Native Animals
This mammal is an omnivore, eating berries, insects, nuts, and fish. They're known for hibernating.
Bear / Black Bear
These birds are often found in suburban yards, forests, and parks. They forage for insects and drum on trees and houses for communication.
Woodpecker.
This is New Jersey's official vegetable (despite being botanically a fruit).
Tomato / Jersey tomato.
This insect is the official New Jersey state insect.
Honeybee.
This city is famously known for having the first boardwalk in the U.S.A!
Atlantic City.
This mammal is born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mother at birth. They are called "kit" when they're babies. A single female can produce up to 35 kits.
Rabbit / Cottontail Rabbit
These furry mammals are found primarily in the northern counties and face severe population declines due to historical over-hunting, trapping, and habitat loss from development and deforestation.
Bobcat (aka wildcat, bay lynx, or red lynx).
This is New Jersey's state flower.
Violet / Common meadow violet.
These insects are a staple of New Jersey summers, appearing in May, June, and July, particularly in moist, wooded, and wetland areas. They're most visible at night. Catching them is very fun :)
Fireflies.
This singer and actor has a rest stop named after him! He was known as "Ol' Blue Eyes" or "The Voice".
Frank Sinatra.
This non-venomous reptile is often misidentified as being a venomous copperhead or cottonmouth.
Northern Water Snake.
This reptile has yellow spots on their black shell, head, and legs. They live in shallow wetlands like bogs, vernal pools, and swamps, specifically in northern counties. They are threatened by habitat loss, roads, and illegal pet trade.
Spotted Turtle.
This weed is crucial for Monarch butterfly conservation. These plants thrive in various conditions such as wet soils to dry, sunny, or partially shaded areas. Some species have small pink flowers on them.
Milkweed.
This butterfly is known for its incredible, multi-generational, long-distance migration, traveling thousands of miles to Mexico. Their caterpillars feed only on milkweed.
Monarch butterfly.
This question isn't Jersey trivia! What's the name of our COTG Vice President?
Savannah!!!!!! :D
This silvery fish resides in fresh and brackish water. They're common in tidal waters and lakes. They're a springtime staple along the south Jersey coast.
White Perch.
This amphibian is found in the pine forests. Their population is decreasing due to habitat loss, wetlands draining and filling, pollution, and increases in water pH.
Pine Barrens tree frog.
This flower grows to be 1 meter tall with daisy-like yellow flower heads. It's considered to be toxic when ingested by cats. They are known for their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers.
Black eyed susan / Yellow coneflower.
This official state butterfly of Jersey is recognized for its year-round presence across all 21 counties. These are most common in late summer but sometimes arrive in May/June.
Swallowtails.
This is Jersey's official state dance.
The square dance.
This bird is most often found in New Jersey during their breeding season (March-July). Their preferred habitats are sandy, shelly beaches for nesting. They survive almost exclusively on shellfish.
American Oystercatcher.
While not globally endangered, this type of fish is considered a species of special concern. Declines are caused by habitat loss, water pollution, and competition from non-native species like the largemouth bass. They reside in swamps and sluggish waters.
Mud sunfish.
This flowering plant has seeds that come in two-celled pods which open at the top. They can be grown in full sun or very light shade, It's toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. While famous for its red color, it can occasionally produce white or pink flowers.
Cardinal flower.
NJ is a hotspot for these insects, which can be seen from April through October. They are found near freshwater, including lakes, ponds, and streams, and feed on mosquitoes and flies. There are 183-188 confirmed species throughout the state.
Dragonflies / Damselflies.
The first organized baseball game was played in this city.
Hoboken.