Maine Ranks Among Best States for Wildlife — Here’s Why It Stands Out

When you take a look around Maine, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this state. With its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, it’s truly one of a kind.

What makes this state even more remarkable is the wide variety of species that call this beautiful land home — a key reason Maine was recently named one of the best states for wildlife.

Is Maine One of the Best States for Wildlife?

The popular site Animalko published an article about America's most remarkable wildlife, highlighting 10 states with the most fascinating animal populations. Unsurprisingly, Maine was included.

In fact, the Pine Tree State ranked 7th overall — an impressive position for a state that takes great pride in its stunning environment and diverse wildlife.

Here’s what Animalko had to say about choosing Maine for this exclusive list, specifically pointing out some of the incredible animals found here:

Puffins with colorful beaks nest on remote islands while humpbacks breach offshore. Maine’s rugged coastline creates perfect habitat for diverse marine creatures and seabirds. Inland, moose splash through boggy wetlands and black bears forage for berries. Acadia National Park offers prime viewing spots where peregrine falcons dive at incredible speeds past granite cliffs.

That brief write-up perfectly captures what makes Maine so unique. The state's diverse landscape provides a welcoming environment for many species. Grasslands, forests, wetlands, foothills, rocky mountains, and coastlines create a variety of habitats where animals can thrive and meet their needs for sustainability. Even with development seemingly out of control in some communities, the majority of the state remains wonderfully remote.

It's Easy to Find Wonderful Wildlife in Maine

Mainers are also fortunate to have so many opportunities to experience this wildlife firsthand. Whether it's in one of the parks, on the beaches, along hiking trails, or near bodies of water, visitors are likely to encounter Maine's exceptional animals.

While Maine may have missed out on the top five, it's worth noting that it was the only state in New England to receive recognition — just more evidence of how this state leaves the rest of the region in the dust. (Rhode Island did make the article, but as one of the most disappointing states for wildlife... so we’ll just ignore that.)

READ MORE: Maine’s Acadia Named One of the Best U.S. Birding Locations

The number one spot on the list went to Alaska, which was likely the clear favorite. That state has more bears than people. I don't know if that’s true, but it sounds good.

You can check out the rest of the list here.