{"id":5367,"date":"2026-02-20T05:44:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T05:44:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/?p=5367"},"modified":"2026-02-20T05:44:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T05:44:38","slug":"discover-the-16-official-state-animals-of-south-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/?p=5367","title":{"rendered":"Discover The 16 Official State Animals Of South Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The post <a href=\"https:\/\/a-z-animals.com\/articles\/discover-the-official-state-animals-of-south-carolina\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Discover The 16 Official State Animals Of South Carolina;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Discover The 16 Official State Animals Of South Carolina<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/a-z-animals.com?utm_campaign=feed&amp;utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_content=709660\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:A-Z Animals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">A-Z Animals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Quick Take<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The <strong>white-tailed deer<\/strong> causes millions of dollars in agricultural damage to cotton and soybean crops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The <strong>Eastern tiger swallowtail<\/strong> begins its life cycle as a tiny caterpillar that resembles bird droppings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The <strong>wild turkey<\/strong> was on the brink of extirpation in South Carolina, but has since rebounded.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">From coastal plains and swamps to rolling hills and the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina\u2019s diverse geography supports a unique array of wildlife. To honor native animals, South Carolina has adopted several animal species to represent the Palmetto State. Continue reading to discover the 16 animals that have been designated as official state symbols.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Bird: Carolina Wren<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Carolina wren (<em>Thryothorus ludovicianus<\/em>) was designated as the official bird of South Carolina in 1948.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"What do wrens eat - Carolina wren\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"502\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/ZSjUQnYqtc4b28dg1it7fw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUwMjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/2f3db7e84b810ed7bb8ff1d58c13e850\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Carolina wrens are larger than many other common wren species.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Steve Byland\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Steve Byland\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Carolina wrens are approximately 5 inches long and weigh less than an ounce. They have an unbarred, cinnamon-colored underbelly and a rust-colored back. Their wings, tail, and undertail are banded black, while the neck and chin are white. Carolina wrens are found in forests, swamps, and backyards throughout South Carolina year-round.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Animal: White-Tailed Deer<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The white-tailed deer (<em>Odocoileus virginianus<\/em>) was designated as the official state animal of South Carolina in\u00a01972.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"white-tailed deer buck looking at camera\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"502\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/DWM7pOzVGAvI1g252UPZiw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUwMjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/59d609f7e93c9fbc6d036856d78d169a\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Found in all 46 counties of South Carolina, the white-tailed deer is responsible for damaging crops across the state.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9iStock.com\/Harry Collins<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(iStock.com\/Harry Collins)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The white-tailed deer was chosen for its historical importance. Deer were immensely important to both Native Americans and colonists in South Carolina, serving as a primary source of food, clothing, and trade.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Today, white-tailed deer impact South Carolina\u2019s economy, contributing to a multi-billion-dollar hunting industry. However, they are also responsible for causing millions of dollars in agricultural damage annually to cotton, peanuts, and soybeans.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Fish: Striped Bass<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The striped bass (<em>Morone saxatilis<\/em>), also called the rockfish, was officially adopted as the state fish of South Carolina in 1972.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Full frame of silver \/ blue striped bass in water, appears to be an aquarium. very blue background - state animals of Rhode Island\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"631\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/omrK3g.VhFHZXbPLwwliAQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzMTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/5f9385f266f5891ffe7aa2ea32d65b75\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>A mature striped bass is typically 3 feet long and weighs approximately 20 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9slowmotiongli\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(slowmotiongli\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The striped bass is a large predatory fish with black stripes running the length of its iridescent body, and a white underbelly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The striped bass was chosen as South Carolina\u2019s state fish for its impact on South Carolina\u2019s economy through recreational fishing as well as international fishing tournaments.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Wild Game Bird: Wild Turkey<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">South Carolina named the wild turkey (<em>Meleagris<\/em>) as its state wild game bird in 1976.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The wild turkey was chosen for its historical presence in the state, as a\u00a0staple food for Native Americans and early colonists. The wild turkey was all but extirpated from the state by the early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat loss.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/ZGwZqHKDLqOL5eRmHUZsZA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTcyMDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/ba61925ea9e0bd6de6bb5c1fe5be7a46\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>A female wild turkey roams around the Myrtle Beach State Park in South Carolina.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Bob Balestri\/iStock via Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Bob Balestri\/iStock via Getty Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, including the implementation of strict hunting regulations and successful trap-and-transfer relocation programs, wild turkeys are once again thriving and are present in all 46 counties in South Carolina.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Shell: Lettered Olive 1984<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The lettered olive shell (<em>Oliva sayana<\/em>) was adopted as the state shell of South Carolina in 1984. The shells can be found along the length of South Carolina\u2019s Atlantic coast.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Seashell of sea snail lettered olive (Oliva sayana) isolated on a white background. Sea snail olive or oliva\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/nT527yEKwmAC6NNquu4AuA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/cbc0da4c88f88bd3250363cd9dea6b1f\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Tom Korcak\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Tom Korcak\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The lettered olive shell is primarily inhabited by the\u00a0lettered olive snail, a predatory, marine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/gastropod\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:gastropod;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">gastropod<\/a> mollusk that lives in the sand. The lettered olive shell was chosen to honor Dr. Edmund Ravenel, a Charleston, South Carolina, physician who first identified the species in 1834.\u00a0Ravenel named the species for the patterns on its shell, which he thought resembled letters or hieroglyphics.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Dog: Boykin Spaniel 1985<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Boykin spaniel (<em>Canis lupus familiaris<\/em>) was made the official dog of South Carolina in 1985. The breed was developed in the early 20th century by Whit Boykin in South Carolina as the ideal dog for duck and wild turkey hunting.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Boykin Spaniel Looking in Green Grass\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4Hm8NzOfwoGxtVNVNyVLaQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/c4c316436a4c97191b559bf828cff8b4\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Boykin spaniels have floppy ears.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Cynthia Davison\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Cynthia Davison\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Boykin spaniel is a medium-sized dog that stands 14 to 18 inches tall and weighs 25 to 40 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females. The Boykin spaniel\u2019s\u00a0<br \/>water-resistant, double-layered coffee-brown coat is medium-length and typically flat-to-curly.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Insect: Carolina Mantid 1988<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Carolina mantid (<em>Stagmomantis carolina<\/em>) was officially recognized as South Carolina\u2019s state insect in 1988. It is a medium-sized, native praying mantis found throughout South Carolina.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Carolina Mantid waiting for prey on a Zinnia flower against blue sky\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"610\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/oXE70CR4SW.CA.AW0921DQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxMDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/e27f2b56eed8381252d08fd6a642e709\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>The Carolina mantid is a cannibalistic species.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Sari ONeal\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Sari ONeal\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Carolina mantid was chosen to represent South Carolina because it is a beneficial predator that helps control agricultural pests. A generalist predator, the Carolina mantid preys on a wide range of insects, including aphids, flies, moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, which causes significant damage to a wide variety of crops, including peaches, tomatoes, peppers, corn, and soybeans.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Reptile: Loggerhead Sea Turtle 1988<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The loggerhead sea turtle (<em>Caretta caretta<\/em>) was officially adopted as the state reptile of South Carolina in 1988. Loggerhead sea turtles are found in nearly all of the temperate and tropical areas of Earth\u2019s oceans, including the coast of South Carolina.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"loggerhead\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"576\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/W3vbbdj3Cind5IKEoQE8Bw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3NjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/b0e70d82366e9cd1c62fc870d9022e66\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Loggerhead turtles navigate thousands of miles using the Earth\u2019s magnetic field, often returning to the same beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Matteo photos\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Matteo photos\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">One of the largest living hard-shelled sea turtles, loggerheads are named for their enormous head and strong jaws. They have a carapace (shell) that resembles a heart and is usually covered in barnacles and algae.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Sea turtle hatchlings on the sand\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"502\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/EHtyJIuOj27qEeKxRPMA4g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUwMjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/879b2014297423552f057670ed9a30d1\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Sea turtle hatchlings are drawn to the ocean the moment they hatch. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9zulkamalober\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(zulkamalober\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Butterfly: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail 1994<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Eastern tiger swallowtail (<em>Papilio glaucus<\/em>) was recognized as the official butterfly of South Carolina in 1994. It is a large butterfly with a wingspan approaching 5 inches and was chosen for its role as a pollinator.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"An incredibly cute Eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar. The caterpillar is bright green with black and white eyespots.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/mgpjOQ6xq3LrhhN8uXOu3g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/1c84a80b551f38670509b3c767604636\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>The Eastern tiger swallowtail caterpillar is recognized by its ocelli, also called eyespots or false eyes, which deter predators.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Jay Ondreicka\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Jay Ondreicka\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Eastern tiger swallowtails hatch from a clutch of eggs as brown blobs that resemble bird droppings before becoming bright green caterpillars. The caterpillar then spins a chrysalis in which it will metamorphose into the black, orange, and blue butterfly known as the Eastern tiger swallowtail.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on swamp milkweed wildflower. Insect and nature conservation, habitat preservation, and backyard flower garden concept.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"639\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/t80Qu6Oo2o90Gh_VmEOBpA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/2a9ba67de77024a7417ea9021b7fb458\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Eastern tiger swallowtails are frequently spotted in woodlands, parks, orchards, and residential gardens. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9J.J. Gouin\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(J.J. Gouin\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Amphibian: Spotted Salamander<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The spotted salamander (<em>Ambystoma maculatum<\/em>) was designated as the official state amphibian of South Carolina in 1999.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, one of the most colorful salamanders in the United States\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"684\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/svN1u5UWllzxWJZCgleOWA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY4NDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/73b57386ea5c47f14457024e16911f67\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Spotted Salamanders are large, measuring 6 to 8 inches long, including their tail.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Matt Jeppson\/Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Matt Jeppson\/Shutterstock.com)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Because they spend the majority of their time under leaf litter, under fallen wood, or in underground tunnels, adults are rarely observed in the wild and are hard to find. These hardy amphibians have a lifespan of 20-30 years.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Spider: Carolina Wolf Spider<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In 2000, the Carolina wolf spider (<em>Hogna carolinensis<\/em>) was recognized as the official spider of South Carolina.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The spider gained recognition due to a campaign by Skyler B. Hutto, a third-grade student at Sheridan Elementary School\u00a0in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was chosen\u00a0because it is the largest wolf spider in North America, it is common throughout the state, and it plays an important role as a natural pest controller.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Carolina wolf spiders prey on pests such as earwigs, beetles, ants, and crickets, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"biggest spiders pennsylvania\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"764\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/mLe87XmlFnjg8mCpcMSe4A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2NDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/1be3fc5433c00253aaaad7c40fa2e1c1\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Carolina wolf spiders are the largest wolf spiders in North America. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9tobiashays \/ CC BY 4.0 \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hogna_carolinensis_female_threat_posture.jpeg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Original;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Original<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:License;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">License<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(tobiashays \/ CC BY 4.0)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Marine Mammal: Bottlenose Dolphin<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The bottlenose dolphin (<em>Tursiops truncatus<\/em>) was adopted as the official marine mammal of South Carolina in 2009. They are found in the temperate waters off the coast of South Carolina.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Bottlenose dolphins are a major wildlife attraction, particularly in areas such as Hilton Head, Folly Beach, and Edisto Island. They are considered a major, year-round attraction for visitors, who can bear witness to the playful mammals on commercial boat tours, kayak trips, and eco-tours.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bottlenose dolphin smiling at the camera\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"502\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/rDgPmQSNEobpcHdoO2MqqA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUwMjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/d85518ca27230f0c2d252f5e11857cb7\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>While inshore bottlenose dolphins breathe 2 to 3 times per minute, deep-water bottlenose dolphins can hold their breath for 15 minutes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9iStock.com\/Lefteris_<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(iStock.com\/Lefteris_)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Duck: Wood Duck 2009<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The wood duck (<em>Aix sponsa<\/em>), sometimes called the Carolina duck, was officially recognized as the South Carolina state duck in 2009. It is found year-round in the state and is the only migratory duck species that breeds in all geographic regions of the state.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Wood duck populations declined precipitously in South Carolina in the late 19th century due to a combination of unregulated hunting and severe habitat destruction. Hunters targeted the species for their meat and plumage, while widespread logging destroyed the hardwood forests and natural nesting cavities that wood ducks required.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Closeup of the wood duck or Carolina duck. Aix sponsa.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/hYw8RyrgB1VpLHvQo6kXrg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/707b0caaf73153ddf09e6cda7f241028\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>The wood duck is one of the most colorful and iconic waterfowl in North America. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Wirestock\/iStock via Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Wirestock\/iStock via Getty Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Following these declines, intensive management programs and habitat restoration initiatives aided population rebounds, and these colorful ducks are once again prevalent throughout South Carolina.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Migratory Marine Mammal: North Atlantic Right Whale<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The North Atlantic right whale (<em>Eubalaena glacialis<\/em>) was officially recognized as the state migratory marine mammal of South Carolina in 2009. The critical, near-extinction status of the North Atlantic right whale is a primary reason for this recognition.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"North Atlantic Right Whale\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Y55_KnoRkgqCjPqsciTNKQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/a99468da04b0352cb9ece50fbf362169\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>With fewer than 400 individuals left in existence, the North Atlantic right whale is among the rarest animals on Earth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a96381380\/iStock via Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(6381380\/iStock via Getty Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Following decades of declining numbers, recent conservation efforts, habitat protections, and management measures have helped stabilize and slightly increase the North Atlantic right whale population, which now numbers approximately 380\u2013384 individuals. While this marks a cautious, slow, multi-year recovery trend, the species remains critically endangered by threats like entanglement and ship strikes.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Heritage Horse: Marsh Tacky Horse 2010<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Marsh Tacky horse (<em>Equus ferus caballus<\/em>) was designated as the South Carolina state heritage horse in 2010. \u00a0It is a critically endangered colonial Spanish horse type that originated from Iberian horses brought to South Carolina by Spanish explorers and colonists.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"&lt;p&gt;The marsh tacky horse has its origins in Spain. &lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;copyright&quot;&gt;\u00a9Anthony Surbeck \u2013 &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/6\/66\/Carolina_Marsh_Tacky.jpg&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; data-ylk=&quot;slk:Original;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas&quot; class=&quot;link &quot;&gt;Original&lt;\/a&gt; \/ &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow noopener&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; data-ylk=&quot;slk:License;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas&quot; class=&quot;link &quot;&gt;License&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"843\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Oh2GnvlWuPTRVRuSzwl8DQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNjY7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/741511c51c99020da124301913ad19da\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>The marsh tacky horse has its origins in Spain. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Anthony Surbeck \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/6\/66\/Carolina_Marsh_Tacky.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Original;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Original<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:License;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">License<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Anthony Surbeck)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Marsh Tacky horses are considered\u00a0critically endangered\u00a0and are among the rarest horse breeds in the world. With only around 400 left, this unique South Carolina heritage breed faces a high risk of extinction. Thankfully, there are active breeding programs\u00a0for the critically endangered horse, primarily focused on conservation, genetic diversity, and preserving the breed\u2019s unique Lowcountry heritage.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">State Heritage Work Animal: Mule 2010<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The mule (Equus caballus \u00d7 Equus asinus), the hybrid offspring of a jack (male donkey) and a mare (female horse), was recognized as the South Carolina state heritage work animal in 2010.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Known for their intelligence and strength, mules were essential to South Carolina agriculture for two centuries. The mule population in the state peaked in the early 20th century before experiencing a steep decline following the Industrial Revolution.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Although the mule population in South Carolina is significantly smaller today than it was a century ago, the mule is not considered endangered. While the state\u2019s mule population peaked in the 1920s with roughly 210,000 working animals, mules were largely replaced by tractors and trucks by the 1950s.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Two mules drinking water\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"625\" height=\"599\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/wTGquOfaO5Tpxub76X1CEA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTkyMDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/a_z_animals_articles_598\/1d38e505e5e5ac2ddc2af8dd9f3e4090\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<div>\n<p>Mules were crucial to early agriculture efforts in South Carolina. <\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9Elgaard \/ CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Mules_Lindos.jpg#mw-jump-to-license\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Original;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Original<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:License;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">License<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>(Elgaard \/ CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The post <a href=\"https:\/\/a-z-animals.com\/articles\/discover-the-official-state-animals-of-south-carolina\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Discover The 16 Official State Animals Of South Carolina;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Discover The 16 Official State Animals Of South Carolina<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/a-z-animals.com?utm_campaign=feed&amp;utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_content=709660\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:A-Z Animals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">A-Z Animals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The post Discover The 16 Official State Animals Of South Carolina appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take The white-tailed deer causes millions of dollars in agricultural damage to cotton and soybean crops. The Eastern tiger swallowtail begins its life cycle as a tiny caterpillar that resembles bird droppings. The wild turkey was on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5368,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5367"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5367\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pe-ts.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}