CALIFORNIA, Md. — Animals and insects come in all shapes and sizes, and Maryland is a paradise of exciting wildlife. From the flying squirrels of Maryland’s forests to the sharks by the coast, there’s no shortage of interesting creatures to see. We’re going to let you in on 10 fascinating Maryland animals and insects that you didn’t know live here, along with where they make their homes.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are an interesting part of the Maryland ecosystem, found in the Chesapeake Bay and on the shoreline. As a powerful apex predator, the bull shark eats various types of fish and sometimes even aquatic mammals. Bull sharks are gray with huge dorsal fins and can live in shallow waters, so watch out for these majestic creatures while swimming in Maryland!
River Otter
You don’t see river otters often in Maryland, but they’re actually quite common along famous waterways like the Potomac River. River otters are the largest type of weasel, and their sharp claws help them hunt in the wild. These Maryland creatures are particularly impressive hunters since they can stay underwater for up to four minutes. River otters can also dive dozens of feet under the water while seeking out prey.
Cicada
Though cicadas aren’t around all the time, they return every few years when the soil hits the perfect temperature. Cicadas leave behind exoskeletons and make a loud buzzing sound, distinguishing them from other insects in the Old Line State. A group of cicadas typically emerges once every 13 to 17 years or so, which is why you may never have seen one in Maryland.
Eastern Hellbender Salamander
As the biggest salamander in North America, the hellbender salamander is an endangered species that makes its home in Maryland. This salamander’s flat head and slimy skin might surprise you, though you’ll rarely find something like this in your own backyard. Hellbender salamanders breathe in the water and can grow to be over five pounds, so they’re quite notable in size compared to other amphibians in Maryland.
Flying Squirrel
The flying squirrel is one of Earth’s truly wondrous creatures, but did you know that it actually makes its home in Maryland? On top of their habit to stay deep within forested areas, flying squirrels are nocturnal, so people rarely see them gliding around during the day. Using large skin folds around their limbs, flying squirrels glide through the air with relative ease. There are plenty of rodents to see in your day-to-day life, but the flying squirrel is a much rarer spectacle in Maryland.
Praying Mantis
While not the rarest creature on this list, the praying mantis isn’t a particularly common insect. If you live in Maryland long enough, you’re likely to encounter one eventually. The Carolina mantis is native to Maryland and uses its forelegs to catch insects for food in meadows and foliage.
Though not originally native to Maryland, the Chinese mantis is an invasive species that measures up to half a foot long, making it around double the size of its Carolina counterpart and opening its diet up to vertebrates like hummingbirds.
American Mink
American minks are adorable, curious creatures that primarily reside in streams, riverbanks and wetlands throughout Maryland. Equipped with webbed feet and potent scent glands, Maryland minks can thrive in water or on land, offering them a versatile skill set. Though American minks look cute and cuddly on the outside, they’re determined carnivores who hunt small animals to survive. American minks usually only weigh around five pounds, so they’re very small compared to humans.
Star-Nosed Mole
Dealing with moles is difficult, but luckily, the star-nosed mole isn’t too common in Maryland’s many neighborhoods. Star-nosed moles usually live near wet environments like swamps, where they can easily dig burrows under the water. The star-nosed mole’s snout easily distinguishes it from other animals, plus it allows them to navigate underground tunnels while digging. Moles are impressive creatures, and Maryland acts as a home to these talented creatures.
American Eel
The American eel is an essential part of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay waterways, including the Susquehanna River and the Patapsco River. Living for around 10 to 15 years, American eels can grow to be over three feet in length, while females are typically larger than males and lay millions of eggs per season. Eels often reside under rocks during the daytime, coming out at night to hunt for small prey. Aquatic wildlife in Maryland is truly a spectacle, and American eels might be one of the most interesting water-based creatures due to their strange snake-like appearance and slippery texture.
Wild Horses
Wild horses aren’t something you’d expect to encounter in Maryland in 2025. However, Assateague State Park has an abundance of majestic horses of all sizes and colors that roam freely at this Eastern Shore haven. The horses can be found near Assateague’s beach, so you can have a splash in the water near your favorite four-legged creatures!
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