10 Little-Known American Animals You Might Not Have Heard Of

When people think of American wildlife, certain iconic creatures, like the American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and American Bison (Bison bison), come to mind. But what about other lesser-known North American animals? Here are 10 fascinating creatures that many might not be familiar with. Interestingly, I’ve met locals living in areas where these animals reside, and they had no clue they existed!

10. Ringtail Cat – Bassariscus astutus

Could this animal be a creation of Disney? With its large, expressive eyes, ringed tail, and nocturnal nature, it’s a critter that loves to munch on pesky rodents and can even be tamed (if allowed by your state’s laws, of course!). Just look at how adorable it is! Known as ‘miner’s cats’ in the past, these little animals were once used by early miners as rodent hunters.

The first time I encountered one of these creatures was during my childhood, while watching the 1976 Disney series, 'The Secrets of Old Glory Mine,' aired on the newly launched Disney Channel. (Ah, the 80s...) That’s where my deep fascination with all things Procyonid began... for those unfamiliar, Procyonids are the mammals in the raccoon family!

This isn’t your typical pig! This small, pig-like mammal evolved right here in North America. They’re cute, territorial creatures that generally keep to themselves. Unable to be domesticated, they live in tight-knit family groups.

Peccaries are rarely seen due to their elusive nature. In the Southern United States, these small creatures can be found in desert regions, often feasting on Prickly Pear.

A true gem of South Florida! (Gotta represent!) Though not traditionally considered attractive, this bird is undeniably stunning. With its unique bill, the Roseate Spoonbill feeds on small crustaceans, snails, insects, and other soft creatures from the murky mangrove swamps of the Southern United States. Watching a pair of them court is an unforgettable sight! They are a social species, instantly recognizable upon first glance.

Did you know that North America is home to the second fastest land mammal on Earth? The pronghorn roams the grassy plains and semi-desert regions of the western states. These incredible animals can run at speeds over 60 miles per hour for hours! In the past, they needed such speed to outrun predators like wolves, mountain lions, and bobcats. Today, their primary threats are hunters and the destruction of their natural habitats.

This species is a living relic from the Paleozoic era, dating back 300 to 400 million years ago. Fossils of the Paddlefish predate even the earliest known dinosaur fossils!

A gentle and elusive inhabitant of slow-moving, murky rivers, the Paddlefish is an ancient American survivor. Sadly, they’ve been extensively harvested for their eggs, which are prized as roe or caviar. They’re also at risk due to habitat destruction, as they require rivers with sandy bottoms and slow currents.

Also known as the 17-year cicada, these harmless flying creatures, packed with protein, are a common sight for those of us in the Northern states. (I believe the summer of 2024 was dubbed the summer of the cicadas in Chicago.)

I had my own cicada experience back in the summer of 1990, as a wide-eyed teenager in Chicago. These orange-eyed, loud, and slightly annoying insects were everywhere! They left their molted skins on every possible vertical surface—trees, houses, even people! There was something strangely beautiful about them. They don’t bite, since they lack mouth parts; their sole purpose is to grow, molt, and reproduce. Quite the sweet deal, if you ask me.

Okay, I’m not afraid of animals. But these multi-legged creatures? They give me serious heebie-jeebies! A few years ago, I saw one at a reptile trade show. It was inside a glass container, devouring a mouse! It was like a car crash—I couldn’t look away!

These sizable centipedes live in the Southern deserts of the United States, growing up to 8 inches in length. They’re mostly nocturnal and prefer to hide under rocks or logs during the day to escape the intense desert heat. And be warned—they can deliver a pretty painful bite, so don’t be foolish—keep your distance!

After learning more, I discovered that the Giant Centipede is surprisingly maternal, fiercely protecting her eggs and offspring! It’s kind of amazing… I now have a newfound respect for Arthropods that stick around for their young.

The jaguarondi is a distinctive feline native to Central America, with a small remaining population in southern Texas. These elusive cats have an unusual appearance, more weasel-like than cat-like. They are stunning and rare, preying on peccaries, rabbits, and birds. Habitat destruction is the primary threat to their survival.

Afterword: There’s supposedly a small wild population of non-native jaguarondis living in Florida. While details are scarce, I have a personal friend who worked as a Florida Fish & Game Officer in the 70s. He told me he saw a pair while patrolling Merritt Island.

Known as the “Butcher Bird,” this small flying creature proves that first impressions can be deceiving. The Shrike is technically a songbird, but it kills and impales its prey. Seriously.

In all seriousness, the Shrike is a formidable predator. With a hooked beak, much like a hawk’s, it catches prey—often insects or rodents—and then impales them on a suitable surface. The impalement serves as a way for the bird to secure its meal while eating. While it has the beak and hunting prowess of a raptor, its delicate songbird legs aren’t strong enough to hold down a mouse. So, it uses a natural fork.

These creatures are frequently mistaken for snakes, but they are actually legless lizards. And just to clear things up—snakes aren’t legless lizards!

Like many other lizards, these garden hunters will “drop” their tails if they feel threatened or if they’re grabbed. They feast on insects and rodents, and they’re quite a sight to behold. The easiest way to tell them apart from true snakes is that they blink (snakes, on the other hand, have no eyelids).

Bonus: Skunk

Because I have such a deep love for this species, I’m placing them on this list. While many people are familiar with their scent, they rarely get the chance to actually see these Native American creatures.

Several animals have evolved to use foul bodily fluids as a defense mechanism, but no one does it quite like the Skunk. They have the ability to aim each of their anal glands separately to ensure their target gets a full blast. Just to clarify, skunks don’t defecate on you—they use a secretion from their anal glands to ensure you remember to leave them alone next time!

I also have a pet skunk named Peso that I absolutely adore. Go figure, I’m a bit eccentric.