Animals
National Animal
Baled Eye Eagle“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated”.
Mahatma Gandhi
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, dolphins, sea turtles.
Birds:
Bald eagles, hummingbirds, falcons, hawks, bluebirds, chickadees, warblers, mallard ducks, herons.
Land mammals:
Cougars, grizzly bears, bison, moose, elks, wolverines, coyotes, bobcats, striped skunks, grey wolves, raccoons.
Snakes and insects:
Gila monsters (a venomous lizard), rattlesnakes, smooth earth snakes, western rat snakes, lizards, skinks, geckos.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray cats and dogs can be seen in some smaller cities and towns. Dogs not allowed to enter most stores so they are often seen tied up outside.
In theCountryside
Cows and goats cramped and enclosed in fences can be seen from some rural roads. Horse riding is practiced in the countryside. Horses are also used for transporting of loads in rural areas.
General animal welfare issues
Rodeo, an act mostly popular in southern states. It is an performance of a cowboy showcases his “skills” riding a angry bull. Other common stunts that are performed are calf roping, steer wrestling, steer roping and more. As of 2014, 12 states have already banned horse tripping. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the organization that sanctions rodeos in the US.
In May 2017, a bill entitled Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA) that will ban performing animals in traveling circuses was introduced.
In 2017 leading cities around California (Berkeley, San Ffrancisco, West Hollywood, Los Angles) have started to ban fur farming, sales and manufacture of any animal fur.
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting is allowed in most states with a state hunting license. Hunted animals vary by season. Common animals hunted are deer, rabbits, moose, elks, feral hogs, mountain goats, sheep, antelope and birds such as ducks, geese, turkey, quails, etc. Fishing is a common hobby and can be done in lakes, rivers and the ocean.
Animal fights:
Animal fighting is illegal in all 50 states as stated in both the state and federal laws. Still, cock fights and dog fights are illegally happening in different parts of the country.
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary Save the Chimps Big Cat Rescue Wild Animal Sanctuary
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it is unfortunately still happens in most countries.
