9 of the Most Endangered Animals in North America

Red Wolf

The red wolf (Canis rufus) is part of the dog family, smaller than grey wolves but larger than coyotes, with tawny, red-grey coats.

Axolotl

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an amphibian with feathery gills, webbed feet, a dorsal fin, and a permanent smile, remaining in the larval phase and living in water.

North Atlantic Right Whale

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a large, slow-swimming baleen whale, growing up to 18.5 meters (60 feet) and 106,000 kilograms (233,690 pounds).

Bolson Tortoise

The Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) is the largest land reptile, growing up to 40 centimeters (5.75 inches), with females larger than males.

Mojave Desert Tortoise

The Mojave Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has lived in the Mojave Desert for millions of years, measuring 23-28 centimeters (9-15 inches) and weighing 3.5-7 kilograms (8-15 pounds).

Kemp s Ridley Sea Turtle

The Kemp s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is the smallest sea turtle, with shells up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) and weighing up to 45 kilograms (100 pounds), living up to 50 years.

Rice s Whale

Rice s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) inhabits the Gulf of Mexico, growing up to 12.5 meters (41 feet) and 27,200 kilograms (60,000 pounds).

Hot Creek Toad

The Hot Creek toad (Anaxyrus monfontanus), discovered in 2017, has olive-grey coloring and lives in Nevada s Great Basin, relying on a small, remote, marshy habitat fed by hot springs.

Vancouver Island Marmot

The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) inhabits forest, grassland, and rocky areas of Vancouver Island, Canada, with dark brown bodies and white patches.