These 15 Shots Of Michigan Wildlife Are Simply Stunning

At first glance, scrolling this list of images may not seem too unique, but if you read between the lines, you'll learn that some of these examples of wildlife that once dominated throughout Michigan are now extremely rare. Others are not really found many places outside of the Mitten State.

15) Gray Wolf

Just over 600 gray wolves exist in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

14) Wolverine

Michigan has traditionally been known, among other monikers, as the Wolverine State. However, when is the last time anyone has seen one in the wild? Likely, it's been a long while, since they extremely rare.

13) Bull Elk

There are very few of these HUGE mammals left in Michigan.

12) Red Fox

The largest of all the foxes, they can be found all over Asia, Central America and North America - including, of course, in Michigan.

11) Red Tailed Hawk

some of you might know this bird better as a "chicken hawk."

10) Barred Owl

Also known as an eight hooter, rain owl, wood owl, and striped owl, this bird of prey is most recognized as the hoot owl, for its unique call.

9) Bull Moose

These majestic creatures were plentiful in Michigan long ago, but over the generations reduced drastically in numbers. These days, their population here is quite scarce, despite efforts to repatriate them from Ontario.

8) Eastern hognose snake

Known as an eastern hognose or bullnose snake, they are named so for their distinctive snouts.

7) Polyphemus moth

You don't have to LOOK too long to SEE what stands out about this giant moth.

6) Snowy owl

Native to the Arctic, once these snowy birds migrate south for the winter, they can sometimes be spotted here in Michigan.

5) Trumpeter swan

A bit of an ugly duckling here, these transform into the heaviest - and quite possibly most beautiful - birds native to North America.

4) Northern Michigan whooping crane

Highly endangered, sighting one of these waterfowl is an extremely rare treat.

3) Perch

Perch are a freshwater fish especially known to swim in Lake Michigan... As an entree, it's one of the most popular regional dishes in the state.

2) American robin

Otherwise known as the "robin redbreast," this little guy is not only Michigan's state bird, but also Wisconsin's and Connecticut.

1) Black Squirrel

If you're not from Michigan or other Midwestern states, when you come across these black rodents, they at first appear quite strange. That's because they are common only to this part of the country, as well as the Northeast and UK.

Now that you've seen the state of some of these beautiful creatures, perhaps you'll find yourself encouraged to do something to conserve their species and their habitats - after all, we only have one home to share with these special animals. Tell us, which are your favorite species of wildlife that you would love to catch a glimpse of, out in the wild?