are considered dwarf tarantulas.

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Purple Finch

The intensity of the plumage can change based on what the bird eats

Purple Gallinule

They build their nests on the water, anchoring it to nearby aquatic vegetation.

Purple Tarantula

Females live more than twice as long as males, up to 12 years old.

Purussaurus

Purussaurus had a bite force that is higher than that of any creature that has ever lived

Puss Caterpillar

N/A

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Pygmy Hippopotamus

Spends more time on land than in water!

Pygmy Marmoset (Finger Monkey)

The smallest species of monkey in the world!

Pygmy python

These snakes have been seen traveling as group of 3-5.

Pygmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy rattlesnakes’ rattle is so small it can only be heard from about three feet away.

Pygmy Shark

Pygmy sharks underbelly glows to attract prey that swims beneath it.

Pygora Goat

The Pygora goat is exclusively bred for their fleece, and they produce three different kinds.

Pyjama Shark

Pyjama Sharks like to swim in shallow inshore waters.

Pyrador

Most popular as a companion pet!

Pyredoodle

Pyredoodles can have a thick double coat or a thinner single coat.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Pyrenean Shepherd

Pyrosome

They float with the current.

Python

Female pythons lay eggs and defend them until they hatch.

Panther

Prefers to hunt at night than during the day!

Pointer

An independent, loyal and high energy breed!

Pygmy Shark

Pygmy sharks underbelly glows to attract prey that swims beneath it.

Patagonian Cavy

Patagonian cavies run anywhere from 18-45 mph!

Pygmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy rattlesnakes’ rattle is so small it can only be heard from about three feet away.