6 States with Animals on Their Flags, and Their Meanings

Animals on state flags often serve as a way to capture the essence of a state and its people in a single symbol. Some states use animals that are native to their region as a symbol of pride and identity. Other states use animals as a nod to their unique history or geography. Finally, some states use animals as a tribute to their indigenous populations and their spiritual beliefs. In this article, we will explore 6 states with animals on their flags!

California – Grizzly Bear

The bear on the California state flag, on the other hand, represents the California grizzly bear, which is now extinct. The California grizzly bear was once a symbol of the state and has been featured on the state flag since 1911. The bear is depicted walking on a patch of green grass, and the background of the flag consists of a white background with a red stripe on the bottom and a smaller, more narrow red stripe on top. The bear on the California state flag is a symbol of strength, as well as California’s at-one-time rich wildlife.

Iowa – Bald Eagle

On the flag of Iowa, there is a bald eagle that carries a blue streamer in its beak depicted on the white stripe. The state name “IOWA” appears on a red ribbon on the streamer. Above the eagle are thirteen stars that represent the original thirteen states of the United States, and they are arranged in the shape of an ellipse. The eagle with the blue streamer represents Iowa’s role as a loyal supporter of the Union during the Civil War.

Michigan – Elk, Moose, and Bald Eagle

The state flag of Michigan features 3 animals on it; an elk, a moose, and a bald eagle. These animals represent the wildlife present in Michigan. The elk was once extinct in Michigan but has been successfully reintroduced to the state and is now thriving. The moose is native to Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula region.

The elk and moose featured on the flag are depicted on either side of the coat of arms. The coat of arms itself features an eagle with its wings outstretched as a symbol of the United States, and a Latin inscription that translates to “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” a reference to Michigan’s location on the Great Lakes. The state motto can be found at the bottom of the flag, reading “Tuebor,” meaning “I will defend.”

North Dakota – Bald Eagle

The flag of North Dakota features a bald eagle at its center. The eagle is depicted with its wings spread wide, which symbolizes freedom. The eagle itself is a well-known national symbol that represents the United States, its strength, and its values. It is a fitting emblem for the state of North Dakota, which is known for its rugged, independent spirit.

The eagle on the North Dakota flag is located above a sheaf of wheat and represents the principles of civil liberty and vigilance. Wheat symbolizes the state’s agricultural heritage and the prosperity that it brings. The blue color of the flag represents the sky and the idealistic principles of the state’s citizens. Overall, the flag of North Dakota is a powerful symbol of the state’s character, and the bald eagle at the center of it is a fitting and important emblem.

Oregon – Eagle and Beaver

The navy blue and gold state flag of Oregon is a two-sided flag with an optional gold fringe. The escutcheon from the state seal is on the front which features an eagle. The state animal, a gold figurine of a beaver, is on the back.

The flag features a navy blue field with a design that consists of a gold shield surrounded by thirty-three stars, representing Oregon’s admission to the Union as the 33rd state. The United States is symbolized by the eagle. The center of the reverse depicts a beaver, the state animal of Oregon, sitting on a log in front of a body of water. The beaver is an important symbol of the state’s history and represents the early settlers’ use of beaver fur as a major economic resource.

Wyoming – The Bison

The animal depicted on the flag of Wyoming is the American bison. The flag features a blue field with a white silhouette of a bison in the center with the state seal superimposed on the bison. The bison is an iconic symbol of the American West and has long been associated with Wyoming’s history and culture.

The state seal features other symbols of Wyoming’s heritage, including a shield with various images such as a miner, an oil derrick, a train, and the state Capitol building. The two female figures on either side of the shield represent the state’s motto, “Equal Rights,” and its status as the first state to grant women the right to vote. Overall, the flag of Wyoming reflects the state’s natural beauty, its history, and its values.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, animals are a popular choice for state flags because they often represent the unique characteristics and values of the state. Each state has its own history, culture, and natural resources that are reflected in the choice of animal on its flag. While not every state flag includes an animal, the ones that do provide a powerful visual symbol of what makes each state unique.

Summary of 6 States with Animals on Their Flags

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Oleksii Liskonih