America's backyard is rich in wildlife and there are plenty of ways for animal lovers to experience it. From trails lacing through the country's top national parks to refuges taking care of our most endangered creatures, our well-traveled editorial team have (subjectively) ranked the top animal encounters in every state.

Scroll through the gallery to discover the best destinations for experiencing wildlife in the US...

Bird lovers should make a beeline for the Ottawa Wildlife Refuge in northern Ohio. The diverse site encompasses woodland, wetlands, and grasslands that support a range of birdlife – from the cute yellow-rumped warbler to the ubiquitous dunlin.

It also plays host to the mother of all raptors, the bald eagle. Pick up some binoculars from the visitor center and explore the 10 miles of hiking trails, or take to the refuge's popular wildlife drive, open when weather permits.

The Assateague Island National Seashore spans both Maryland and Virginia, with two herds of wild horses separated by a fence at the state line. You can see horses on beaches throughout the park, with organized hiking trails in the Maryland district including the half-mile Life of the Dunes loop.

There are few more breathtaking sights than seeing a group of windswept horses gallop along the sand or a mother grazing quietly with her foal.

Montauk Point State Park in Long Island is best known for its views of the striking Montauk Lighthouse – but in winter, there's another reason to visit this underrated spot. Each season, seals make a home of the rocky shoreline.

Naturalist-led walks – three-mile hikes along the beach – help visitors see up to four species of seal, while learning more about the adorable marine animals.

Eagle Landing is a fitting name for this 16-acre riverside park. In the colder months, bald eagles and the occasional golden eagle thrive in this slice of southern Connecticut, having escaped from the chill in the north of the state.

For a great chance of a sighting, book onto one of River Quest's Winter Wildlife Eagles Cruises: you'll sail down the Connecticut River with expert naturalists who'll point your gaze in the right direction.

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While you might not expect to find wildlife in the United States' capital, Rock Creek Park, part of the National Park Service system, is a blessing for urban animal lovers.

Deer, foxes, and beaver thrive in the park, and there have been many coyote sightings too. Pore over the exhibitions at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, then head out on a hike.

The caverns in this national park are reason enough to visit, but the site holds some exciting wildlife, too. Most intriguing of all is Mammoth Cave's bats – numbers of Indiana and grey bats at the park have fallen over the years, but staff are committed to protecting this endangered species.

While the public aren't allowed into areas supporting bat colonies, you may well see a bat flit overhead as you take a ranger-led cave tour. Beyond the caves, coyotes, bobcats, groundhogs, and more all live in the park.

You'll find the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory perched in Monroe County's Peters Mountain. The rustic viewing tower, reached by a mile-long hike, is a celebrated spot to take in birds of prey, with ospreys, falcons, and eagles all regularly soaring past. You've the best chance of seeing circling raptors in fall, but the mountain views alone are worth it. 

With an 80-year-plus history, the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge protects a great swath of the New Jersey coast. You'll spot a variety of different creatures depending on the season.

In summer, you might notice mud turtles in the freshwater ponds, while in winter, monarch butterflies migrate right through the site. Whenever you visit, you'll see plenty of birdlife, from bald eagles in winter to ospreys in the spring. 

More than 3,700 acres make up the remote Peninsula State Park, whose leafy expanse is filled with some of the state's top wildlife. Black bears make the occasional appearance and the park's coyotes are elusive – but more likely to make themselves known are deer, raccoons, and porcupines. 

The moose is given top billing when it comes to wildlife watching in Vermont. They're prevalent in the state's Northeast Kingdom area and particularly in the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge (the entire refuge spans multiple New England states).

Get your bearings on the Nulhegan River Trail, a one-mile loop through some of the park's most scenic portions – on your way, look out for black bear, snowshoe hare, and white-tailed deer.

The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for some 370 bird species, including the threatened snowy plover, as well as alligators, armadillos, and even bobcats. It's also home to Kemp's ridley, loggerhead, and green sea turtles, who nest on the Gulf Coast shores from late May to October.

Four separate trails cover the refuge and provide different opportunities for wildlife viewing: if you spot a turtle, keep a good distance to avoid disturbing it and try not to destroy any tracks.

A paradise for birders, the refuge supports a large population of migratory birds through the fall and winter, from American black ducks to snow geese. Though more elusive, northern harriers also circle over the salt marshes, and bald eagles watch their prey from the trees.

Wildlife seekers can choose between a 12-mile wildlife drive or five hiking trails. In December 2023, a new visitor center opened its doors, offering enhanced exhibits to help visitors make the most of their time on the reserve.

One of five National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island, Sachuest Point is a critical habitat for migrating birds, and one of the region's most adorable native animals: the New England cottontail.

The population of this little rabbit species is in sharp decline due to habitat loss, so a sighting is no mean feat. The three miles of hiking trails may also reveal deer, foxes, and other New England creatures. 

While Iowa is not known for its bears or big cats, there's still fascinating wildlife to be found. A good place to start is Backbone State Park, the oldest in Iowa. You'll find waterfowl wading at the edge of Backbone Lake, plus coy deer, foxes, and raccoons hiding among the oak and maple forests.

Some 21 miles of hiking trails wind through the wooded park, but the best views are from Devil's Backbone, one of the highest points in northeastern Iowa.

The Carlsbad Cavern National Park comprises more than 119 caves – but it's equally famous for its huge colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats. These bats roost in the park's darkened caves, but from April through to mid-October, they exit the caverns nightly in their thousands, offering a spectacular show.

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This stunning state park is nestled away in the White Mountain National Forest. Its waterfalls and wildflowers draw in visitors but, most exciting of all, a sloth of bears call the park home, too.

On a hike through the area, look towards the Cannon Mountain ski slopes – you may well see bears frolicking on the hills in summer. The Cannon Mountain Tramway offers a sweeping view of the site and potentially a bird's-eye view of the animals.

South Carolina's state reptile is the loggerhead sea turtle and you may spot one as you journey through Myrtle Beach State Park – keep an eye out for cordoned-off areas designed to protect the turtles' delicate nests.

Out to sea, you might also see a dolphin break the water's surface or a bald eagle or osprey searching for its prey. The wooden fishing pier is a great wildlife-watching base.

Named for its most fascinating residents, the Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge occupies a sprawling area of pine savanna in southeastern Mississippi. The Mississippi sandhill crane is a critically endangered subspecies, with its entire wild population residing within this refuge.

A public nature trail winds its way from the visitor center and, during the winter months, there are occasional tours to spots overlooking the cranes' favored feeding sites.

This vast area of protected California coastline is a mammoth site, encompassing some 80 miles of shoreline, and within its limits you'll find elephant seals, harbor seals, tule elk, and even coyote and black bear.

Spot frolicking seals from December through to March at Elephant Seal Overlook close to Chimney Rock, or head to the Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point for a glimpse of these majestic mammals.

Straddling the border between Arizona and Nevada, this National Recreation Area has wildlife on either side of the state line. Mountain lions and coyotes pad through the park, but it's the desert bighorn sheep, Nevada's state animal, that captures visitors' imagination.

The species was once in serious decline, but reintroduction efforts have made some progress. They're nervous of humans and blend seamlessly with their surroundings, but keep your eyes peeled on one of the many hiking trails and you might just be lucky.

A top destination for leaf-peeping in autumn, this state park is home to Pine Creek Gorge, which earns high praise as the 'Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania'. And beyond its blazing maples and oaks, there's lots of wildlife to be discovered. Between the trees, hikers might spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears. 

American beauties: the best national park in every state

A huge expanse of prairies and plains, this National Wildlife Refuge protects one of America's cutest mammals: the prairie dog. A chubby cousin to chipmunks and squirrels, the prairie dog generally exists in subterranean colonies known as dog towns.

At the refuge, visitors can follow a quarter-mile interpretive trail through the site's Prairie Dog Town area, where you'll likely spot some of these delightful creatures.

Bull elk, bald eagles, and a steady stream of waterfowl call this refuge in eastern Arizona home. Each July, bird lovers flock to the park for the High Country Hummers Festival, when the public can learn about a range of hummingbird species as they're banded and released back into the wild.

Come in fall or winter and you're more likely to catch a glimpse of elk amid the forest or bald eagles circling overhead. Wildlife viewing points are stationed along each of the four hiking trails.

Many come to Isle Royale National Park, which floats in Lake Superior, in the hope of spotting moose. The population of these gargantuan mammals is tightly bound to that of the grey wolf, the moose's only predator in the park. 

The wolf population here is currently very low, but park staff are working to reintroduce these predators onto the island over a period of several years. Top areas for a moose sighting include Washington Creek in the park's Windigo area, and the six-mile Minong Ridge Overlook Trail.

Not to be confused with New York's Harriman State Park, this scenic area of forests and lakes is just a stone's throw from Yellowstone National Park – though you'll find its trails and woods to be much quieter.

On the park's 22 miles of hiking routes, keep your eyes peeled for moose and elk peering from between the trees, or cute chipmunks frolicking in the grass. To maximize your chances of an animal encounter, spend the night in one of the yurts or cabins.

Bird lovers should make a beeline for this peaceful park in the Natural State. Species spotted here include abundant waterfowl like Canadian geese, plus the red-bellied woodpecker, and the cute Carolina chickadee. The birds exist against a stirring backdrop of craggy rock formations, waterfalls, forests, and meadows. 

Hugging the Niobrara River, this huge Wildlife Refuge is home to a large population of elk, some 350 bison and plenty of Nebraska's state animal: the white-tailed deer.

Come in spring when you might see wobbling fawns barely taller than the grass, or in winter, when new flocks of migratory birds descend on the site. 

The biggest draw of this national park is its towering sand dunes, but there's plenty of wildlife to be discovered too. The sprawling landscape fringes Lake Michigan and serves as a rest stop for migratory birds – more than 350 species have been spotted here.

Keep your eyes peeled for the red-shouldered hawk (pictured) and the yellow warbler, plus mammals like bats, beavers, and deer.

Right on the border with Mexico, this wild national park is made up of rugged mountains and desert. But despite the tough conditions, plenty of wildlife flourishes here. Among the resident species are black bear – who prefer the cooler climes of the park's forestland – mule deer, and coyotes who you might glimpse at dawn or dusk.

If you're hoping to see Maine's state animal, the moose, Baxter State Park is a great place to start. Keep your eyes peeled for bull moose with their great antlers walking in shallow waters, or munching on shrubs in the Acadian Forest.

Lots of photographers gather at Sandy Stream Pond, hoping for a winning shot. Come in early morning or evening for the best chance of a sighting.

A protected site on Hawaii Island, Kaloko-Honokōhau is as rich in wildlife as it is in history. Green sea turtles are the park's most conspicuous reptile, sunning themselves on the shores or paddling in clear shallow waters.

If you look closely you can also spot quick-footed geckos, as well as the occasional Hawaiian monk seal. Begin at the Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Contact Station, where staff can point you towards the best trail for nature viewing depending on the season.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, 'nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered' and this sanctuary on Georgia's Jekyll Island is committed to the rehabilitation of these creatures.

Describing itself as a 'working hospital', the center conducts vital conservation work, as well as looking after injured reptiles and educating the public. Accompanied by expert staff, visitors can meet some of the turtle patients, watch feeding time, and learn from interactive exhibits.

Among the mammals here are the American bison and the Rocky Mountain elk, both of which have been reintroduced after their populations in the park were diminished.

Also keep your eyes peeled for little snapping turtles, yellow mud turtles, and numerous species of lizard. Bugling Elk Tours run during the elk mating season in September and October, too. 

Within the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park is the Barataria Preserve, a reptile-rich area of Louisiana wetlands. Here you'll find the formidable American alligator, soaking in the swamps or resting on the marshy banks.

Also present are water snakes, tree frogs, and more than 200 species of bird. Join a ranger-led Wetlands Walk to learn more about the preserve's critters.

Spreading over 546 acres, Lone Elk Park is bursting with wildlife, plus miles of marked trails for catching a glimpse of it. Keep your eyes peeled for brooding bison, elk, wild turkeys, and waterbirds – this photo shows two mighty bull elk butting heads.

One of the northernmost national parks in the USA, Voyageurs is the remote domain of wolves, moose, and more than 240 species of bird (including the bald eagle, pictured).

The vast Kabetogama Peninsula area is the top place for a moose sighting, and the 9.5-mile Cruiser Lake Trail is the longest and most wildlife-rich route through the park. Given the location, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

If seals or sea lions are high on your wildlife wish list, head here. You've got a great chance of spotting a colony basking on the rocks of Shell Island – best viewed from the short North Cove Trail. The park is also a top spot for whale watching, with migrating grey whales arriving in winter.

Shenandoah National Park protects a mighty portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Top of most visitors' itinerary is a cruise down Skyline Drive, which slices through the park, studded with 70 overlooks giving way to panoramic views.

Aside from the vistas, the main draw of the drive is the many animals who take shortcuts across the scenic roadway – watch out for passing deer and even the odd black bear if you're lucky. 

Unsurprisingly, the American alligator is one of the most interesting creatures to roam this wildlife refuge. But they're not alone. Joining them are black bear and red wolves, which were reintroduced to the site from 1987.

Follow the refuge's popular Wildlife Drive: from the comfort of your own vehicle you may well see a bear lurking at the roadside or a raptor gliding overhead. Note: several refuge roads may be temporarily closed due to weather or wildlife management activities – check ahead before your visit.

This national park is prime whale-watching territory, with grey, minke, humpback, and orca whales commonly spotted in the waters off its shores. Head to the picturesque beaches of Shi Shi or Rialto, both part of the whale trail, for the best chance of a sighting.

Whales aren't the only marine mammals that inhabit these waters, though – look out for seals, sea lions, otters, and dolphins frolicking in the ocean too.

The wild plains and rockscapes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are a haven for wildlife lovers. Bison, elk, and feral horses are all common sights, while more secretive species like coyotes and bobcats dwell here too. Seek them out on the South Unit's 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive, which takes around 1.5 hours to complete.

This protected area of swamps, wetlands, and cypress trees may look like Louisiana or Florida, but you'll actually find it in southern Illinois. The migratory birdlife is a top draw here, and the prothonotary warbler, a dainty yellow songbird, is the most vocal of them all.

A more secretive species is the endangered Indiana bat, but experts have found so-called 'maternity colonies' of female bats throughout the refuge during summer months. The 1.5-mile Hickory Bottoms Trail leads visitors through forestland brimming with birds.

More than 300 miles of hiking trails crisscross this park, with its peaks, still lakes, and abundant wildlife. Of the 67 mammal species here, bighorn sheep, with their arching horns and their climbing prowess, are among the most intriguing.

Look out for them around Sheep Lakes in late spring and early summer. Also roaming the park are mountain lions, mule deer, black bears, and moose, plus cute-as-a-button pikas – a little mammal related to the rabbit. 

One of the most diverse state parks in the country, this rugged site in South Dakota's Black Hills has no shortage of wildlife, from bighorn sheep to prairie dogs. The best way to cover a decent amount of ground is to travel the 18-mile Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway.

Drive slowly – you'll almost certainly see a brooding bison cross the road or a wild burro (donkey) grazing on the plains. In fall, the annual 'Buffalo Round-up' is a crowd-pleaser. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its epic panoramas of forested peaks, is certainly easy on the eye. It's also one of the USA's top spots for wildlife viewing, with elk, black bears, and white-tailed deer all living among the wooded mountains.

A popular viewing area is the Cataloochee Valley, since it's an open space within a park mostly shrouded by trees. Synchronous fireflies also attract visitors during their two-week mating season, which usually occurs between the end of May and mid-June.

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area of water right at the mouth of the Massachusetts Bay. It's gloriously rich in sea mammals, from Atlantic white-sided dolphins to the harbor porpoise.

But, most exciting of all is the presence of whales, from giant humpbacks to minke whales. The sanctuary welcomes a range of whale-watching tours on its waters, including Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, which come highly recommended. 

Antelope Island State Park juts into Utah's Great Salt Lake and its stark terrain is dotted with 500-plus roving bison. Joining the herd are pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and mule deer, plus predators such as coyotes and bobcats.

Choose between a variety of hiking trails, from the Mountain View Trail, which skirts the island's edges, to the Frary Peak Trail, which slices through a portion of the center.

Home to both Glacier National Park and an epic slice of Yellowstone, Montana is one of the USA's best destinations for wildlife-watching. In the former, mountains, lakes, and lush meadows share space with wildlife – from bighorn sheep and bears to mountain lions and lynx. Fluffy mountain goats are among the park's most fascinating residents: a lone goat is pictured here above Hidden Lake.

One of the best national parks for wildlife viewing in the US, Denali is home to Alaska's Big 5: caribou, moose, wolves, dall sheep, and, of course, grizzly bears. You can tour the park independently, but a ranger-led Discovery Hike allows you to go off-trail.

A narrated bus tour is another popular option for wildlife viewing, and your expert naturalist will pause if they see a bear hulking at the roadside or a moose grazing in the brush. 

This giant national park comprises more than 1.5 million acres of wetland landscapes, so you'll need to plan carefully if you want to spot some wildlife.

You'll find the American crocodile lurking in numerous parts of the park, including the Flamingo area, with its fascinating visitor center. Popular trails for wildlife spotting include the short Anhinga Trail, where you might also glimpse turtles, alligators, and wildfowl.

America's first and most famous national park, Yellowstone stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to wildlife-viewing potential. More than 65 species of mammal wander its great expanse, including grizzly bears.

There are also bison and bighorn sheep, mountain lions and moose, and the evasive Canada lynx. The historic Fishing Bridge is a favored place for spotting grizzlies, while elk and bison frequent the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Yes, this place is ranked number one for a reason.

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