Discover the 9 Largest Animals in Maryland, and Where You’ll Find Them

Maryland supports a variety of biomes and wildlife habitats, ranging from flat, low-lying coastal plains in the east to rolling Piedmont hills and the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the west. Due to its varied geography, it should not come as a surprise that Maryland supports a vast array of native animal species. Each species has a superlative specimen that is the largest of its kind found in the Free State. From insects and reptiles to birds and mammals, continue reading to discover the largest representatives of the different animal species that call Maryland home.

Largest Butterfly: Eastern Giant Swallowtail

Not only is the Eastern giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) the largest butterfly in North America, but it is also one of the largest insects found in Maryland. Giant swallowtails have a wingspan of up to 7.4 inches. These stunning butterflies are black with bright yellow lines across their wings. Giant swallowtails live in citrus orchards and deciduous forests. As adults, they primarily feed on nectar. As caterpillars, they feed on various citrus fruits. Giant swallowtails are widely distributed across Maryland.

Largest Insect: Eastern Hercules Beetle

The largest insect in Maryland is the Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules), which is approximately 2.5 inches long. They are a species of rhinoceros beetle and typically have black markings on a gray, green, or tan body. Males have large horns, almost as long as their bodies, and they use these to fight other males for mating rights. Eastern Hercules beetles live in forests where their larvae inhabit and feed on dead and decaying wood, while adults feed on fruit and tree sap. In Maryland, they are often found across the Coastal Plain and in the Piedmont region.

Largest Seabird: Brown Pelican

The largest seabird in Maryland is the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Brown pelicans have a wingspan of 6 feet, 8 inches to 7 feet, 6 inches. They are greyish-brown and have a distinctive bill that is approximately 1 foot long. Brown pelicans are seabirds that live along the coast of Maryland, including in the Chesapeake Bay. Brown pelicans are piscivores and feed almost entirely on fish. They nest in colonies and are monogamous for the breeding season but do not mate for life.

Largest Raptor: Bald Eagle

The largest raptor (bird of prey) in Maryland is the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with a massive wingspan between 5 feet, 11 inches and 7 feet, 7 inches. These birds are distinguished by their dark brown plumage and distinctive white heads and tails. Bald eagles hunt by swooping low over the water and seizing their prey straight out of the water. These huge birds are native to North America and are found along coastlines or near large lakes. There are over 1,400 breeding pairs of bald eagles in Maryland as of 2025. The best place to see bald eagles is along Maryland’s eastern shore, including the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Largest Non-venomous Reptile: The Eastern Rat Snake

The largest non-venomous reptile in Maryland is the Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis), which averages 3 to 6 feet long. Eastern rat snakes are black on their dorsal sides but have white chins and throats and black and white bellies. They are non-venomous and instead kill their prey by constriction. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, frogs, and lizards. They are very adaptable snakes and live in various habitats, including farmland, grassland, forests, wetlands, and backyards. They are also arboreal, so they can often be seen in trees.

Largest Venomous Reptile: Timber Rattlesnake

The longest venomous reptile in Maryland is the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Timber rattlesnakes are 3 to 5 feet long and are typically a yellowish-brown color with black or brown crossband markings in an irregular zigzag pattern. Although they are incredibly venomous, timber rattlesnakes have a fairly calm temperament and rarely strike without first giving plenty of warning. They live in thickly forested habitats, although pregnant females prefer open rocky ledges known as basking knolls.

Largest Saltwater Fish: Tiger Shark

The largest fish in Maryland is the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), The state record for the largest tiger shark is 1,210 pounds. This monster shark was caught in 1983 near Ocean City, Maryland. As a species, tiger sharks can weigh 1,400 pounds and be nearly 14 feet long. Tiger sharks are one of the most aggressive sharks in Maryland waters. They are apex predators that will eat almost anything they encounter.

Largest Marine Mammal: The Bottlenose Dolphin

Although several species of whales pass through Maryland waters on their migration routes, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops) are the largest marine mammals to spend any length of time within the state’s coastal waters. Ocean City is a particularly good place to see these inquisitive animals all year round, as they regularly come within only a few hundred feet of the shoreline. Bottlenose dolphins can be 13 feet long and average 660 pounds, but can weigh up to 1,400 pounds. They are some of the most intelligent animals in the world and have incredible memories.

Largest Land Mammal: American Black Bear

One of the largest land mammals in Maryland is the American black bear (Ursus americanus), weighing up to 550 pounds. Black bears live in forests with thick vegetation and a wide variety of food. They are omnivores that eat a range of grasses, fruit, and berries, as well as insects, fish, mule, and white-tailed deer fawns. Black bears are excellent climbers and often climb trees to find better food and to escape predators. Their main predators are wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions. In Maryland, black bears can be found in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties.