Identify an Animal by Picture

Works for almost any animal

Our animal identifier recognizes mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and other wildlife, as well as farm animals and pets. It even works from the signs an animal leaves behind: if your photo shows tracks, droppings, a nest or a dug-up garden bed, it suggests the likely culprit and tells you it's working from clues rather than the animal itself.

Trail camera and night photos

Grainy black-and-white shots from trail and doorbell cameras are notoriously hard to identify. Pick the frame where the animal is most side-on, crop it, and compare its size with objects nearby. The shape of the tail and the way the animal moves often tell a fox from a coyote, or a house cat from a bobcat.

Animals that are often confused

These mix-ups happen all the time:

• Coyote vs gray wolf - coyotes are much smaller, with a narrow, pointed snout and big ears
• Groundhog vs beaver - beavers have a flat, paddle-shaped tail and live near water
• Opossum vs rat - opossums are far larger, with a white face and a hairless tail
• Frog vs toad - toads usually have dry, bumpy skin and shorter legs
• Alligator vs crocodile - alligators have a wide, U-shaped snout; crocodiles have a narrower V shape

Stay safe around wildlife

Give wild animals plenty of space and never feed them. Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes can carry rabies, so don't touch them, even if they seem friendly or hurt. If you find an injured or orphaned animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your local animal control.

If an animal bites or scratches you, wash the wound well with soap and water and see a doctor right away.

Share what you see

Sightings of unusual or protected animals help scientists and wildlife agencies. You can share your photos on iNaturalist, or report sick or unusual wildlife to your state's fish and wildlife agency.