List of Endangered Animals in America

Animals that are endangered are close to becoming extinct. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Report states that the United States has 614 animals on the endangered list and 1,200 are on the list in North America. Various factors, including loss of habitat, cause animals to become endangered. Some endangered animals, such as the bald eagle and alligator, have recovered.

  1. Bison

    • The bison, or American Buffalo, is one of the heaviest land animals in North America. Bison live in parks, reserves and flat grasslands. They graze on grass, twigs and shrubs. At 6 feet tall, bison can run up to speeds of 30 mph. Bison almost became extinct in the 1800s because of over hunting, but they're slowly recovering.

    Bobcats

    • These huge cats live in the forests, mountains, prairies and deserts of North America. Bobcats are nocturnal, which means they are primarily active at night. They spend their days in a cave, hollow log or rock crevice. These carnivores prey on small rabbits, foxes, deer, fish and eggs. Even though they're fierce, cougars, coyotes, wolves and people often prey upon bobcats. They only live for 10 to 14 years.

    Desert Tortoise

    • This reptile is a threatened species that lives in the deserts of North America. These tortoises are most active during the morning or evening, depending on the temperature. They spend most of their time in the sand to keep themselves cool. The desert tortoise eats grass, herbs and a variety of dessert plants. They live up to 80 years and can go up to a year without food.

    Gray Wolf

    • These wild dogs often live in packs. According to the Enchanted Learning website, the gray wolf is the fastest running carnivore. They only live in Alaska, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. These wolves hunt in packs and prey upon larger animals such as bison, deer, elk and moose, but eat almost anything else, except for people. Gray wolves eat up to 20 lbs. of meat during one meal, and swallow their food in large chunks.

    Northern Spotted Owl

    • This owl lives in the old forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. They are on the list of endangered species because of a loss of habitat. Eating only at night, the northern spotted owl preys upon rodents, frogs and other birds. At the top of the food chain, they have no predators. The northern spotted owl lives in a cavity of a tree or stump.