Native To Florida, Wisconsin, or Both? Quiz

Answer: Both

Ursus americanus is the subspecies for the black bear. It is the only type of bear native to Florida. It is also native to Wisconsin. The Florida black bear can be found in the Panhandle and areas like the Ocala Forest. There is a larger population of black bears in Wisconsin where they thrive in the forests of central and northern parts of the Dairy State.

Answer: Florida

You probably guessed right here, when you think of tortoises you're likely thinking of a warm watery area. They are native to the Southern U.S. states including Florida. They are the only native tortoise species in Florida. Being on the endangered list, it is illegal to handle a gopher tortoise in the state unless in imminent danger, for example if it's sitting in the middle of a road.

Answer: Both

Raccoons are native to North America and can be found in essentially every county in Wisconsin and Florida. The common raccoon is labeled as Procyon lotor, which translates to "before dog washer". Raccoons can thrive in mangroves and warm water areas such as Florida. But they also love to live near farm country and forests that are widespread in states like Wisconsin.

Answer: Florida

The Trichechus manatus latirostris is also known as the Florida manatee and is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. These large aquatic animals need a warm environment to live and are native to the tropical waters of Florida. You can also find them in the Gulf of Mexico.

Answer: Both

If you've ever been to Wisconsin or Florida, you've likely seen a bald eagle. They are not only native to both states but have some of the densest populations of bald eagles in the U.S. You will see a higher concentration of the majestic bird near lakes, streams, and islands. Each of these are in abundance in Wisconsin and Florida.

Answer: Wisconsin

Taxidea taxus is the scientific name for the American badger. It is Wisconsin's state animal and also part of the University of Wisconsin's sport teams' name. They thrive in hilly areas where they can burrow and dig homes inside. The fierce mammal is not native to Florida which does not feature a very hilly landscape.

Answer: Wisconsin

The Canadian lynx thrives in a cold environment including snowy conditions. They are native to not only Canada but many of the northern states of the USA. They were native to Wisconsin but, due to logging and trapping, they are less commonly seen in the state in the twenty-first century.

They still have a presence with migration from states like Michigan and Minnesota along with some of the big cats coming from Canada.

Answer: Florida

Both Wisconsin and Florida have white tailed deer that are native to the state. But the Key deer is strictly native to the Keys in southern Florida. Their scientific name is Odocoileus virginianus clavium. The Key deer has great swimming skills and is able to travel between the different islands in the Florida Keys.

Answer: Florida

You're safe if you live in Wisconsin to not run into an American alligator. They are native to the Southeastern United States including Florida and Louisiana. There are two types of living alligators, the American and the Chinese alligator. The American can grow up to 12 feet (3.67 meters) long.

Answer: Wisconsin

The American marten is part of the weasel family and native to coniferous and boreal forest regions. This would include Wisconsin but not Florida. During the winter, they hunt for animals under the snow. The small mammal is considered a threatened species in Wisconsin.