What is Minnesota’s State Animal? Do We Have One? 2023
Are you wondering what is the Minnesota state animal? I’m here to tell you.
Minnesota is home to a plethora of wild animals that roam the lands of our beautiful state.
From small bugs to soaring birds to bears and deer that walk the forests and fields of Minnesota, we definitely have no shortage of animals.
I’ve lived here for my entire life, and have seen my fair share of wild animals while out exploring nature in my home state.
In this post, I’ll tell you all about what you might want to know about the animals of Minnesota, and what the state specially recognizes.
What is Minnesota’s State Animal?
While Minnesota has a large variety of symbols that represent our state, including many different animals, there is no specific state animal of Minnesota.
We have a state bird, a state fish, and even a state butterfly, but no animal has been appointed the state animal.
This is quite surprising because we do have so many great animals that are commonly seen out in the wilderness!
If we were to look at the different things that represent Minnesota, I would say that the common loon is what most would think of.
The common loon has taken the name of state bird, so I suppose that this would be the closest thing to a state animal.
Another animal that is commonly seen in Minnesota, but hasn’t been given any sort of recognition, is the white-tailed deer.
In fact, the white-tailed deer has been proposed as the state animal multiple different times since the 1970s.
The eastern timberwolf was also proposed to become the Minnesota state animal.
Does Minnesota Have a State Animal?
No, Minnesota actually does not have a specific state animal that has been appointed to symbolize the state.
Although we do have several animals that have claimed titles such as ‘state bird,’ ‘state fish,’ and ‘state butterfly.’
We also have many other Minnesota state symbols that have been appointed over the years.
What is Minnesota’s State Bird?
Perhaps one of the most common and popular animals that you’ll see in the state of Minnesota is the common loon.
The common loon has snagged the title of Minnesota state bird and has held this title since 1961.
Even if you don’t see them, you can often tell when a loon is nearby from its loud howling and screaming type call.
It’s pretty easy to pick out a loon call from all other birds! It’s hauntingly beautiful.
They’re also easily distinguishable by their black-and-white color and bright red eyes.
People love the loon, so it’s easy to understand why it’s been called our Minnesota state bird.
What is Minnesota’s State Fish?
Since 1965, the Minnesota state fish has been the walleye, which is a large fish often found in lakes all around the state.
They’re commonly stocked in Minnesota lakes, and are favorites for fishermen both fishing from boats or going ice fishing.
Leech Lake and Lake of the Woods are two of the best places to find these fish swimming in the Minnesota water.
It’s the most sought-after fish, and you’ll hear the excitement from all over when someone catches a walleye on their fishing trip.
A record was set back in 1979 when a man named LeRoy Chiovitte caught a 17 1/2 pound walleye up on the Gunflint Trail.
Most walleyes caught are around the 2-12 pound range and measure about 14-30 inches.
What is Minnesota’s State Reptile?
There is no official state reptile in Minnesota, although there was one that has been proposed to claim this title.
Back in 1998 and 1999, the Blanding’s turtle was proposed to be listed as the Minnesota state reptile.
It was never actually accepted, and so we still do not have one to this day.
What is Minnesota’s State Flower?
Perhaps one of the most beautiful wildflowers that you’ll see in the state of Minnesota has been given the name of the state flower.
The Pink Lady’s Slipper was named the state flower way back in 1902 before any state bird or animal was ever named.
Lady slippers grow in open swamps or bogs that have lots of sunlight and bloom in June and July.
These beautiful plants can live to be 50 years old and can grow to be 4 feet tall!
They also are protected by state law, so if you ever see one, be sure to just snap a picture and then leave it alone.
What are Some Official State Symbols of Minnesota?
There are many different official state symbols of Minnesota, including the many ones listed in this post.
But if you’re curious about others, there are many random symbols that have been decided to represent our state.
A few include milk as the state drink, Honeycrisp apple as the state fruit, wild rice as the state grain, and blueberry as the state muffin.
What Kind of Animals are in Minnesota?
There are many different animals that live in Minnesota, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and more. Here are a few of the most popular animals.
Aside from these, there are also insects, such as mosquitos and the state butterfly the monarch butterfly.
Mammals
Most of the most popular and well-known animals in Minnesota are mammals and live primarily on land.
While this certainly isn’t the full list, here are some of our mammals.
- White-tailed deer: These popular and commonly seen animals roam everywhere in the state. Watch out when you’re driving, as they’re the reason we have the saying “a deer in the headlights.”
- Moose: While rare to see, there are moose here. They mostly live deep in the woods of northern Minnesota, and frequent swampy areas.
- Black bear: Bears aren’t commonly seen, but they do live here. They hide away in the woods and are more scared of us than we are of them. Although, sometimes they make a surprise appearance! Only black bears live in Minnesota.
- Gray wolf: Another hard to spot mammal is the gray wolf, which are most commonly found in far northern Minnesota. A project out of Voyageurs National Park follows the beautiful creatures.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are nocturnal creatures that can sometimes be found rummaging through your trashcan. They don’t come out often during the day, and sadly become roadkill fairly often.
- Skunks: You’ll often smell a skunk but never see the actual animal. These stinky creatures live all over and tend to venture out at night.
- Coyotes: Coyotes are closer than you think, as you can often hear them howling! We often hear them in our backyard. Sometimes you may spot one crossing a field or feeding on the side of the road, but it’s not often.
Reptiles
Minnesota is also home to a variety of reptiles. Here are a few of the most popular.
- Turtles: From friendly painted turtles to defensive snappers, there are turtles all over Minnesota. They often are found crossing the road, and many people stop to help them across.
- Toads and frogs: You can also find toads and frogs all over, especially in swampy parts of the state. There are several species of them, including the northern leopard frog, the American toad, and the wood frog.
- Snakes: The most common snake that you’ll see is the garter snake, which is harmless. But there are others found around the state. Only two species are poisonous, and they’re only found in the southwest corner.
Rodents
While not everyone’s favorite type of animal, Minnesota does have quite a few rodents that you may see around the state.
- Squirrel: These little guys are running around all over the place. Climbing up trees, jumping on roofs, and collecting fallen acorns. You won’t go a day without seeing one.
- Chipmunk: Just like squirrels, chipmunks are all over the place and are quite adorable.
- Groundhog: Otherwise known as a woodchuck, these creatures come out in the summer and can sometimes be seen in your yard looking for somewhere to burrow.
- Beaver: These large creatures live part of their life in the water and build large dams that you can see on some of the Minnesota lakes.
Fish
Many people call fishing their favorite hobby, whether it be in the winter or the summer. And since we have so many lakes, it’s easy to find plenty of fish.
But don’t get confused, we don’t have any whales here, not even in Lake Superior!
- Walleye: The state fish and most sought-after is the walleye. These can be found in many places, but especially in the north.
- Sunfish: You won’t go fishing without catching a sunfish. These little guys are everywhere and are named for their yellowish tint.
- Northern Pike: These large fish are fighters and can sometimes be hard to catch. They’re similar to their cousin, the muskie.
Birds
Birds fly all around the state and can be seen in every direction. Here are a few of the most common types.
- Common loon: As one of the only recognized Minnesota state animals, the common loon is a top bird. It’s beautiful, sings, and has striking red eyes.
- Robin: Robins are the first sign of spring, and can be seen digging worms for their babies once the snow melts.
- Cardinal: These bright red beauties aren’t as common to see, but they sure are a sight when they come around!
- Woodpeckers: You might hear these big guys pecking on a tree, or maybe even your house. Some are smaller, while others have bright redheads.
What Dangerous Animals are in Minnesota?
While there are some dangerous animals in the state of Minnesota, most of them will leave you alone, as long as you leave them alone.
A few to look out for include bears, wolves, poisonous snakes, moose, deer ticks and wood ticks, coyotes, and snapping turtles.
We could even consider white-tailed deer to be dangerous since they’re constantly popping out in the road while we drive.
Overall, if you’re aware of your surroundings, most Minnesota animals aren’t terribly dangerous.
Conclusion: Minnesota State Animal
If you’re wondering what is the Minnesota state animal, you’re in the right place.
Many people wonder this, but are left to find out that there actually is no designated animal for the state!
The closest thing that we have is a common loon, which has been named as the Minnesota state bird.
