Mammals:
* White-tailed Deer: Common throughout the state, especially in forested areas.
* Eastern Gray Squirrel: Found in both urban and rural environments.
* Raccoon: Adaptable and often seen in residential areas.
* Opossum: Nocturnal marsupials known for their "playing dead" defense mechanism.
* Eastern Cottontail Rabbit: Common in fields and meadows.
* Beaver: Found near streams and rivers, known for their dam-building abilities.
* Black Bear: Present in the western parts of the state, particularly in Garrett County.
* Bobcat: A solitary, elusive cat found in forested areas.
* Red Fox: Adaptable and often seen in urban parks and forests.
Birds:
* Baltimore Oriole: Maryland's state bird, known for its vibrant orange and black plumage.
* American Robin: A common sight in backyards and parks.
* Northern Cardinal: A bright red bird, the state bird of seven other states.
* Bald Eagle: A majestic bird of prey that has made a comeback in recent years.
* Great Blue Heron: A tall, wading bird found near bodies of water.
* Wild Turkey: Found in forested areas and sometimes in suburban areas.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
* Snapping Turtle: A large turtle with a powerful bite, found in ponds and rivers.
* Eastern Box Turtle: A terrestrial turtle known for its domed shell.
* Northern Water Snake: A non-venomous snake commonly found near water.
* Eastern Garter Snake: A common, non-venomous snake found in a variety of habitats.
* American Bullfrog: A large frog with a distinctive call.
Fish:
* Striped Bass: A popular game fish found in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.
* Blue Crab: Maryland's state crustacean, a prized seafood delicacy.
* Rockfish: Another popular game fish found in the Chesapeake Bay.
This is just a small sample of the diverse animal life found in Maryland. The state's varied ecosystems, from the coastal plains to the Appalachian Mountains, support a wide range of species.