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To celebrate America's 250th birthday, we at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are highlighting the incredible wildlife that calls this beautiful country home. From American icons to subtle specialists, join us as we highlight seven species each week: one species for each of the 250 days leading up to America's 250th birthday.
Gray treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor)
The gray treefrog is a small amphibian found in woodlands and wetlands across much of the eastern United States. Able to change color from gray to green, they're experts at blending in. They spend winters hibernating under leaf litter and logs, emerging in the spring as temperatures rise.
Hairy woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)
Hairy woodpeckers can be found across much of North America year-round. Sometimes mistaken for the smaller downy woodpecker, pay attention to beak size. A hairy's beak is about the same length as its head depth. A downy's beak is much smaller.
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
The spotted gar is a long, torpedo-shaped fish native to slow-moving rivers and swamps of the central and southeastern United States. This ambush predator has a long snout filled with sharp teeth.
Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
The wolverine is a solitary carnivore known for its ability to thrive in harsh northern mountains, forests and tundra. Found across Alaska, northern Canada and parts of the northern Rocky Mountains, they travel great distances in search of food.
Eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)
The eastern massasauga is a shy and elusive rattlesnake native to wetlands, prairies and open woodlands of the midwest and northeast. Compared to other rattlesnakes, it is small and prefers to avoid confrontation, relying on camouflage to stay hidden.
Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
The red-bellied woodpecker is a striking and vocal bird found across most of the eastern United States. Named for the faint red patch on its belly, these birds forage year-round and will even store food for later.
Shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus)
The shovelnose sturgeon is a bottom-dwelling fish native to the Mississippi and Missouri River basins. Easily recognized by its long, flat snout, these small sturgeons are important indicators of river health.
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