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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.
Eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica)
Eastern carpenter bees are large, shiny pollinators often mistaken for bumblebees. As temperatures drop, activity winds down and these bees seek shelter to overwinter, often in the tunnels they carved into wood in the spring. Mated females hibernate alone in nests, waiting to re-emerge when warmth returns.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule deer breeding season generally happens in the late fall. The rut is triggered by a decrease in daylight hours which causes a change in hormone production for both bucks and does. A larger set of antlers may lead to better sparring and breeding outcomes.
Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
Fall marks a turning point for Atlantic tarpon - a legendary sport fish known for its massive jumps and raw power. As water temperatures drop, tarpon migrate to warmer waters. If you're fishing for tarpon, be ready to work for it!
Wheel bug (Arilus cristatus)
The wheel bug is one of the largest assassin bugs in North America. It can easily be identified by the wheel-like crest on its back. They use needle-like beaks to inject venom that liquifies the insides of insect prey. In the fall, females lay eggs on twigs or bark that hatch in spring.
Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
The northern mockingbird is a mimic master - able to copy the songs of dozens of other birds - plus car alarms, frogs and even ringtones! Found across much of the U.S., these birds defend territory year-round and guard winter food sources.
Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)
The pumpkinseed is a colorful freshwater sunfish with vivid orange, blue and green markings. In the fall, pumpkinseeds become less active, moving to deep, calm waters as temperatures drop and their metabolism slows. They spend winter in a near-dormant state, conserving energy until spring returns.
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Bighorn sheep are rugged icons of the American west, known for massive, curling horns and cliff-scaling agility. Fall marks the mating season where males clash in dramatic head-butting battles to win over females. Collisions can echo through canyons!
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