Discover the 6 Smartest Mammals Still Living in the Wild in the U.S.

Mammals are known to be intelligent creatures, often labeled one of the smartest animal types. Also called Mammalia, mammals are warm-blooded animals that have either hair or fur (with some exceptions, including whales and dolphins). Baby mammals drink their mother’s milk from their mammary glands, which is a key distinction between mammals and other types of animals. You can find mammals across the world and especially within the U.S., both on land and in the ocean. Here are the smartest mammals living in the wild in America.

1. Dolphins

Dolphins are common aquatic mammals found up and down the East and West Coast of the U.S., as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Hawaiin Islands. Not only are they the smartest mammal in the U.S., but they are also one of the smartest in the world — just after orangutans. Dolphins have large brains, are both emotionally and socially intelligent, and show signs of self-awareness, such as being able to recognize themselves in mirrors. Additionally, they have great memories.

There are eight other species of dolphins, but the smartest one kind is the bottlenose dolphin. Dolphins can communicate with each other using a specific language and team up to hunt prey. Additionally, they’re easy to train and are often praised for quickly learning tricks and comprehending hand gestures. In fact, they’re even able to recognize numerical values. 

2. Blue Whales

Another aquatic mammal, blue whales are extremely smart with high levels of emotional intelligence. This mammal can use its problem-solving skills to kill prey and communicate effectively with other whales through clicks and whistles. Additionally, they’re especially great at protecting and training their offspring. Matching its large body size, blue whales have one of the largest brains of all mammals. 

In America, you can find blue whales along the West Coast near California and in the shelf waters of the Eastern U.S. 

3. Pigs

There are around 72.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms. Contrary to popular belief, pigs are one of the smartest mammals in the U.S. They are highly social creatures, communicating with each other through 20 different sounds, including grunts and squeals, and picking up on human commands. Pigs also possess great problem-solving skills, impressive memories, and self-awareness (they understand the concept of a mirror early in their lives). In fact, research suggests they’re smarter than three-year-old human children.

Pigs can remember faces and other details associated with certain situations. For instance, if they see a human who was abusive to them in the past, they might experience anxiety due to their memory of the event and person. Additionally, they have the ability to feel and express empathy.

4. Sea Otters

Adorable and small mammals, sea otters are known to be extremely sociable and friendly. In the U.S., there are two sea otter subspecies: the northern sea otter and the southern sea otter (California sea otter). Unfortunately, they are considered to be a threatened or endangered species.

Sea otters are notably intelligent and are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem. They’re resourceful creatures that use rocks to break open shellfish, strands of kelp to anchor themselves, and seaweed to wrap around their bodies as a raft.

5. Squirrels

In the media, squirrels are often depicted as chaotic, ditsy creatures. However, they’re actually quite intelligent. Found across the U.S. in suburban, forested areas and woodlands, squirrels are master manipulators who can fake food burying to protect their food source from birds and other competitors. Additionally, they have the awareness to store food away before winter months so they aren’t left hungry. They also use different sounds to communicate with other squirrels, especially when warning them about danger.

6. Rats

Another potentially shocking addition to this list is the rat. As small rodents with undeveloped brains, rats aren’t often viewed as intelligent creatures. In fact, they get a bad reputation for carrying disease and infesting living spaces. 

However, rats are among the smartest mammals in the U.S. They are great at figuring out complex situations, such as mazes and multi-step tasks. Additionally, rats have displayed emotional symptoms such as depression and loneliness, for which psychological intelligence and self-awareness are required. They tend to bond closely with other rats and, as pets, human owners. 

Summary of the 6 Smartest Mammals Still Living in the Wild in the U.S.