From Moose to Eagles: Maine Ranks Among America’s Best for Wildlife

When you take a look around Maine, and it’s easy to understand why so many people are drawn to this incredible state. I think we can all agree that Maine’s natural beauty is truly something special.

But it’s not just the scenery that makes Maine stand out. It's also home to an incredible wealth of wildlife, with countless species thriving statewide. That abundance of animal life is one of the reasons Maine was recently recognized as one of the best states in the country for wildlife.

Is Maine One of the Best States for Wildlife?

The popular site Trails Unblazed published an article about America's most remarkable wildlife, highlighting the 8 best states for viewing extraordinary wildlife. Unsurprisingly, Maine was included.

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In fact, the Pine Tree State ranked 8th overall — an impressive position for a state that takes great pride in its stunning environment and diverse wildlife.

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

It has the highest moose population in the lower 48, and puffin colonies on offshore islands draw birders every summer. Whale-watching trips out of coastal towns add humpbacks and finbacks to the mix. Maine’s wildlife is less concentrated than the western parks, but its combination of moose and seabirds is unique in the East.

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.

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.

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Is Maine the Best State in New England for Wildlife?

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.

READ MORE: The Best-Kept Secret in Maine Hiking: This Challenging Baxter Trail

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.