Discover the 9 Official State Animals of Louisiana

The Gulf Coast state of Louisiana is recognized for its culture, cuisine, and wildlife. From the alligators lurking in its bayous to the colorful birds soaring through its skies, Louisiana is home to a variety of animal species. Many U.S. states designate official animals to reflect their unique history, ecology, and cultural identity, and Louisiana is no exception. Continue reading to learn about the nine animals that Louisiana has officially recognized to represent the state.

Bird: Brown Pelican

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) holds a special place in the hearts of Louisianans. From its depiction on the state seal and flag to being officially designated as the state bird in 1966, the brown pelican represents Louisiana’s strong ties to nature.

Brown pelicans are strictly coastal birds, living year-round in the state’s coastal region on the Gulf of Mexico. They rely on coastal environments for nesting and foraging, and rarely venture inland.

Insect: Honey Bee

The honey bee was declared the official insect of Louisiana in 1977. The honey bee plays a crucial role in the Louisiana economy through crop pollination. The state’s agricultural industry benefits greatly from the tireless efforts of these tiny insects.

Honey bees are small flying insects with segmented, hairy bodies featuring alternating yellow/orange and black bands, two pairs of wings, and pollen baskets (corbicula, plural: corbiculae) on their hind legs. They live in social communities (colonies) within hives, composed of a single queen, thousands of female workers, and male drones.

Dog: Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula leopard dog was officially designated as the state dog of Louisiana on July 9, 1979.

The Catahoula leopard dog was developed in Louisiana, originating in the region around Catahoula Lake. It is one of the earliest dog breeds developed in the United States.

The Catahoula leopard is a highly intelligent working breed. Known for their striking coats, they are versatile, independent dogs often used for driving livestock or hunting feral hogs. 

Catahoula leopard dogs have a short, dense coat that comes in various colors and patterns, including solid, brindle, and leopard-spotted. They are muscularly built, with a broad head and powerful jaws. They stand 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 95 pounds.

Crustacean: Louisiana Crawfish

In 1983, Louisiana designated the Louisiana crawfish (Procambarus clarkii), also known as the red swamp crawfish, as its official state crustacean. This animal is important to local culture and cuisine.

Louisiana is home to approximately 35 to 39 species of crawfish, but the commercial industry and culinary scene are dependent on the red swamp crawfish. Crawfish are nocturnal scavengers that consume dead animals and plants. Crawfish will burrow into mud or under rocks to avoid predators.

Reptile: American Alligator

In Louisiana, they say that if you want to know if a particular body of water has alligators in it, stick your hand in the water. If the water is wet, it means alligators are present. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large, semi-aquatic apex predator known for its armored body, rounded snout, and immense bite force. They are found throughout Louisiana, although they are more abundant in the southern part of the state.

The American alligator was designated as the state reptile of Louisiana in 1983. This recognition was due to the alligator’s significance in the state’s history, culture, and ecology. 

For centuries, the American alligator has been prized for its skin and meat, and even today, the Louisiana alligator industry continues to be a significant contributor to the state’s economy.

Mammal: Louisiana Black Bear

The Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) was officially designated the Louisiana state mammal in 1992. This bear has played an essential role in shaping the state’s landscapes and ecosystems.

The official state mammal, the Louisiana black bear, is a subspecies of the American black bear (U. americanus). The Louisiana black bear has a longer, narrower, and flatter skull compared to other American black bear subspecies.

Amphibian: Green Tree Frog

The green tree frog (Hyla cinereus) was officially recognized as the Louisiana state amphibian on June 22, 1993. The American green tree frog is widely distributed across the Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. states, including Louisiana. An arboreal species, green tree frogs can be found in humid, vegetated environments near shallow water sources, such as cypress swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams.

Green tree frogs are small frogs with large, round eyes. They are nocturnal, hunting at night, while spending their days hidden in vegetation.

Freshwater Fish: White Perch

The white perch (Morone americana) was designated Louisiana’s state freshwater fish in 1993 due to its widespread popularity and significant economic impact, particularly in the Gulf Coast region. They often live in brackish/saltwater and migrate to freshwater rivers and tributaries to spawn. 

White perch are silvery-white in color with dark gray on their back and sides. They are a medium-sized game fish of about 7 inches long and weigh up to 1 pound. White perch are found in streams, lakes, and estuaries.

Marine Fish: Spotted Sea Trout

The spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) has reigned as the king of saltwater fish in Louisiana since 2001. This species is a favorite game fish as well as a staple menu item at coastal cafes.

The spotted sea trout is a crucial part of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey.

The spotted sea trout is silver with dark spots covering the top of its body. They live in shallow water along the coast of Louisiana. Spotted sea trout average 20 to 30 inches long and can weigh up to 3 pounds. They are active predators who hunt day and night, feeding on smaller fish, shrimp, and crabs.