Discover the 13 Most Beautiful Wild Animals in the United States

Flame Angelfish, Centropyge loricula, is a dwarf or pygmy marine angelfish from the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean
PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock.com

Written by Heather Hall

Updated: August 7, 2023

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13 Most Beautiful Wild Animals in the United States
These animals each possess special traits that are considered to be beautiful.

Beauty is subjective; oftentimes, what one person may find beautiful, another may not. When talking about the most beautiful animals in the United States, we must remember that beauty is subjective. Some people think wild horses embody beauty, while others prefer a majestic bald eagle soaring through the sky. Here are some animals that we think are gorgeous!

1. Arctic Fox

Wild Dog Breeds: Arctic Fox

The

Arctic fox

has the warmest pelt of any animal found in the Arctic, enduring temperatures as low as -70 °C.

The Arctic fox is one of the most beautiful animals in the United States. Its thick white fur is a perfect camouflage against its snowy environment and gives it an ethereal quality. Its large ears are tipped with long black tufts, which add to its unique charm. The sharp contrast between its body and face makes it look almost like a miniature polar bear!

Arctic foxes can be found in Alaska and northern Canada, but they’ve also been seen as far south as North Dakota. They live mainly in tundra habitats among shrubs, grasses, and rocks, where they hunt for small rodents, fish, insects, and berries. In winter months, they rely on their thick fur to keep them warm while surviving through the coldest temperatures.

2. Wild Animals in the United States: Arabian Horse

Most Expensive Horses - Arabian Horse

Arabian horses are one of the oldest breeds that are known.

These horses are beautiful, with distinctive dished faces, long necks, and graceful heads. They also have an arched tail and a thick mane with feathering at the fetlocks. Their beautiful coats come in many colors, including bay, chestnut, black and gray.

The most common habitat of Arabian horses in the United States is pastures ad barns. In the past, they lived in open grasslands or wide-open spaces where they could roam freely.

3. Jewel Scarab

green beetle — a type of scarab beetle

Jewel Scarabs are typically found around wooded areas near wetlands, as they feed on decaying plant matter scavenged from the forest floor.

The Jewel Scarab (Chrysina gloriosa) is a species of beetle native to the southeastern United States, primarily inhabiting areas in Florida, Arizona, and Georgia. Its unique and striking coloration makes it one of the most beautiful animals in the country. Its forewings have a metallic green or blue sheen that shimmers with an iridescent hue when exposed to light.

Jewel Scarabs are typically found around wooded areas near wetlands, as they feed on decaying plant matter scavenged from the forest floor. Although they may be spotted flying during summer, these insects spend much of their time burrowing beneath the soil and leaf litter layers. As such, it can be difficult to spot them without some patience and luck!

4. Wild Animals in the United States: Mandarin Duck

mandarin duck reflected in calm water

You can find Mandarin ducks living all over North America, especially throughout California.

Mandarin ducks are known for their vibrant and colorful plumage, which is why they are considered one of the most beautiful animals in the United States. The males have iridescent purple heads with bright orange beaks and white crescents around their eyes. Their feathers range from a deep reddish-orange on their breast to light greens and blues along their wings. Females are more subdued in color but still have an eye-catching beauty to them.

You can find Mandarin ducks living all over North America, especially throughout California. They prefer shallow wetlands such as ponds or slow-moving rivers with lots of vegetation for cover, where they feed on aquatic insects, small fish, snails, and other invertebrates. Even though this animal is an escapee from Asia, it is still one of the most beautiful birds you can find anywhere!

5. Pacific White-Sided Dolphin

A Pacific white-sided dolphin leaps out of the water in Monterey Bay, California.

The most recognizable feature of Pacific White-Sided Dolphins is their curved dorsal fin which stands proudly atop their back.

Pacific White-Sided Dolphins are truly a sight to behold. With their unique coloring, featuring white on the underside and gray or black on top, they stand out in any setting. The most recognizable feature of Pacific White-Sided Dolphins is their curved dorsal fin which stands proudly atop their back.

These amazing creatures live mainly along the coastal waters of the United States West Coast in areas such as California, Oregon, and Washington, where they feed off schooling fish like herring and mackerels. They can also be found further North into British Columbia, Canada, up through Alaska’s Bering Sea, where these dolphins often travel in large groups called pods!

6. Wild Animals in the United States: Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope hummingbird in flight

The calliope hummingbird averages around three inches in length.

The Calliope Hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the United States, and its beauty lies in its bright, iridescent feathers. It has a reddish-pink throat with a green back and wings that shimmer shades of violet, blue and turquoise. The bird’s bill is slender and curved downward, which helps them feed on nectar from flowers.

Calliope Hummingbirds can be found throughout western North America, including parts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona, as well as in Mexico. They prefer open habitats such as mountain meadows or coniferous forests where there is an abundance of wildflowers to feed upon during their summer breeding season. During winter, they migrate southward to warmer climates along the Pacific coast or even further south into Mexico’s central highlands.

7. Black Bear

black bear

A Black Bear at a wildlife sanctuary in northern Minnesota.

Black bears are among the most beautiful animals in the United States. Their sleek, glossy fur and powerful bodies can be spotted in many different habitats across the country. The black bear’s coat is usually jet black or dark brown, but there are also some subspecies with cinnamon-colored coats. They have small eyes and large rounded ears that give them an alert look.

Black bears inhabit forests and woodlands throughout North America from Canada to Mexico, including most of the continental US states. They prefer areas with dense vegetation or near water sources such as lakes and rivers where food is abundant. Their diet consists mainly of nuts, berries, insects, fish, and other small animals like mice or frogs. They usually spend much of their time foraging during daylight hours while taking shelter at night in tree cavities or dens dug into hillsides or hollow logs on the ground.

8. Wild Animals in the United States: Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle (Hawksbill Turtle) with clean background.

Juvenile Hawksbill Turtles may also be found in shallow waters along the Gulf Coast or off Florida’s Atlantic coast

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a stunningly beautiful species, with its distinctively patterned shell and bright eyes. They have an oval-shaped carapace that ranges in color from amber to black and brown, as well as yellow stripes running across the top of their head.

These turtles can be found inhabiting areas near coral reefs or other coastal habitats such as bays and estuaries. They are often spotted resting on beaches during nesting season when they come ashore to lay eggs. In addition, juvenile Hawksbill Turtles may also be found in shallow waters along the Gulf Coast or off Florida’s Atlantic coast – making them easily visible for those interested in spotting one of these majestic creatures!

9. Flame Angelfish

Flame Angelfish, Centropyge loricula, is a dwarf or pygmy marine angelfish from the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean

These magnificent creatures have bright orange-red scales with yellowish fins, making them an eye-catching addition to any aquarium or natural habitat.

The Flame Angelfish is a stunning and unique species of saltwater fish that can be found in the warm tropical waters off the coasts of the United States. These magnificent creatures have bright orange-red scales with yellowish fins, making them an eye-catching addition to any aquarium or natural habitat.

They are typically found living around coral reefs and other shallow coastal areas where they feed on plankton and small invertebrates. While these fish are not endangered, there are still laws protecting them from overfishing, so you won’t find them for sale at pet stores throughout the country. However, if you live near Hawaii or Southern California, you may be able to take a dive trip out into their natural habitats to see them in person. It is an experience that will surely stay with you forever!

10. Wild Animals in the United States: Rainbow Trout

What Do Trout Eat - Rainbow Trout Bursting from Surface

Rainbow trout are commonly found throughout the United States.

With bright pink and blue striped bodies, rainbow trout are beautiful fish. They have long fins and an orange belly, giving them a rainbow-like appearance. Rainbow trout can be found in rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the United States, typically living in colder waters of high-elevation areas such as the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada range. They feed on aquatic insects like mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges. They also eat crustaceans like crayfish and shrimp. To see these colorful creatures in the wild, you can visit any freshwater area where they live. They can be found in all fifty US states. You may also spot them when fishing for other types of fish!

11. Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal in flight

Northern cardinals consume mostly seeds as part of their diet.

These birds are one of the most beautiful animals in the United States. They have a brilliant red crest and body, with a black mask around their eyes and beak. The male northern cardinal is brighter red than the female. Northern cardinals can be found throughout much of the eastern United States, from parts of Canada to Mexico, as well as states like Arizona and New Mexico. They inhabit gardens, woodlands, fields, marshes, and other open areas near water sources such as streams or lakes. In addition to these natural habitats, they also frequent residential areas where bird feeders are filled with sunflower seeds or safflower seeds – two favorites among this species!

12. Mountain Lion

Mountain lion stares into camera

Mountain lions

are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive.

Also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers, mountain lions are some of the most beautiful cats in North America. They have a tan-colored coat with dark rosettes scattered throughout and a white underside. Their long tail is usually tipped with black fur. With their thick fur, they can survive cold temperatures and deep snows in their native habitats.

Mountain lions are found in many areas across the United States, including states like California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. However, sightings of mountain lions are rare due to habitat loss and human interference. Mountain lions prefer to live in heavily wooded forests but live on open plains or scrubland deserts if food sources exist in those areas. They are solitary animals who come together only for mating purposes, so it may take luck to spot one out in the wild!


13. Roosevelt Elk

Rocky Mountain Elk, Cervus canadensis, stag walking with snow capped peaks and alpine habitat in the background; environmental portrait

When it comes to beauty, Roosevelt elk truly stand out from other animals.

Roosevelt elk are a species of large, majestic deer found in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada. They have a distinctive light brown coat with darker patches on their neck and rump. Males can grow up to 800 pounds and reach heights of six feet at the shoulder! They are also easily distinguished by their antlers which span an impressive width when fully grown.

When it comes to beauty, Roosevelt elk truly stand out from other animals – males display an impressive set of antlers, making them look even more regal than some other species of deer. Their coats also contribute to their stunning appearance. They often appear almost iridescent in certain lighting conditions due to the blend between dark brown hues and cream-colored highlights.

Suppose you’re keen to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. In that case, you may be able to spot them along coastal areas such as Olympic National Park in Washington or Redwood National Park in California. You may also find them further inland, inhabiting habitats such as grasslands or coniferous forests where there is plenty for them to graze upon (they mainly feed on grasses).

Summary of the Top 13 Most Beautiful Animals in the USA

RankAnimal
1Arctic Fox
2Arabian Horse
3Jewel Scarab
4Mandarin Duck
5Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
6Calliope Hummingbird
7Black Bear
8Hawksbill Sea Turtle
9Flame Angelfish
10Rainbow Trout
11Northern Cardinal
12Mountain Lion
13Roosevelt Elk


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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