What Is Oregon's State Animal?

It is common for each state to pick several symbols that represent their state. These are compared between states and help to add to their character and establish differences between what different states have to offer. Keep reading to learn more about Oregon's state animal, as well as other important symbols of Oregon.

Oregon’s state animal, the beaver, is actually an American Beaver. Despite having the name “American Beaver,” it is actually meant to refer to its North American habitat, as its scientific name is Castor Canadensis. These little beavers are often personified as friendly, hardworking animals that love their young.

All About Oregon's Beaver

Beavers are known for their unique habitat and habits. They build their own homes using sticks on a river. They use their big strong teeth to cut down trees by chewing near the roots, so that the tree falls. Then, they drag it towards the river and make a special home for themselves. These brown little animals are famous for living on the rivers and lakes of Oregon, in their cool habitat with lots of seasons.

They might be peculiar because of their habits, but most of the general public loves and cherishes these adorable little creatures. They are mammals, but love to swim and crawl on the land, so they are seen in many places in nature in Oregon as well as the surrounding states.

Reason for Selecting the Beaver

This might make more sense to you if you consider the location of Oregon. Oregon is situated in the northwest corner of the United States, bordering the Pacific Ocean. It is a place that is very close to Canada, as well as Washington State and California, all areas known for their wooded terrain. For this reason, it makes sense that an animal from the woods, the beaver, would represent this state. 

Beaver State as Oregon's Nickname

You might know that there are other state symbols that exist for each of the fifty United States of America. This means that Oregon is represented by other creatures and symbols. For example, the state of Oregon is symbolized by the abbreviation OR.  It is symbolized by the capital Salem, which is not the largest city in the state:  Portland.  This state is represented by the nickname “The Beaver State,” of course because the beaver is the state animal.  

Other Symbols of Oregon

Most people are not aware of the various symbols of Oregon. They are often treasured parts of the state lifestyle and an important part of nature.  The average Oregon citizen might not be able to rattle off all of these facts, but they will certainly respect these traditions and probably can name one or two of these facts:

• The state of Oregon is represented by the state fish, the Chinook salmon, which is white, blue, and with yellow accents.
• The Western Meadowlark, with the colors yellow, black, brown, and white, is the state bird of Oregon.
• The State Flower is the Oregon Grape. 

Oregon is represented by two state mottoes:

• “The Union”
• “She flies with her own wings”

These mottoes are used to represent the way that the state is perceived throughout the other forty nine states and the other countries abroad.  It is not uncommon for politicians, historians, and other individuals to use these mottoes and symbols when representing or talking about Oregon, because it is very simple to invoke a state’s character using symbols. State symbols are an important part of the American tradition. 

For more information about the beaver, Oregon's state animal, and how it plays an important part in the role of the way Oregon is symbolized, consider speaking with a political representative or historian who specializes in the culture and society of Oregon.