Animals in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in terms of area, located in the New England region of the Northeastern US. Despite its small size, the state boasts diverse terrain consisting of coastal plains, sandy beaches, marshlands, and rocky cliffs and hills. A significant portion of the state is covered in lush forests, while there are numerous lakes and ponds as well. The coastline extends for over 400 miles.

Naturally, such a variety of habitats has given rise to abundant flora and fauna. Most animals native to the other New England states are also found in Rhode Island. The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Block Island, and Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge are excellent places for birdwatching. The Colt State Park allows you to spot rabbits, chipmunks, and deer alongside birds.

Animals in Rhode Island (RI)

List of Different Types of Animals Found in Rhode Island

All the following animals are native to the state.

Mammals

Eastern wolves, cougars, and eastern elks also used to live in this state, but their populations have been extirpated.

Birds

Reptiles

  • Eastern Box Turtle
  • Common Snapping Turtle
  • Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
  • Black Rat Snake
  • Eastern Garter Snake
  • Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
  • Eastern Milk Snake
  • Eastern Ribbon Snake
  • Eastern Smooth Green Snake
  • Eastern Worm Snake
  • Northern Black Racer
  • Northern Brown Snake
  • Northern Redbelly Snake
  • Northern Ringneck Snake
  • Northern Water Snake

Though there are no native lizards in Rhode Island, scientists have found an individual five-lined skink of unknown origin in the South County. 

Amphibians

Fishes

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Striped Bass
  • Bluegill
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Redbreast Sunfish
  • Black Crappie
  • White Catfish
  • Brown Bullhead
  • American Eel
  • Brook Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Golden Shiner
  • Bluefish
  • Scup
  • Winter Flounder
  • Atlantic Cod
  • Atlantic Mackerel
  • Atlantic Menhaden
  • Winter Skate
  • Summer Flounder
  • Weakfish
  • Chain Pickerel
  • Yellow Perch
  • White Perch
  • Sandbar Shark
  • Maco Shark
  • Thresher Shark

Insects and Invertebrates

  • American Burying Beetle
  • Asian Lady Beetle
  • Eastern Honeybee
  • Cabbage White Butterfly
  • Mosquito
  • Blacklegged Tick
  • Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
  • Common Whitetail Dragonfly
  • Luna Moth
  • Odorous House Ant 
  • American Carrion Beetle 
  • Firefly 
  • Carolina Mantis
  • Dog-day Cicada
  • Bee Fly
  • Housefly
  • Katydid
  • Eastern Forktail Damselfly
  • Horsefly 
  • Carpenter Ant
Rhode Island State Animals

State Animals of 

State BirdRhode Island Red
State FishStriped Bass
State InsectAmerican Burying Beetle
State ShellQuahaug

FAQ

What are the most dangerous animals in Rhode Island?

This state does not have any deadly animals. The only animal that can be considered dangerous is the coyote, while other animals to be wary of include skunks, fishers, and raccoons. There are no venomous spiders or insects.

Are there any threatened animals in Rhode Island?

Several native animals and birds have a declining population in the state. The American burying beetle, shortnose sturgeon, roseate tern, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles are endangered in the state. Piping plovers, red knots, and northern long-eared bats are considered threatened.

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