1

Bison

Image: Alex Moliski

We’ll begin with the national mammal of the United States. Actually, that might be a bit reductive: the bison is not just a national symbol, but it has also been chosen as representative by a plethora of institutions, including the U.S. Department of the Interior, the University of Colorado, and several Great Plains states.

Since the end of the 19th century, indiscriminate hunting made the bison an extremely endangered species: By 1884, only 325 bison remained in the country. Luckily, thanks to the hard work of several conservation agencies, that number has gradually increased over the years, reaching a population of 500,000 bison by 2017.

2

Prairie dog

Image: Moritz Kindler

Here’s a question for any biologist reading this article: Why, pray tell, are prairie dogs not called "prairie squirrels"? While these mammals possess little to no dog-like features, they are definitely a close relative of squirrels. In fact, they belong to the same family. Food for thought, right?

In any case, prairie dogs are proof that an animal doesn’t have to be big to be important. All five species are considered keystone species to their environments, as their burrowing and mound-building help renew and revitalize the soil of their habitats. Not only that, they are extremely important components of the food chain, since they provide sustenance to many predators.

3

Alligator

Image: Matthew Essman

From the warm weather of the American South comes the only reptile on this list. Alligators are truly fascinating creatures: not only do they date back to the age of dinosaurs, but they can also only be found in 2 countries in the entire world—China and, of course, the United States.

While they are certainly deadly predators, don’t let their ferocity fool you: they rarely attack humans, and only when disturbed. Moreover, alligators are key species in maintaining their habitats, not just through population control, but also by encouraging plant diversity through the construction of alligator holes.

4

Grizzly bear

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Anyone who has looked at a picture of a bear has probably thought in disbelief, "How can something that looks this adorable be so dangerous?" While this philosophical conundrum might be the reason that Teddy bears are so popular, the truth is that the grizzly bear is a perfect representative of the duality found in most of these large mammals: a combination of extreme cuteness with dangerous ferocity.

In that sense, we only need to take a look at the etymology of the grizzly bear to find the feral nature of this seemingly adorable creature. When Lewis and Clark first encountered these bears, they recorded their name as "grisley," which many believe comes from a Middle English word for "gruesome."

5

Gray wolf

Image: Anthony Sebbo

Many biologists consider the gray wolf the unsung hero of American wildlife. This majestic hunter is a keystone species in Yellowstone National Park, helping to maintain the elk and deer populations. And while it has notably appeared in many blankets and t-shirts, the gray wolf, sadly, has not been recognized as any state’s official mammal.

Originally, grey wolves’ range covered approximately two-thirds of America, but they can currently be found in the northern part of the country. Most notably, Alaska houses the largest wolf population in the country, with a number between 7,000 and 11,000 wolves roaming the state.

6

Turkey

Image: Tyler Jamieson Moulton

There’s an urban legend that states that Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey to be our national symbol. If the stories are true, there might very well be a universe in which this odd-looking bird represents Americans everywhere. And although we’ll take the bald eagle as a symbol any day of the week, there’s something to be said about the nobility of this game bird.

Unlike their domesticated counterparts, wild turkeys are more adept at flying. Although we may never see a majestic turkey soar through the skies, they are able to fly short distances of up to a quarter mile. What’s perhaps most impressive about these birds is their wide range of vocalizations, which may sound like a simple "gobble, gobble" to us, but convey numerous meanings to other turkeys.

7

Groundhog

Image: Andy Sanchez

Sure, Beverly Hills might be the home of Hollywood’s royalty, but the borough of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is home to one of America’s most famous stars. Since 1887, a groundhog by the name of Phil (Punxsutawney Phil, to be exact) has been the key figure in the town’s most famous tradition: "Groundhog Day," a celebration in which Phil predicts when will winter end.

While Punxsutawney Phil is perhaps America’s most famous groundhog, the truth is that these quirky rodents are one of America’s most recognizable animals. Interestingly, groundhogs are also known as "woodchucks," which is a rather baffling name, since these creatures are not known for chucking wood of any kind.

8

Florida panther

Image: Maheera Kulsoom

The alligator might be Florida’s most famous animal, but this large cat shouldn’t be overlooked. The Florida panther is the only cougar species living in the Eastern United States, with a worrying 200 individuals currently living in the Sunshine State.

This majestic cougar is a source of pride for many Floridians, and numerous conservation campaigns have been launched over the years to help protect its habitat. The Florida panther was named the state’s official animal in 1982, as well as being the namesake of the South Florida ice hockey team.

9

Roadrunner

Image: Anish Lakkapragada

Isn’t it strange not to see a coyote included in the title of this entry? We feel bad about separating this iconic pair, but we are sure you’ll agree that the roadrunner is an amazing bird in its own right, even becoming New Mexico’s official state bird in 1949.

Warner Bros. cartoons quickly capitalized on this bird’s most remarkable feature: its running speed. Roadrunners can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, which comes in great help for hunting and running away from predators (like a certain coyote).

10

Bald eagle

Image: Michael Jerrard

The bald eagle shares the title of "most instantly recognizable American symbol" with the American flag and Mount Rushmore. Its status sometimes makes us forget about the spectacular specimen hiding behind the American icon, so we thought it would be a good idea to close this article with a small tribute to our favorite bird of prey.

Let’s start with the obvious: the name "bald eagle" doesn’t come from any distinct lack of plumage, but rather from the old meaning of the word "bald," which used to stand for "white-headed." This distinction seems necessary because one of the most breathtaking aspects of this bird is the contrast of its feathers, which produces a stunning image when paired with its yellow beak. For a while, the status of the bald eagle was endangered until its population recovered thanks to conservation efforts.

1

Blockbuster

During the 1980s and 1990s, Friday night often meant one thing for American families: a trip to Blockbuster. Browsing the aisles for a movie, debating what to watch, and grabbing popcorn at the counter became a weekly routine. But nothing lasts forever.

Born in 1985, Blockbuster conquered the massive home-video market with thousands of stores by the late 1990s and early 2000s, catering to families with at-home VCRs. Then technology changed everything. First came DVD-by-mail services like Netflix, followed by streaming, which left Blockbuster struggling. Late fees and inconvenience only pushed more customers away. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Today, just one official store remains in Bend, Oregon, where visitors still stop by for a dose of the video-store era.

2

Kodak

Back in the day, almost every vacation, birthday, wedding, or holiday gathering seemed to include a Kodak camera, or at least a roll of Kodak film. Founded in 1881, Kodak helped keep the moments that filled family photo albums for generations.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, Kodak dominated the world of film and photography. But that success also made the company slow to accept that technology was changing. Ironically, Kodak helped invent one of the first digital cameras in 1975, yet it hesitated to embrace the future. By the 1990s and 2000s, digital cameras (and later camera phones) quickly replaced traditional film. In 2012, the company declared bankruptcy.

3

Pan Am

Long before flying became an everyday experience, Pan American World Airways, better known as Pan Am, was already carrying Americans across the world. It was founded in 1927, and during the 1960s and 1970s, the airline became a symbol of glamorous air travel.

Its famous blue globe logo was instantly recognizable, even to those who rarely flew. But by the late 1970s, rising competition, fuel costs, and financial troubles began weakening the company. After years of mounting losses and debt, Pan Am shut down in 1991. Even so, its fame was such that even today, more than 30 years later, we still remember it.

4

Woolworth’s

Before Woolworth's made the "five-and-dime" famous, shopping in America looked very different. For decades, Americans visited Woolworth’s for everything from toys and school supplies to household goods and everyday essentials. By the 1960s, the brand had become a familiar part of American life.

Created in 1879 by Frank Winfield Woolworth, the chain grew into one of the country’s largest retailers. But in the 1970s, malls and discount giants like Walmart changed the way Americans shopped, and Woolworth struggled to keep up. By the 1980s, the iconic chain was slowly disappearing. Most stores closed during the 1990s, and the Woolworth retail chain officially ended in 1997.

5

Circuit City

Testing giant stereo systems, browsing rows of CDs and video games, and shopping for the newest TV were all part of the experience at Circuit City, once one of America’s biggest electronics chains.

Founded in 1949 by Samuel S. Wurtzel in Richmond, Virginia, as "Wards Company," the retailer adopted the Circuit City name in 1984. During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, it became the go-to place for Americans buying a TV, stereo, computer, or any electronic device. But like many companies on this list, Circuit City struggled as shopping habits changed and online stores became more convenient. A controversial 2007 decision to lay off thousands of experienced employees further hurt the company’s reputation. Circuit City couldn’t survive mounting losses and closed all remaining stores in 2009.

6

Borders

Remember Borders? Born in 1971, its huge stores, filled with books, music, magazines, and cozy reading spaces, invited customers to spend entire afternoons there.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the rise of large shopping malls actually helped Borders thrive, turning its bookstores into popular destinations inside malls across the US. But eventually, the company ran into a challenge it couldn’t overcome: online shopping and digital reading. Competitors like Amazon surged ahead, while Borders struggled to adapt and made costly business decisions, including outsourcing its online sales to Amazon for years. The company collapsed financially in 2011 and soon closed all remaining stores.

7

Bugle Boy

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, teenage fashion became almost synonymous with Bugle Boy. Famous across the country for its casual jeans and memorable TV commercials, the brand became a major part of American mall culture and was sold in department stores nationwide.

But fashion never stands still, and brands have to constantly adapt to survive. By the late 1990s, newer youth-oriented labels had taken over with fresh styles that quickly made Bugle Boy seem outdated. Sales began to fall, and after years of struggling to keep up with changing trends, the company closed its stores in 2001.

8

Howard Johnson’s restaurants

During the 1960s and 1970s, a stop at Howard Johnson's was part of the classic American road-trip experience for many families, and that was no accident.

Founded in 1925 in Quincy, Massachusetts, the famous orange-roofed chain reached its peak when America’s expanding highways and booming car culture made roadside travel more popular than ever. But by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the growing popularity of fast-food chains like McDonald's began changing the way Americans ate on the road. Drivers increasingly wanted meals that were faster, cheaper, and more standardized, while interstate highways also redirected traffic away from many older roadside locations. Unlike some other brands on this list, Howard Johnson’s faded away slowly over the decades. The last restaurant finally closed in 2022.

9

Burger Chef

In 1958, a name emerged as one of the pioneers of America’s growing fast-food industry: Burger Chef. By the late 1960s, the chain had more than 1,000 locations across the country and had become one of McDonald's’s biggest competitors.

Long before Happy Meals became famous, Burger Chef helped popularize the idea of marketing meals directly to children with toys and themed publicity. But during the fast-food wars of the 1970s, competition became fiercer than ever. While McDonald’s and Burger King expanded by leaps and bounds, Burger Chef struggled with financial problems and changing consumer tastes. In 1982, the company was sold to Hardee's, which gradually converted most Burger Chef locations into Hardee’s restaurants.

10

Sports Authority

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, many Americans looking for running shoes, gym shorts, and sports gear headed straight to Sports Authority.

Known for its huge stores packed with athletic apparel, exercise equipment, bicycles, camping gear, and team sports products, Sports Authority became the ideal shopping destination for families and athletes across the US. But as online shopping rapidly changed retail in the 2000s, the company struggled to adapt. Heavy debt from expansion efforts and a slow shift to e-commerce eventually caught up with the chain. Sports Authority declared bankruptcy in 2016 and closed all remaining stores later that year.

1

Snowball fights

Image: Arina Krasnikova

It may sound like the premise for a coming-of-age comedy film, but it’s absolutely true: in Wausau, Wisconsin, throwing a snowball is technically against the law. The city once grouped snowballs in the same category as "stones and missiles," as if every kid with a pair of mittens were a potential threat to public safety. Of course, local police don’t patrol sledding hills looking for offenders anymore. The rule mostly lives on as a charming reminder that even winter fun can end up in the law books.

2

Camel hunting

Image: Shaun Danny

Camels in Arizona? Well, technically. Back in the mid-1800s, t he U.S. Army brought camels to the Southwest, hoping their strength and stamina would make them the perfect means for desert transport. The experiment didn’t last—soldiers preferred their mules—but the camels did, wandering off into the wild. To protect the survivors, the State of Arizona outlawed camel hunting, a law that still stands today. So if you ever spot one, grab your camera, not your hunting license!

3

Texting while walking

Image: Elizabeth Woolner

Crossing the street with your eyes glued to your phone is the 21st century’s twist on jaywalking. In Honolulu, Hawaii, that nasty habit can cost you up to $99, thanks to a local ordinance meant to curb "distracted walking." Officials say it’s about protecting pedestrians from accidents; residents jokingly call it "the eyes-up law." Whether you see it as common sense or overreach, the rule makes one thing clear: the text, meme, or emoji can wait until you’re safely on the other side.

4

Apple pie must come with ice cream

Image: Patrick Fore

Here’s a rule everyone can get behind. Vermont, proud home of rolling orchards and autumn harvests, officially crowned apple pie as its state dessert. But lawmakers didn’t stop there; they added a charming twist, recommending that each slice be served "in good faith" with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a piece of sharp cheddar, or a glass of cold milk. It’s less a regulation and more a warm invitation to enjoy a simple American treat. Yes, the law can sometimes be fun and downright delicious!

5

Bear wrestling

Image: Florian Schindler

Believe it or not, there was a time when people thought wrestling a bear was a good idea. Traveling shows and roadside attractions once featured men squaring off against hulking bruins for cheers and pocket change. Eventually, Alabama decided it was a spectacle best to leave it in the past. In 1996, the state officially banned bear wrestling, making it illegal to train, promote, or even sell tickets to such events. Today, the law stands as a small but noble victory for animal welfare. As for the bears? They walked away undefeated, every single one of them.

6

Password sharing

Image: cottonbro studio

Before Netflix made it official, Tennessee was already ahead of the curve. Back in 2011, the state passed a law making it illegal to share passwords for paid streaming services. The rule was originally meant to stop hackers from selling stolen logins, but it ended up being a cautionary tale for the streaming wars to come. Technically, lending your password to a friend could cost you $2,500 and even land you a year in jail. What once seemed overcautious now feels oddly prophetic, almost like Tennessee read the fine print of the future.

7

Dueling

Image: Leon Kohle

If you’ve ever challenged someone to a duel—yes, the kind with pistols and a handshake at dawn—you can forget about running for office in West Virginia. The state’s constitution, written in the 1800s, includes a clause that permanently bars any duelist from holding public office. The idea was to keep gentlemen of "honor" from turning government into a shooting gallery. More than a century later, the law remains untouched, a relic of a time when reputations were defended at ten paces.

8

Roller-skating

Image: Harrison Haines

Can you imagine roller-skating being banned in your town? Back in the 1930s in Biddeford, Maine, sidewalks were sacred ground for Sunday strolls, not racetracks for daredevils on wheels. So, the city downright prohibited skating and biking on sidewalks. Believe it or not, the rule, established in a slower era when the biggest traffic hazard downtown wasn’t a speeding car, but a kid on skates, still lingers in the city code today.

9

Fishing with your hands

Image: Patti Black

Think you’re tough enough to catch a catfish with your bare hands? In Indiana, that risky stunt—known as "noodling"—will earn you more than bragging rights; it could get you fined. The practice involves reaching into murky holes and hoping the fish bites, but lawmakers decided it was safer for everyone if they didn’t. The ban protects catfish during breeding season and probably saves a few bold fishermen’s lives. So, if you’re visiting Indiana and are feeling adventurous, bring a rod instead!

10

Confetti

Image: jameson wu

Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, bursts with color, music, and flying beads, but there’s one thing you won’t see floating in the air: confetti or silly string. The city banned both to keep its historic streets clean after the celebrations. The rule might sound like a party pooper, but locals don’t mind. They’ve turned cleanup into an art form, celebrating with floats, jazz bands, and smiles instead of streamers. After all, the joy of Mardi Gras isn’t in what you toss but in the rhythm, the laughter, and the sparkle that doesn’t need sweeping up.