Before reading the article:
Most states in the United States and countries around the world have an animal that symbolizes their state or country.
Off the top of your head, do you know any of your official state or national animals? If not, take a look at this list of state animals in the United States or this list of national animals from around the world.
Have you ever seen one of these animals in the wild where you live? What do you know about their habitats, diets or other characteristics?
Why do you think this animal was chosen to represent your state or country? If you were to choose an animal emblem, would you choose the same one? Why or why not? If not, what animal would you choose instead and why?
Now, read the article “Pennsylvania Honors the Snot Otter. It’s Not Even the Strangest State Animal.” Then, answer the following questions:
1. Why did Pennsylvania’s governor think the eastern hellbender salamander, or “snot otter,” was worth recognizing as the official state amphibian?
2. For what reasons might states honor official animals?
3. Why did Virginia recognize the Virginia big-eared bat in 2005? What impact has this recognition had on the species since then?
4. The American paddlefish is Missouri’s official state aquatic animal. Why is the fish at risk in the state?
5. Why does the California gull hold a special place in the hearts of Utah residents?
6. What role did students play in the naming of the tarantula hawk as New Mexico’s state insect? Why did they decide on this species?
7. What significance does the common collared lizard hold in the state of Oklahoma?
Finally, tell us more about what you think:
The article notes that students often play a big role in the designation of official state animals. If you were to choose a new animal to represent your state or country, which would you choose and why?
Do a little research. Which animals in your area are in need of protection? What dangers are they facing and how might recognizing them help the species?
Which animals are important to your area? Which ones hold a symbolic place in the hearts of your state’s or country’s residents? Which have played an important part in your region’s culture or history?
After you’ve researched and decided on an animal to represent the place you live, write a short pitch that you might give to legislators to convince them to designate that species as your official state or national animal. Be sure to explain why this animal is representative of your region or why honoring it could help protect it for generations to come.
