Animals that Start with S

Saanen Goat

The saanen goat is the most popular milk breed.

Saarloos Wolfdog

Saber-Toothed Tiger

Canines up to 7 inches long!

Sable

Their fur has been considered a luxury item since the Middle Ages

Sable Black German Shepherd

According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the United States

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Sable German Shepherd

The gene responsible for their color is also found in wolves.

Saddleback Caterpillar

Saddleback caterpillars are solitary in nature, unlike many of their cousins that live in pairs or groups. They only intermingle when it's time to mate and lay eggs.

Saiga

Large noses help filter out dust

Sailfish

Fast billfish with a sail-like dorsal fin

Saint Berdoodle

Saint Bernard

Gentle, loyal and friendly!

Saint Shepherd

These dogs have an eager-to-please attitude, making them sweet and happy pets.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Salmon

Returns upstream every year to spawn

Salmon Shark

Salmon sharks are related to Great Whites.

Saluki

The Saluki is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Sambar

Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers

Samoyed

San Francisco Garter Snake

The San Francisco garter snake is among the rarest snake species in the United States.

Sand Cat

They can survive for weeks without drinking water because the get moisture from their prey.

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sand Dollar

Sand Dollar skeletons make popular collection items for seashell collectors.

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Sand Tiger Shark

The sand tiger is the shark most commonly seen in aquariums.

Sand Viper

Sand vipers are nuisance snakes in some areas.

Sandhill Crane

Sandpiper

Some sandpipers can migrate more than 8,000 miles without stopping!

Sandworm

Legs also function as gills

Saola

Only known to science since 1992!

Sapsali

Natives know this breed as the "ghost hunter" because they believe these dogs can ward off evil spirits.

Sarcosuchus

Sarcosuchus is a relative of present-day crocodiles.

Sardines

Schools of sardines can be miles long and are often visible from an airplane

Sarkastodon

Sarkastadon was one of the largest land mammal carnivores of all time!

Sarplaninac

Sarus Crane

Parents use low calls to tell their chicks to freeze and lie still when danger lurks.

Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko

They are called “phants” or “satanics” in the pet trade.

Saturniidae Moth

Some of the largest moths in the world

Sauropoda

Sauropods lived in herds.

Sauropoda

Newly hatched sauropods weighted less than 11 pounds and put on 2 tons of weight a year!

Savanna Goat

Savanna goats have only existed since 1957.

Savannah Monitor

Savannah monitors are one of the most popular lizards in captivity.

Savannah Sparrow

The Savannah sparrow gets its name because one of the first of this type of bird was found in the city of Savannah, Georgia.

Savu Python

Before ball pythons' morphs became popular, Savu pythons were everywhere in the pet trade.

Saw-scaled Viper

This is the smallest venomous snake in India's Big Four.

Sawfish

Sawfish teeth keep growing as the fish gets older

Scale-Crested Pygmy Tyrant

They raise their crests to ward off predators

Scaleless Ball Python

Aside from the ocular scales covering each of its eyes, the scaleless ball python's body is completely smooth.

Scallops

Scallops begin their lives by attaching to sea grass on the ocean floor.

Scarab Beetle

The ancient Egyptians worshipped scarabs.

Scarlet Kingsnake

Scarlet kingsnake’s pattern is an example of Batesian mimicry.

Scarlet Macaw

Like many parrots, the scarlet macaw is capable of vocal mimicry.

Scarlet Tanager

Males molt into an olive-yellow color during the fall and winter

Schapendoes

The Schapendoes numbers decreased significantly during the Second World War, along with many other European Sheepdog breeds.

Schipperke

Schipperkes were used to hunt and kill rodents on Belgian ships.

Schneagle

This hybrid dog is a great companion and doesn’t do well being left alone but is suitable for apartments or houses with backyards!

Schnoodle

Scimitar-horned Oryx

Believed to be the inspiration for unicorn myths!

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed flycatchers are known for their dramatically long tails!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Scorpion Fish

There are more than 200 recognised species!

Scotch Collie

Scotch collies are one of the oldest collie breeds and were eventually bred to create the more popular border collie!

Scottish Deerhound

"The Royal Dog of Scotland"

Scottish Fold Cat

The cutest mutation in the animal kingdom

Scottish Terrier

This breed is nicknamed the “Diehard” because of its iron will and steely determination.

Scrotum Frog

The frog's ears are underdeveloped, and if it hears it probably does so through its lungs.

Sculpin

Its skull bones can compress so the fish can fit in narrow spaces

Scutosaurus

Unlike most reptiles, Scutosaurus' legs were positioned underneath its body to support its great weigh

Sea Anemone

Creatures have characteristics of both animal and plant

Sea Bass

Sea bass can grow up to 880 pounds in weight!

Sea Dragon

Inhabits tropical coastal waters of Australia!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Sea Lion

It's flippers allow it to walk on the land

Sea Otter

Eats over 40 different marine species!

Sea Roach

They breathe through gills but live on land

Sea Slug

All sea slugs have both male and female sex organs

Sea Snake

The sea snake is incredibly venomous, even more than a cobra!”

Sea Spider

These animals breathe through their legs

Sea Squirt

There are more than 3,000 known species!

Sea Trout

Change colors in freshwater and saltwater

Sea Turtle

Always return to the same beach to lay eggs!

Sea Urchin

Can live for up to 200 years!

Seagull

Some gulls are capable of using tools

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Seal

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Sealyham Terrier

Very endangered breed that is scion of several breeds that include one that is already extinct

Sedge Warbler

Males never sing the same song twice

Sehuencas Water Frog

Thought extinct in the wild from 2009 to 2019

Sei Whale

This whale is one of the fastest of the cetaceans

Senegal Parrot

As a pet, the Senegal parrot is capable of "talking" to its owner

Senepol Cattle

Senepol cattle have a distinctive red color and no horns.

Sequined Spider

You may even be able to see a reflection in their reflective sequins!

Serval

Can leap more than 1 meter into the air!

Seymouria

Although Seymouria had so many reptilian features, it was an amphibian

Shantungosaurus

Shantungosaurus was one of the largest duck-billed dinosaurs to have ever lived.

Shark

No shark species has any bones in their bodies

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

In captivity, sharp-shinned hawks can live up to 13 years. However, in the wild, this number is significantly reduced to 3 years!

Sharp-Tailed Snake

This snake uses its sharp tail to steady itself when capturing prey.

Shastasaurus

Despite the massive size of the Shastasaurus, it only ate soft-bodied prey.

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles were first bred as an experiment for use as a military dog in the Army in the 1960s, however they didn’t really gain popularity until 2007.

Sheepshead Fish

This fish has teeth that resemble a human's.

Shepadoodle

Some police officers with allergies use Shepadoodles as their K-9 partner

Shepkita

These dogs can sometimes be overly aggressive.

Shepweiler

The Shepweiler is an excellent guard dog.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are one of the most successful breeds at obedience trials.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are one of six native dog breeds from Japan.

Shiba Inu Mix

Shichi

Shichi barely reach 10 inches tall and weigh around 9 to 16 pounds.

Shih Poo

Shih Tzu

Can live for up to 15 years!

Shih Tzu Mix

Despite having long, flowing hair, Shih Tzus and many of their hybrids are hypoallergenic.

Shikoku

This dog was declared a Japanese Natural Monument in 1937.

Shiloh Shepherd

Shiranian

The Shiranian is an affectionate, loving, and social dog but requires continuous human companionship to stay well-adjusted and happy.

Shoebill Stork

Adults greet each other by clattering their bills together.

Shollie

Shollies are a fairly new type of crossbreed!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Short-Faced Bear

The modern Spectacled Bear, which lives in South America, is related to the Short-Faced Bear!

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin Mako sharks can jump 20 feet above the water!”

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Siamese

Originated from temple cats in Thailand!

Siberian

An exceptionally agile jumper!

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies stay adequately warm in sub-zero temperatures.

Siberian Ibex

There’s a population of Siberian ibex in New Mexico

Siberian Retriever

Many husky Labs have one blue eye and one brown eye.

Siberian Tiger

Also known as the Amur tiger!

Siberpoo

Although a lack of documentation makes it unclear, the first Siberpoo was probably bred in either the 1970s or 1980s.

Sichuan Takin (Tibetan Takin)

The Sichuan takin is a national treasure in China and shares part of its range with the giant panda!

Sidewinder

Sika Deer

Sikas can make 10 different sounds, from soft whistles to loud screams.

Silken Windhound

Silkie Chicken

Silkie hens are excellent mothers and will raise any bird as their own, even being known to patiently sit on a clutch of duck or geese eggs until they hatch.

Silky Shark

Has an extremely acute sense of hearing

Silky Terrier

Silky terriers can be trained to participate in many events, including herding, agility, rally, tracking and fly ball.

Silver Dollar

Closely related to the Piranha

Silver Labrador

The Labrador is the most popular breed in the United States and most of these dogs have blue eyes at a young age, before they turn another color.

Simbakubwa

Simbakubwa kutokaafrika was as big as a polar bear.

Sinosauropteryx

Sinosauropteryx were prominent in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods.

Sivatherium

Sivatherium was a large giraffid and also one of the largest ruminants of all-time.

Six-Eyed Sand Spiders

Camouflaged recluse with terrifying venom

Sixgill shark

The sixgill shark has six pairs of gills instead of the normal five

Skate Fish

More than 200 species exist!

Skeleton Tarantula

50-100

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Skipjack Tuna

The skipjack is the most commonly caught tuna in the world

Skua

Skuas will chase other birds until they give up their catch

Skunk

Also known as the Polecat!

Skye Terrier

Skye terriers are the oldest terrier breed, dating back at least 400 years.

Sleeper Shark

The Greenland shark is one of the longest living vertebrates in the world.

Sloth

It's body temperature is between 30 - 34 degrees!

Slovak Cuvac

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smallmouth Bass

A fierce fighter!

Smilosuchus

The biggest species in the Smilosuchus genus, S. gregorii, was the largest known reptile of its time, reaching a length of up to 39 feet.

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Smooth Earth Snake

Valeria Biddle Blaney (1828-1900) collected the first specimen in Maryland.

Smooth Fox Terrier

These dogs are known for their fast digging abilities.

Smooth Green Snake

Smooth Hammerhead Shark

Congregate in large groups during annual migrations

Smooth Snake

These snakes are sometimes confused with common adders, but lack the zigzag pattern.

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snailfish

The deepest ocean-dweller is a snailfish who was found over 26,700 feet below sea level.

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snapping Turtle

Only found in North America!

Snook Fish

Males change into females after the spawning season

Snorkie

Snorkies are known for their funny, attention-getting antics.

Snouted Cobra

The snouted cobra, also known as the banded snouted cobra, is one of the most venomous snakes in all of Africa.

Snow Bunting

Snow Crab

Snow crabs communicate with each other by waving or drumming their pincers.

Snow Goose

The snow goose has a dark line along their beaks known as a ‘grinning patch’!

Snow Leopard

Unlike other big cats, snow leopards don’t roar.

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

They are pollinators, just like bees.

Snowflake Eel

Snowflake Eel have two jaws to help them swallow their food.

Snowshoe

Thought to have originated in the 1960s!

Snowshoe Hare

An adult snowshoe hare can cover ten feet in a single jump.

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Sockeye Salmon

Called "red salmon" because their skin turns bright red to dirty red during spawning season

Soldier Beetle

Soldier beetles resemble fireflies, but they're not bioluminescent.

Somali

Active, intelligent and playful!

Song Sparrow

Pumps its tail when it flies!

Song Thrush

A male song thrush can have over 100 phrases in his repertoire of songs and can imitate pet birds, telephones and other man-made objects.

South China Tiger

There are less than 20 in the wild!

Southeastern Blueberry Bee

N/A

Southern Black Racer

These snakes live underground, beneath piles of leaf litter or in thickets, and they are expert swimmers.

Southern Flannel Moth

N/A

Southern Hognose Snake

The southern hognose snake has an upturned snout that enables it to dig through the soil.

Southern House Spider

Large web making house spider

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

Southern Pacific rattlesnakes hibernate in dens that hold hundreds of snakes.

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Spalax

Spalax can live up to 54 years!

Spanador

The Spanador is a good swimmer.

Spanish Goat

They have long, horizontal ears.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel typically live to the age of 12, but there have been cases of these fish living as long as 25 years!

Spanish Mastiff

Diego Velázquez’s famous 17th century painting of the Infanta and her dwarves includes a portrait of a Spanish Mastiff.

Spanish Water Dog

Spanish water dogs are popular with fishermen and hunters to retrieve game from the water.

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Sparrowhawk

The sparrowhawk is named after the fact that it hunts down and consumes sparrows

Speckled Kingsnake

The Salt and Pepper Snake

Speckled Trout

Speckled trout are not actually a species of trout.

Spectacled Bear

Native to the Andes mountains of South America!

Sperm Whale

Each tooth weighs 1kg!

Sphynx

Many people believe that because the Sphynx doesn't have a lot of fur, they are easily maintained. However, their upkeep is demanding!

Spider

Spider Ball Python

The spider ball python is known for having a head wobble.

Spider Beetle

Spider beetles have globular bodies, which makes them look like spiders.

Spider Monkey

Belongs to the only family of primates in the world with full prehensile tails!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spider-Tailed Horned Viper

They like to hide in crevices on the sides of cliffs, waiting for prey.

Spinner Shark

Can have up to 20 babies

Spinone Italiano

They're one of the oldest hunting breeds on Earth.

Spinosaurus

The Spinosaurus is the biggest carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered!

Spiny bush viper

These shaggy snakes are only 2 feet long and mostly arboreal.

Spiny Dogfish

Found in ocean waters worldwide!

Spiny Hill Turtle

The shell serves as both a defense and camouflage!

Spitting Cobra

Spitting cobras are types of cobras that can spit venom at predators and prey.

Spix’s Macaw

One of earth's rarest animals!

Sponge

There are more than 9,000 known species!

Spongy Moth

The female Spongy Moth can lay between 600 to 1,000 eggs

Spongy Moth

In March of 2022, the Entomological Society of America changed the name of this insect from the European gypsy moth to the spongy moth out of respect for the Romani community, which considers the word "gypsy" to be offensive.

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass tend to congregate in schools unlike other types of bass fish.

Spotted Gar

They are commonly mistaken as logs in the water due to their cylindrical body.

Spotted Garden Eel

Males battle each other over females and territory

Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly is often confused for a moth, but it’s actually a type of planthopper

Spotted python

Their favorite food is bats and they hang from cave entrances to snatch them out of midair!

Spotted Skunk

Spotted skunks are known for their acrobatic abilities. They perform handstands before spraying their enemies.

Springador

The parental stock Labrador Retriever was nearly wiped out by home country tax policies but the breed found rescue and recovery in foreign lands, particularly in Great Britain.

Springbok

Springboks derive so much water from their food they could go their entire lives without drinking from large sources of water.

Springerdoodle

Easygoing, intelligent, and active, the springerdoodle just loves being around people!

Squash Bee

N/A

Squash Beetle

Often mistaken for a ladybug

Squid

Some species are known to have 10 arms!

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Squirrel Monkey

Lives in groups of up to 500 individuals!

Squirrelfish

Uses vibrations to communicate with other fish

Sri Lankan Elephant

Now restricted to a few parks!

Stabyhoun

It is a versatile, all-around working breed and pet.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Known for their loyalty to their family!

Stag Beetle

The stag beetle consumes rotting and decaying wood when it is in the larva stage.

Standard Schnauzer

This dog’s facial hair makes it look like it has a beard.

Star-nosed mole

The star-nosed mole has the ability to sense both electrical fields and ground vibrations

Starfish

Has 2 stomachs to aid digestion!

Stargazer Fish

Uses an electric shock to stun its prey!

Steelhead Salmon

Steelhead live in freshwater rivers and streams for 1 to 2 years before migrating into the ocean

Steller’s Sea Cow

Hunted to extinction in 17 years!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stiletto Snake

Because of their unique venom delivery system, stiletto snakes are almost impossible to hold safely in the usual way (with fingers behind the head) without being bitten.

Stingray

It's stinger is razor-sharp or serrated!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stone Crab

Females can lay up to a million eggs in one sitting

Stonechat

Their songs are harsh and sound like two rocks hitting together.

Stonefish

The most venomous fish in the world

Stoplight Loosejaw

Emit red light to hunt via bioluminescent photophores

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Strawberry Hermit Crab

When strawberry hermit crabs find shells that are larger than their own, they gather in a line from biggest to smallest. Once the biggest one sheds its shell, the next one in line will claim it, which is repeated down the line.

Striped Bass

Pilgrims counted striped bass as an essential part of their diet from the time they arrived in North America.

Striped Hyena

The striped hyenas usually mark their territories with the help of the scent gland secretions from their anal pouch.

Striped Rocket Frog

Long powerful hind legs!

Stromatolite

Stromatolites played a key role in the development of life on Earth.

Stupendemys

The largest freshwater turtle known to have ever lived!

Sturgeon

Large species can swallow whole salmon

Styracosaurus

Suchomimus

It walked on two legs and leaned forward

Suckerfish

Commonly found throughout America!

Sugar Glider

Can glide for over 100 feet before touching the ground

Sulcata Tortoise

Some cultures in Africa believe the sulcata tortoise is an intermediary between the people and their ancestors and gods.

Sultan Chicken

Sultan chickens were bred for royalty and have more unique and distinctive features than any other breed!

Sumatran Elephant

Less than 2,000 left in the wild!

Sumatran Orangutan

Known to make mental maps of the forest!

Sumatran Rhinoceros

The smallest species of rhino!

Sumatran Tiger

The smallest species of tiger!

Summer Tanager

They remove bee stingers by rubbing them against a tree

Sun Bear

The smallest species of bear in the world!

Sunbeam Snake

Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of just a single lung like most snake species.

Sunset Ball Python

Sunset ball pythons are bred with several other morphs to get designer colors.

Super Pastel Ball Python

Supersaurus

Superworm

These larvae are native to Central and South America but now occur on every continent except Antarctica

Surgeonfish

Paracanthurus hepatus, the palette surgeonfish or bluetang, is the only member of its genus

Sussex Chicken

These chickens are curious and love to investigate anything new, especially if it contains a delicious treat. They love to follow their keepers around the yard and will be your companion when gardening.

Swai Fish

The edges of an iridescent shark's fins have a signature glow

Swainson’s Hawk

Their wings form a “V” shape when flying.

Swallow

swallows have aerodynamic bodies for hunting in flight

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swallowtail Caterpillar

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Swedish Elkhound

Swedish Elkhounds existed in prehistoric times!

Swedish Lapphund

"The Black Beauty of Norrland"

Swedish Vallhund

Swordfish

Lose their scales and teeth as adults

Syrian Hamster

Can get used to and respond to human voice

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies stay adequately warm in sub-zero temperatures.

Siberian Tiger

Also known as the Amur tiger!

Spix’s Macaw

One of earth's rarest animals!

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies stay adequately warm in sub-zero temperatures.

Spalax

Spalax can live up to 54 years!